0000891804-13-000343.txt : 20171117 0000891804-13-000343.hdr.sgml : 20171117 20130306162539 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000891804-13-000343 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-14 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 18 FILED AS OF DATE: 20130306 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20130719 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PIONEER SERIES TRUST II CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001265389 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-14 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-187079 FILM NUMBER: 13669860 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 60 STATE STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02109 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-422-4947 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 60 STATE STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02109 CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001265389 S000010084 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund C000027930 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund: Class A PGOFX CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001257951 S000025542 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund C000076487 Class A Shares CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001265389 S000010084 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund C000027932 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund: Class C GOFCX CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001257951 S000025542 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund C000076488 Class C Shares CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001265389 S000010084 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund C000027933 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund: Class Y GROYX CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001257951 S000025542 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund C000076489 Class Y Shares N-14 1 pi56285trustii-n14.htm PIONEER SERIES TRUST II pi56285trustii-n14.htm
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2013

File No. _________


United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-14

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___
Post-Effective Amendment No. ___

(Check appropriate box or boxes)


PIONEER SERIES TRUST II

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

(617) 742-7825
(Area Code and Telephone Number)

60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address of Principal Executive Offices: Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)

Terrence J. Cullen, Secretary
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies to: Roger P. Joseph, Esq.
Bingham McCutchen LLP
One Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

Calculation of Registration Fee under the Securities Act of 1933: No filing fee is due because of reliance on Section 24(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which permits registration of an indefinite number of securities.

Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of beneficial interest of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, a series of the Registrant.
 
 

 
 
 

 
It is proposed that this registration statement will become effective on April 5, 2013, pursuant to Rule 488 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
COMBINED INFORMATION STATEMENT
 
OF
 
PIONEER RESEARCH FUND
 
PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND
a series of Pioneer Series Trust V
 
PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND
a series of Pioneer Series Trust V
 
PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND
a series of Pioneer Series Trust I
 
AND
 
PROSPECTUS FOR
 
PIONEER VALUE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Core Equity Fund)
 
     PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund)
a series of Pioneer Series Trust III
 
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund)
 
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund)
a series of Pioneer Series Trust II
 
(each, a “Pioneer Fund” and together, the “Pioneer Funds”)
 
The address and telephone number of each Pioneer Fund is:
 
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
1-800-225-6292
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
To the Shareholders of Pioneer Research Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund:
 
     The Board of Trustees of your fund has approved a reorganization of your fund with another Pioneer fund after considering the recommendation of Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., the investment manager to your fund, and concluding that such reorganization would be in the best interests of your fund.
 
     Following the completion of the reorganization of your fund, you will be a shareholder in a combined fund that has the same investment objective, strategies and policies, investment adviser, portfolio management team, and performance history as your fund, and that has management fees that are no higher than your fund’s management fees. However, the combined fund will be substantially larger in size.
 
   
If you are a shareholder in: 
You will become a shareholder in: 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund, 
 
which will be re-named Pioneer Core Equity Fund 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, 
 
which will be re-named Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Independence Fund, 
 
which will be re-named Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, 
 
which will be re-named Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
 
 
     Each reorganization is expected to occur on or about May 17, 2013. The reorganization is expected to be tax-free to you for federal income tax purposes, and no commission, redemption fee or other transactional fee will be charged as a result of the reorganization.
 
     None of the reorganizations requires shareholder approval, and you are not being asked to vote. We do, however, ask that you review the enclosed information statement/prospectus, which contains information about the combined fund, outlines the differences between your fund and the combined fund, and provides details about the terms and conditions of the reorganizations.
 
     The Board of Trustees of your fund has unanimously approved your fund’s reorganization and believes the reorganization is in the best interests of your fund.
 
     If you have any questions, please call 1-800-225-6292.
 
           Sincerely,
           Christopher J. Kelley
           Secretary
 
Boston, Massachusetts
______________, 2013
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
COMBINED INFORMATION STATEMENT
 
OF
 
PIONEER RESEARCH FUND
 
PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND
a series of Pioneer Series Trust V
 
PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND
a series of Pioneer Series Trust V
 
PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND
a series of Pioneer Series Trust I
 
AND
 
PROSPECTUS FOR
 
PIONEER VALUE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Core Equity Fund)
 
PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund)
a series of Pioneer Series Trust III
 
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund)
 
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund)
a series of Pioneer Series Trust II
 
(each, a “Pioneer Fund” and together, the “Pioneer Funds”)
 
The address and telephone number of each Pioneer Fund is:
 
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
1-800-225-6292
 
     Shares of the Pioneer Funds have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC has not passed on upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
     An investment in any Pioneer Fund (each sometimes referred to herein as a “fund”) is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
     This Information Statement/Prospectus sets forth information that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this Information Statement/Prospectus carefully before investing and keep it for future reference.
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
     This combined information statement/prospectus, dated ______________, 2013 (the “Information Statement/Prospectus”), is being furnished to shareholders of each of Pioneer Research Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in connection with the reorganization of each such fund with another Pioneer Fund. Following the completion of the reorganization, you will be a shareholder in a fund that has the same investment objective, strategies and policies, investment adviser, portfolio management team, and performance history as your fund, and that has management fees that are no higher than your fund’s management fees. However, each combined fund will be substantially larger in size. None of the reorganizations requires shareholder approval, and you are not being asked to vote.
 
     The Information Statement/Prospectus contains information you should know about the reorganizations. The following table indicates the page of this Information Statement/Prospectus on which the discussion regarding the reorganization of your fund begins.
 
   
Reorganization 
Page 
Pioneer Research Fund with Pioneer Value Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Core Equity Fund) 
8 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund) 
26 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund with Pioneer Independence Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund) 
42 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (to be renamed Pioneer 
 
Select Mid Cap Growth Fund) 
59 
 
 
     Copies of the agreement and plan of reorganization for each reorganization are attached to this Information Statement/Prospectus as Exhibits A-D. Shareholders should read this entire Information Statement/Prospectus, including the applicable exhibit, carefully.
 
The date of this Information Statement/Prospectus is ______________, 2013.
 
     For more complete information about each Pioneer Fund, please read the fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, as they may be amended and/or supplemented. Each fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information has been filed with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov) and is available upon oral or written request and without charge. See “Where to Get More Information” below.
 
   
Where to Get More Information 
 
Each Pioneer Fund’s current summary prospectus, 
On file with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov) and available at no charge by 
prospectus, statement of additional information, and 
calling our toll-free number: 1-800-225-6292 
any applicable supplements. 
 
Each Pioneer Fund’s most recent annual and semi-annual 
On file with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov) and available at no charge by 
reports to shareholders. 
calling our toll-free number: 1-800-225-6292. See “Available 
 
Information.” 
A statement of additional information for this Information 
On file with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov) and available at no charge by 
Statement/Prospectus (the “SAI”), dated _________, 
calling our toll-free number: 1-800-225-6292. This SAI is incorporated 
2013. It contains additional information about the 
by reference into this Information Statement/Prospectus. 
Pioneer Funds. 
 
To ask questions about this Information 
Call our toll-free telephone number: 1-800-225-6292. 
Statement/Prospectus. 
 
 
     The prospectus and statement of additional information of each of the following Pioneer Funds are incorporated by reference into this Information Statement/Prospectus:
 
·  
Pioneer Research Fund’s summary prospectus, prospectus and statement of additional information dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented;
 
·  
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s summary prospectus, prospectus and statement of additional information dated December 31, 2012, as supplemented;
 
 
2
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
·  
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s summary prospectus, prospectus and statement of additional information dated December 31, 2012, as supplemented; and
 
·  
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s summary prospectus, prospectus and statement of additional information dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented.
 
Background to the Reorganization
 
     Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (“Pioneer”), your fund’s investment adviser, recommended the reorganization of your fund with another Pioneer Fund that, after the reorganization, will have substantially similar investment objectives and strategies as your fund, as follows:
 
·  
Pioneer Research Fund will reorganize with Pioneer Value Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Core Equity Fund);
 
·  
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will reorganize with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund);
 
·  
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will reorganize with Pioneer Independence Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund); and
 
·  
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will reorganize with Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (to be renamed Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund)
 
(each, a “Reorganization”). Pioneer recommended the Reorganization of your fund for a number of reasons, including:
 
·  
You will be a shareholder of a fund that will have the same investment strategy and portfolio management team as your fund, but that will be significantly larger in asset size;
 
·  
Combining the funds will enable Pioneer to focus resources on its research investment team, which has produced favorable investment performance results for your fund over recent years; and
 
·  
The combined fund may be better positioned in the market to further increase asset size and achieve economies of scale. The combined fund’s greater asset size may allow it, relative to your fund, to obtain better net prices on securities trades and reduce per share expenses as fixed expenses are shared over a larger asset base.
 
     At a meeting held on January 15, 2013, the Board of Trustees of the funds unanimously approved the Reorganization of your fund. The Reorganization of your fund is not subject to approval by the shareholders of your fund.
 
How Will the Reorganization Work?
 
·  
The Reorganization is scheduled to occur on or about May 17, 2013, but may occur on such later date as the parties may agree in writing (the “Closing Date”).
 
·  
Your fund will transfer all of its assets to the Pioneer Fund with which your fund is reorganizing, and that fund will assume all of your fund’s liabilities.
 
·  
Shares of the Pioneer Fund with which your fund is reorganizing will be distributed to you in proportion to the relative net asset value of your holdings of shares of your fund on the Closing Date. Therefore, on the Closing Date, you will hold shares of such Pioneer Fund with the same aggregate net asset value as your holdings of shares of your fund immediately prior to the Reorganization. The net asset value attributable to a class of shares of each Pioneer Fund will be determined using the Pioneer Funds’ valuation policies and procedures. Each fund’s valuation policy and procedures are identical.
 
·  
No sales load, contingent deferred sales charge, commission, redemption fee or other transactional fee will be charged as a result of the Reorganization. After the Reorganization, any contingent deferred sales charge that applied to your Class A (if applicable), Class B or Class C shares of your fund at the time of the Reorganization will continue to apply for the remainder of the applicable holding period at the time of the Reorganization. In calculating any applicable contingent deferred sales charge, the period during which you held your shares will be included in the holding period of the shares you receive as a result of the Reorganization.
 
·  
The Reorganization generally is not expected to result in income, gain or loss being recognized for federal income tax purposes by either Pioneer Fund involved in the Reorganization or by the shareholders of either Pioneer Fund involved in the Reorganization.
 
3
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
·  
In approving the Reorganization, the Board of Trustees of each Pioneer Fund, including all of the Trustees who are not “interested” persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) of the Pioneer Funds, Pioneer, or Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., the Pioneer Funds’ principal underwriter and distributor (“PFD”) (the “Independent Trustees”), has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interest of each Pioneer Fund and will not dilute the interests of shareholders. The Trustees have made this determination based on factors that are discussed below.
 
     In addition to the Class A, Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shares to be issued in each Reorganization, certain of the Pioneer Funds also offer other classes of shares. This Information Statement/Prospectus relates only to the Class A, Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shares to be issued in each Reorganization.
 
What Was the Basis of the Trustees’ Determination that the Reorganization Was in the Best Interests of Your Fund?
 
     The Board of Trustees believes that reorganizing your fund with another open-end Pioneer Fund that will have substantially similar investment policies and greater assets offers you a number of potential benefits. These potential benefits and considerations include, with respect to each Reorganization:
 
·  
Continuity of portfolio management, investment policies and historical investment performance. The combined fund would continue to follow your fund’s investment strategy and would continue your fund’s performance history. The combined fund would continue to be managed by your fund’s investment team.
 
·  
The combined fund may be better positioned to attract assets than your fund. The larger size of the combined fund may result in greater economies of scale. Any such economies of scale would benefit the combined fund in two ways. First, a larger fund, which trades in larger blocks of securities, will be able to hold larger positions in individual securities and, consequently, have an enhanced ability to obtain better net prices on securities trades. And second, each fund incurs substantial operating costs for accounting, legal and custodial services. The combined fund resulting from the Reorganization would spread fixed expenses over a larger asset base, potentially contributing to a lower expense ratio in the long term than your fund would achieve separately.
 
·  
No increase in management fees. The pro forma management fee paid by the combined fund will the same or lower than the management fee paid by your fund.
 
·  
The transaction is expected to be treated as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and you therefore are not expected to recognize any taxable gain or loss on the exchange of your fund shares for shares of the combined fund.
 
What are the Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization?
 
     As a condition to the closing of each Reorganization, the applicable funds must receive an opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP to the effect that the Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Accordingly, subject to the limited exceptions described below under the heading “Tax Status of the Reorganizations,” it is expected that neither you nor your fund will recognize gain or loss as a direct result of the Reorganization, and that the aggregate tax basis of the shares that you receive in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares that you surrender in the Reorganization. In addition, the holding period of shares you receive in the Reorganization will include the holding period of the shares of the fund that you surrender in the Reorganization, provided that you held those shares as capital assets on the date of the Reorganization. However, in accordance with the Pioneer Funds’ policy that each Pioneer Fund distributes its investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gains for each taxable year (in order to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income tax thereon at the fund level), your fund will declare and pay a distribution of such income and gains to its shareholders, if any, shortly before the Reorganization. Such distribution may affect the amount, timing or character of taxable income that you realize in respect of your fund shares. For more information, see “Tax Status of the Reorganizations” on page 80 of the Information Statement/Prospectus. The Pioneer Fund with which your fund is being reorganized may make a comparable distribution to its shareholders shortly before the Reorganization. Additionally, following the Reorganization, the applicable combined fund will continue to make distributions according to its regular distribution schedule. You will generally need to pay tax on those distributions even though they may include income and gains that were accrued and/or realized before you became a shareholder of the combined fund.
 
Who Bears the Expenses Associated with the Reorganization?
 
     Pioneer Research Fund - Pioneer Value Fund Reorganization: Each fund will bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization, including expenses associated with the preparation, printing and mailing of any shareholder communications (including this Information Statement/Prospectus), any filings with the SEC and other governmental agencies in connection with the Reorganization, audit fees and legal fees (“Reorganization Costs”). Pioneer will bear the remaining 50% of the Reorganization Costs. In addition to the
 
 
4
 
 
 
 

 
 
Reorganization Costs, Pioneer Value Fund will bear 50% of the expenses related to a meeting of shareholders of the fund to be held on May 7, 2013 to consider a new management fee and investment objective for the fund ("Proxy Costs"). Pioneer will bear the remaining 50% of the Proxy Costs.
 
     Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund - Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund Reorganization: Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund will bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization and Pioneer will bear 75% of the Reorganization Costs.
 
     Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund - Pioneer Independence Fund Reorganization: Pioneer will bear 100% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
 
     Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund - Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Reorganization: Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund will bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization and Pioneer will bear 75% of the Reorganization Costs.
 
5
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
This page for your notes.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
   
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page 
INTRODUCTION 
2 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER RESEARCH FUND WITH PIONEER VALUE FUND (TO BE RENAMED PIONEER CORE 
 
EQUITY FUND) 
8 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND WITH PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND (TO BE 
 
RENAMED PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND) 
26 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND WITH PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND (TO BE 
 
RENAMED PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND) 
42 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND WITH PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES 
 
FUND (TO BE RENAMED PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND) 
59 
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE REORGANIZATIONS 
76 
TERMS OF EACH AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION 
78 
TAX STATUS OF THE REORGANIZATIONS 
80 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PIONEER FUNDS 
84 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 
98 
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF THE PIONEER FUNDS 
125 
EXPERTS 
126 
AVAILABLE INFORMATION 
126 
EXHIBIT A — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION - PIONEER RESEARCH FUND - PIONEER 
 
VALUE FUND 
A–1 
EXHIBIT B — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION - PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND - 
 
PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND 
B–1 
EXHIBIT C — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION - PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND - 
 
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND 
C–1 
EXHIBIT D — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION - PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND - 
 
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND 
D–1 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER RESEARCH FUND WITH PIONEER VALUE FUND (TO BE RENAMED
PIONEER CORE EQUITY FUND)
 
SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of more complete information appearing later in this Information Statement/Prospectus or incorporated herein. You should read carefully the entire Information Statement/Prospectus pertaining to your fund, including the form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization attached as Exhibit A, because it contains details that are not in the summary.
 
     The Board of Trustees of your fund has approved the Reorganization of the fund with Pioneer Value Fund, another fund managed by Pioneer. Currently, the investment objective and investment strategies of Pioneer Value Fund and your fund are similar, but there are certain differences. In addition, the funds currently are managed by different investment teams and pay different fees and expenses. The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Value Fund has approved certain changes in connection with the Reorganization. The changes to Pioneer Value Fund’s management fee and investment objective are subject to approval by shareholders of Pioneer Value Fund. Effective upon completion of the Reorganization (assuming shareholders approve the new management fee and investment objective):
 
·  
The combined fund will be named “Pioneer Core Equity Fund.”
 
·  
Your fund’s investment team will manage the combined fund.
 
·  
The combined fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as your fund.
 
·  
The historical performance of Pioneer Research Fund will continue as the combined fund’s historical performance.
 
·  
The management fee payable by the combined fund (an annual rate equal to 0.50% of the fund’s average daily net assets) will be lower than the management fee payable by Pioneer Research Fund (an annual rate equal to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of the next $4 billion and 0.55% on assets over $5 billion).
 
     The tables below provide a comparison of certain features of Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund, and also show certain features of the combined fund, post-Reorganization, which, except as noted, are substantially similar to the corresponding features of your fund. In the table below, if a row extends across the entire table, the policy disclosed applies to Pioneer Research Fund, Pioneer Value Fund and the combined fund.
 
Comparison of Pioneer Research Fund with Pioneer Value Fund and the Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization
 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Investment 
Long-term capital growth. 
Reasonable income and capital growth.* 
Long-term capital growth.* 
objective 
     
 
The fund’s investment objective 
The fund’s investment objective is 
The fund’s investment objective is 
 
may be changed without 
fundamental and may not be changed 
fundamental and may not be changed 
 
shareholder approval. The fund 
without shareholder approval. 
without shareholder approval. 
 
will provide notice prior to 
   
 
implementing any change to 
   
 
its investment objective. 
   
   
*At a meeting to be held on May 7, 2013, shareholders of Pioneer Value Fund will be 
   
asked to approve changing the fund’s investment objective to “long-term capital 
   
growth.” If approved, the new investment objective will become effective upon 
   
consummation of the Reorganization. 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Principal 
Normally, the fund invests at least 
The fund seeks to invest in a broad 
Normally, the fund invests at least 80% 
investment 
80% of its net assets (plus the 
group of carefully selected, reasonably 
of its net assets (plus the amount of 
strategies 
amount of borrowings, if any, 
priced securities rather than in 
borrowings, if any, from investment 
 
from investment purposes) in 
securities whose prices reflect a 
purposes) in equity securities, primarily 
 
equity securities, primarily of 
premium resulting from their current 
of U.S. issuers. 
 
U.S. issuers. 
market popularity. The fund invests the 
 
   
major portion of its assets in 
For purposes of the fund’s investment 
 
For purposes of the fund’s 
equity securities. 
policies, equity securities include 
 
investment policies, equity securities 
 
common stocks, convertible debt and 
 
include common stocks, convertible 
For purposes of the fund’s investment 
other equity instruments, such as 
 
debt and other equity instruments, 
policies, equity securities include 
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that 
 
such as exchange-traded funds 
common stocks, convertible debt 
invest primarily in equity securities, 
 
(ETFs) that invest primarily in 
and other equity instruments, such as 
equity interests in real estate 
 
equity securities, equity interests 
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that 
investment trusts (REITs), preferred 
 
in real estate investment trusts 
invest primarily in equity securities, 
stocks, depositary receipts, rights 
 
(REITs), preferred stocks, depositary 
depositary receipts, warrants, 
and warrants. 
 
receipts, rights and warrants. 
rights, equity interests in real estate 
 
   
investment trusts (REITs) and 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its total 
 
The fund may invest up to 10% of 
preferred stocks. 
assets in equity and debt securities of 
 
its total assets in equity and debt 
 
non-U.S. issuers, including up to 5% of 
 
securities of non-U.S. issuers, 
The fund primarily invests in securities of 
its total assets in the securities of 
 
including up to 5% of its total 
U.S. issuers. The fund may invest up to 
emerging markets issuers. 
 
assets in the securities of 
25% of its total assets in equity and debt 
 
 
emerging markets issuers. 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund 
The fund may invest in debt securities of 
   
will not invest more than 5% of its total 
U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally, the 
 
The fund may invest in debt 
assets in securities of emerging 
fund acquires investment grade debt 
 
securities of U.S. and non-U.S. 
markets issuers. 
securities, but the fund may invest up to 
 
issuers. Generally, the fund acquires 
 
5% of its net assets in below investment 
 
investment grade debt securities, but 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its net 
grade debt securities (known as “junk 
 
the fund may invest up to 5% of its 
assets in REITs. 
bonds”), including below investment 
 
net assets in below investment grade 
 
grade convertible debt securities. The fund 
 
debt securities (known as “junk 
The fund may invest in debt securities of 
invests in debt securities when Pioneer 
 
bonds”), including below investment 
U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The fund may 
believes they are consistent with the fund’s 
 
grade convertible debt securities. 
invest up to 5% of its net assets in below 
investment objective of long-term capital 
 
The fund invests in debt securities 
investment grade debt securities (known 
growth or for greater liquidity. 
 
when Pioneer believes they are 
as “junk bonds”), including below 
 
 
consistent with the fund’s 
investment grade convertible debt 
 
 
investment objective of long-term 
securities. The fund invests in debt 
 
 
capital growth or for greater liquidity. 
securities when the adviser believes they 
 
   
are consistent with the fund’s investment 
 
   
objective, to diversify the fund’s portfolio 
 
   
or for greater liquidity.
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
 
Pioneer uses a valuation-conscious 
Pioneer uses a value approach to select 
Pioneer uses a valuation-conscious 
 
approach to select the fund’s 
the fund’s investments to buy and sell. 
approach to select the fund’s investments 
 
investments based upon the 
Using this investment style, Pioneer 
based upon the recommendations of 
 
recommendations of Pioneer’s 
seeks securities selling at reasonable 
Pioneer’s research team. Pioneer’s 
 
research team. Pioneer’s research 
prices or at substantial discounts to 
research team supports the portfolio 
 
team supports the portfolio 
their underlying values and then 
management teams that manage various 
 
management teams that manage 
holds these securities until the market 
Pioneer equity funds and provides 
 
various Pioneer equity funds and 
values reflect their intrinsic values. 
rankings for a universe of large and mid 
 
provides rankings for a universe 
Pioneer evaluates a security’s potential 
cap issuers that are traded in the U.S. and 
 
of large and mid cap issuers that 
value, including the attractiveness of 
abroad. The fund seeks to benefit from 
 
are publicly traded in the U.S. 
its market valuation, based on the 
this research effort by selecting 
 
and abroad. The fund seeks 
company’s assets and prospects for 
securities that are highly ranked by the 
 
to benefit from this research effort 
earnings and revenue growth. In 
research team and selling at 
 
by selecting securities that are 
making that assessment, Pioneer 
reasonable prices or substantial 
 
highly ranked by the research team 
employs fundamental research and 
discounts to their underlying values. From 
 
and selling at reasonable prices 
an evaluation of the issuer based on its 
the universe of highly ranked securities, 
 
or substantial discounts to their 
financial statements and operations, 
the research team constructs a portfolio 
 
underlying values. From the universe 
employing a bottom-up analytic style. 
that is reflective of overall sector 
 
of highly ranked securities, the 
In selecting securities, Pioneer also 
weightings in the fund’s benchmark 
 
research team constructs a 
considers a security’s potential to 
index. A security will not be included in 
 
portfolio that is reflective of overall 
provide a reasonable amount of income. 
the portfolio simply because it is highly 
 
sector weightings in the fund’s 
Pioneer relies on the knowledge, 
ranked by the research team. A security 
 
benchmark index. A security will 
experience and judgment of its staff 
may be sold if its ranking by the research 
 
not be included in the portfolio 
and the staff of its affiliates who 
team is reduced or the security price 
 
simply because it is highly ranked 
have access to a wide variety of research. 
reaches a reasonable valuation. 
 
by the research team. A security 
Pioneer focuses on the quality and 
 
 
may be sold if its ranking by the 
price of individual issuers, not on 
Pioneer’s research team evaluates a 
 
research team is reduced or the 
economic sector or market-timing 
security’s potential value based on the 
 
security price reaches a reasonable 
strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for 
company’s assets and prospects for 
 
valuation. 
in selecting investments include: 
earning growth. In making that 
   
• Above average potential for 
assessment, it employs due diligence 
 
Pioneer’s research team evaluates a 
earnings and revenue growth 
and fundamental research, and an 
 
security’s potential value based on 
• Favorable expected returns relative 
evaluation of the issuer based on its 
 
the company’s assets and prospects 
to perceived risks 
financial statements and operations. 
 
for earning growth. In making that 
• Management with demonstrated 
The research team focuses on the 
 
assessment, it employs due 
ability and commitment to the 
quality and price of individual issuers, 
 
diligence and fundamental research, 
company 
not on economic sector or 
 
and an evaluation of the issuer 
• Low market valuations relative to 
market-timing strategies. The fund’s 
 
based on its financial statements and 
earnings forecast, book value, cash 
portfolio includes securities from a 
 
operations. The research team 
flow and sales 
broad range of market sectors that 
 
focuses on the quality and price of 
• Turnaround potential for companies 
have received favorable rankings from 
 
individual issuers, not on economic 
that have been through difficult 
the research team. Factors for selecting 
 
sector or market-timing strategies. 
periods 
investments include: 
 
The fund’s portfolio includes 
• Good prospects for dividend 
• Favorable expected returns relative to 
 
securities from a broad range of 
growth 
perceived risk 
 
market sectors that have received 
• Pioneer generally sells a portfolio 
• Above average potential for 
 
favorable rankings from the 
security when it believes that the 
earnings and revenue growth 
 
research team. Factors for selecting 
security’s market value reflects its 
   • Low market valuations relative to 
 
investments include: 
underlying value 
earnings forecast, book value, cash 
 
• Favorable expected returns 
 
flow and sales 
 
relative to perceived risk 
 
• A sustainable competitive advantage, 
 
• Above average potential for 
 
such as a brand name, customer base, 
 
earnings and revenue growth 
 
proprietary technology or economies 
 
• Low market valuations relative 
 
of scale 
 
to earnings forecast, book value, 
   
 
cash flow and sales 
   
 
• A sustainable competitive 
   
 
advantage, such as a brand name, 
   
 
customer base, proprietary 
   
 
technology or economies of scale. 
   
 
 
10
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Portfolio 
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A 
turnover 
higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held 
 
in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the 
 
fund’s performance. 
   
 
During the most recent fiscal year, 
During the most recent fiscal year, the 
 
 
the fund’s portfolio turnover rate 
fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 84% 
 
 
was 57% of the average value of 
of the average value of its portfolio. 
 
 
its portfolio. 
   
Non-U.S. 
The fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. issuers are 
investments 
issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities may be issued by 
 
non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational organizations, such as the World 
 
Bank and the European Union. 
   
 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
The fund may invest up to 25% of its 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its total 
 
total assets in equity and debt 
total assets in equity and debt 
assets in equity and debt securities of 
 
securities of non-U.S. issuers, 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund 
non-U.S. issuers, including up to 5% of its 
 
including up to 5% of its total assets 
will not invest more than 5% of its total 
total assets in the securities of 
 
in the securities of emerging 
assets in securities of emerging 
emerging markets issuers. 
 
markets issuers. 
markets issuers. 
 
Investments 
REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some 
in REITs 
REITs invest directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and capital gains on the sale of 
 
properties. Other REITs invest primarily in mortgages, including “sub-prime” mortgages, secured by real estate and derive 
 
their income from collection of interest. 
 
 
There is no stated limit with respect to 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its net 
There is no stated limit with respect to the 
 
the fund’s investments in REITs. 
assets in REITs. 
fund’s investments in REITs. 
Debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the fund may acquire debt securities that are 
 
investment grade, but the fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities (known as “junk bonds”), including 
 
below investment grade convertible debt securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four 
 
categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the 
 
adviser. The fund may invest in debt securities rated “C” or better, or comparable unrated securities.
 
The fund may invest up to 5% of its 
The fund may invest up to 5% of its net 
The fund may invest up to 5% of its net 
 
net assets in below investment 
assets in below investment grade debt 
assets in below investment grade debt 
 
grade debt securities, including below 
securities, including below investment 
securities, including below investment 
 
investment grade convertible 
grade convertible debt securities. 
grade convertible debt securities. 
 
debt securities. 
   
Derivatives 
The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency 
 
exchange contracts, swaps and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by 
 
reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The 
 
fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: 
 
 
• As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates 
 
• As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities 
 
     • To increase the fund’s return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative  
 
• To manage portfolio characteristics 
   
 
 
The fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law 
 
and regulations. 
   
Cash management 
Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective(s). The fund may invest the 
and temporary 
remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. 
investments 
For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal 
 
investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The fund may adopt a defensive 
 
strategy when the adviser believes securities in which the fund normally invests have special or unusual risks or are less 
 
attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. 
 
Reverse repurchase 
The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the fund transfers securities to a counterparty in 
agreements and 
return for cash, and the fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. Reverse repurchase 
borrowing 
agreements are treated as borrowings by the fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value of an investment in the 
 
fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the fund. The fund also may borrow money from banks or other 
 
lenders for temporary purposes. The fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. Entering into reverse repurchase 
 
agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to 
 
do so in order to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. 
 
 
 
11
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Short-term trading 
The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held 
 
for a short time, if it no longer meets the fund’s investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional 
 
operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable 
 
income or capital gains. 
   
Investment adviser 
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 
   
Portfolio managers 
Day-to-day management of the 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
 
fund’s portfolio is the responsibility 
portfolio is the responsibility of Edward 
portfolio will be the responsibility of a 
 
of a team of equity analysts that 
T. Shadek, Jr. (portfolio manager of the 
team of equity analysts that coordinate the 
 
coordinate the fundamental research 
fund since January 2012) and John 
fundamental research on companies 
 
on companies provided by Pioneer’s 
Peckham portfolio manager of the fund 
provided by Pioneer’s research teams, 
 
research teams, which include 
since 2010). (The portfolio managers 
which include members from Pioneer’s 
 
members from Pioneer’s affiliate, 
also may draw upon the research and 
affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management 
 
Pioneer Investment Management 
investment management expertise of the 
Limited. Paul Cloonan, senior vice 
 
Limited. Paul Cloonan, senior vice 
research teams, which provide 
president of Pioneer and co-head of 
 
president of Pioneer and co-head of 
fundamental and quantitative research on 
equity research — U.S., joined Pioneer 
 
equity research — U.S. (portfolio 
companies on a global basis and include 
in 1997. Bradley Galko, vice president 
 
manager of the fund since 2005), 
members from Pioneer’s affiliate, Pioneer 
and analyst at Pioneer, joined Pioneer in 
 
joined Pioneer in 1997. Bradley 
Investment Management Limited (PIML). 
2001. John Peckham, senior vice 
 
Galko, vice president and analyst 
Mr. Shadek, senior vice president of 
president of Pioneer and co-head of equity 
 
at Pioneer (portfolio manager of the 
Pioneer, joined Pioneer in January 2012. 
research – U.S., joined Pioneer in 2001. 
 
fund since 2005), joined Pioneer in 
Prior to joining Pioneer, he was 
James Moynihan, vice president and 
 
2001. John Peckham, senior vice 
co-founder and portfolio manager at 
analyst at Pioneer, joined Pioneer in 2007. 
 
president of Pioneer and co-head 
Shaylor Capital. From 1997 to 2009, 
 
 
of equity research – U.S. (portfolio 
Mr. Shadek was senior managing 
 
 
manager of the fund since 2012), 
director and deputy head of investments 
 
 
joined Pioneer in 2001. James 
at Putnam Investments. Mr. Peckham, 
 
 
Moynihan, vice president and analyst 
executive vice president of Pioneer 
 
 
at Pioneer (portfolio manager of 
and co-head of equity research – U.S., 
 
 
the fund since September 2010), 
joined Pioneer in 2002. 
 
 
joined Pioneer in 2007. 
   
   
The fund’s statement of additional 
 
 
The fund’s statement of additional 
information provides additional 
 
 
information provides additional 
information about the portfolio 
 
 
information about the portfolio 
manager’s compensation, other 
 
 
managers’ compensation, other 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
 
 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
manager, and the portfolio manager’s 
 
 
managers, and the portfolio 
ownership of shares of the fund. 
 
 
managers’ ownership of shares 
   
 
of the fund. 
   
Fiscal Year End 
December 31 
September 30 
December 31 
Business 
A diversified open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust. 
Net assets (as 
$63 million 
$1.3 billion 
$1.36 billion (pro forma) 
of December 31, 
     
2012) 
     
 
 
12
 
 
 
 

 

 
Comparison of Principal Risks
 
The following describes the risks of investing in each of Pioneer Research Fund, Pioneer Value Fund and the combined fund:
 
Market risk. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility in recent years. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policy making uncertainty. The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that invest in sovereign debt and related investments have fallen, credit has become more scarce worldwide and there has been significant uncertainty in the markets. Some governmental and non-governmental issuers (notably in Europe) have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; and many other issuers have faced difficulties refinancing existing obligations. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including in the U.S., Europe and beyond. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the adviser, and whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
 
Value style risk. The prices of securities the adviser believes are undervalued may not appreciate as expected or may go down. Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market.
 
Portfolio selection risk. The adviser’s judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.
 
Risks of non-U.S. investments. Investing in non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include:
 
·  
Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices
 
·  
Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the fund’s securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
 
·  
Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the fund’s investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars
 
·  
The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession
 
·  
Economic, political, regulatory and social developments may adversely affect the securities markets
 
·  
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer in the courts of a foreign country
 
·  
Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund’s return
 
·  
Some markets in which the fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries
 
·  
A governmental entity may delay, or refuse or be unable to pay, interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms
 
 
13
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Risks of investments in REITs. The fund has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although the fund does not invest directly in real estate, it may invest in REITs and other equity securities of real estate industry issuers. These risks may include:
 
·  
The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic conditions, foreclosures, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated rents or other causes
 
·  
Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other purposes and reduce the value of a REIT’s fixed income investments
 
·  
The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real estate industry issuers may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural disasters or increased operating expenses
 
·  
A REIT in the fund’s portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be, poorly managed
 
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are typically invested in a limited number of projects or in a particular market segment or geographic region, and therefore are more susceptible to adverse developments affecting a single project, market segment or geographic region than more broadly diversified investments. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial resources and may experience sharper swings in market values and trade less frequently and in a more limited volume than securities of larger issuers. In addition to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests.
 
Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a real estate company’s operations and market value. In addition, capital to pay or refinance a REIT’s debt may not be available or reasonably priced. Financial covenants related to real estate company leveraging may affect the company’s ability to operate effectively.
 
Risks of initial public offerings. Companies involved in initial public offering (IPOs) generally have limited operating histories, and prospects for future profitability are uncertain. The market for IPO issuers has been volatile, and share prices of newly public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Further, stocks of newly-public companies may decline shortly after the IPO. There is no assurance that the fund will have access to IPOs. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. The market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There may be only a limited number of shares available for trading. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices.
 
Debt securities risk. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative.
 
Market segment risk. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation.
 
Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are generally subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
 
Industries in the industrials segment, such as companies engaged in the production, distribution or service of products or equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction, can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including such factors as employment and economic growth, interest rate changes, changes in consumer spending, legislative and governmental regulation and spending, import controls, commodity prices, and worldwide competition.
 
Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The
 
 
14
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
 
Industries in the health care segment, such as health care supplies, health care services, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, may be significantly affected by government regulation and reimbursement rates, approval of products by government agencies, and patent expirations and litigation.
 
Industries in the consumer staples segment, such as food and drug retailing, beverages, food and tobacco products, household products and personal products, are subject to government regulation affecting ingredients and production methods. These industries also may be affected by competition, changes in consumer tastes and other factors affecting supply and demand, and litigation.
 
Derivatives risk. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund’s net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund, and they can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the fund’s initial investment. If changes in a derivative’s value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund’s other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
 
Leveraging risk. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.
 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.
 
Cash management risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objective.
 
Expense risk. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
 
In addition to the common risks of investing in Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund noted above, the following is an additional principal risk of an investment in Pioneer Research Fund or in the combined fund:
 
Mid-size companies risk. Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at the times and prices the subadviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.
 
The following is an additional principal risk of an investment in Pioneer Value Fund:
 
Portfolio turnover risk. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains.
 
15
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Comparison of Fees and Expenses
 
     Shareholders of both Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund pay various fees and expenses, either directly or indirectly. The tables below show the fees and expenses that you would pay if you were to buy and hold shares of each Pioneer Fund. The expenses in the tables appearing below are based on (i) for your fund, the expenses of your fund for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012, and (ii) for Pioneer Value Fund, the expenses of Pioneer Value Fund for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012. Future expenses for all share classes may be greater or less. The tables also show the pro forma expenses of the combined fund assuming the Reorganization occurred on December 31, 2012. Pioneer Research Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. As the accounting survivor, Pioneer Research Fund’s operating history will be used for the combined fund’s financial reporting purposes.
 
             
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
Combined Fund 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
Combined Fund 
 
Research Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
Research Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
   December 31,
September 30, 
September 30, 
December 31,
 September 30, 
September 30, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
           
(paid directly from your investment) 
Class A 
   Class A
   Class A
Class B 
Class B
Class B 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
           
shares as a percentage of offering price 
5.75% 
5.75% 
5.75% 
None 
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
           
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
           
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
4% 
4% 
4% 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
           
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
           
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
         
Management Fee 
0.65% 
       0.49%(1)
      0.50%(2) 
0.65% 
  0.49%(1)
 0.50%(2)     
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Other Expenses 
0.69% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.93% 
1.16% 
0.97% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (3) 
1.59% 
0.99% 
1.00% 
2.58% 
2.65% 
2.47% 
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitations (3) 
-0.34% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
-0.43% 
0.00% 
-0.32% 
Net Expenses (3) 
1.25% 
0.99% 
1.00% 
2.15% 
2.65% 
2.15% 
 
 
             
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
Combined Fund 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
Combined Fund 
 
Research Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
Research Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
  December 31, 
September 30, 
December 31,
December 31, 
September 30, 
December 31,
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
           
(paid directly from your investment) 
Class C 
    Class C 
    Class C 
Class Y 
   Class Y 
    Class Y 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy shares 
           
as a percentage of offering price 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
           
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
           
you sell shares, whichever is less 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
None 
None 
None 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
           
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
           
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
         
Management Fee 
0.65% 
       0.49%(1)
     0.50%(2) 
0.65% 
      0.49%(1)
    0.50%(2) 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
None 
None 
None 
Other Expenses 
0.66% 
0.61% 
0.51% 
0.37% 
0.12% 
0.09% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (3) 
2.31% 
2.10% 
2.01% 
1.02% 
0.61% 
0.59% 
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitations(3) 
-0.16% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Net Expenses (3) 
2.15% 
2.10% 
2.01% 
1.02% 
0.61% 
0.59% 
 
 
16
 
 
 
 

 

 

(1)     
Pioneer Value Fund pays a management fee that is adjusted upward or downward based on its performance relative to an index. Pioneer Value Fund’s annual basic fee, before any performance adjustment, is equal to 0.60% of average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5 billion and 0.550% on the excess over $10 billion. The management fee in the table above has been adjusted based on Pioneer Value Fund’s performance as of September 30, 2012.
(2)     
At a meeting to be held on May 7, 2013, shareholders of Pioneer Value Fund will be asked to approve an amended and restated management agreement. If approved, the amended and restated management agreement will become effective upon the consummation of the Reorganization. Pursuant to the amended and restated management agreement, the fund’s performance-adjusted management fee would be replaced by a “flat” fee equal to 0.50% of the combined fund’s average daily net assets.
(3)     
Pioneer Research Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses (ordinary operating expenses means all fund expenses other than extraordinary expenses, such as litigation, taxes and brokerage commissions) to the extent required to reduce Pioneer Research Fund’s expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 2.15% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively. These expense limitations are in effect through May 1, 2014. Pioneer has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses of the combined fund to the extent required to reduce expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 2.15% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively. Pioneer Value Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses in the table have not been reduced by any expense offset arrangements.
 
 
 
Examples:
 
The examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in each fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each fund for the time periods shown, and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The examples also assume that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) each fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same except for year one (which considers the effect of the expense limitation). Pro forma expenses are included assuming consummation of the Reorganization as of December 31, 2012. The examples are for comparison purposes only and are not a representation of any fund’s actual expenses or returns, either past or future. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
       
Number of years 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
Combined Fund 
you own your shares 
Research Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma) 
Class A – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 695 
$ 670 
$ 671 
Year 3 
$1,017 
$ 872 
$ 875 
Year 5 
$1,361 
$1,091 
$1,096 
Year 10 
$2,329 
$1,718 
$1,729 
Class A – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 695 
$ 670 
$ 671 
Year 3 
$1,017 
$ 872 
$ 875 
Year 5 
$1,361 
$1,091 
$1,096 
Year 10 
$2,329 
$1,718 
$1,729 
Class B – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 618 
$ 668 
$ 618 
Year 3 
$1,062 
$1,123 
$1,039 
Year 5 
$1,432 
$1,505 
$1,387 
Year 10 
$2,640 
$2,578 
$2,416 
Class B – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 218 
$ 268 
$ 218 
Year 3 
$ 762 
$ 823 
$ 739 
Year 5 
$1,332 
$1,405 
$1,287 
Year 10 
$2,640 
$2,578 
$2,416 
Class C – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 318 
$ 313 
$ 304 
Year 3 
$ 706 
$ 658 
$ 630 
Year 5 
$1,221 
$1,129 
$1,083 
Year 10 
$2,633 
$2,431 
$2,338 
 
 
17
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
       
Number of years 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
Combined Fund 
you own your shares 
Research Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma) 
Class C – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 218 
$ 213 
$ 204 
Year 3 
$ 706 
$ 658 
$ 630 
Year 5 
$1,221 
$1,129 
$1,083 
Year 10 
$2,633 
$2,431 
$2,338 
Class Y – with or without redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 104 
$ 62 
$ 60 
Year 3 
$ 325 
$ 195 
$ 189 
Year 5 
$ 563 
$ 340 
$ 329 
Year 10 
$1,248 
$ 762 
$ 738 
 
 
18
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
Comparison of the Funds’ Past Performance
 
     The bar charts and tables below indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the funds by showing how the funds have performed in the past. The bar charts show changes in the performance of each fund’s Class A shares from calendar year to calendar year. The tables show average annual total returns for each class of shares of a fund over time and compare these returns to a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the fund’s investment strategies. You can obtain updated performance information by visiting https://us.pioneerinvestments.com/performance or by calling 1-800-225-6292. A fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The bar charts do not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy fund shares. If this amount was reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
 
     Upon consummation of the Reorganization, (i) the historical performance of Pioneer Research Fund will become the combined fund’s historical performance, and (ii) the combined fund will compare its performance to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
 
Pioneer Research Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Research Fund’s highest quarterly return was 16.10% for the quarter ended 9/30/2009, and the lowest quarterly return was
-20.00% for the quarter ended 12/31/2008.
 
 
 
19
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Pioneer Value Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Value Fund’s highest quarterly return was 15.93% for the quarter ended 6/30/2003, and the lowest quarterly return was -22.00% for the quarter ended 12/31/2008.
 
 
 
 
 
20
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
           
  Average Annual Total Returns (%)     
  (for periods ended December 31, 2012)     
 
                     
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Research Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                       
11/18/99 
Return Before Taxes 
    7.90       1.04       6.79       1.93    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    7.64       0.85       6.38       1.63    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    5.14       0.81       5.90       1.60    
Class B 
    9.42       1.32       6.48       1.51  
11/18/99 
Class C(1) 
    13.37       1.34       6.51       1.57  
11/19/99 
Class Y 
    14.81       2.55       N/A       6.75  
8/11/04 
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    16.00       1.66       7.10       1.89  
11/18/99 
 
                           
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Value Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                               
9/30/69 
Return Before Taxes 
    5.78       -4.57       3.38       10.13    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    5.17       -4.98       2.38       7.58    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    3.74       -4.02       2.84       7.70    
Class B 
    6.39       -4.85       2.66       2.34  
7/1/96 
Class C(1) 
    10.96       -4.50       2.86       2.46  
7/1/96 
Class Y 
    12.66       -3.02       N/A       2.18  
8/11/04 
Russell 1000 Value Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    17.51       0.59       7.38       11.96  
12/31/78(2) 
 
(1)     
The performance of Class C shares does not reflect the 1% front-end sales charge in effect prior to February 1, 2004. If you paid a 1% sales charge, your returns would be lower than those shown above.
(2)     
Index return information is not available for prior periods.
 
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold a Pioneer Fund’s shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares. After-tax returns for Class B, Class C and Class Y shares of each Pioneer Fund will vary.
 
 
21
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund* 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization* 
Management fees 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund will pay Pioneer a fee for 
 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the cost 
 
cost of providing certain services to 
cost of providing certain services to 
of providing certain services to the 
 
the fund. 
the fund. 
fund. 
 
 
Pioneer’s annual fee is equal to 
Pioneer’s fee varies based on: 
Pioneer’s annual fee will be equal to 0.50% 
 
0.65% of the fund’s average daily 
• The fund’s assets. Pioneer earns an 
of the fund’s average daily net assets. The 
 
net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of 
annual basic fee equal to 0.60% of 
fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. 
 
the next $4 billion and 0.55% on 
the fund’s average daily net assets up to 
 
 
assets over $5 billion. The fee is 
$5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5 billion 
 
 
accrued daily and paid monthly. 
and 0.550% on the excess over $10 
 
   
billion. 
 
 
For the fiscal year ended December 
• The fund’s performance. The 
 
 
31, 2012, the fund paid management 
investment performance of the fund is 
 
 
fees (excluding waivers and/or 
compared to the Russell 1000 Value 
 
 
assumption of expenses) equivalent 
Index. The basic fee can increase or 
 
 
to 0.65% of the fund’s average 
decrease by a maximum of 0.10%, 
 
 
daily net assets. 
depending on the performance of the 
 
   
fund’s Class A shares relative to the 
 
 
A discussion regarding the basis for 
index. The performance comparison is 
 
 
the Board of Trustees’ approval of 
made for a rolling 36-month period. 
 
 
the management contract is available 
   
 
in the fund’s annual report to 
Pioneer’s fee increases or decreases 
 
 
shareholders for the period ended 
depending upon whether the fund’s 
 
 
December 31, 2012. 
performance is up and down more or 
 
   
less than that of the index during the 
 
   
rolling 36-month performance period. 
 
   
Each percentage point of difference 
 
   
between the performance of Class A 
 
   
shares and the index (to a maximum of 
 
   
+/–10 percentage points) is multiplied 
 
   
by a performance rate adjustment of 
 
   
0.01%. As a result, the maximum 
 
   
annualized rate adjustment is +/–0.10% 
 
   
for the rolling 36-month performance 
 
   
period. In addition, Pioneer contractually 
 
   
limits any positive adjustment of the 
 
   
fund’s management fee to 0.10% of the 
 
   
fund’s average daily net assets on an 
 
   
annual basis (i.e., to a maximum annual 
 
   
fee of 0.70% after the performance 
 
   
adjustment). 
 
 
   
This performance comparison is made 
 
   
at the end of each month. An 
 
   
appropriate percentage of this rate 
 
   
(based on the number of days in the 
 
   
current month) is then applied to 
 
   
the fund’s average net assets for the 
 
   
entire performance period, giving a 
 
   
dollar amount that will be added to (or 
 
   
subtracted from) the basic fee. 
 
 
 
22
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund 
Pioneer Value Fund* 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization* 
   
Because the adjustment to the basic fee 
   
is based on the comparative 
 
   
performance of the fund and the 
 
   
performance record of the index, the 
 
   
controlling factor is not whether fund 
 
   
performance is up or down, but whether 
   
it is up or down more or less than the 
 
   
performance record of the index, 
 
   
regardless of general market 
 
   
performance. As a result, Pioneer could 
   
earn the maximum possible fee even if 
 
   
the fund’s net asset value declines. 
 
   
Moreover, the comparative investment 
 
   
performance of the fund is based 
 
   
solely on the relevant performance 
 
   
period without regard to the cumulative 
 
   
performance over a longer or shorter 
 
   
period of time. 
 
   
   
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 
   
2012, the fund paid management fees 
 
   
(excluding waivers and/or assumption 
 
   
of expenses) equivalent to 0.49% of 
 
   
the fund’s average daily net assets. 
 
   
   
A discussion regarding the basis for 
 
   
the Board of Trustees’ approval of the 
 
   
management contract is available in 
 
   
the fund’s semiannual report to 
 
   
shareholders for the period ended 
 
   
March 31, 2012. 
 
   
* At a meeting to be held on May 7, 2013, shareholders of Pioneer Value Fund will 
   
be asked to approve an amended and restated management agreement. If approved, 
   
the amended and restated management agreement will become effective upon the 
   
consummation of the Reorganization. Pursuant to the amended and restated 
   
management agreement, the combined fund will pay a “flat” fee equal to 0.50% of the 
   
combined fund’s average daily net assets. 
 
For a comparison of the gross and net expenses of each fund, please see the class fee tables in the “Comparison of Fees and 
 
Expenses” section starting on page 16. 
   
 
 
 
 
23
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Reasons for the Reorganization
 
     The Trustees of your fund believe that the proposed Reorganization will be advantageous to the shareholders of your fund for several reasons. The Trustees considered the following matters, among others, in approving the proposal.
 
     First, the Board considered that the portfolio management team that currently manages your fund will continue to manage the combined fund after the Reorganization, using the investment strategies and policies of your fund. The Board considered that combining the funds would enable Pioneer to focus resources on its research investment team, which has produced favorable investment performance results for your fund over recent years.
 
     Second, the Board considered that combined fund may be better positioned to attract assets than your fund and that the larger size of the combined fund may result in greater economies of scale because the fund may be able to obtain better net prices on securities trades and reduce per share expenses as fixed expenses are shared over a larger asset base.
 
     Third, the Board considered that the historical performance of your fund will become the historical performance of the combined fund, and considered the historical performance of your fund as compared to a peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board considered that Pioneer Research Fund’s annualized total return was in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the one and three year periods ended June 30, 2012, and in the first quintile of its Morningstar category for the five year period ended June 30, 2012. The Board considered that your fund’s performance was higher than Pioneer Value Fund’s performance for the one, three, five and ten year periods ended January 3, 2013.
 
     Fourth, the Board considered that the management fee of the combined fund will be less than the management fee of your fund.
 
     Fifth, the Board considered the ability of the combined fund to utilize certain tax capital-loss carryforwards in the future.
 
     Sixth, the Board considered that your fund would bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection the Reorganization, including expenses associated with the preparation, printing and mailing of any shareholder communications (including this Information Statement/Prospectus), any filings with the SEC and other governmental agencies in connection with the Reorganization, audit fees and legal fees, and that Pioneer Value Fund would likewise bear 25% of these costs. The Board considered that Pioneer would bear the remaining 50% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
 
     Seventh, the Board recognized that the portfolio managers of the combined fund may conclude that a significant number of holdings of Pioneer Value Fund are not consistent with the combined fund’s long-term investment strategy and may dispose of such positions. The Board considered that the disposition of securities following the Reorganization could result in capital gains to the combined fund and could also result in significant brokerage expense to the combined fund. However, the Board considered that the actual tax consequences of any disposition of portfolio securities will vary depending upon the specific security(ies) being sold.
 
     Eighth, the Board considered that the Pioneer Funds’ investment adviser and principal distributor would benefit from the Reorganization. For example, Pioneer might achieve cost savings from managing one larger fund compared to managing more than one fund with similar investment strategies. The consolidated portfolio management effort also might result in time and personnel savings and the preparation of fewer reports and regulatory filings, as well as prospectus disclosure, for one fund instead of two.
 
     Ninth, the Board also considered that the Reorganization presents an excellent opportunity for the shareholders of each Pioneer Fund to become investors in a combined fund that has a larger asset size than either Pioneer Fund alone without the obligation to pay commissions or other transaction costs that a fund normally incurs when purchasing securities. This opportunity provides an economic benefit to both Pioneer Funds and their shareholders.
 
CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table sets forth the capitalization of each Pioneer Fund as of February 26, 2013, and the pro forma combined capitalization of the combined fund as if the Reorganization occurred on that date. The actual exchange ratios on the Closing Date may vary from the exchange ratios indicated. This is due to changes in the market value of the portfolio securities of the Pioneer Funds between February 26, 2013 and the Closing Date, changes in the amount of undistributed net investment income and net realized capital gains of the Pioneer Funds during that period resulting from income and distributions, and changes in the accrued liabilities of the Pioneer Funds during the same period.
 
 
24
 
 
 
 

 
 

                         
   
Pioneer
         
Combined Fund
       
   
Research
   
Pioneer
   
Pro Forma
   
Pro Forma
 
   
Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Adjustments(1)
   
Combined Fund
 
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
 
Net Assets 
                       
Class A 
  $ 26,269,808     $ 1,334,638,386     $ (31,234 )    $ 1,360,876,960  
Class B 
  $ 1,123,968     $ 2,348,174           $ 3,472,142  
Class C 
  $ 4,220,740     $ 4,137,825     $ (192 )    $ 8,358,373  
Class Y 
  $ 34,950,441     $ 8,372,072     $ (994 )    $ 43,321,519  
Total Net Assets 
  $ 66,564,957     $ 1,349,496,457     $ (32,420 )    $ 1,416,028,994  
Net Asset Value Per Share 
                               
Class A 
  $ 11.29     $ 12.52           $ 12.52  
Class B 
  $ 10.62     $ 11.42           $ 11.42  
Class C 
  $ 10.67     $ 11.33           $ 11.33  
Class Y 
  $ 11.40     $ 12.64           $ 12.64  
Shares Outstanding 
                               
Class A 
    2,326,796       106,599,897             108,698,124  
Class B 
    105,857       205,590             304,011  
Class C 
    395,623       365,152             737,680  
Class Y 
    3,066,711       662,403             3,427,470  
 
(1)     
The pro forma data reflects adjustments to account for the combined expenses of the Reorganization borne by Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund. The expenses of the Reorganization borne by the Pioneer Funds are estimated in the aggregate to be $32,420. Because of a class specific expense limitation, the expenses of Class B shares will not increase as a result of the payment of any Reorganization costs. Pioneer will bear the remaining expenses of the Reorganization. In addition to the Reorganization expenses reflected in the table, Pioneer Value Fund will bear certain expenses related to a meeting of shareholders of the fund to be held on May 7, 2013 to consider a new management fee and investment objective for the fund. Such expenses are estimated to be approximately $90,000.
 
     It is impossible to predict how many shares of the combined fund will actually be received and distributed by your fund on the Closing Date. The table should not be relied upon to determine the amount of combined fund shares that will actually be received and distributed.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     For information relating to each fund and the Reorganization, including tax capital loss carryforwards, the tax status of the Reorganization, how to buy, sell or exchange Fund shares, how each fund values its securities, financial highlights information and ownership of shares of the funds, please see the sections beginning on page 76.
 
BOARDS’ EVALUATION OF THE REORGANIZATION
 
     For the reasons described above, the Board of Trustees of your fund, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. In particular, the Board of Trustees determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of your fund and that the interests of your fund’s shareholders would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. Similarly, the Board of Trustees of the fund with which your fund is reorganizing, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. The Trustees also determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of that fund and that the interests of the shareholders of that fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
 
 
25
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND WITH PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE
FUND (TO BE RENAMED PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND)
 
SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of more complete information appearing later in this Information Statement/Prospectus or incorporated herein. You should read carefully the entire Information Statement/Prospectus pertaining to your fund, including the form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization attached as Exhibit B, because it contains details that are not in the summary.
 
     The Board of Trustees of your fund has approved the Reorganization of the fund with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, another fund managed by Pioneer. Currently, the investment objective and investment strategies of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and your fund are similar, but there are certain differences. In addition, the funds currently are managed by different investment teams and pay different fees and expenses. The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund has approved certain changes in connection with the Reorganization. Effective upon completion of the Reorganization:
 
·  
The combined fund will be named “Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.”
 
·  
Your fund’s investment team will manage the combined fund.
 
·  
The combined fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as your fund.
 
·  
The historical performance of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will continue as the combined fund’s historical performance.
 
·  
The management fee payable by the combined fund will be payable at an annual rate equal to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of the next $2 billion, 0.55% on the next $4.5 billion, and 0.525% on assets over $7.5 billion. The management fee payable by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund is payable at an annual rate equal to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of the next $4 billion, and 0.55% on assets over $5 billion. Thus, the management fee payable by the combined fund will be the same as the management fee payable by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund on assets under management up to $3 billion and will be lower on assets over $3 billion (if that level of assets is reached).
 
     The tables below provide a comparison of certain features of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, and also show certain features of the combined fund, post-Reorganization, which, except as noted, are substantially similar to the corresponding features of your fund. In the table below, if a row extends across the entire table, the policy disclosed applies to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and the combined fund.
 
 
 
26
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Comparison of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and the Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization
 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Investment 
Long-term capital growth. 
Capital appreciation. Current income is a 
Long-term capital growth. 
objective 
 
secondary objective. 
 
 
The fund’s investment objective may 
 
The fund’s investment objective may be 
 
be changed without shareholder 
The fund’s investment objectives may be 
changed without shareholder approval. 
 
approval. The fund will provide at 
changed without shareholder approval. 
The fund will provide at least 30 days’ 
 
least 30 days’ notice prior to 
The fund will provide notice prior to 
notice prior to implementing any change 
 
implementing any change to its 
implementing any change to its 
to its investment objective. 
 
investment objective. 
investment objectives. 
 
Principal 
The fund invests primarily in equity 
The fund invests primarily in equity 
The fund invests primarily in equity 
investment 
securities of U.S. issuers. For 
securities.The fund may invest a 
securities of U.S. issuers. For purposes of 
strategies 
purposes of the fund’s investment 
significant portion of its assets in equity 
the fund’s investment policies, equity 
 
policies, equity securities include 
securities of medium- and large- 
securities include common stocks and 
 
common stocks and other 
capitalization companies (generally, 
other equity instruments, such as 
 
equity instruments, such as 
market capitalizations of $1.5 billion 
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that 
 
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that 
or more). 
invest primarily in equity (securities, 
 
invest primarily in equity securities, 
 
preferred stocks, depositary receipts, 
 
preferred stocks, depositary receipts, 
For purposes of the fund’s investment 
rights, equity interests in real estate 
 
rights, equity interests in real estate 
policies, equity securities include 
investment trusts (REITs) and warrants. 
 
investment trusts (REITs) and 
common stocks, debt convertible to 
 
 
warrants. 
equity securities and other equity 
The fund may invest in issuers of any 
   
instruments, such as exchange-traded 
market capitalization. The fund may invest 
 
The fund may invest in issuers of any 
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily 
in securities in any industry or market 
 
market capitalization. The fund may 
in equity securities, depositary receipts, 
sector. 
 
invest in securities in any industry 
warrants, rights, equity interests in 
 
 
or market sector. 
real estate investment trusts (REITs) 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
   
and preferred stocks. 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
 
The fund may invest up to 10% of 
 
issuers. The fund will not invest more than 
 
its total total assets in securities of 
The fund may invest up to 30% of its 
5% of its total assets in the securities of 
 
non-U.S. issuers. The fund will not 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
emerging market issuers. The fund invests 
 
invest more than 5% of its total 
issuers. Up to 10% of the fund’s total 
in non-U.S. securities to diversify its 
 
assets in the securities of emerging 
assets may be invested in securities 
portfolio when they offer similar or 
 
market issuers. The fund invests in 
of emerging market issuers. The fund 
greater potential for capital appreciation 
 
non-U.S. securities to diversify its 
does not count securities of Canadian 
compared to U.S. securities. The fund 
 
portfolio when they offer similar or 
issuers against the limit on investment 
does not count securities of Canadian 
 
greater potential for capital 
in securities of non-U.S. issuers. 
issuers against the 10% limit on 
 
appreciation compared to U.S. 
 
investment in securities of non-U.S. 
 
securities. The fund does not 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
issuers. 
 
count securities of Canadian issuers 
total assets in debt securities of U.S. 
 
 
against the 10% limit on investment 
and non-U.S. issuers. The fund may 
The fund may invest a portion of its assets 
 
in securities of non-U.S. issuers. 
invest up to 5% of its net assets in 
not invested in equity securities in debt 
   
below investment grade debt securities 
securities. Generally the fund may acquire 
 
The fund may invest a portion of its 
(known as “junk bonds”), including 
investment grade debt securities that are 
 
assets not invested in equity 
below investment grade convertible 
issued by both U.S. and non-U.S. 
 
securities in debt securities. 
debt securities. The fund invests 
corporate and government issuers, but 
 
Generally the fund may acquire 
in debt securities when the adviser 
the fund may invest up to 5% of its net 
 
investment grade debt securities 
believes they are consistent with the 
assets in below investment grade debt 
 
that are issued by both U.S. and 
fund’s investment objectives of capital 
securities (known as “junk bonds”), 
 
non-U.S. corporate and government 
appreciation and, secondarily, current 
including below investment grade 
 
issuers, but the fund may invest up 
income, to diversify the fund, or for 
convertible debt securities. The fund 
 
to 5% of its net assets in below 
greater liquidity. 
invests in debt securities when Pioneer 
 
investment grade debt securities 
 
believes they are consistent with the fund’s 
 
(known as “junk bonds”), including 
 
investment objective of long-term capital 
 
below investment grade 
 
growth, to diversify the fund’s portfolio or 
 
convertible debt securities. The fund 
 
for greater liquidity. 
 
invests in debt securities when 
   
 
Pioneer believes they are consistent 
   
 
with the fund’s investment objective 
   
 
of long-term capital growth, to 
   
 
diversify the fund’s portfolio or for 
   
 
greater liquidity. 
   
 
 
27
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
 
Pioneer uses a valuation-conscious 
Pioneer uses a “value” style of 
Pioneer uses a valuation-conscious 
 
approach to select the fund’s 
management. Using this investment 
approach to select the fund’s investments 
 
investments based upon the 
style, the adviser seeks securities the 
based upon the recommendations of 
 
recommendations of Pioneer’s 
adviser believes are selling at substantial 
Pioneer’s research teams. Pioneer’s 
 
research teams. Pioneer’s research 
discounts to their underlying values. 
research teams support the portfolio 
 
teams support the portfolio 
The adviser evaluates a security’s 
management teams that manage 
 
management teams that manage 
potential value, including the 
various Pioneer equity funds and provide 
 
various Pioneer equity funds and 
attractiveness of its market valuation, 
recommendations for a universe of issuers 
 
provide recommendations for a 
based on the company’s assets and 
that are publicly traded in the U.S. and 
 
universe of issuers that are publicly 
prospects for earnings growth. 
abroad. The fund seeks to benefit from 
 
traded in the U.S. and abroad. The 
In making that assessment, 
this research effort by selecting 
 
fund seeks to benefit from this 
the adviser employs fundamental 
securities that are highly ranked by the 
 
research effort by selecting securities 
research and an evaluation of the 
teams and selling at attractive prices. 
 
that are highly ranked by the teams 
issuer based on its financial statements 
 
 
and selling at attractive prices. 
and operations. The adviser also 
The research teams use a two-step 
   
considers a security’s potential to 
process in selecting securities that 
 
The research teams use a two-step 
provide current income. The adviser 
combines fundamental and quantitative 
 
process in selecting securities that 
relies on the knowledge, experience 
research. First, the teams assess whether 
 
combines fundamental and 
and judgment of its staff who have 
a company’s fundamentals – financial 
 
quantitative research. First, the teams 
access to a wide variety of research. The 
condition, management, and position in 
 
assess whether a company’s 
adviser focuses on the quality and price 
its industry – indicate strong prospects 
 
fundamentals – financial condition, 
of individual issuers and securities, not 
for growth and attractive valuations. 
 
management, and position in its 
on economic sector or market-timing 
Second, the teams employ a quantitative, 
 
industry – indicate strong prospects 
strategies. Factors the adviser looks for 
value-oriented approach to construct the 
 
for growth and attractive valuations. 
in selecting investments include: 
fund’s portfolio, emphasizing those 
 
Second, the teams employ a 
   • a below average price/earnings ratio 
securities believed to be selling at 
 
quantitative, value-oriented 
as compared to that of the Standard 
reasonable prices versus underlying 
 
approach to construct the fund’s 
& Poor’s 500 Index; and 
values. A security may be sold if its 
 
portfolio, emphasizing those 
• above average projected earnings 
ranking by the research team is reduced 
 
securities believed to be selling at 
growth as compared to that of the 
or the security price reaches a 
 
reasonable prices versus underlying 
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. 
reasonable valuation. 
 
values. A security may be sold if 
   
 
its ranking by the research team 
The adviser generally sells a portfolio 
As part of the initial assessment, Pioneer’s 
 
is reduced or the security price 
security when it believes that the 
research teams evaluate a security’s 
 
reaches a reasonable valuation. 
security’s market value reflects its 
potential value based on the company’s 
   
underlying value. The adviser makes 
assets and prospects for earnings 
 
As part of the initial assessment, 
that determination based upon the 
growth. In making that assessment, the 
 
Pioneer’s research teams evaluate a 
same criteria it uses to select 
teams employ a disciplined stock 
 
security’s potential value based on 
portfolio securities. 
valuation approach combined with 
 
the company’s assets and prospects 
 
fundamental research, and an evaluation 
 
for earnings growth. In making that 
 
of the issuer based on its financial 
 
assessment, the teams employ a 
 
statements and operations. The research 
 
disciplined stock valuation approach 
 
teams focus on the quality and price 
 
combined with fundamental research, 
 
of individual issuers, not on economic 
 
and an evaluation of the issuer based 
 
sector or market-timing strategies. The 
 
on its financial statements and 
 
fund’s portfolio includes securities from 
 
operations. The research teams focus 
 
a broad range of market sectors that 
 
on the quality and price of individual 
 
have received favorable rankings 
 
issuers, not on economic sector or 
 
from the research teams. Factors for 
 
market-timing strategies. The fund’s 
 
selecting investments include: 
 
portfolio includes securities from a 
 
• Favorable expected returns relative to 
 
broad range of market sectors that 
 
perceived risk 
 
have received favorable rankings 
 
• Above average potential for earnings 
 
from the research teams. Factors 
 
and revenue growth 
 
for selecting investments include: 
 
• Low market valuations relative to 
 
• Favorable expected returns 
 
earnings forecast, book value, cash flow 
 
relative to perceived risk 
 
and sales 
 
• Above average potential for 
 
• A sustainable competitive advantage, 
 
earnings and revenue growth 
 
such as a brand name, customer base, 
 
• Low market valuations relative to 
 
proprietary technology or economies 
 
earnings forecast, book value, cash 
 
of scale 
 
flow and sales 
   
 
• A sustainable competitive 
   
 
advantage, such as a brand name, 
   
 
customer base, proprietary 
   
 
technology or economies of scale 
   
 
 
28
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Portfolio turnover 
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A 
 
higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held 
 
in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the 
 
fund’s performance. 
   
  During the most recent fiscal year, the
During the most recent fiscal year, the 
 
 
fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 
fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% 
 
 
94% of the average value of its 
of the average value of its portfolio. 
 
 
portfolio. 
   
Non-U.S. 
The fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. issuers are 
investments 
issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities may be issued by 
 
non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational organizations, such as the World 
 
Bank and the European Union. 
   
 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
The fund may invest up to 30% of its 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its total 
 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. 
 
issuers. The fund will not invest more 
issuers. Up to 10% of the fund’s total 
The fund will not invest more than 5% of 
 
than 5% of its total assets in the 
assets may be invested in securities 
its total assets in the securities of 
 
securities of emerging market issuers. 
of emerging market issuers. 
emerging market issuers. 
Debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the fund may acquire debt securities that are 
 
investment grade, but the fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities (known as “junk bonds”), including 
 
below investment grade convertible debt securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four 
 
categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the 
 
adviser. 
   
 
The fund may invest a portion of its 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
The fund may invest a portion of its assets 
 
assets not invested in equity 
total assets in debt securities of U.S. 
not invested in equity securities in debt 
 
securities in debt securities. Generally 
and non-U.S. issuers. The fund may 
securities. Generally the fund may 
 
the fund may acquire investment 
invest up to 5% of its net assets in below 
acquire investment grade debt 
 
grade debt securities that are issued 
investment grade debt securities, 
securities that are issued by both U.S. 
 
by both U.S. and non-U.S. 
including below investment grade 
and non-U.S. corporate and government 
 
corporate and government issuers, 
convertible debt securities. 
issuers, but the fund may invest up to 
 
but the fund may invest up to 5% 
 
5% of its net assets in below investment 
 
of its net assets in below investment 
 
grade debt securities, including below 
 
grade debt securities, including 
 
investment grade convertible debt 
 
below investment grade convertible 
 
securities. 
 
debt securities. 
   
  The fund may invest in debt securities
The fund may invest in debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities 
 
rated “D” or better, or comparable 
rated “C” or better, or comparable 
rated “D” or better, or comparable unrated 
 
unrated securities. Debt securities 
unrated securities. 
securities. Debt securities rated “D” are 
 
rated “D” are in default. 
 
in default. 
Derivatives 
The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency 
 
exchange contracts, swaps and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by 
 
reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The 
 
fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: 
 
 
• As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates 
 
• As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities 
 
 
• To attempt to increase the fund’s return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative 
 
• To manage portfolio characteristics 
   
 
 
The fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law 
 
and regulations. 
   
Cash management 
Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective(s). The fund may invest the 
and temporary 
remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. 
investments 
For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal 
 
investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The fund may adopt a defensive 
 
strategy when the adviser believes securities in which the fund normally invests have special or unusual risks or are less 
 
attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the 
 
fund to achieve its investment objective. 
 
 
 
29
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Reverse repurchase 
The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the fund transfers securities to a counterparty in 
agreements and 
return for cash, and the fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. Reverse repurchase 
borrowing 
agreements are treated as borrowings by the fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value of an investment in the 
 
fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the fund. The fund also may borrow money from banks or other 
 
lenders for temporary purposes. The fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. Entering into reverse repurchase 
 
agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to 
 
do so in order to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. 
 
Short-term trading 
The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held 
 
for a short time, if it no longer meets the fund’s investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional 
 
operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable 
 
income or capital gains. 
   
Investment adviser 
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 
   
Portfolio managers 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
 
portfolio is the responsibility of John 
portfolio is the responsibility of Edward 
portfolio will be the responsibility of John 
 
Peckham (portfolio manager of the 
T. Shadek Jr., senior vice president of 
Peckham. Mr. Peckham will be supported 
 
fund since 2011). Mr. Peckham is 
Pioneer (portfolio manager of the fund 
by Ashesh Savla and Brian Popiel. The 
 
supported by Ashesh Savla (portfolio 
since 2012), and John Peckham, senior 
portfolio managers draw upon the 
 
manager of the fund since 2005) and 
vice president of Pioneer and co-head of 
research and investment management 
 
Brian Popiel (portfolio manager of 
equity research – U.S. (portfolio 
expertise of the firm’s research teams, 
 
the fund since 2011). The portfolio 
manager of the fund since 2012). Mr. 
which provide fundamental and 
 
managers draw upon the research 
Shadek joined Pioneer in January 
quantitative research on companies on 
 
and investment management 
2012. Prior to joining Pioneer, he was 
a global basis and include members from 
 
expertise of the firm’s research 
co-founder and portfolio manager at 
Pioneer’s affiliate, Pioneer Investment 
 
teams, which provide fundamental 
Shaylor Capital. From 1997 to 2009, 
Management Limited. John Peckham, 
 
and quantitative research on 
Mr. Shadek was senior managing 
vice president and co-head of equity 
 
companies on a global basis and 
director and deputy head of investments 
research – U.S., joined Pioneer in 2002. 
 
include members from Pioneer’s 
at Putnam Investments. Mr. Peckham 
Ashesh Savla, senior quantitative 
 
affiliate, Pioneer Investment 
joined Pioneer in 2002. 
research analyst, joined Pioneer in 2003. 
 
Management Limited. John 
 
Brian Popiel, fundamental research 
 
Peckham, vice president and co-head 
The fund’s statement of additional 
analyst, joined Pioneer in 2011. 
 
of equity research – U.S., joined 
information provides additional 
 
 
Pioneer in 2002. Ashesh Savla, 
information about the portfolio 
 
 
senior quantitative research analyst, 
managers’ compensation, other 
 
 
joined Pioneer in 2003. Brian 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
 
 
Popiel, fundamental research 
managers, and the portfolio managers’ 
 
 
analyst, joined Pioneer in 2011. 
ownership of shares of the fund. 
 
 
 
The fund’s statement of additional 
   
 
information provides additional 
   
 
information about the portfolio 
   
 
managers’ compensation, other 
   
 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
   
 
managers, and the portfolio 
   
 
managers’ ownership of shares of 
   
 
the fund. 
   
Fiscal Year End 
August 31 
June 30 
August 31 
Business 
A diversified series of Pioneer Series 
A diversified series of Pioneer Series 
A diversified series of Pioneer Series 
 
Trust V, an open-end management 
Trust III, an open-end management 
Trust III, an open-end management 
 
investment company organized as 
investment company organized as 
investment company organized as 
 
a Delaware statutory trust. 
a Delaware statutory trust. 
a Delaware statutory trust. 
Net assets (as of 
$43 million 
$1.82 billion 
$1.86 billion (pro forma) 
December 31, 
     
2012) 
     
 
 
30
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Comparison of Principal Risks
 
   The following describes the risks of investing in each of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and the combined fund:
 
Market risk. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility in recent years. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policy making uncertainty. The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that invest in sovereign debt and related investments have fallen, credit has become more scarce worldwide and there has been significant uncertainty in the markets. Some governmental and non-governmental issuers (notably in Europe) have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; and many other issuers have faced difficulties refinancing existing obligations. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including in the U.S., Europe and beyond. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the adviser, and whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
 
Value style risk. The prices of securities the adviser believes are undervalued may not appreciate as expected or may go down. Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market.
 
Portfolio selection risk. The adviser’s judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.
 
Issuer focus risk. The fund may invest in fewer than 40 securities and, as a result, the fund’s performance may be more volatile that the performance of funds holding more securities.
 
Risks of non-U.S. investments. Investing in non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include:
 
·  
Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices
 
·  
Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the fund’s securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
 
·  
Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the fund’s investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars
 
·  
The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession
 
·  
Economic, political, regulatory and social developments may adversely affect the securities markets
 
·  
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer in the courts of a foreign country
 
·  
Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund’s return
 
·  
Some markets in which the fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries
 
 
31
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
·  
A governmental entity may delay, or refuse or be unable to pay, interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms
 
Risks of initial public offerings. Companies involved in initial public offering (IPOs) generally have limited operating histories, and prospects for future profitability are uncertain. The market for IPO issuers has been volatile, and share prices of newly public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Further, stocks of newly-public companies may decline shortly after the IPO. There is no assurance that the fund will have access to IPOs. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. The market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There may be only a limited number of shares available for trading. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices.
 
Debt securities risk. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative.
 
Market segment risk. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation.
 
Industries in the industrials segment, such as companies engaged in the production, distribution or service of products or equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction, can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including such factors as employment and economic growth, interest rate changes, changes in consumer spending, legislative and governmental regulation and spending, import controls, commodity prices, and worldwide competition.
 
Industries in the health care segment, such as health care supplies, health care services, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, may be significantly affected by government regulation and reimbursement rates, approval of products by government agencies, and patent expirations and litigation.
 
Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
 
Industries in the consumer staples segment, such as food and drug retailing, beverages, food and tobacco products, household products and personal products, are subject to government regulation affecting ingredients and production methods. These industries also may be affected by competition, changes in consumer tastes and other factors affecting supply and demand, and litigation.
 
Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are generally subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
 
Derivatives risk. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund’s net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund, and they can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the fund’s initial investment. If changes in a derivative’s value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund’s other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at
 
32
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
 
Leveraging risk. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.
 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.
 
Cash management risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objective.
 
Expense risk. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
 
In addition to the common risks of investing in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund noted above, the following are additional principal risks of an investment in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund or the combined fund:
 
Small and mid-size companies risk. Compared to large companies, small- and mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.
 
Portfolio turnover risk. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains.
 
The following is an additional principal risk of an investment in Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund:
 
Mid-size companies risk. Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at the times and prices the subadviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.
 
 
 
33
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Comparison of Fees and Expenses
 
     Shareholders of both Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund pay various fees and expenses, either directly or indirectly. The tables below show the fees and expenses that you would pay if you were to buy and hold shares of each Pioneer Fund. The expenses in the tables appearing below are based on (i) for your fund, the expenses of your fund for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2012, and (ii) for Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, the expenses of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. Future expenses for all share classes may be greater or less. The tables also show the pro forma expenses of the combined fund assuming the Reorganization occurred on December 31, 2012. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. As the accounting survivor, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s operating history will be used for the combined fund’s financial reporting purposes.
 
             
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
 
Disciplined 
 Fundamental
 Combined Fund 
Disciplined 
Fundamental 
Combined Fund 
 
Value Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
Value Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
 
August 31, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
August 31, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
           
(paid directly from your investment) 
    Class A 
Class A 
    Class A 
    Class C 
Class C 
Class C 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
           
shares as a percentage of offering price 
5.75% 
5.75% 
5.75% 
None 
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
           
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
           
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
           
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
           
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
           
Management Fee 
0.65% 
0.66% 
0.62% 
0.65% 
0.66% 
0.62% 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Other Expenses 
0.81% 
0.28% 
0.27% 
0.69% 
0.30% 
0.30% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (1) 
1.71% 
1.19% 
1.14% 
2.34% 
1.96% 
1.92% 
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitations (1) 
-0.46% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
      -0.19% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Net Expenses (1) 
1.25% 
1.19% 
1.14% 
2.15% 
1.96% 
1.92% 
 
 
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
 
Disciplined 
 Fundamental
Combined Fund 
 
Value Fund 
Value Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
 
August 31, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
     
(paid directly from your investment) 
    Class Y 
Class Y 
    Class Y 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
     
shares as a percentage of offering price 
None 
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
     
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
     
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
     
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
     
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
     
Management Fee 
0.65% 
0.66% 
0.62% 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
None 
None 
None 
Other Expenses 
0.38% 
0.19% 
0.19% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (1) 
1.03% 
0.85% 
0.81% 
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitations (1) 
-0.13%  
0.00% 
0.00% 
Net Expenses (1) 
0.90% 
0.85% 
0.81% 
 
 
 
 
34
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

(1)     
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses (ordinary operating expenses means all fund expenses other than extraordinary expenses, such as litigation, taxes and brokerage commissions) to the extent required to reduce Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 0.90% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively. Acquired fund fees and expenses are not included in the expense limitations noted above. These expense limitations are in effect through January 1, 2014. Pioneer has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses of the combined fund to the extent required to reduce expenses to 1.20%, 2.10% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C, and Class Y shares, respectively.
 
 
 
Examples:
 
The examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in each fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each fund for the time periods shown, and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The examples also assume that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) each fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same except for year one (which considers the effect of the expense limitation). Pro forma expenses are included assuming consummation of the Reorganization as of December 31, 2012. The examples are for comparison purposes only and are not a representation of any fund’s actual expenses or returns, either past or future. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
   
Pioneer 
Pioneer
 
Number of years 
Disciplined  
Fundamental
Combined Fund 
you own your shares 
Value Fund 
Value 
(Pro Forma) 
Class A – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 695 
$ 689 
$ 685 
Year 3 
$1,041 
$ 931 
$ 916 
Year 5 
$1,409 
$1,192 
$1,167 
Year 10 
$2,442 
$1,935 
$1,881 
Class A – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 695 
$ 689 
$ 685 
Year 3 
$1,041 
$ 931 
$ 916 
Year 5 
$1,409 
$1,192 
$1,167 
Year 10 
$2,442 
$1,935 
$1,881 
Class C – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 318 
$ 299 
$ 295 
Year 3 
$ 712 
$ 615 
$ 603 
Year 5 
$1,233 
$1,057 
$1,037 
Year 10 
$2,662 
$2,285 
$2,243 
Class C – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 218 
$ 199 
$ 195 
Year 3 
$ 712 
$ 615 
$ 603 
Year 5 
$1,233 
$1,057 
$1,037 
Year 10 
$2,662 
$2,285 
$2,243 
Class Y – with or without redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 92 
$ 87 
$ 83 
Year 3 
$ 315 
$ 271 
$ 259 
Year 5 
$ 556 
$ 471 
$ 450 
Year 10 
$1,248 
$1,049 
$1,002 
 
 
35
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Comparison of the Funds’ Performance
 
     The bar charts and tables below indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the funds by showing how the funds have performed in the past. The bar charts show changes in the performance of each fund’s Class A shares from calendar year to calendar year. The tables show average annual total returns for each class of shares of a fund over time and compare these returns to a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the fund’s investment strategies. You can obtain updated performance information by visiting https://us.pioneerinvestments.com/performance or by calling 1-800-225-6292. A fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The bar charts do not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy fund shares. If this amount was reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
 
     Upon consummation of the Reorganization, (i) the historical performance of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will become the combined fund’s historical performance, and (ii) the combined fund will compare its performance to the Russell 1000 Value Index.
 
     Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Cullen Value Fund (the predecessor fund) on February 25, 2005. The performance of Class A shares of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund includes the net asset value performance of the predecessor fund’s single class of shares prior to the Reorganization, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). If all the expenses of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund were reflected, the performance would be lower. Cullen Capital Management LLC served as the investment adviser to the predecessor fund and as Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s subadviser through July 31, 2012.
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s highest quarterly return was 16.14% for the quarter ended 9/30/2009, and the lowest quarterly return was -18.76% for the quarter ended 12/31/2008.
 
 
 
36
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s highest quarterly return was 19.12% for the quarter ended 12/31/2003, and the lowest quarterly return was -18.48% for the quarter ended 12/31/2008.
 
 
 
37
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
                           
Average Annual Total Returns (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 2012)
 
                     
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                       
12/15/05 
Return Before Taxes 
    7.01       -0.68       N/A       2.53    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    6.33       -2.09       N/A       1.16    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    4.84       -1.30       N/A       1.54    
Class C 
    12.42       N/A       N/A       3.40  
7/17/08 
Class Y 
    14.03       N/A       N/A       4.14  
7/31/08 
Russell 1000 Value Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    17.51       0.59       7.38       3.12  
12/15/05 
 
 
                           
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                               
7/1/00 
Return Before Taxes 
    4.89       -2.25       7.09       5.83    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    3.55       -2.75       6.66       5.45    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    3.18       -2.16       6.04       4.96    
Class C 
    10.44       -1.84       N/A       2.46  
2/28/05 
Class Y 
    11.68       -0.73       N/A       3.68  
2/28/05 
Russell 1000 Value Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)(1) 
    17.51       0.59       7.38       4.89  
7/1/00 
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    16.00       1.66       7.10       1.76  
7/1/00 
 
(1)     
Effective June 30, 2012, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund changed its benchmark from the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to the Russell 1000 Value Index because the latter index is more consistent with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s investment strategies.
 
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold a Pioneer Fund’s shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares. After-tax returns for Class C and Class Y shares of each Pioneer Fund will vary.
 
 
38
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Management fees 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund will pay Pioneer a fee for 
 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the cost 
managing the fund and to cover the cost 
 
cost of providing certain services to 
of providing certain services to the fund. 
of providing certain services to the fund. 
 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee is 
Pioneer’s annual fee is equal to 0.70% 
Pioneer’s annual fee will be equal to 0.65% 
 
equal to 0.65% of the fund’s average 
of the fund’s average daily net assets 
of the fund’s average daily net assets 
 
daily net assets up to $1 billion, 
up to $1 billion, 0.65% of the next 
up to $1 billion, 0.60% of the next 
 
0.60% of the next $4 billion and 
$1 billion, 0.60% of the next $1 billion, 
$2 billion, 0.55% of the next 4.5 billion 
 
0.55% on assets over $5 billion. The 
0.55% on the next $4.5 billion, and 
and 0.525% on assets over $7.5 billion. 
 
fee is accrued daily and paid 
0.525% on assets over $7.5 billion. 
The fee will be accrued daily and 
 
monthly. 
The fee is accrued daily and paid 
paid monthly. 
   
monthly. 
 
 
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 
   
 
2012, the fund paid management 
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, 
 
 
fees (excluding waivers and/or 
the fund paid management fees 
 
 
assumption of expenses) equivalent 
(excluding waivers and/or assumption of 
 
 
to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily 
expenses) equivalent to 0.62% of the 
 
 
net assets. 
fund’s average daily net assets. 
 
 
 
A discussion regarding the basis for 
A discussion regarding the basis for the 
 
 
the Board of Trustees’ approval of the 
Board of Trustees’ approval of the 
 
 
management contract is available in 
management contract is available in the 
 
 
the fund’s semi-annual report to 
fund’s semiannual report to shareholders 
 
 
shareholders for the period ended 
for the period ended December 31, 2012. 
 
 
February 29, 2012. 
   
 
For a comparison of the gross and net expenses of each fund, please see the class fee tables in the “Comparison of Fees and 
 
Expenses” section starting on page 34. 
   
 
 
39
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Reasons for the Reorganization
 
     The Trustees of your fund believe that the proposed Reorganization will be advantageous to the shareholders of your fund for several reasons. The Trustees considered the following matters, among others, in approving the proposal.
 
     First, the Board considered that the portfolio management team that currently manages your fund will continue to manage the combined fund after the Reorganization, using the investment strategies and policies of your fund. The Board considered that combining the funds would enable Pioneer to focus resources on its research investment team, which has produced favorable investment performance for your fund over recent years.
 
     Second, the Board considered that the combined fund may be better positioned to attract assets than your fund and that the larger size of the combined fund may result in greater economies of scale because the fund may be able to obtain better net prices on securities trades and reduce per share expenses as fixed expenses are shared over a larger asset base.
 
     Third, the Board considered that the historical performance of your fund will become the historical performance of the combined fund, and considered the historical performance of your fund as compared to a peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board considered that Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s annualized total return was in the third quintile of its Morningstar category for the one year period ended June 30, 2012, in the fourth quintile of its Morningstar category for the three year period ended June 30, 2012, and in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the five year period ended June 30, 2012. The Board considered that your fund’s performance was higher than Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s performance for the one, three and five year periods ended January 3, 2013.
 
     Fourth, the Board considered that the management fee of the combined fund will be the same as the management fee payable by your fund on assets under management up to $3 billion and will be lower on assets over $3 billion.
 
     Fifth, the Board considered that the expense ratio for the corresponding class of the combined fund resulting from the Reorganization will be equal to or less than the expense ratio of your fund.
 
     Sixth, the Board considered the ability of the combined fund to utilize certain tax capital-loss carryforwards in the future.
 
     Seventh, the Board considered that your fund would not bear any of the expenses incurred in connection the Reorganization, including expenses associated with the preparation, printing and mailing of any shareholder communications (including this Information Statement/Prospectus), any filings with the SEC and other governmental agencies in connection with the Reorganization, audit fees and legal fees. The Board considered that Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund would bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization. The Board considered that Pioneer would bear 75% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
 
     Eighth, the Board recognized that the portfolio managers of the combined fund may conclude that a significant number of holdings of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund are not consistent with the combined fund’s long-term investment strategy and may dispose of such positions. The Board considered that the disposition of securities following the Reorganization could result in capital gains to the combined fund and could also result in significant brokerage expense to the combined fund. However, the Board considered that the actual tax consequences of any disposition of portfolio securities will vary depending upon the specific security(ies) being sold.
 
     Ninth, the Board considered that the Pioneer Funds’ investment adviser and principal distributor would benefit from the Reorganization. For example, Pioneer might achieve cost savings from managing one larger fund compared to managing more than one fund with similar investment strategies. The consolidated portfolio management effort also might result in time and personnel savings and the preparation of fewer reports and regulatory filings, as well as prospectus disclosure, for one fund instead of two. The Board believes the Reorganization, in the long-term, could result in a decrease in the combined fund’s gross expenses and a corresponding decrease in fees waived under a contractual expense limit arrangement with respect to the combined fund.
 
     Tenth, the Board also considered that the Reorganization presents an excellent opportunity for the shareholders of each Pioneer Fund to become investors in a combined fund that has a larger asset size than either Pioneer Fund alone without the obligation to pay commissions or other transaction costs that a fund normally incurs when purchasing securities. This opportunity provides an economic benefit to both Pioneer Funds and their shareholders.
 
 
40
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of each Pioneer Fund as of February 26, 2013, and the pro forma combined capitalization of the combined fund as if the Reorganization occurred on that date. The actual exchange ratios on the Closing Date may vary from the exchange ratios indicated. This is due to changes in the market value of the portfolio securities of the Pioneer Funds between February 26, 2013 and the Closing Date, changes in the amount of undistributed net investment income and net realized capital gains of the Pioneer Funds during that period resulting from income and distributions, and changes in the accrued liabilities of the Pioneer Funds during the same period.
 
    Pioneer     Pioneer              
    Disciplined     Fundamental    
Combined Fund
     Pro Forma  
   
 Value
   
 Value
   
Pro Forma
   
Combined
 
   
Fund
   
Fund
   
Adjustments(1)
   
 Fund
 
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
 
Net Assets 
                       
Class A 
  $ 3,004,577     $ 855,118,208     $ (7,840 )    $ 858,114,945  
Class B 
        $ 34,013,777     $ (311 )    $ 34,013,466  
Class C 
  $ 885,792     $ 224,471,820     $ (2,059 )    $ 225,355,553  
Class R 
        $ 24,120,817     $ (220 )    $ 24,120,597  
Class Y 
  $ 40,687,293     $ 577,948,010     $ (5,652 )    $ 618,629,651  
Class Z 
        $ 18,434,763           $ 18,434,763  
Total Net Assets 
  $ 44,577,662     $ 1,734,107,395     $ (16,082 )    $ 1,778,668,975  
Net Asset Value Per Share 
                               
Class A 
  $ 9.02     $ 19.13           $ 19.13  
Class B 
        $ 19.08           $ 19.08  
Class C 
  $ 9.05     $ 19.01           $ 19.01  
Class R 
        $ 18.85           $ 18.85  
Class Y 
  $ 9.16     $ 19.18           $ 19.18  
Class Z 
        $ 19.00           $ 19.00  
Shares Outstanding 
                               
Class A 
    332,953       44,698,545             44,855,606  
Class B 
          1,782,809             1,782,809  
Class C 
    97,889       11,808,986             11,855,582  
Class R 
          1,279,384             1,279,384  
Class Y 
    4,442,767       30,140,139             32,261,479  
Class Z 
          970,184             1,970,184  
 
(1)     
The pro forma data reflects adjustments to account for the combined expenses of the Reorganization borne by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund. The expenses of the Reorganization borne by the Pioneer Funds are estimated in the aggregate to be $16,082. Because of a class specific expense limitation, the expenses of Class Z shares will not increase as a result of the payment of any Reorganization costs. Pioneer will bear the remaining expenses of the Reorganization.
 
     It is impossible to predict how many shares of the combined fund will actually be received and distributed by your fund on the Closing Date. The table should not be relied upon to determine the amount of combined fund shares that will actually be received and distributed.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     For information relating to each fund and the Reorganization, including tax capital loss carryforwards, the tax status of the Reorganization, how to buy, sell or exchange Fund shares, how each fund values its securities, financial highlights information and ownership of shares of the funds, please see the sections beginning on page 76.
 
BOARDS’ EVALUATION OF THE REORGANIZATION
 
     For the reasons described above, the Board of Trustees of your fund, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. In particular, the Board of Trustees determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of your fund and that the interests of your fund’s shareholders would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. Similarly, the Board of Trustees of the fund with which your fund is reorganizing, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. The Trustees also determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of that fund and that the interests of the shareholders of that fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
 
 
41
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND WITH PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
(TO BE RENAMED PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND)
 
SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of more complete information appearing later in this Information Statement/Prospectus or incorporated herein. You should read carefully the entire Information Statement/Prospectus pertaining to your fund, including the form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization attached as Exhibit C, because it contains details that are not in the summary.
 
     The Board of Trustees of your fund has approved the Reorganization of the fund with Pioneer Independence Fund, another fund managed by Pioneer. Currently, the investment objective and investment strategies of Pioneer Independence Fund and your fund are similar, but there are certain differences. In addition, the funds currently are managed by different investment teams and pay different fees and expenses. The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Independence Fund has approved certain changes in connection with the Reorganization. Effective upon completion of the Reorganization:
 
·  
The combined fund will be named “Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund.”
 
·  
Your fund’s investment team will manage the combined fund.
 
·  
The combined fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as your fund.
 
·  
The historical performance of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will continue as the combined fund’s historical performance.
 
·  
The management fee payable by the combined fund will be the same as the management fee payable by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (an annual rate equal to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of the next $4 billion and 0.55% on assets over $5 billion).
 
     The tables below provide a comparison of certain features of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Independence Fund, and also show certain features of the combined fund, post-Reorganization, which, except as noted, are substantially similar to the corresponding features of your fund. In the table below, if a row extends across the entire table, the policy disclosed applies to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, Pioneer Independence Fund and the combined fund.
 
 
42
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Comparison of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund with Pioneer Independence Fund and the Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization
 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Investment 
Long-term capital growth. 
Capital growth. 
Long-term capital growth. 
objective
     
 
The fund’s investment objective may 
The fund’s investment objective may 
The fund’s investment objective may 
 
be changed without shareholder 
be changed without shareholder 
be changed without shareholder 
 
approval. The fund will provide at least 
approval. The fund will provide notice 
approval. The fund will provide at least 
 
30 days’ notice prior to implementing 
prior to implementing any change to 
30 days’ notice prior to implementing 
 
any change to its investment objective. 
its investment objective. 
any change to its investment objective. 
 
Principal 
The fund invests primarily in equity 
The fund invests at least 80% of its 
The fund invests primarily in equity 
investment 
securities of U.S. issuers. For 
assets in equity securities. For 
securities of U.S. issuers. For 
strategies 
purposes of the fund’s investment 
purposes of the fund’s investment 
purposes of the fund’s investment 
 
policies, equity securities include 
policies, equity securities include 
policies, equity securities include 
 
common stocks and other equity 
common stocks, convertible debt and 
common stocks and other equity 
 
instruments, such as exchange-traded 
other equity instruments, such as 
instruments, such as exchange-traded 
 
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in 
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that 
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in 
 
equity securities, preferred stocks, 
invest primarily in equity securities, 
equity securities, preferred stocks, 
 
depositary receipts, rights, equity 
depositary receipts, warrants, rights, 
depositary receipts, rights, equity 
 
interests in real estate investment 
equity interests in real estate 
interests in real estate investment 
 
trusts (REITs) and warrants. 
investment trusts (REITs) and 
trusts (REITs) and warrants. 
   
preferred stocks. 
 
 
The fund may invest in issuers of any 
 
The fund may invest in issuers of any 
 
market capitalization. The fund may 
The fund invests primarily in 
market capitalization. The fund may 
 
invest in securities in any industry or 
securities of U.S. issuers. The fund 
invest in securities in any industry or 
 
market sector. 
may invest up to 25% of its total 
market sector. 
   
assets in equity and debt securities of 
 
 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
non-U.S. issuers, including up to 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
10% of its assets in the securities of 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
 
issuers. The fund will not invest more 
emerging markets issuers. The fund 
issuers. The fund will not invest more 
 
than 5% of its total assets in the 
does not count securities of Canadian 
than 5% of its total assets in the 
 
securities of emerging market 
issuers against the limit on 
securities of emerging market 
 
issuers. The fund invests in non-U.S. 
investment in securities of non-U.S. 
issuers. The fund invests in non-U.S. 
 
securities to diversify its portfolio 
issuers. The fund invests in non-U.S. 
securities to diversify its portfolio 
 
when they offer similar or greater 
securities to diversify its portfolio 
when they offer similar or greater 
 
potential for capital appreciation 
when they offer similar or greater 
potential for capital appreciation 
 
compared to U.S. securities. The 
potential for capital appreciation 
compared to U.S. securities. The 
 
fund does not count securities of 
compared to U.S. securities. 
fund does not count securities of 
 
Canadian issuers against the 10% 
 
Canadian issuers against the 10% 
 
limit on investment in securities of 
The fund may invest up
limit on investment in securities of 
 
non-U.S. issuers. 
to 20% of its net assets
non-U.S. issuers. 
   
in REITs. 
 
       
 
The fund may invest a portion of its 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its 
The fund may invest a portion of its 
 
assets not invested in equity 
total assets in debt securities of U.S. 
assets not invested in equity 
 
securities in debt securities. Generally 
and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the 
securities in debt securities. Generally 
 
the fund may acquire investment 
fund acquires debt securities that are 
the fund may acquire investment 
 
grade debt securities that are issued 
investment grade, but the fund may 
grade debt securities that are issued 
 
by both U.S. and non-U.S. corporate 
invest up to 5% of its net assets in 
by both U.S. and non-U.S. corporate 
 
and government issuers, but the fund 
below investment grade debt 
and government issuers, but the fund 
 
may invest up to 5% of its net assets 
securities (known as “junk bonds”), 
may invest up to 5% of its net assets 
 
in below investment grade debt 
including below investment grade 
in below investment grade debt 
 
securities (known as “junk bonds”), 
convertible debt securities. The fund 
securities (known as “junk bonds”), 
 
including below investment grade 
invests in debt securities when 
including below investment grade 
 
convertible debt securities. The fund 
Pioneer believes they are consistent 
convertible debt securities. The fund 
 
invests in debt securities when 
with the fund’s investment objective 
invests in debt securities when 
 
Pioneer believes they are consistent 
of capital growth, to diversify the 
Pioneer believes they are consistent 
 
with the fund’s investment objective 
fund’s portfolio or for greater liquidity. 
with the fund’s investment objective 
 
of long-term capital growth, to 
 
of long-term capital growth, to 
 
diversify the fund’s portfolio or for 
To the extent consistent with its 
diversify the fund’s portfolio or for 
 
greater liquidity. 
investment objective, the fund may 
greater liquidity. 
   
invest in initial public offerings of 
 
   
equity securities. 
 
       
       
 
 
43
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
   
 
Pioneer uses a valuation-conscious 
Pioneer seeks securities selling at 
Pioneer uses a valuation-conscious 
 
approach to select the fund’s 
reasonable prices or substantial 
approach to select the fund’s 
 
investments based upon the 
discounts to their underlying values 
investments based upon the 
 
recommendations of Pioneer’s 
and then generally holds these 
recommendations of Pioneer’s 
 
research teams. Pioneer’s research 
securities until the market values 
research teams. Pioneer’s research 
 
teams support the portfolio 
reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer 
teams support the portfolio 
 
management teams that manage 
evaluates a security’s potential value, 
management teams that manage 
 
various Pioneer equity funds and 
including the attractiveness of its 
various Pioneer equity funds and 
 
provide recommendations for a 
market valuation, based on the 
provide recommendations for a 
 
universe of issuers that are publicly 
company’s assets and prospects for 
universe of issuers that are publicly 
 
traded in the U.S. and abroad. The 
earnings and revenue growth. In 
traded in the U.S. and abroad. The 
 
fund seeks to benefit from this 
making that assessment, Pioneer 
fund seeks to benefit from this 
 
research effort by selecting securities 
employs fundamental research and 
research effort by selecting securities 
 
that are highly ranked by the teams 
an evaluation of the issuer based on 
that are highly ranked by the teams 
 
and selling at attractive prices. 
its financial statements and 
and selling at attractive prices. 
   
operations. Pioneer relies on the 
 
 
The research teams use a two-step 
knowledge, experience and judgment
The research teams use a two-step 
 
process in selecting securities that 
of its staff and the staff of its affiliates
process in selecting securities that 
 
combines fundamental and 
who have access to a wide variety of
combines fundamental and 
 
quantitative research. First, the teams 
research. Pioneer focuses on the
quantitative research. First, the teams 
 
assess whether a company’s 
quality and price of individual issuers
assess whether a company’s 
 
fundamentals – financial condition, 
and securities, not on economic 
fundamentals – financial condition, 
 
management, and position in its 
sector or market-timing strategies. 
management, and position in its 
 
industry – indicate strong prospects 
Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting
industry – indicate strong prospects 
 
for growth and attractive valuations. 
investments include: 
for growth and attractive valuations. 
 
Second, the teams employ a 
• Estimated private market value in 
Second, the teams employ a 
 
quantitative, growth-oriented 
excess of current stock price. Private 
quantitative, growth-oriented approach 
 
approach to construct the fund’s 
market value is the price an 
to construct the fund’s portfolio, 
 
portfolio, emphasizing those 
independent investor would pay to 
emphasizing those securities believed 
 
securities believed to have attractive 
own the entire company 
to have attractive prospects for 
 
prospects for earnings and revenue 
• Above average potential for 
earnings and revenue growth. A 
 
growth. A security may be sold if its 
earnings and revenue growth 
security may be sold if its ranking by 
 
ranking by the research team is 
• Management with demonstrated 
the research team is reduced or the 
 
reduced or the security price reaches 
ability and commitment to the 
security price reaches a reasonable 
 
a reasonable valuation. 
company 
valuation. 
        • Low market valuations relative to  
 
As part of its initial assessment, 
    earnings forecast, book value, cash
As part of its initial assessment, 
 
Pioneer’s research teams evaluate a 
    flow and sales 
Pioneer’s research teams evaluate a 
 
security’s potential value based on 
 
security’s potential value based on the 
 
the company’s assets and prospects 
 
company’s assets and prospects for 
 
for earnings growth. In making that 
 
earnings growth. In making that 
 
assessment, the teams employ a 
 
assessment, the teams employ a 
 
disciplined stock valuation approach 
 
disciplined stock valuation approach 
 
combined with fundamental research, 
 
combined with fundamental research, 
 
and an evaluation of the issuer based 
 
and an evaluation of the issuer based 
 
on its financial statements and 
 
on its financial statements and 
 
operations. The research teams focus 
 
operations. The research teams focus 
 
on the quality and price of individual 
 
on the quality and price of individual 
 
issuers, not on economic sector or 
 
issuers, not on economic sector or 
 
market-timing strategies. The fund’s 
 
market-timing strategies. The fund’s 
 
portfolio includes securities from a 
 
portfolio includes securities from a 
 
broad range of market sectors that 
 
broad range of market sectors that 
 
have received favorable rankings 
 
have received favorable rankings from 
 
from the research teams. Factors for 
 
the research teams. Factors for 
 
selecting investments include: 
 
selecting investments include: 
 
• Favorable expected returns relative 
 
• Favorable expected returns relative 
 
to perceived risk 
 
to perceived risk 
 
• Above average potential for 
 
• Above average potential for earnings 
 
earnings and revenue growth 
 
and revenue growth 
 
• Low market valuations relative to 
 
• Low market valuations relative to 
 
earnings forecast, book value, cash 
 
earnings forecast, book value, cash 
 
flow and sales 
 
flow and sales 
 
• A sustainable competitive 
 
• A sustainable competitive 
 
advantage, such as a brand name, 
 
advantage, such as a brand name, 
 
customer base, proprietary 
 
customer base, proprietary 
 
technology or economies of scale 
 
technology or economies of scale 
 
 
44
 
 
 

 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Portfolio turnover 
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). 
 
A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares 
 
are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, 
 
affect the fund’s performance. 
   
 
During the most recent fiscal year, the 
During the most recent fiscal year, the 
 
 
fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 75% 
fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 71% 
 
 
of the average value of its portfolio. 
of the average value of its portfolio. 
 
Non-U.S. 
The fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. issuers 
investments 
are issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities may be 
 
issued by non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational organizations, such 
 
as the World Bank and the European Union. 
 
 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
The fund may invest up to 25% of its 
The fund may invest up to 10% of its 
 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
total assets in equity and debt 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
 
issuers. The fund will not invest more 
securities of non-U.S. issuers, 
issuers. The fund will not invest more 
 
than 5% of its total assets in the 
including up to 10% of its assets in the 
than 5% of its total assets in the 
 
securities of emerging market issuers. 
securities of emerging markets issuers. 
securities of emerging market issuers. 
Investments 
REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some 
in REITs 
REITs invest directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and capital gains on the sale of 
 
properties. Other REITs invest primarily in mortgages, including “sub-prime” mortgages, secured by real estate and derive 
 
their income from collection of interest. 
   
 
There is no stated limit with respect to 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its 
There is no stated limit with respect to 
 
the fund’s investments in REITs. 
net assets in REITs. 
the fund’s investments in REITs. 
Debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the fund may acquire debt securities that are 
 
investment grade, but the fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities (known as “junk bonds”), including below 
 
investment grade convertible debt securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories 
 
by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the adviser. 
 
The fund may invest a portion of its 
The fund may invest up to 20% 
The fund may invest a portion of 
 
assets not invested in equity securities 
of its total assets in debt securities 
its assets not invested in equity 
 
in debt securities. Generally the fund 
of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally 
securities in debt securities. Generally 
 
may acquire investment grade debt 
the fund acquires debt securities 
the fund may acquire investment 
 
securities that are issued by both U.S. 
that are investment grade, but the 
grade debt securities that are issued 
 
and non-U.S. corporate and government 
fund may invest up to 5% of its net 
by both U.S. and non-U.S. corporate 
 
issuers, but the fund may invest up to 
assets in below investment grade 
and government issuers, but the fund 
 
5% of its net assets in below investment 
debt securities, including below 
may invest up to 5% of its net assets 
 
grade debt securities, including below 
investment grade convertible 
in below investment grade debt 
 
investment grade convertible 
debt securities. 
securities, including below investment 
 
debt securities. 
 
grade convertible debt securities. 
 
The fund may invest in debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities 
 
rated “D” or better, or comparable 
rated “C” or better, or comparable 
rated “D” or better, or comparable 
 
unrated securities. Debt securities 
unrated securities. 
unrated securities. Debt securities 
 
rated “D” are in default. 
 
rated “D” are in default. 
Derivatives 
The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign 
 
currency exchange contracts, swaps and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is 
 
determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial 
 
instruments. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: 
 
 
• As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates 
 
• As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities 
 
 
• To attempt to increase the fund’s return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative 
 
• To manage portfolio characteristics 
   
 
The fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law 
 
and regulations. 
   
Cash management 
Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The fund may invest the remainder 
and temporary 
of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. For 
investments 
temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal 
 
investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The fund may adopt a 
 
defensive strategy when the adviser believes securities in which the fund normally invests have special or unusual risks or 
 
are less attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such periods, it may be more 
 
difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objective. 
 
 
 
45
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Reverse repurchase 
The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the fund transfers securities to a counterparty in 
agreements and 
return for cash, and the fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. Reverse repurchase 
borrowing 
agreements are treated as borrowings by the fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value of an investment in the 
 
fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the fund. The fund also may borrow money from banks or other 
 
lenders for temporary purposes. The fund may borrow up to 331/3% of its total assets. Entering into reverse repurchase 
 
agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous 
 
to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. 
 
Short-term trading 
The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been 
 
held for a short time, if it no longer meets the fund’s investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur 
 
additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of 
 
taxable income or capital gains. 
   
Investment adviser 
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 
   
Portfolio managers 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
Day-to-day management of the fund’s 
 
portfolio is the responsibility of Paul 
portfolio is the responsibility of 
portfolio will be the responsibility of 
 
Cloonan (portfolio manager of the 
Andrew Acheson (portfolio manager 
Paul Cloonan. Mr. Cloonan will be 
 
fund since 2010). Mr. Cloonan is 
of the fund since 2001). The portfolio 
supported by Ashesh Savla and Carol 
 
supported by Ashesh Savla (portfolio 
manager may draw upon the research 
Lintz. The portfolio managers draw 
 
manager of the fund since 2005) and 
and investment management 
upon the research and investment 
 
Carol Lintz (portfolio manager of the 
expertise of the research team, which 
management expertise of the firm’s 
 
fund since 2011). The portfolio 
provides fundamental and 
research teams, which provide 
 
managers draw upon the research and 
quantitative research on companies 
fundamental and quantitative 
 
investment management expertise of 
on a global basis and includes 
research on companies on a global 
 
the firm’s research teams, which 
members from Pioneer’s affiliate, 
basis and include members from 
 
provide fundamental and quantitative 
Pioneer Investment Management 
Pioneer’s affiliate, Pioneer Investment 
 
research on companies on a global 
Limited. Mr. Acheson, senior vice 
Management Limited. Paul Cloonan, 
 
basis and include members from 
president of Pioneer, joined Pioneer 
vice president and co-head of equity 
 
Pioneer’s affiliate, Pioneer Investment 
as a portfolio manager in May 2001 
research – U.S., joined Pioneer in 
 
Management Limited. Paul Cloonan, 
and has been an investment 
1997. Ashesh Savla, senior 
 
vice president and co-head of equity 
professional since 1994. 
quantitative research analyst, joined 
 
research – U.S., joined Pioneer in 
 
Pioneer in 2003. Carol Lintz, 
  1997. Ashesh Savla, senior
The fund’s statement of additional 
fundamental research analyst, joined 
 
quantitative research analyst, joined 
information provides additional 
Pioneer in 2006.
 
Pioneer in 2003. Carol Lintz, 
information about the portfolio 
 
 
fundamental research analyst, joined 
managers’ compensation, other 
 
 
Pioneer in 2006. 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
 
   
managers, and the portfolio 
 
 
The fund’s statement of additional 
managers’ ownership of shares of 
 
 
information provides additional 
the fund. 
 
 
information about the portfolio 
   
 
managers’ compensation, other 
   
 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
   
 
managers, and the portfolio managers’ 
   
 
ownership of shares of the fund. 
   
Fiscal Year End 
August 31 
December 31 
August 31 
Business 
A diversified series of Pioneer Series 
A diversified, open-end management 
A diversified, open-end management 
 
Trust V, an open-end management 
investment company organized as a 
investment company organized as a 
 
investment company organized as a 
Delaware statutory trust. 
Delaware statutory trust. 
 
Delaware statutory trust. 
   
Net assets (as of 
$43 million 
$812 million 
$854 million (pro forma) 
December 31, 2012) 
     
 
 
46
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Comparison of Principal Risks
 
   The following describes the risks of investing in each of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, Pioneer Independence Fund and the combined fund:
 
Market risk. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility in recent years. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policy making uncertainty. The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that invest in sovereign debt and related investments have fallen, credit has become more scarce worldwide and there has been significant uncertainty in the markets. Some governmental and non-governmental issuers (notably in Europe) have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; and many other issuers have faced difficulties refinancing existing obligations. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including in the U.S., Europe and beyond. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the adviser, and whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
 
Growth style risk. The fund’s investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market.
 
Portfolio selection risk. The adviser’s judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.
 
Risks of non-U.S. investments. Investing in non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include:
 
·  
Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices
 
·  
Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the fund’s securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
 
·  
Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the fund’s investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars
 
·  
The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession
 
·  
Economic, political, regulatory and social developments may adversely affect the securities markets
 
·  
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer in the courts of a foreign country
 
·  
Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund’s return
 
·  
Some markets in which the fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries
 
·  
A governmental entity may delay, or refuse or be unable to pay, interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms
 
 
47
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Risks of investments in REITs. The fund has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although the fund does not invest directly in real estate, it may invest in REITs and other equity securities of real estate industry issuers. These risks may include:
 
·  
The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic conditions, foreclosures, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated rents or other causes
 
·  
Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other purposes and reduce the value of a REIT’s fixed income investments
 
·  
The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real estate industry issuers may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural disasters or increased operating expenses
 
·  
A REIT in the fund’s portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be, poorly managed
 
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are typically invested in a limited number of projects or in a particular market segment or geographic region, and therefore are more susceptible to adverse developments affecting a single project, market segment or geographic region than more broadly diversified investments. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial resources and may experience sharper swings in market values and trade less frequently and in a more limited volume than securities of larger issuers. In addition to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests.
 
Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a real estate company’s operations and market value. In addition, capital to pay or refinance a REIT’s debt may not be available or reasonably priced. Financial covenants related to real estate company leveraging may affect the company’s ability to operate effectively.
 
Risks of initial public offerings. Companies involved in initial public offering (IPOs) generally have limited operating histories, and prospects for future profitability are uncertain. The market for IPO issuers has been volatile, and share prices of newly public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Further, stocks of newly-public companies may decline shortly after the IPO. There is no assurance that the fund will have access to IPOs. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. The market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There may be only a limited number of shares available for trading. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices.
 
Debt securities risk. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative.
 
Market segment risk. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation.
 
Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are generally subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
 
Industries in the consumer discretionary segment, such as consumer durables, hotels, restaurants, media, retailing and automobiles, may be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence and spending, and changes in demographics and consumer tastes.
 
48
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Industries in the consumer staples segment, such as food and drug retailing, beverages, food and tobacco products, household products and personal products, are subject to government regulation affecting ingredients and production methods. These industries also may be affected by competition, changes in consumer tastes and other factors affecting supply and demand, and litigation.
 
Industries in the health care segment, such as health care supplies, health care services, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, may be significantly affected by government regulation and reimbursement rates, approval of products by government agencies, and patent expirations and litigation.
 
Industries in the industrials segment, such as companies engaged in the production, distribution or service of products or equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction, can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including such factors as employment and economic growth, interest rate changes, changes in consumer spending, legislative and governmental regulation and spending, import controls, commodity prices, and worldwide competition.
 
Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
 
Derivatives risk. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund’s net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund, and they can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the fund’s initial investment. If changes in a derivative’s value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund’s other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
 
Leveraging risk. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.
 
Portfolio turnover risk. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains.
 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.
 
Cash management risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objectives.
 
Expense risk. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
 
49
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
In addition to the common risks of investing in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Independence Fund noted above, the following are additional principal risks of an investment in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund or the combined fund:
 
Issuer focus risk. The fund may invest in fewer than 40 securities and, as a result, the fund’s performance may be more volatile that the performance of funds holding more securities.
 
Small and mid-size companies risk. Compared to large companies, small- and mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.
 
 
50
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Comparison of Fees and Expenses
 
     Shareholders of both Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Independence Fund pay various fees and expenses, either directly or indirectly. The tables below show the fees and expenses that you would pay if you were to buy and hold shares of each Pioneer Fund. The expenses in the tables appearing below are based on (i) for your fund, the expenses of your fund for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2012, and (ii) for Pioneer Independence Fund, the expenses of Pioneer Independence Fund for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. Future expenses for all share classes may be greater or less. The tables also show the pro forma expenses of the combined fund assuming the Reorganization occurred on December 31, 2012. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. As the accounting survivor, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s operating history will be used for the combined fund’s financial reporting purposes.
 
             
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
 
Disciplined 
 Independence
Combined Fund 
Disciplined 
 Independence
Combined Fund 
 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
 
August 31, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
August 31, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
           
(paid directly from your investment) 
    Class A 
Class A 
    Class A 
    Class C 
Class C 
Class C 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
           
shares as a percentage of offering price 
5.75% 
5.75% 
5.75% 
None 
None 
None     
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
           
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
           
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
           
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None 
None     
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
           
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
           
Management Fee 
0.65% 
0.65% 
0.65% 
0.65% 
0.65% 
0.65% 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Other 
0.58% 
0.35% 
0.35% 
0.76% 
0.53% 
0.53% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (1) 
1.48% 
1.25% 
1.25% 
2.41% 
2.18% 
2.18% 
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitations (1) 
      -0.23% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
      -0.26% 
-0.03% 
-0.03% 
Net Expenses (1) 
1.25% 
1.25% 
1.25% 
2.15% 
2.15% 
2.15% 
 
 
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
 
Disciplined 
Independence 
Combined Fund 
 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
 
August 31, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
     
(paid directly from your investment) 
     Class Y 
Class Y 
   Class Y 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
     
shares as a percentage of offering price 
None 
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
     
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
     
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
     
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
     
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
     
Management Fee 
0.65% 
0.65% 
0.65% 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
None 
None 
None 
Other Expenses 
0.35% 
0.24% 
0.09% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (1) 
1.00% 
0.89% 
0.74% 
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitations (1) 
     -0.10% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Net Expenses (1) 
0.90% 
0.89% 
0.74% 
 
 
51
 
 
 
 

 

 

(1)
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses (ordinary operating expenses means all fund expenses other than extraordinary expenses, such as litigation, taxes and brokerage commissions) to the extent required to reduce Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 0.90% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively. These expense limitations are in effect through January 1, 2014. Pioneer Independence Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses to the extent required to reduce Pioneer Independence Fund’s expenses to 1.25% and 2.15% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A and Class C shares, respectively. These expense limitations are in effect through May 1, 2014. Pioneer has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses of the combined Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to the extent required to reduce expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 0.90% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively.
 
Examples:
 
The examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in each fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each fund for the time periods shown, and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The examples also assume that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) each fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same except for year one (which considers the effect of the expense limitation). Pro forma expenses are included assuming consummation of the Reorganization as of December 31, 2012. The examples are for comparison purposes only and are not a representation of any fund’s actual expenses or returns, either past or future. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
  Pioneer 
Pioneer 
  Combined    
Number of years 
Disciplined
Independence
Fund 
you own your shares 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma) 
Class A – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 695 
$ 695 
$ 695 
Year 3 
$ 995 
$ 949 
$ 949 
Year 5 
$1,316 
$1,222 
$1,222 
Year 10 
$2,223 
$1,999 
$1,999 
Class A – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 695 
$ 695 
$ 695 
Year 3 
$ 995 
$ 949 
$ 949 
Year 5 
$1,316 
$1,222 
$1,222 
Year 10 
$2,223 
$1,999 
$1,999 
Class C – assuming redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 318 
$ 318 
$ 318 
Year 3 
$ 727 
$ 679 
$ 679 
Year 5 
$1,262 
$1,167 
$1,167 
Year 10 
$2,727 
$2,511 
$2,511 
Class C – assuming no redemption 
     
Year 1 
$ 218 
$ 218 
$ 218 
Year 3 
$ 727 
$ 679 
$ 679 
Year 5 
$1,262 
$1,167 
$1,167 
Year 10 
$2,727 
$2,511 
$2,511 
Class Y – with or without redemption at end of period 
     
Year 1 
$ 92 
$ 91 
$ 76 
Year 3 
$ 308 
$ 284 
$ 237 
Year 5 
$ 543 
$ 493 
$ 411 
Year 10 
$1,216 
$1,096 
$ 918 
 
 
 
52
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
Comparison of the Funds’ Past Performance
 
     The bar charts and table below indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the funds by showing how the funds have performed in the past. The tables show average annual total returns for each class of shares of a fund over time and compare these returns to a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the fund’s investment strategies. You can obtain updated performance information by visiting https://us.pioneerinvestments.com/performance or by calling 1-800-225-6292. A fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The bar charts do not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy fund shares. If this amount was reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
 
     Upon consummation of the Reorganization, (i) the historical performance of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will become the combined fund’s historical performance, and (ii) the combined fund will compare its performance to the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s highest quarterly return was 15.88% for the quarter ended 6/30/2009, and the lowest quarterly return was
-20.79% for the quarter ended 12/31/2008.
 
 
 
53
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Pioneer Independence Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Independence Fund’s highest quarterly return was 25.04% for the quarter ended 6/30/2009, and the lowest quarterly return was
-22.99% for the quarter ended 9/30/2008.
 
 
54
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
                           
Average Annual Total Returns (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 2012)
 
                     
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                       
12/15/05 
Return Before Taxes 
    7.69       1.96       N/A       4.45    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    6.88       0.68       N/A       3.12    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    5.53       1.07       N/A       3.20    
Class C 
    13.35       N/A       N/A       5.73  
7/17/08 
Class Y 
    14.74       N/A       N/A       6.82  
7/31/08 
Russell 1000 Growth Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    15.26       3.12       7.52       4.83  
12/15/05 
 
 
 
                           
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                               
3/16/98 
Return Before Taxes 
    6.77       -2.64       5.48       3.28    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    6.77       -2.65       5.11       2.77    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    4.40       -2.23       4.76       2.65    
Class C 
    12.32       -2.37       N/A       0.74  
3/10/06 
Class Y 
    13.78       -1.07       N/A       1.99    
Russell 1000 Growth Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    15.26       3.12       7.52       2.81  
3/16/98 
 
 
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold a Pioneer Fund’s shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares. After-tax returns for Class C and Class Y shares of each Pioneer Fund will vary.
 
55
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Management fees 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund will pay Pioneer a fee for 
 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the 
 
cost of providing certain services to 
cost of providing certain services to 
cost of providing certain services to 
 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee is equal 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee is equal 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee is equal 
 
to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily 
to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily 
to 0.65% of the fund’s average daily 
 
net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of 
net assets up to $1 billion and 0.60% 
net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of 
 
the next $4 billion and 0.55% on 
of average daily assets over 
the next $4 billion and 0.55% on 
 
assets over $5 billion. The fee is 
$1 billion. The fee is accrued daily and 
assets over $5 billion. The fee will be 
 
accrued daily and paid monthly. 
paid monthly. 
accrued daily and paid monthly. 
       
 
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 
 
 
2012, the fund paid management fees 
2012, the fund paid management fees 
 
 
(excluding waivers and/or assumption 
(excluding waivers and/or assumption 
 
 
of expenses) equivalent to 0.65% of 
of expenses) equivalent to 0.65% of 
 
 
the fund’s average daily net assets. 
the fund’s average daily net assets. 
 
       
 
A discussion regarding the basis for 
A discussion regarding the basis for 
 
 
the Board of Trustees’ approval of the 
the Board of Trustees’ approval of the 
 
 
management contract is available in 
management contract is available in 
 
 
the fund’s semi-annual report to 
the fund’s annual report to 
 
 
shareholders for the period ended 
shareholders for the period ended 
 
 
February 29, 2012. 
December 31, 2012. 
 
 
For a comparison of the gross and net expenses of each fund, please see the class fee tables in the “Comparison of Fees and 
 
Expenses” section starting on page 51. 
   
 
 
56
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Reasons for the Reorganization
 
     The Trustees of your fund believe that the proposed Reorganization will be advantageous to the shareholders of your fund for several reasons. The Trustees considered the following matters, among others, in approving the proposal.
 
     First, the Board considered that the portfolio management team that currently manages your fund will continue to manage the combined fund after the Reorganization, using the investment strategies and policies of your fund. The Board considered that combining the funds would enable Pioneer to focus resources on its research investment team, which has produced favorable investment performance for your fund in recent years.
 
     Second, the Board considered that the combined fund may be better positioned to attract assets than your fund and that the larger size of the combined fund may result in greater economies of scale because the fund may be able to obtain better net prices on securities trades and reduce per share expenses as fixed expenses are shared over a larger asset base.
 
     Third, the Board considered that the historical performance of your fund will become the historical performance of the combined fund, and considered the historical performance of your fund as compared to a peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board considered that Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s annualized total return was in the first quintile of its Morningstar category of the one year period ended June 30, 2012, and in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the three and five year periods ended June 30, 2012. The Board considered that your fund’s performance was higher than Pioneer Independence Fund’s performance for the one, three and five year periods ended January 3, 2013.
 
     Fourth, the Board considered that the management fee of the combined fund will be the same as the management fee payable by your fund.
 
     Fifth, the Board considered that the expense ratio for the corresponding class of the combined fund resulting from the Reorganization will be equal to or less than the expense ratio of your fund.
 
    Sixth, the Board considered the ability of the combined fund to utilize certain tax capital-loss carryforwards in the future.
 
     Seventh, the Board considered that your fund would not bear any of the expenses incurred in connection the Reorganization, including expenses associated with the preparation, printing and mailing of any shareholder communications (including this Information Statement/Prospectus), any filings with the SEC and other governmental agencies in connection with the Reorganization, audit fees and legal fees. The Board considered that Pioneer Independence Fund would likewise not bear any of these costs. The Board considered that Pioneer would bear the 100% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization. 
 
     Eighth, the Board recognized that the portfolio managers of the combined fund may conclude that a significant number of holdings of Pioneer Independence Fund are not consistent with the combined fund’s long-term investment strategy and may dispose of such positions. The Board considered that the disposition of securities following the Reorganization could result in capital gains to the combined fund and could also result in significant brokerage expense to the combined fund. However, the Board considered that the actual tax consequences of any disposition of portfolio securities will vary depending upon the specific security(ies) being sold.
 
     Ninth, the Board considered that the Pioneer Funds’ investment adviser and principal distributor would benefit from the Reorganization. For example, Pioneer might achieve cost savings from managing one larger fund compared to managing more than one fund with similar investment strategies. The consolidated portfolio management effort also might result in time and personnel savings and the preparation of fewer reports and regulatory filings, as well as prospectus disclosure, for one fund instead of two. The Board believes the Reorganization, in the long-term, could result in a decrease in the combined fund’s gross expenses and a corresponding decrease in fees waived under a contractual expense limit arrangement with respect to the combined fund.
 
     Tenth, the Board also considered that the Reorganization presents an excellent opportunity for the shareholders of each Pioneer Fund to become investors in a combined fund that has a larger asset size than either Pioneer Fund alone without the obligation to pay commissions or other transaction costs that a fund normally incurs when purchasing securities. This opportunity provides an economic benefit to both Pioneer Funds and their shareholders.
 
 
 
57
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of each Pioneer Fund as of February 26, 2013, and the pro forma combined capitalization of the combined fund as if the Reorganization occurred on that date. The actual exchange ratios on the Closing Date may vary from the exchange ratios indicated. This is due to changes in the market value of the portfolio securities of the Pioneer Funds between February 26, 2013 and the Closing Date, changes in the amount of undistributed net investment income and net realized capital gains of the Pioneer Funds during that period resulting from income and distributions, and changes in the accrued liabilities of the Pioneer Funds during the same period.
 

 

 
    Pioneer           Combined        
    Disciplined    
Pioneer
   
Fund
   
Pro Forma
 
   
Growth
   
Independence
   
Pro Forma
   
Combined
 
   
Fund
   
Fund
   
Adjustments(1)
   
Fund
 
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
 
Net Assets 
                       
Class A 
  $ 9,684,112     $ 795,495,466     $     $ 805,179,578  
Class B 
        $ 9,331,675           $ 9,331,675  
Class C 
  $ 1,828,523     $ 14,439,443           $ 16,267,966  
Class Y 
  $ 29,886,043     $ 3,535,777     $     $ 33,421,820  
Total Net Assets 
  $ 41,398,678     $ 822,802,361     $     $ 864,201,039  
Net Asset Value Per Share 
                               
Class A 
  $ 10.48     $ 12.89           $ 12.89  
Class B 
        $ 12.35           $ 12.35  
Class C 
  $ 10.19     $ 12.16           $ 12.16  
Class Y 
  $ 10.55     $ 13.08           $ 13.08  
   
Shares Outstanding 
                               
Class A 
    923,820       61,714,419             62,465,708  
Class B 
          755,886             755,886  
Class C 
    179,480       1,187,895             1,338,267  
Class Y 
    2,833,533       270,395             2,555,261  
 
(1)     
Pioneer will bear 100% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
 
     It is impossible to predict how many shares of the combined fund will actually be received and distributed by your fund on the Closing Date. The table should not be relied upon to determine the amount of combined fund shares that will actually be received and distributed.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     For information relating to each fund and the Reorganization, including tax capital loss carryforwards, the tax status of the Reorganization, how to buy, sell or exchange Fund shares, how each fund values its securities, financial highlights information and ownership of shares of the funds, please see the sections beginning on page 76.
 
BOARDS’ EVALUATION OF THE REORGANIZATION
 
     For the reasons described above, the Board of Trustees of your fund, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. In particular, the Board of Trustees determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of your fund and that the interests of your fund’s shareholders would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. Similarly, the Board of Trustees of the fund with which your fund is reorganizing, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. The Trustees also determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of that fund and that the interests of the shareholders of that fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
 
 
58
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND WITH PIONEER GROWTH
OPPORTUNITIES FUND (TO BE RENAMED PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND)
 
SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of more complete information appearing later in this Information Statement/Prospectus or incorporated herein. You should read carefully the entire Information Statement/Prospectus pertaining to your fund, including the form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization attached as Exhibit D, because it contains details that are not in the summary.
 
     The Board of Trustees of your fund has approved the Reorganization of the fund with Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, another fund managed by Pioneer. Currently, the investment objective and investment strategies of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and your fund are similar, but there are certain differences. In addition, the funds currently are managed by different investment teams and pay different fees and expenses. The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has approved certain changes in connection with the Reorganization. Effective upon completion of the Reorganization:
 
·  
The combined fund will be named “Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.”
 
·  
Your fund’s investment team will manage the combined fund.
 
·  
The combined fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as your fund.
 
·  
The historical performance of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will continue as the combined fund’s historical performance.
 
·  
The management fee payable by the combined fund (an annual rate equal to 0.625% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion) will be the same as the management fee payable by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
     The tables below provide a comparison of certain features of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, and also show certain features of the combined fund, post-Reorganization, which, except as noted, are substantially similar to the corresponding features of your fund. In the table below, if a row extends across the entire table, the policy disclosed applies to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and the combined fund.
 
 
 
59
 
 
 
 

 
 
Comparison of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and the Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization
 
       
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization
Investment
Long-term capital growth. 
Growth of capital. 
Long-term capital growth. 
objective
     
 
The fund’s investment objective may 
The fund’s investment objective may 
The fund’s investment objective may 
 
be changed without shareholder 
be changed without shareholder 
be changed without shareholder 
 
approval. The fund will provide notice 
approval. The fund will provide notice 
approval. The fund will provide notice 
 
prior to implementing any change to 
prior to implementing any change to 
prior to implementing any change to 
 
its investment objective. 
its investment objective. 
its investment objective. 
Principal
Normally, the fund invests at least 80% 
The fund invests primarily in equity 
Normally, the fund invests at least 80% 
investment
of its net assets (plus the amount of 
securities of companies that Pioneer 
of its net assets (plus the amount of 
strategies
borrowings, if any, for investment 
Investment Management, Inc. 
borrowings, if any, for investment 
 
purposes) in equity securities of mid- 
(Pioneer), the fund’s investment 
purposes) in equity securities of mid- 
 
size companies. Mid-size companies 
adviser, considers to be reasonably 
size companies. Mid-size companies 
 
are those with market values, at the 
priced or undervalued, with above 
are those with market values, at the 
 
time of investment, that do not exceed 
average growth potential. For purposes 
time of investment, that do not exceed 
 
the greater of the market capitalization 
of the fund’s investment policies, 
the greater of the market capitalization 
 
of the largest company within the 
equity securities include common 
of the largest company within the 
 
Russell Midcap Growth Index ($20.4 
stocks, debt convertible to equity 
Russell Midcap Growth Index ($20.4 
 
billion as of December 31, 2011) or the 
securities and other equity 
billion as of December 31, 2011) or the 
 
3-year rolling average of the market 
instruments, such as exchange-traded 
3-year rolling average of the market 
 
capitalization of the largest company 
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in 
capitalization of the largest company 
 
within the Russell Midcap Growth 
equity securities, depositary receipts, 
within the Russell Midcap Growth 
 
Index ($17.8 billion as of December 31, 
equity interests in real estate 
Index ($17.8 billion as of December 31, 
 
2011) as measured at the end of the 
investment trusts (REITs), warrants, 
2011) as measured at the end of the 
 
preceding month, and are not less than 
rights and preferred stocks. 
preceding month, and are not less than 
 
the smallest company within the index. 
 
the smallest company within the index. 
 
The Russell Midcap Growth Index 
The fund may invest in securities of any 
The Russell Midcap Growth Index 
 
measures the performance of U.S. mid- 
market capitalization, although the fund 
measures the performance of U.S. mid- 
 
cap growth stocks. The size of the 
may invest a significant portion of its 
cap growth stocks. The size of the 
 
companies in the index changes 
assets in equity securities of small 
companies in the index changes 
 
constantly as a result of market 
companies. The fund defines small
constantly as a result of market 
 
conditions and the composition of the 
companies as those within the market 
conditions and the composition of the 
 
index. The fund’s investments will not 
capitalization range of the Russell 2000 
index. The fund’s investments will not 
 
be confined to securities issued by 
Growth Index (approximately $2.7 
be confined to securities issued by 
 
companies included in the index. For 
million to $3.6 billion as of March 31, 
companies included in the index. For 
 
purposes of the fund’s investment 
2012). The size of the companies in the 
purposes of the fund’s investment 
 
policies, equity securities include 
index changes constantly with market 
policies, equity securities include 
 
common stocks, debt convertible to 
conditions and the composition of the 
common stocks, debt convertible to 
 
equity securities and other equity 
index. The fund may continue to hold a 
equity securities and other equity 
 
instruments, such as exchange-traded 
security if its market capitalization 
instruments, such as exchange-traded 
 
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in 
changes after investment. 
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in 
 
equity securities, depositary receipts, 
 
equity securities, depositary receipts, 
 
warrants, rights, equity interests in real 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its 
warrants, rights, equity interests in real 
 
estate investment trusts (REITs) and 
total assets in debt securities of U.S. 
estate investment trusts (REITs) and 
 
preferred stocks. 
issuers. Generally the fund acquires 
preferred stocks. 
   
debt securities that are investment 
 
 
The fund will provide notice to 
grade, but the fund may invest up to 
The fund will provide notice to 
 
shareholders at least 60 days prior to 
5% of its net assets in below 
shareholders at least 60 days prior to 
 
any change to its policy to invest at 
investment grade debt securities 
any change to its policy to invest at 
 
least 80% of its assets in equity 
(known as “junk bonds”) and below 
least 80% of its assets in equity 
 
securities of mid-size companies. 
investment grade convertible debt 
securities of mid-size companies. 
   
securities. The fund invests in debt 
 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its 
securities when Pioneer believes they 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its 
 
total assets in debt securities. The fund 
are consistent with the fund’s 
total assets in debt securities. The fund 
 
may invest up to 5% of its net assets 
investment objective of capital growth, 
may invest up to 5% of its net assets 
 
in below investment grade debt 
to diversify the portfolio or for greater 
in below investment grade debt 
 
securities (known as “junk bonds”), 
liquidity. 
securities (known as “junk bonds”), 
 
including below investment grade 
 
including below investment grade 
 
convertible debt securities, issued by 
The fund may invest up to 20% of its 
convertible debt securities, issued by 
 
both U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The 
total assets in securities of non-U.S. 
both U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The 
 
fund invests in debt securities when 
issuers, including up to 5% of its total 
fund invests in debt securities when 
 
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., 
assets in securities of emerging 
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., 
 
(Pioneer) the fund’s investment 
markets issuers. The fund does not 
(Pioneer) the fund’s investment 
 
adviser, believes they are consistent 
count securities of Canadian issuers 
adviser, believes they are consistent 
 
with the fund’s investment objective of 
against the limit on investment in 
with the fund’s investment objective of 
 
capital growth, to diversify the fund’s 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. 
capital growth, to diversify the fund’s 
 
portfolio or for greater liquidity. 
 
portfolio or for greater liquidity. 
 
 
60
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
its net assets in REITs. 
 
its net assets in REITs. 
   
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
its total assets in equity and debt 
 
its total assets in equity and debt 
 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. The 
 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. The 
 
fund will not invest more than 5% 
 
fund will not invest more than 5% 
 
of its total assets in the securities 
 
of its total assets in the securities 
 
of emerging markets issuers. The 
 
of emerging markets issuers. The 
 
fund does not count securities of 
 
fund does not count securities of 
 
Canadian issuers against the limit 
 
Canadian issuers against the limit 
 
on investment in securities of non- 
 
on investment in securities of non- 
 
U.S. issuers. 
 
U.S. issuers. 
   
 
The fund uses a “growth” style of 
The fund uses a “growth at a 
The fund uses a “growth” style of 
 
management and seeks to invest in 
reasonable price” style of 
management and seeks to invest in 
 
companies with above average 
management and seeks to invest in 
companies with above average 
 
potential for earnings and revenue 
securities of issuers with above 
potential for earnings and revenue 
 
growth that are also trading at 
average potential for earnings and 
growth that are also trading at 
 
attractive market valuations. To 
revenue growth that are also 
attractive market valuations. To 
 
select growth stocks, Pioneer 
trading at attractive market 
select growth stocks, Pioneer 
 
employs quantitative analysis, 
valuations. To select stocks, 
employs quantitative analysis, 
 
fundamental research and an 
Pioneer employs fundamental 
fundamental research and an 
 
evaluation of the issuer based on 
research and an evaluation of the 
evaluation of the issuer based on 
 
its financial statements and 
issuer based on its financial 
its financial statements and 
 
operations. Pioneer relies on the 
statements and operations, 
operations. Pioneer relies on the 
 
knowledge, experience and 
utilizing a bottom-up analytic style 
knowledge, experience and 
 
judgment of its staff and the staff 
which focuses on specific 
judgment of its staff and the staff 
 
of its affiliates who have access to 
securities rather than industries. 
of its affiliates who have access to 
 
a wide variety of research. Pioneer 
Pioneer may also use quantitative 
a wide variety of research. Pioneer 
 
focuses on the quality and price of 
analysis. Pioneer relies on the 
focuses on the quality and price of 
 
individual issuers and economic 
knowledge, experience and 
individual issuers and economic 
 
sector analysis, not on market- 
judgment of its staff and the staff 
sector analysis, not on market- 
 
timing strategies. Factors Pioneer 
of its affiliates who have access to 
timing strategies. Factors Pioneer 
 
looks for in selecting investments 
a wide variety of research. Pioneer 
looks for in selecting investments 
 
include: 
focuses on the quality and price of 
include: 
 
• Market leadership in a 
individual issuers and securities, 
• Market leadership in a 
 
company’s primary products 
not on economic sector or market- 
company’s primary products 
 
and services 
timing strategies. Factors Pioneer 
and services 
 
• Companies expected to benefit 
looks for in selecting investments 
• Companies expected to benefit 
 
from long-term trends in the 
include: 
from long-term trends in the 
 
economy and society 
• Strength of the company’s 
economy and society 
 
• Low market valuations relative 
balance sheet 
• Low market valuations relative 
 
to earnings forecast, book value, 
• Quality of the management team 
to earnings forecast, book 
 
cash flow and sales compared 
• Rate at which the company’s 
value, cash flow and sales 
 
to historic standards 
earnings are projected to grow 
compared to historic standards 
 
• Increasing earnings forecast 
• Whether the company’s stock 
• Increasing earnings forecast 
   
      may be trading at a discount
 
Pioneer generally sells a portfolio 
relative to its industry peers or 
Pioneer generally sells a portfolio 
 
security when it believes that the 
the overall market 
security when it believes that the 
 
issuer no longer offers the 
 
issuer no longer offers the 
 
potential for above average 
Pioneer generally sells a portfolio 
potential for above average 
 
earnings and revenue growth. 
security when it believes that the 
earnings and revenue growth. 
 
Pioneer makes that determination 
issuer no longer offers the 
Pioneer makes that determination 
 
based upon the same criteria it 
potential for growth at a 
based upon the same criteria it 
 
uses to select portfolio securities. 
reasonable price or if any of the 
uses to select portfolio securities. 
   
   above factors have deteriorated.
   
   Pioneer makes that determination
   
based upon the same criteria it 
 
   
   uses to select portfolio securities.
 
 
61
 
 
 
 

 

 
       
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Portfolio turnover 
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its 
 
portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes 
 
when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating 
 
expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. 
 
 
During the most recent fiscal year, 
During the most recent fiscal year, 
 
 
the fund’s portfolio turnover rate 
the fund’s portfolio turnover rate 
 
 
was 81% of the average value of 
was 112% of the average value of 
 
 
its portfolio. 
its portfolio. 
 
Debt securities 
The fund may invest in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the fund may acquire debt securities 
 
that are investment grade, but the fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities (known as “junk 
 
bonds”), including below investment grade convertible debt securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is 
 
rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be 
 
of equivalent credit quality by the adviser. 
 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
its total assets in debt securities. 
its total assets in debt securities of 
its total assets in debt securities. 
 
The fund may invest up to 5% of its 
U.S. issuers. Generally the fund 
The fund may invest up to 5% of its 
 
net assets in below investment 
acquires debt securities that are 
net assets in below investment 
 
grade debt securities, including 
investment grade, but the fund may 
grade debt securities, including 
 
below investment grade convertible 
invest up to 5% of its net assets in 
below investment grade convertible 
 
debt securities, issued by both U.S. 
below investment grade debt 
debt securities, issued by both U.S. 
 
and non-U.S. issuers. 
securities and below investment 
and non-U.S. issuers. 
   
grade convertible debt securities. 
 
 
The fund may invest in debt 
The fund may invest in debt 
The fund may invest in debt 
 
securities rated “D” or better, or 
securities rated “C” or better, or 
securities rated “D” or better, or 
 
comparable unrated securities. Debt 
comparable unrated securities. 
comparable unrated securities. Debt 
 
securities rated “D” are in default. 
 
securities rated “D” are in default. 
Investments in REITs 
REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some 
 
REITs invest directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and capital gains on the sale of 
 
properties. Other REITs invest primarily in mortgages, including “sub-prime” mortgages, secured by real estate and 
 
derive their income from collection of interest. 
 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
There is no stated limit with respect 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
its net assets in REITs. 
to the fund’s investments in REITs. 
its net assets in REITs. 
Non-U.S. investments 
The fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. 
 
issuers are issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities 
 
may be issued by non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational 
 
organizations, such as the World Bank and the European Union. 
 
 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
The fund may invest up to 20% of 
 
its total assets in equity and debt 
its total assets in securities of non- 
its total assets in equity and debt 
 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. The 
U.S. issuers, including up to 5% of 
securities of non-U.S. issuers. The 
 
fund will not invest more than 5% of 
its total assets in securities of 
fund will not invest more than 5% of 
 
its total assets in the securities of 
emerging markets issuers. 
its total assets in the securities of 
 
emerging markets issuers. 
 
emerging markets issuers. 
Derivatives 
The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign 
 
currency exchange contracts, stock index futures, swaps and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument 
 
whose value is determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices 
 
or other financial instruments. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: 
 
• As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates 
 
• As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities 
 
 
• To attempt to increase the fund’s return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative 
 
• To manage portfolio characteristics 
   
 
 
The fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable 
 
law and regulations. 
   
 
 
62
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
 
Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The fund may invest the 
 
remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold 
Cash management 
cash. For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its 
and temporary 
principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The fund may 
investments 
adopt a defensive strategy when the adviser believes securities in which the fund normally invests have special or 
 
unusual risks or are less attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. 
Reverse repurchase 
The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the fund transfers securities to a 
agreements and 
counterparty in return for cash, and the fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. 
borrowing 
Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings by the fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value 
 
of an investment in the fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the fund. The fund also may borrow 
 
money from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. The fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. 
 
Entering into reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the fund to liquidate 
 
positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. 
Short-term trading 
The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been 
 
held for a short time, if it no longer meets the fund’s investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur 
 
additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level 
 
of taxable income or capital gains. 
   
Investment adviser 
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 
   
Portfolio managers 
Day-to-day management of the 
Day-to-day management of the fund 
Day-to-day management of the 
 
fund’s portfolio is the responsibility 
is the responsibility of Brian E. 
fund’s portfolio will be the 
 
of Ken Winston. Mr. Winston is 
Stack. Mr. Stack also may draw 
responsibility of Ken Winston. Mr. 
 
supported by the domestic equity 
upon the research and investment 
Winston will be supported by the 
 
team. Members of this team manage 
management expertise of the global 
domestic equity team. Members of 
 
other Pioneer funds investing 
research teams, which provide 
this team manage other Pioneer 
 
primarily in U.S. equity securities. 
fundamental and quantitative 
funds investing primarily in U.S. 
 
The portfolio manager and the team 
research on companies and include 
equity securities. The portfolio 
 
also may draw upon the research 
members from Pioneer’s affiliate, 
manager and the team also may 
 
and investment management 
Pioneer Investment Management 
draw upon the research and 
 
expertise of the global research 
Limited. Mr. Stack, a senior vice 
investment management expertise 
 
teams, which provide fundamental 
president and portfolio manager, 
of the global research teams, which 
 
and quantitative research on 
joined Pioneer in 2008 and has 
provide fundamental and 
 
companies and include members 
served as portfolio manager of the 
quantitative research on companies 
 
from Pioneer’s affiliate, Pioneer 
fund since 2008. Prior to joining 
and include members from 
 
Investment Management Limited. 
Pioneer, Mr. Stack was a co-founder, 
Pioneer’s affiliate, Pioneer 
 
Mr. Winston, a vice president, joined 
portfolio manager and analyst at 
Investment Management Limited. 
 
Pioneer in 2007 from Hartford 
Long Trail Investment Management, 
Mr. Winston, a vice president, joined 
 
Investment Management Company 
LP from 2005 to 2007. From 2001 
Pioneer in 2007 from Hartford 
 
where he was senior vice president 
to 2004, he was a portfolio manager 
Investment Management Company 
 
with portfolio management and 
and analyst at Cyllennius Capital 
where he was senior vice president 
 
analyst responsibilities for small and 
Management/BlackRock, Inc. Mr. 
with portfolio management and 
 
mid cap growth portfolios. From 
Stack co-founded Cyllenius Capital 
analyst responsibilities for small and 
 
2000 to 2006 he worked at Lee 
Management in 2001, which was 
mid cap growth portfolios. From 
 
Munder Capital Group as partner and 
acquired by BlackRock in 2002. Mr. 
2000 to 2006 he worked at Lee 
 
portfolio manager for small and mid 
Stack was a portfolio manager at 
Munder Capital Group as partner 
 
cap growth portfolios. Mr. Winston 
MFS Investment Management from 
and portfolio manager for small and 
 
has served as portfolio manager of 
1993 to 2001. 
mid cap growth portfolios. 
 
the fund since 2009. 
   
   
The fund’s statement of additional 
 
 
The fund’s statement of additional 
information provides additional 
 
 
information provides additional 
information about the portfolio 
 
 
information about the portfolio 
manager’s compensation, other 
 
 
manager’s compensation, other 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
 
 
accounts managed by the portfolio 
manager, and the portfolio 
 
 
manager, and the portfolio 
manager’s ownership of shares of 
 
 
manager’s ownership of shares of 
the fund. 
 
 
the fund. 
   
Fiscal Year End 
November 30 
December 31 
November 30 
Business 
A diversified open-end management 
A diversified series of Pioneer Series 
A diversified series of Pioneer Series 
 
investment company; a series of 
Trust II, an open-end management 
Trust II, an open-end management 
 
Pioneer Series Trust I, a Delaware 
investment company organized as a 
investment company organized as a 
 
statutory trust. 
Delaware statutory trust. 
Delaware statutory trust. 
Net assets (as of 
$446 million 
$506 million 
$952 million (pro forma) 
December 31) 
     
 
63
 
 
 

 
 
 
Comparison of Principal Risks
 
   The following describes the risks of investing in each of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and the combined fund:
 
Market risk. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility in recent years. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policy making uncertainty. The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that invest in sovereign debt and related investments have fallen, credit has become more scarce worldwide and there has been significant uncertainty in the markets. Some governmental and non-governmental issuers (notably in Europe) have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; and many other issuers have faced difficulties refinancing existing obligations. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including in the U.S., Europe and beyond. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the adviser, and whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.
 
Growth style risk. The fund’s investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market.
 
Portfolio selection risk. The adviser’s judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.
 
Risks of non-U.S. investments. Investing in non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include:
 
·  
Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices
 
·  
Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the fund’s securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
 
·  
Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the fund’s investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars
 
·  
The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession
 
·  
Economic, political, regulatory and social developments may adversely affect the securities markets
 
·  
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer in the courts of a foreign country
 
·  
Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund’s return
 
·  
Some markets in which the fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries
 
·  
A governmental entity may delay, or refuse or be unable to pay, interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms
 
 
64
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
Risks of investments in REITs. The fund has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although the fund does not invest directly in real estate, it may invest in REITs and other equity securities of real estate industry issuers. These risks may include:
 
·  
The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic conditions, foreclosures, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated rents or other causes
 
·  
Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other purposes and reduce the value of a REIT’s fixed income investments
 
·  
The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real estate industry issuers may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural disasters or increased operating expenses
 
·  
A REIT in the fund’s portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be, poorly managed
 
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are typically invested in a limited number of projects or in a particular market segment or geographic region, and therefore are more susceptible to adverse developments affecting a single project, market segment or geographic region than more broadly diversified investments. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial resources and may experience sharper swings in market values and trade less frequently and in a more limited volume than securities of larger issuers. In addition to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests.
 
Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a real estate company’s operations and market value. In addition, capital to pay or refinance a REIT’s debt may not be available or reasonably priced. Financial covenants related to real estate company leveraging may affect the company’s ability to operate effectively.
 
Risks of initial public offerings. Companies involved in initial public offering (IPOs) generally have limited operating histories, and prospects for future profitability are uncertain. The market for IPO issuers has been volatile, and share prices of newly public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. Further, stocks of newly-public companies may decline shortly after the IPO. There is no assurance that the fund will have access to IPOs. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. The market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. There may be only a limited number of shares available for trading. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices.
 
Debt securities risk. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative.
 
Market segment risk. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation.
 
Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are generally subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
 
Industries in the consumer discretionary segment, such as consumer durables, hotels, restaurants, media, retailing and automobiles, may be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence and spending, and changes in demographics and consumer tastes.
 
 
65
 
 
 
 

 

 
Industries in the industrials segment, such as companies engaged in the production, distribution or service of products or equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction, can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including such factors as employment and economic growth, interest rate changes, changes in consumer spending, legislative and governmental regulation and spending, import controls, commodity prices, and worldwide competition.
 
Industries in the health care segment, such as health care supplies, health care services, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, may be significantly affected by government regulation and reimbursement rates, approval of products by government agencies, and patent expirations and litigation.
 
Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries.
 
Derivatives risk. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund’s net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund, and they can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the fund’s initial investment. If changes in a derivative’s value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund’s other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund’s assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
 
Leveraging risk. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.
 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.
 
Cash management risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund’s yield will go down. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objective.
 
Expense risk. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
 
In addition to the common risks of investing in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund noted above, the following is an additional principal risk of an investment in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund or the combined fund:
 
Mid-size companies risk. Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.
 
 
 
 
66
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
The following are additional principal risks of an investment in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund:
 
Small-size companies risk. Compared to large companies, small-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.
 
Portfolio turnover risk. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains.
 
 
 
67
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
Comparison of Fees and Expenses
 
     Shareholders of both Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund pay various fees and expenses, either directly or indirectly. The tables below show the fees and expenses that you would pay if you were to buy and hold shares of each Pioneer Fund. The expenses in the tables appearing below are based on (i) for your fund, the expenses of your fund for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2012, and (ii) for Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, the expenses of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. Future expenses for all share classes may be greater or less. The tables also show the pro forma expenses of the combined fund assuming the Reorganization occurred on December 31, 2012. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. As the accounting survivor, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s operating history will be used for the combined fund’s financial reporting purposes.
 
             
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
 
Select 
Growth 
Combined 
Select 
Growth 
Combined 
 
Mid Cap 
Opportunities 
Fund    
Mid Cap 
Opportunities 
Fund      
 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
ended 
 
November 30, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
November 30, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
           
(paid directly from your investment) 
      Class A 
    Class A 
    Class A 
Class C 
    Class C 
   Class C 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
           
shares as a percentage of offering price 
5.75% 
5.75% 
5.75% 
None   
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
           
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
           
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
           
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
None   
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
           
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
           
Management Fee 
0.625% 
0.65% 
0.61% 
0.625% 
0.65% 
0.61% 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
Other Expenses 
0.28% 
0.35% 
0.30% 
0.53% 
0.46% 
0.46% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 
1.16% 
1.25% 
1.16% 
2.16% 
2.11% 
2.07% 
 
 
 
Pioneer 
Pioneer 
 
 
Select 
Growth 
Combined 
 
Mid Cap 
Opportunities 
Fund     
 
Growth Fund 
Fund 
(Pro Forma 
 
(12 months 
(12 months 
12 months 
 
ended 
ended 
ended 
 
November 30, 
December 31, 
December 31, 
 
2012) 
2012) 
2012) 
Shareholder transaction fees 
     
(paid directly from your investment) 
     Class Y 
    Class Y 
    Class Y 
Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy 
     
shares as a percentage of offering price 
None 
None 
None 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage 
     
of offering price or the amount you receive when 
     
you sell shares, whichever is less 
None 
None 
None 
Redemption fee as a percentage of amount 
     
redeemed, if applicable 
None 
None 
None 
Annual Fund operating expenses (deducted from 
     
fund assets) as a % of average daily net assets 
     
Management Fee 
0.625% 
0.65% 
0.61% 
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 
None 
None 
None 
Other Expenses 
0.10% 
0.11% 
0.08% 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 
0.73% 
0.76% 
0.69% 
 
 
68
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Examples:
 
The examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in each fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each fund for the time periods shown, and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The examples also assume that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) each fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same except for year one. Pro forma expenses are included assuming consummation of the Reorganization as of December 31, 2012. The examples are for comparison purposes only and are not a representation of any fund’s actual expenses or returns, either past or future. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
          Pioneer        
   
Pioneer
   
Growth
    Combined  
Number of years 
 
Select Mid Cap
   
Opportunities
   
Fund
 
you own your shares 
 
Growth Fund
   
Fund
   
(Pro Forma)
 
Class A – assuming redemption at end of period 
                 
Year 1 
  $ 686     $ 695     $ 686  
Year 3 
  $ 921     $ 949     $ 922  
Year 5 
  $ 1,174     $ 1,222     $ 1,177  
Year 10 
  $ 1,898     $ 1,999     $ 1,903  
Class A – assuming no redemption 
                       
Year 1 
  $ 686     $ 695     $ 686  
Year 3 
  $ 921     $ 949     $ 922  
Year 5 
  $ 1,174     $ 1,222     $ 1,177  
Year 10 
  $ 1,898     $ 1,999     $ 1,903  
Class C – assuming redemption at end of period 
                       
Year 1 
  $ 319     $ 314     $ 310  
Year 3 
  $ 675     $ 661     $ 649  
Year 5 
  $ 1,157     $ 1,134     $ 1,114  
Year 10 
  $ 2,488     $ 2,441     $ 2,400  
Class C – assuming no redemption 
                       
Year 1 
  $ 219     $ 214     $ 210  
Year 3 
  $ 675     $ 661     $ 649  
Year 5 
  $ 1,157     $ 1,134     $ 1,114  
Year 10 
  $ 2,488     $ 2,441     $ 2,400  
Class Y – with or without redemption at end of period 
                       
Year 1 
  $ 74     $ 78     $ 70  
Year 3 
  $ 232     $ 243     $ 221  
Year 5 
  $ 403     $ 422     $ 384  
Year 10 
  $ 900     $ 942     $ 859  
 
 
69
 
 
 

 

 
Comparison of the Funds’ Past Performance
 
     The bar charts and table below indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the fund by showing how the funds have performed in the past. The bar charts show changes in the performance of each fund’s Class A shares from calendar year to calendar year. The tables show average annual total returns for each class of shares of a fund over time and compare these returns to a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the fund’s investment strategies. You can obtain updated performance information by visiting https://us.pioneerinvestments.com/performance or by calling 1-800-225-6292. A fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The bar charts do not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy fund shares. If this amount was reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
 
     Upon consummation of the Reorganization, (i) the historical performance of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will become the combined fund’s historical performance, and (ii) the combined fund will compare its performance to the Russell Midcap Growth Index.
 
     Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund) on May 15, 2009. As a result of the reorganization, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. In the reorganization, the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund exchanged its assets for shares of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. The performance of Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund includes the performance of the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class I shares prior to the reorganization. The performance of the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class A and Class C shares prior to the reorganization has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). The performance of the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class I shares prior to the reorganization has not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses. Morgan Asset Management, Inc. served as the investment adviser to the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
     The Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund began operations on March 12, 1999 as the successor to a collective trust fund for which Regions Bank was the trustee. The performance shown below relating to the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund prior to March 12, 1999 is that of the Predecessor Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s predecessor, the inception date of which was June 30, 1993. The collective trust fund was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and therefore was not subject to certain investment restrictions that are imposed by the 1940 Act. If the collective trust fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been adversely affected.
 
     Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund (the Predecessor Growth Opportunities Fund) on December 10, 2004. The performance of Class A and Class C shares of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund includes the net asset value performance of the Predecessor Growth Opportunities Fund’s Class A and Class C shares prior to the reorganization, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). If all the expenses of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund were reflected, the performance would be lower. Prior to August 2, 2004, Safeco Asset Management, Inc. served as the Predecessor Growth Opportunities Fund’s investment adviser.
 
70
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s highest quarterly return was 23.93% for the quarter ended 6/30/2003, and the lowest quarterly return was -23.43% for the quarter ended 12/31/2008.
 
 
 
 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s Annual Returns — Class A Shares (%)*
(Years ended December 31)
 
 
 

*     
During the period shown in the bar chart, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s highest quarterly return was 31.05% for the quarter ended 6/30/2003, and the lowest quarterly return was -21.49% for the quarter ended 9/30/2011.
 
 
 
 
71
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
                           
Average Annual Total Returns (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 2012)
 
                     
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                       
6/30/93 
Return Before Taxes 
    4.01       1.68       9.43       11.45    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    3.54       1.57       8.72       10.43    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    3.22       1.42       8.23       10.00    
Class C 
    9.22       1.93       9.31       6.19  
1/7/02 
Class Y 
    10.77       3.30       N/A       7.41  
6/23/04 
Russell Midcap Growth Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    15.81       3.23       10.32       8.68  
6/30/93 
 
 
 
                           
Since
 
Inception 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
 
1 Year
   
5 Years
   
10 Years
   
Inception
 
Date 
Class A 
                               
9/30/96 
Return Before Taxes 
    0.46       1.59       7.18       6.09    
Return After Taxes on Distributions 
    0.46       1.52       6.81       5.54    
Return After Taxes on Distributions and 
                                 
Sale of Fund Shares 
    0.30       1.33       6.29       5.20    
Class C 
    5.64       1.71       6.80       2.32  
4/30/00 
Class Y 
    7.12       3.34       N/A       2.94  
9/23/05 
Russell 2000 Growth Index (reflects no 
                                 
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 
    14.59       3.49       9.80       4.52  
9/30/96 
 
 
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold a Pioneer Fund’s shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
 
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares. After-tax returns for Class C and Class Y shares of each Pioneer Fund will vary.
 
 
 
 
72
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
       
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
Combined Fund, Post-Reorganization 
Management fees 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for 
The fund will pay Pioneer a fee for 
 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the 
managing the fund and to cover the 
 
cost of providing certain services to 
cost of providing certain services to 
cost of providing certain services to 
 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee is 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee is 
the fund. Pioneer’s annual fee will be 
 
equal to 0.625% of the fund’s 
equal to 0.65% of the fund’s average 
equal to 0.625% of the fund’s 
 
average daily net assets up to $500 
daily net assets. The fee is accrued 
average daily net assets up to $500 
 
million, 0.60% of the next $500 
daily and paid monthly. 
million, 0.60% of the next $500 
 
million and 0.575% on assets over 
 
million and 0.575% on assets over 
 
$1 billion. The fee is accrued daily 
For the fiscal year ended 
$1 billion. The fee will be accrued 
 
and paid monthly. 
December 31, 2012, the fund paid 
daily and paid monthly. 
   
management fees (excluding 
 
 
For the fiscal year ended 
waivers and/or assumption of 
 
 
November 30, 2012, the fund paid 
expenses) equivalent to 0.65% of 
 
 
management fees (excluding 
the fund’s average daily net assets. 
 
 
waivers and/or assumption of 
   
 
expenses) equivalent to 0.62% of 
A discussion regarding the basis for 
 
 
the fund’s average daily net assets. 
the Board of Trustees’ approval of 
 
   
the management contract is 
 
 
A discussion regarding the basis for 
available in the fund’s annual report 
 
 
the Board of Trustees’ approval of 
to shareholders for the period ended 
 
 
the management contract is 
December 31, 2012. 
 
 
available in the fund’s annual report 
   
 
to shareholders, for the period 
   
 
ended November 30, 2012. 
   
 
For a comparison of the gross and net expenses of each fund, please see the class fee tables in the “Comparison of Fees 
 
and Expenses” section starting on page 68. 
 
 
 
73
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Reasons for the Reorganization
 
     The Trustees of your fund believe that the proposed Reorganization will be advantageous to the shareholders of your fund for several reasons. The Trustees considered the following matters, among others, in approving the proposal.
 
     First, the Board considered that the portfolio management team that currently manages your fund will continue to manage the combined fund after the Reorganization, using the investment strategies and policies of your fund. The Board considered that combining the funds would enable Pioneer to focus resources on its research investment team, which has produced favorable investment performance for your fund over recent years.
 
     Second, the Board considered that the combined fund may be better positioned to attract assets than your fund and that the larger size of the combined fund may result in greater economies of scale because the fund may be able to obtain better net prices on securities trades and reduce per share expenses as fixed expenses are shared over a larger asset base.
 
     Third, the Board considered that the historical performance of your fund will become the historical performance of the combined fund, and considered the historical performance of your fund as compared to a peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board considered that Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s annualized total return was in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the one year period ended June 30, 2012, and in the third quintile of its Morningstar category for the three year period ended June 30, 2012. The Board considered that your fund’s performance was higher than Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s performance for the one and three year periods ended January 3, 2013.
 
     Fourth, the Board considered that the management fee of the combined fund will be the same as the management fee of your fund.
 
     Fifth, the Board considered that the expense ratio for the corresponding class of the combined fund resulting from the Reorganization will be equal to or less than the expense ratio of your fund.
 
     Sixth, the Board considered the ability of the combined fund to utilize certain tax capital-loss carryforwards in the future.
 
     Seventh, the Board considered that your fund would not bear any of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization, including expenses associated with the preparation, printing and mailing of any shareholder communications (including this Information Statement/Prospectus), any filings with the SEC and other governmental agencies in connection with the Reorganization, audit fees and legal fees. The Board considered that Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund would bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization. The Board considered that Pioneer would bear 75% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
 
     Eighth, the Board recognized that the portfolio managers of the combined fund may conclude that a significant number of holdings of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund are not consistent with the combined fund’s long-term investment strategy and may dispose of such positions. The Board considered that the disposition of securities following the Reorganization could result in capital gains to the combined fund and could also result in significant brokerage expense to the combined fund. However, the Board considered that the actual tax consequences of any disposition of portfolio securities will vary depending upon the specific security(ies) being sold.
 
     Ninth, the Board considered that the Pioneer Funds’ investment adviser and principal distributor would benefit from the Reorganization. For example, Pioneer might achieve cost savings from managing one larger fund compared to managing more than one fund with similar investment strategies. The consolidated portfolio management effort also might result in time and personnel savings and the preparation of fewer reports and regulatory filings, as well as prospectus disclosure, for one fund instead of two. The Board believes the Reorganization, in the long-term, could result in a decrease in the combined fund’s gross expenses.
 
     Tenth, the Board also considered that the Reorganization presents an excellent opportunity for the shareholders of each Pioneer Fund to become investors in a combined fund that has a larger asset size than either Pioneer Fund alone without the obligation to pay commissions or other transaction costs that a fund normally incurs when purchasing securities. This opportunity provides an economic benefit to both Pioneer Funds and their shareholders.
 
 
 
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CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of each Pioneer Fund as of February 26, 2013, and the pro forma combined capitalization of the combined fund as if the Reorganization occurred on that date. The actual exchange ratios on the Closing Date may vary from the exchange ratios indicated. This is due to changes in the market value of the portfolio securities of the Pioneer Funds between February 26, 2013 and the Closing Date, changes in the amount of undistributed net investment income and net realized capital gains of the Pioneer Funds during that period resulting from income and distributions, and changes in the accrued liabilities of the Pioneer Funds during the same period.
 
         
Pioneer
             
   
Pioneer
   
Growth
   
Combined Fund
       
   
Select Mid Cap
    Opportunities    
Pro Forma
   
Pro Forma
 
   
Growth Fund
   
Fund
   
Adjustments(1)
   
Combined Fund
 
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
   
(February 26, 2013)
 
Net Assets 
                       
Class A 
  $ 344,794,040     $ 440,034,833     $ (12,893 )    $ 784,815,980  
Class B 
        $ 9,806,031     $ (161 )    $ 9,805,870  
Class C 
  $ 13,271,676     $ 40,205,714     $ (879 )    $ 53,476,511  
Class R 
        $ 7,846,623     $ (129 )    $ 7,846,494  
Class Y 
  $ 95,718,179     $ 37,472,504     $ (2,188 )    $ 133,188,495  
Total Net Assets 
  $ 453,783,895     $ 535,365,705     $ (16,250 )    $ 989,133,350  
Net Asset Value Per Share 
                               
Class A 
  $ 19.51     $ 30.29           $ 30.29  
Class B 
        $ 25.00           $ 25.00  
Class C 
  $ 17.74     $ 25.57           $ 25.57  
Class R 
        $ 29.99           $ 29.99  
Class Y 
  $ 20.11     $ 31.57           $ 31.57  
Shares Outstanding 
                               
Class A 
    17,676,301       14,526,491             25,909,589  
Class B 
          392,195             392,195  
Class C 
    748,058       1,572,090             2,091,123  
Class R 
          261,663             261,663  
Class Y 
    4,759,495       1,187,095             4,219,030  
 
(1)     
The pro forma data reflects adjustments to account for the combined expenses of the Reorganization borne by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund. The expenses of the Reorganization borne by the Pioneer Funds are estimated in the aggregate to be $16,250. Pioneer will bear the remaining expenses of the Reorganization.
 
     It is impossible to predict how many shares of the combined fund will actually be received and distributed by your fund on the Closing Date. The table should not be relied upon to determine the amount of combined fund shares that will actually be received and distributed.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     For information relating to each fund and the Reorganization, including tax capital loss carryforwards, the tax status of the Reorganization, how to buy, sell or exchange Fund shares, how each fund values its securities, financial highlights information and ownership of shares of the funds, please see the sections beginning on page 76.
 
BOARDS’ EVALUATION OF THE REORGANIZATION
 
     For the reasons described above, the Board of Trustees of your fund, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. In particular, the Board of Trustees determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of your fund and that the interests of your fund’s shareholders would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. Similarly, the Board of Trustees of the fund with which your fund is reorganizing, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Reorganization. The Trustees also determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of that fund and that the interests of the shareholders of that fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
 
 
 
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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE REORGANIZATIONS
 
Portfolio Securities
 
     After the closing of the Reorganization, management will analyze and evaluate the portfolio securities of the combined fund. Consistent with the combined fund’s investment objective and policies, any restrictions imposed by the Code and in the best interests of the shareholders of the combined fund (including former shareholders of your fund), management will influence the extent and duration to which the portfolio securities of your fund and the fund with which your fund is reorganizing will be maintained by the combined fund. It is possible that, although it is not necessary to dispose of portfolio securities in order to effect a Reorganization, the portfolio manager of a combined fund may conclude that some of the holdings of the combined fund are not consistent with the combined fund’s long-term investment strategy, and, accordingly, there may be dispositions of some of the portfolio securities of a combined fund following the Reorganization. Subject to market conditions at the time of any such disposition, the disposition of the portfolio securities by a combined fund may result in a capital gain or loss. The actual tax consequences of any disposition of portfolio securities will vary depending upon the specific security(ies) being sold, other capital gains and losses that may be recognized, and the combined fund’s ability to use any available tax loss carryforwards. The disposition of portfolio securities also may result in significant brokerage expense to the combined fund.
 
Tax Capital Loss Carryforwards
 
     Federal income tax law permits a regulated investment company to carry forward net capital losses that arose in tax years that began on or before December 22, 2010 (“Pre-2011 Losses”) for a period of up to eight taxable years. Net capital losses that arise in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“Post-2010 Losses”) may generally be carried forward without limit, and such carryforwards must be fully utilized before the regulated investment company is permitted to utilize carryforwards of Pre-2011 Losses. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund do not presently have net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes from their prior taxable years. Presently, Pioneer Research Fund, Pioneer Value Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund have net capital loss carryforwards from their prior taxable years, as follows:
 
       
Fund 
Capital Loss Carryforward 
   
Pioneer Research Fund 
($  27,261,881) 
   
Pioneer Value Fund 
($655,563,825) 
   
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
($    1,384,903) 
   
   Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund ($568,400,770)    
Pioneer Independence Fund 
($218,039,863) 
   
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
($  89,079,094) 
   
 
The Funds’ Pre-2011 Losses and their expiration dates are as follows: 
   
Fund 
2016      
2017         
2018       
Pioneer Research Fund 
($ 990,872) 
($ 26,271,009) 
 
Pioneer Value Fund 
 
($336,018,363) 
($319,545,462) 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
($28,235,355) 
($170,605,729) 
($345,873,121) 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
($98,608,862) 
($119,431,001) 
 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
($61,681,654) 
($ 27,397,440) 
 
 
The Funds’ Post-2010 Losses are as follows: 
     
Fund 
Capital Loss Carryforward 
   
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
  ($1,384,903) 
   
   Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund ($23,686,565)    
 
 
 
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For the period ending on the Closing Date, each combined fund may have net realized capital gains or losses and as of the Closing Date a combined fund may also have net unrealized capital gains or losses.
 
     The Reorganizations may result in a number of different limitations on the combined funds’ ability to use realized and unrealized losses of the combining funds. In the tax year in which a Reorganization occurs, the combined fund will be able to use carryforwards of your fund’s capital losses (including from your fund’s short taxable year ending on the Closing Date), subject to the limitations described in the following paragraphs, to offset only a prorated portion of the combined fund’s capital gains for such tax year, based on the number of days remaining in the combined fund’s tax year after the Closing Date.
 
     The Reorganization involving Pioneer Research Fund may also result in a limitation on the combined fund’s ability to use Pioneer Research Fund’s capital loss carryforwards in subsequent tax years. This limitation, imposed by Section 382 of the Code, is expected to apply because Pioneer Research Fund has capital loss carryforwards and its shareholders will own less than 50% of Pioneer Value Fund immediately after the Reorganization. The annual Section 382 limitation for periods following the Reorganization generally will equal the product of the net asset value of Pioneer Research Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization and the “long-term tax-exempt rate,” published by the Internal Revenue Service, in effect at the time of the Reorganization. Losses in excess of the limitation may be carried forward, subject to generally applicable limitations on capital loss carryforwards.
 
     Each Reorganization also may result in a limitation on the applicable combined fund’s ability to use its own losses to offset gains realized after the Reorganization that are attributable to unrealized capital gains of your fund as of the Closing Date. That limitation will apply if your fund’s unrealized capital gains as of the Closing Date are at least $10,000,000 or at least 15% of the net asset value of your fund as of the Closing Date, and is currently expected to apply to the Reorganizations involving Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Select Mid-Cap Growth Fund.
 
As of January 31, 2013, the funds had the following current-year realized capital gains or net realized gains:
 
     
Fund 
Current-Year Realized Capital Losses 
Net Unrealized Gains 
Pioneer Research Fund 
$ 321,637 
$14,403,398 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
$ 2,936,004 
$ 6,144,712 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
$ 2,998,056 
$ 8,551,952 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
$ 7,194,175 
$96,273,909 
 
 
The funds with which your funds are reorganizing had the following current-year realized capital gains (losses) and net unrealized gains:
 
     
Fund 
Current-Year Realized Capital Gains (Losses) 
Net Unrealized Gains 
Pioneer Value Fund 
($  6,551,541) 
$246,327,364 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
$535,618,343 
$246,086,425 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
$ 3,411,330 
$207,430,712 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
$ 3,044,249 
$106,459,943 
 
 
     The Reorganizations will have the following additional effects on the use of losses. Any capital loss carryforwards from prior years, any net current-year capital losses, and, potentially, any unrealized capital losses will benefit the shareholders of the applicable combined fund, rather than only the shareholders of the combining fund in which the loss originated. If the Reorganization involving Pioneer Research Fund closes on a date other than that fund’s regular year end, it will cause Pioneer Research Fund’s Pre-2011 Losses, to the extent unused from time to time, to expire one year earlier than the time they otherwise would have expired. Some portion of that fund’s carryforwards of Pre-2011 Losses could expire unutilized as a result of the Reorganization and/or as a result of Post-2010 Losses of Pioneer Value Fund.
 
     Since the Reorganizations are not expected to close until May 17, 2013, the net current-year realized capital losses and net unrealized capital gains and the effect of the limitations described above may change significantly between now and the completion of any Reorganization. Further, the ability of each Pioneer Fund to use capital losses to offset gains (even in the absence of a Reorganization) depends on factors other than loss limitations, such as the future realization of capital gains or losses.
 
 
 
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TERMS OF EACH AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
The Reorganization
 
·  
Each Reorganization is scheduled to occur as of the close of business on May 17, 2013 but may occur on such later date as the parties may agree to in writing.
 
·  
Your fund will transfer all of its assets to the corresponding fund with which your fund will be reorganizing. That fund will assume all of your fund’s liabilities. The net asset value of both Pioneer Funds will be computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date.
 
·  
The fund with which your fund is reorganizing will issue Class A, Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shares to your fund in amounts equal to the aggregate net asset value of your fund’s Class A, Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shares, respectively. These shares will immediately be distributed to you in proportion to the relative net asset value of your holdings of shares of your fund on the Closing Date. As a result, your fund’s Class A shareholders will end up as Class A shareholders of the fund with which you are reorganizing, and your fund’s Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shareholders will end up as Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shareholders, respectively, of that fund. The net asset value attributable to a class of shares of each Pioneer Fund will be determined using the Pioneer Funds’ valuation policies and procedures. Each Pioneer Fund’s valuation policies and procedures are identical.
 
·  
After the shares are issued, your fund will be dissolved.
 
·  
No sales load, contingent deferred sales charge, commission, redemption fee or other transactional fee will be charged as a result of the Reorganization. After the Reorganization, any contingent deferred sales charge that applied to Class A (if applicable), Class B (if applicable) or Class C shares of your fund at the time of the Reorganization will continue to apply for the remainder of the applicable holding period at the time of the Reorganization. In calculating any applicable contingent deferred sales charge, the period during which you held your shares will be included in the holding period of the shares of the combined fund you receive as a result of the Reorganization.
 
·  
The Reorganization generally is not expected to result in income, gain or loss being recognized for federal income tax purposes by shareholders of either Pioneer Fund involved in the Reorganization, or by either Pioneer Fund involved in the Reorganization, except as set forth below under the heading “Tax Status of the Reorganizations.” The Reorganization will not take place unless both Pioneer Funds involved in the Reorganization receive a tax opinion from Bingham McCutchen LLP, counsel to the Pioneer Funds, as described below under the heading “Tax Status of the Reorganizations”.
 
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
 
     The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to the Reorganization of Pioneer Research Fund with Pioneer Value Fund is attached as Exhibit A to this Information Statement/Prospectus. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to the Reorganization of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund is attached as Exhibit B to this Information Statement/Prospectus. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to the Reorganization of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund with Pioneer Independence Fund is attached as Exhibit C to this Information Statement/Prospectus. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to the Reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is attached as Exhibit D to this Information Statement/Prospectus. Material provisions of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization are described below, but are qualified in their entirety by the attached copies, as appropriate.
 
     Cancellation of Share Certi cates. If your shares are represented by one or more share certificates before the Closing Date, on the Closing Date all certificates will be canceled, will no longer evidence ownership of your fund’s shares and will evidence ownership of shares of the combined fund. The combined fund will not issue share certificates in the Reorganization.
 
     Conditions to Closing the Reorganization. The obligation of your fund to consummate the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the performance by the corresponding Pioneer Fund of all its obligations under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and the receipt of all consents, orders and permits necessary to consummate the Reorganization (see Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, Section 6).
 
     The obligation of the fund with which your fund is reorganizing to consummate the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including that fund’s performance of all of its obligations under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, the receipt of certain documents and financial statements from that fund and the receipt of all consents, orders and permits necessary to consummate the Reorganization (see Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, Section 7).
 
 
 
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     The funds’ obligations are subject to the receipt of a favorable opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP as to the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization (see Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, Section 8.4).
 
     Termination of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization. The Board of Trustees of either Pioneer Fund may terminate the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization at any time before the Closing Date, if the Board believes that proceeding with the Reorganization would no longer be in the best interests of shareholders of the applicable Fund.
 
Expenses of the Reorganization.
 
     Pioneer Research Fund - Pioneer Value Fund Reorganization: Each fund will bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization, including expenses associated with the preparation, printing and mailing of any shareholder communications (including this Information Statement/Prospectus), any filings with the SEC and other governmental agencies in connection with the Reorganization, audit fees and legal fees (“Reorganization Costs”). Pioneer will bear the remaining 50% of the Reorganization Costs. In addition to the Reorganization Costs, Pioneer Value Fund will bear 50% of the expenses related to a meeting of shareholders of the fund to be held on May 7, 2013 to consider a new management fee and investment objective for the fund ("Proxy Costs"). Pioneer will bear the remaining 50% of the Proxy Costs.
 
     Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund - Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund Reorganization: Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund will bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization and Pioneer will bear 75% of the Reorganization Costs.
 
     Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund - Pioneer Independence Fund Reorganization: Pioneer will bear 100% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization.
 
     Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund - Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Reorganization: Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund will bear 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization and Pioneer will bear 75% of the Reorganization Costs.
 
 
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TAX STATUS OF THE REORGANIZATIONS
 
     Each Reorganization is conditioned upon the receipt by each participating fund of an opinion from Bingham McCutchen LLP, counsel to the Pioneer Funds, substantially to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes:
 
·  
The transfer to the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing of all of your fund’s assets in exchange solely for the issuance of that fund’s shares to your fund and the assumption of all of your fund’s liabilities by that fund, followed by the distribution of that fund’s shares in complete liquidation of your fund, will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and each of the funds involved will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
 
·  
No gain or loss will be recognized by your fund upon (1) the transfer of all of its assets to the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing as described above or (2) the distribution by your fund of the combined fund’s shares to your fund’s shareholders in complete liquidation of your fund, except for (A) any gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) any gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized as a result of the closing of your fund’s taxable year or upon the transfer of an asset of your fund regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;
 
·  
The tax basis of each asset of your fund in the hands of the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing will be the same as the tax basis of that asset in the hands of your fund immediately before the transfer of the asset, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by your fund on the transfer;
 
·  
The holding period of each asset of your fund in the hands of the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the period during which that asset was held by your fund (except where investment activities of the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing will have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset);
 
·  
No gain or loss will be recognized by the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing upon its receipt of your fund’s assets solely in exchange for shares of the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing and the assumption of your fund’s liabilities;
 
·  
You will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of your shares for shares of the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing as part of the Reorganization;
 
·  
The aggregate tax basis of shares received by you in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares of your fund you surrender in the exchange; and
 
·  
The holding period of shares you receive in the Reorganization will include the period during which you held the shares of your fund that you surrender in the exchange, provided that you hold the shares of your fund as capital assets on the date of the exchange.
 
     In rendering such opinion, counsel shall rely upon, among other things, certain facts, assumptions and representations of your fund and the fund with which your fund will be reorganizing. The condition that each fund receive such an opinion may not be waived by either fund.
 
     No tax ruling has been or will be received from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the Reorganization. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS or a court, and no assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or a court would not sustain, a contrary position.
 
 
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     Immediately prior to the Reorganization, your fund will declare and pay a dividend, which, together with all previous dividends, is intended to have the effect of distributing to your fund’s shareholders all of your fund’s investment company taxable income, all of its net tax-exempt income, and all of its net capital gain (after deduction for any available capital loss carryover) for taxable years ending on or prior to the Closing Date. The amount of such distribution to the shareholders of your fund is estimated as of January 31, 2013 to be as set forth in the table below. The amounts set forth in the table below are estimates and based on each fund’s investment company taxable income and net capital gains realized as if its taxable year ended on the Closing Date. Amounts actually distributed to shareholders immediately prior to the Reorganizations may be higher or lower than the amounts set forth in the table below.
 
   
Fund 
Distribution Amount (per share) 
Pioneer Research Fund 
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
$0.01 of ordinary income and $0.20 of long term capital gains 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
$0.60 of long term capital gains 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
$0.30 of long term capital gains 
Pioneer Independence Fund 
 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
 
Pioneer Value Fund 
$0.04 of ordinary income 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
<$0.01 of ordinary income 
 
 
      Such distributions may result in taxable income to you.
 
     The foregoing discussion is very general and does not take into account any considerations that may apply to certain classes of taxpayers who are subject to special circumstances, such as shareholders who are not citizens of or residents of the United States, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, or persons who hold their shares as part of a straddle or conversion transaction. You should consult your tax adviser for the particular tax consequences to you of the transaction, including the applicability of any state, local or foreign tax laws.
 
 
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CLASSES OF SHARES OF THE FUNDS
 
     The table below provides information regarding the characteristics and fee structure of Class A, Class B (if applicable), Class C and Class Y shares of the Pioneer Funds. The policies disclosed below apply to each Pioneer Fund.
 
     
Class A sales charges 
The Class A shares of each Pioneer Fund have the same characteristics and fee structure. 
and fees 
 
Class A shares are offered with an initial sales charge up to 5.75% of the offering price, which is reduced or 
   
waived for large purchases and certain types of investors. At the time of your purchase, your investment 
   
firm may receive a commission from PFD, each Pioneer Fund’s distributor, of up to 5%, declining as the size 
   
of your investment increases. 
 
 
There are no contingent deferred sales charges, except in certain circumstances when no initial sales charge 
   
is charged. A contingent deferred sales charge may be payable to PFD, each Pioneer Fund’s distributor, in 
   
the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase at the rate of 1% of the 
   
lesser of the value of the shares redeemed or the total cost of such shares, subject to certain waivers. 
 
 
Class A shares are subject to distribution and service (12b-1) fees of up to 0.25% of average daily net 
   
assets. These fees are paid out of a Pioneer Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis. Over time these fees will 
   
increase the cost of investments and may cost more than other types of sales charges. 
Class B sales charges 
The Class B shares of each Pioneer Fund have the same characteristics and fee structure. 
and fees 
 
Class B shares are subject to contingent deferred sales charges of up to 4% if you sell your shares. The 
   
charge is reduced over time and is not charged after five years. Your investment firm may receive a 
   
commission from PFD, each Pioneer Fund’s distributor, at the time of your purchase of up to 4%. 
 
 
Class B shares are subject to distribution and service (12b-1) fees of up to 1% of average daily net assets. 
   
Both of these fees are paid out of a Pioneer Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis. Over time these fees will 
   
increase the cost of investments and may cost more than other types of sales charges. 
 
 
Class B shares convert to Class A shares after eight years. 
 
 
Effective December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except 
   
that dividends and/or capital gains distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B shares according 
   
to a shareholder’s election, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other 
   
Pioneer funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Shareholders who owned Class B shares as of 
   
December 31, 2009 may continue to hold such shares until they convert to Class A shares eight years after 
   
the date of purchase. 
Class C sales charges 
The Class C shares of each Pioneer Fund have the same characteristics and fee structure. 
and fees 
 
Class C shares are offered without an initial sales charge. 
 
 
Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% if you sell your shares within one 
   
year of purchase. Your investment firm may receive a commission from PFD, each Pioneer Fund’s 
   
distributor, at the time of your purchase of up to 1%. 
 
 
Class C shares are subject to distribution and service (12b-1) fees of up to 1% of average daily net assets. 
   
These fees are paid out of a Pioneer Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis. Over time these fees will increase 
   
the cost of investments and may cost more than other types of sales charges.
 
 
Class C shares do not convert to another share class. 
Class Y sales charges 
The Class Y shares of each Pioneer Fund have the same characteristics and fee structure. 
and fees 
 
Class Y shares are offered without an initial sales charge. 
 
 
Class Y shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. 
 
 
Class Y shares are not subject to distribution and service (12b-1) fees. 
 
 
Initial investments are subject to a $5 million investment minimum, which may be waived in some 
   
circumstances. 
 
 
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BUYING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING SHARES OF THE FUNDS
 
     The table below provides information regarding how to buy, sell and exchange shares of the Pioneer Funds. The policies disclosed below apply to each Pioneer Fund.
 
   
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
Buying shares 
You may buy shares from any investment firm that has a sales agreement or other arrangement with PFD, the 
 
Pioneer Funds’ distributor. 
   
 
You can buy shares at net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge. 
   
 
You may use securities you own to purchase shares of a Pioneer Fund provided that Pioneer, in its sole 
 
discretion, determines that the securities are consistent with a Pioneer Fund’s objective and policies and their 
 
acquisition is in the best interests of a Pioneer Fund. 
   
 
If you have an existing non-retirement account, you may purchase shares of a Pioneer Fund by telephone or 
 
online. Certain IRAs also may use the telephone purchase privilege. 
Minimum initial 
Your initial investment must be at least $1,000 for Class A or Class C shares and at least $5 million for Class Y 
investment 
shares. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares, $500 for Class C shares. You may 
 
qualify for lower initial or subsequent investment minimums if you are opening a retirement plan account, 
 
establishing an automatic investment plan or placing your trade through your investment firm. There is no 
 
minimum additional investment amount for Class Y shares. 
Maximum purchase 
Purchases of each Pioneer Fund shares are limited to $499,999 for Class C shares. These limits are applied on a 
amounts 
per transaction basis. There is no maximum purchase for Class A or Class Y shares. 
Exchanging shares 
You may, under certain circumstances, exchange your shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer 
 
mutual fund. 
   
 
Your exchange request must be for at least $1,000. Each Pioneer Fund allows you to exchange your shares at net 
 
asset value without charging you either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. 
 
Shares you acquire as part of an exchange will continue to be subject to any contingent deferred sales charge 
 
that applies to the shares you originally purchased. When you ultimately sell your shares, the date of your 
 
original purchase will determine your contingent deferred sales charge. 
   
 
You generally will have to pay income taxes on an exchange. 
   
 
After you establish an eligible fund account, you can exchange shares of a Pioneer Fund by telephone or online. 
Selling shares 
Your shares will be sold at the share price (net asset value less any applicable sales charge) next calculated after 
 
a Pioneer Fund or its authorized agent receives your request in good order. If the shares you are selling are 
 
subject to a deferred sales charge, it will be deducted from the sale proceeds. 
 
If you have an eligible non-retirement account, you may sell up to $100,000 per account per day by telephone or 
 
online. You may sell shares of a Pioneer Fund held in a retirement plan account by telephone only if your account 
 
is an eligible IRA (tax penalties may apply). 
Net asset value 
Each Pioneer Fund’s net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities plus any other assets minus its 
 
accrued operating expenses and other liabilities. Each Pioneer Fund calculates a net asset value for each class of 
 
shares every day the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern 
 
time). 
   
 
You buy or sell shares at the share price. When you buy Class A shares, you pay an initial sales charge unless 
 
you qualify for a waiver or reduced sales charge. When you sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares, you may pay 
 
a contingent deferred sales charge depending on how long you have owned your shares. 
 
 
 
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PIONEER FUNDS
 
Investment adviser
 
Pioneer, each Pioneer Fund’s investment adviser, selects the fund’s investments and oversees the fund’s operations.
 
Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredit S.P.A., one of the largest banking groups in Italy. Pioneer is part of the global asset management group providing investment management and financial services to mutual funds, institutional and other clients. As of December 31, 2012, assets under management were approximately $204 billion worldwide, including over $62 billion in assets under management by Pioneer (and its U.S. affiliates).
 
Pioneer’s main office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
 
The firm’s U.S. mutual fund investment history includes creating one of the first mutual funds in 1928.
 
Pioneer has received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Pioneer, subject to the approval of each Pioneer Fund’s Board of Trustees, to hire and terminate a subadviser that is not affiliated with Pioneer (an “unaffiliated subadviser”) or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract with an unaffiliated subadviser for the Pioneer Fund without shareholder approval. Pioneer retains the ultimate responsibility to oversee and recommend the hiring, termination and replacement of any unaffiliated subadviser.
 
Distributor and transfer agent
 
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. is each Pioneer Fund’s distributor. Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. (“PIMSS”) is each Pioneer Fund’s transfer agent. Each Pioneer Fund compensates the distributor and the transfer agent for their services. The distributor and the transfer agent are affiliates of Pioneer.
 
Disclosure of portfolio holdings
 
Each Pioneer Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio securities are described in the fund’s statement of additional information.
 
Pricing of shares
 
Net Asset Value
 
Each Pioneer Fund’s net asset value is the value of its securities plus any other assets minus its accrued operating expenses and other liabilities. Each Pioneer Fund calculates net asset value for each class of shares every day the New York Stock Exchange open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the New York Stock Exchange closes at another time, the fund will calculate a net asset value for each class of shares as of the actual closing time.
 
Each Pioneer Fund generally values its equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange using the last sale price on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Equity securities that are not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which no last sale prices are available, are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale, bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods.
 
Each Pioneer Fund may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities.
 
To the extent that a Pioneer Fund invests in shares of other mutual funds that are not traded on an exchange, such shares of other mutual funds are valued at their net asset values as provided by those funds. The prospectuses for those funds explain the circumstances under which those funds will use fair value pricing methods and the effects of using fair value pricing methods.
 
Each Pioneer Fund generally values debt securities and certain derivative instruments by using the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services. A pricing service may use market prices or quotations from one or more brokers or other sources, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed income securities and/or other factors. Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service.
 
Each Pioneer Fund values short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at amortized cost, unless circumstances indicate that using this method would not reflect an investment’s value.
 
 
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The valuations of securities traded in non-U.S. markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade. When a Pioneer Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Non-U.S. markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when a Pioneer Fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of a Pioneer Fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares.
 
When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for an investment, or when prices or market quotations are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when they are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the Pioneer Fund uses fair value methods to value its securities pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Pioneer Fund also may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a price is determined and the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated. Because the fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade — some of which may be thinly traded and for which prices may not be readily available or may be unreliable — the Pioneer Fund may use fair value methods more frequently than funds that primarily invest in securities that are more widely traded. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the Pioneer Fund’s shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated only using market prices.
 
The prices used by each Pioneer Fund to value its securities may differ from the amounts that would be realized if these securities were sold and these differences may be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility.
 
Distribution and service arrangements
 
Distribution Plan
 
Each Pioneer Fund has adopted a distribution plan for its Class A, Class B (if applicable) and Class C shares in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under each plan, a Pioneer Fund pays distribution and service fees to PFD. Because these fees are an ongoing expense of a Pioneer Fund, over time they increase the cost of your investment and your shares may cost more than shares that are subject to other types of sales charges.
 
Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries
 
Your financial intermediary may receive compensation from a Pioneer Fund, Pioneer and its affiliates for the sale of a Pioneer Fund’s shares and related services. Compensation may include sales commissions and distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees, as well as compensation for administrative services and transaction processing.
 
Pioneer and its affiliates may make additional payments to your financial intermediary. These payments may provide your financial intermediary with an incentive to favor the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or assist the distributor in its efforts to promote the sale of a Pioneer Fund’s shares. Financial intermediaries include broker-dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators and other types of intermediaries.
 
Pioneer makes these additional payments (sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing”) to financial intermediaries out of its own assets, which may include profits derived from services provided to a Pioneer Fund, or from the retention of a portion of sales charges or distribution and service fees. Pioneer may base these payments on a variety of criteria, including the amount of sales or assets of the Pioneer funds attributable to the financial intermediary or as a per transaction fee.
 
Not all financial intermediaries receive additional compensation and the amount of compensation paid varies for each financial intermediary. In certain cases, these payments may be significant. Pioneer determines which firms to support and the extent of the payments it is willing to make, generally choosing firms that have a strong capability to effectively distribute shares of the Pioneer funds and that are willing to cooperate with Pioneer’s promotional efforts. Pioneer also may compensate financial intermediaries (in addition to amounts that may be paid by the fund) for providing certain administrative services and transaction processing services.
 
Pioneer may benefit from revenue sharing if the intermediary features the Pioneer funds in its sales system (such as by placing certain Pioneer funds on its preferred fund list or giving access on a preferential basis to members of the financial intermediary’s sales force or management). In addition, the financial intermediary may agree to participate in the distributor’s marketing efforts (such as by helping to facilitate or provide financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the Pioneer funds to the intermediary’s sales force). To the extent intermediaries sell more shares of the Pioneer funds or retain shares of the Pioneer funds in their clients’ accounts, Pioneer receives greater management and other fees due to the increase in the Pioneer funds’ assets. The intermediary may earn a profit on these payments if the amount of the payment to the intermediary exceeds the intermediary’s costs.
 
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The compensation that Pioneer pays to financial intermediaries is discussed in more detail in the fund’s statement of additional information. Your intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than in the discussion above and in the statement of additional information. You can ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from Pioneer or the Pioneer funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.
 
Pioneer and its affiliates may have other relationships with your financial intermediary relating to the provision of services to the Pioneer funds, such as providing omnibus account services or effecting portfolio transactions for the Pioneer funds. If your intermediary provides these services, Pioneer or the Pioneer funds may compensate the intermediary for these services. In addition, your intermediary may have other relationships with Pioneer or its affiliates that are not related to the Pioneer funds.
 
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
 
Opening your account
 
You may open an account by completing an account application and sending it to the transfer agent by mail or by fax. Please call the transfer agent to obtain an account application. Certain types of accounts, such as retirement accounts, have separate applications.
 
Use your account application to select options and privileges for your account. You can change your selections at any time by sending a completed account options form to the transfer agent. You may be required to obtain a signature guarantee to make certain changes to an existing account.
 
Call or write to the transfer agent for account applications, account options forms and other account information:
 
Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 55014
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014
Telephone 1-800-225-6292
 
Identity verification
 
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the fund to identify you.
 
A Pioneer Fund may close your account if we cannot adequately verify your identity. The redemption price will be the net asset value on the date of redemption.
 
Investing through financial intermediaries and retirement plans
 
If you invest in a Pioneer Fund through your financial intermediary or through a retirement plan, the options and services available to you may be different from those discussed in this Information Statement / Prospectus. Shareholders investing through financial intermediaries, programs sponsored by financial intermediaries and retirement plans may only purchase funds and classes of shares that are available. When you invest through an account that is not in your name, you generally may buy and sell shares and complete other transactions only through the account. Ask your investment professional or financial intermediary for more information.
 
Additional conditions may apply to your investment in a Pioneer Fund, and the investment professional or intermediary may charge you a transaction-based, administrative or other fee for its services. These conditions and fees are in addition to those imposed by the Pioneer Fund and its affiliates. You should ask your investment professional or financial intermediary about its services and any applicable fees.
 
Share prices for transactions
 
If you place an order to purchase, exchange or sell shares with the transfer agent or an authorized agent by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), the share price for your transaction will be based on the net asset value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on that day (plus or minus any applicable sales charges). If your order is placed with the transfer agent or an authorized agent after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, or your order is not in good order, the share price will be based on the net asset value next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund or authorized agent. The authorized agent is responsible for transmitting your order to the fund in a timely manner.
 
 
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Good order means that:
 
·
You have provided adequate instructions
·
There are no outstanding claims against your account
·
There are no transaction limitations on your account
·
If you have any fund share certificates, you submit them and they are signed by each record owner exactly as the shares are registered
·
Your request includes a signature guarantee if you:
 
Are selling over $100,000 or exchanging over $500,000 worth of shares
 
Changed your account registration or address within the last 30 days
 
Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account
 
Want the check paid to someone other than the account’s record owner(s)
 
Are transferring the sale proceeds to a Pioneer mutual fund account with a different registration
 
Transaction limitations
 
Your transactions are subject to certain limitations, including the limitation on the purchase of a Pioneer Fund’s shares within 30 calendar days of a redemption. See “Excessive trading.”
 
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
 
Buying
 
You may buy a Pioneer Fund’s shares from any financial intermediary that has a sales agreement or other arrangement with the distributor.
 
You can buy shares at net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge. The distributor may reject any order until it has confirmed the order in writing and received payment. Normally, your financial intermediary will send your purchase request to the Pioneer Fund’s transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. Your investment firm receives a commission from the distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your purchase of shares of a Pioneer Fund.
 
Minimum investment amounts
 
Class A and Class C shares
 
Your initial investment must be at least $1,000. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares and $500 for Class C shares.
 
You may qualify for lower initial or subsequent investment minimums if you are opening a retirement plan account, establishing an automatic investment plan or placing your trade through your investment firm. A Pioneer Fund may waive the initial or subsequent investment minimums. Minimum investment amounts may be waived for, among other things, share purchases made through certain mutual fund programs (e.g., asset based fee program accounts) sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, that have entered into an agreement with Pioneer.
 
Class Y shares
 
Your initial investment in Class Y shares must be at least $5 million. This amount may be invested in one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds that currently offer Class Y shares. There is no minimum additional investment amount. A Pioneer Fund may waive the initial investment amount.
 
Maximum purchase amounts
 
Purchases of shares of a Pioneer Fund are limited to $499,999 for Class C shares. This limit is applied on a per transaction basis. Class A, Class B (if applicable) and Class Y shares are not subject to a maximum purchase amount.
 
Retirement plan accounts
 
You can purchase shares of a Pioneer Fund through tax-deferred retirement plans for individuals, businesses and tax-exempt organizations.
 
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Your initial investment for most types of retirement plan accounts must be at least $250. Additional investments for most types of retirement plans must be at least $100.
 
You may not use the account application accompanying a Pioneer Fund's prospectus to establish a Pioneer retirement plan. You can obtain retirement plan applications from your investment firm or by calling the Retirement Plans Department at 1-800-622-0176.
 
How to buy shares
 
Through your investment rm
 
Normally, your investment firm will send your purchase request to the Pioneer Funds’ distributor and/or transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. Your investment firm receives a commission from the distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your purchase of shares of a Pioneer Fund.
 
By phone or online
 
You can use the telephone or online purchase privilege if you have an existing non-retirement account. Certain IRAs can use the telephone purchase privilege. If your account is eligible, you can purchase additional fund shares by phone or online if:
 
·  
You established your bank account of record at least 30 days ago
 
·  
Your bank information has not changed for at least 30 days
 
·  
You are not purchasing more than $100,000 worth of shares per account per day
 
·  
You can provide the proper account identification information
 
When you request a telephone or online purchase, the transfer agent will electronically debit the amount of the purchase from your bank account of record. The transfer agent will purchase shares of the Pioneer Fund for the amount of the debit at the offering price determined after the transfer agent receives your telephone or online purchase instruction and good funds. It usually takes three business days for the transfer agent to receive notification from your bank that good funds are available in the amount of your investment.
 
In writing, by mail
 
You can purchase shares of a Pioneer Fund for an existing fund account by mailing a check to the transfer agent. Make your check payable to the Pioneer Fund. Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check, travelers check, or credit card check. Your check must be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Include in your purchase request the Pioneer Fund’s name, the account number and the name or names in the account registration.
 
By wire (Class Y shares only)
 
If you have an existing (Class Y shares only) account, you may wire funds to purchase shares. Note, however, that:
 
·  
State Street Bank must receive your wire no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on the business day after the Pioneer Fund receives your request to purchase shares
 
·  
If State Street Bank does not receive your wire by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next business day, your transaction will be canceled at your expense and risk
 
·  
Wire transfers normally take two or more hours to complete and a fee may be charged by the sending bank
 
·  
Wire transfers may be restricted on holidays and at certain other times
 
   
Instruct your bank to wire funds to: 
 
Receiving Bank: 
State Street Bank and Trust Company 
 
225 Franklin Street 
 
Boston, MA 02101 
 
ABA Routing No. 011000028 
   
For further credit to: 
Shareholder Name 
 
Existing Pioneer Account No. 
 
[Name of Pioneer Fund] 
 
 
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The transfer agent must receive your account application before you send your initial check or federal funds wire. In addition, you must provide a bank wire address of record when you establish your account.
 
Exchanging
 
You may, under certain circumstances, exchange your shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer mutual fund.
 
Your exchange request must be for at least $1,000. Each Pioneer Fund allows you to exchange your shares at net asset value without charging you either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. Shares you acquire as part of an exchange will continue to be subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the shares you originally purchased. When you ultimately sell your shares, the date of your original purchase will determine your contingent deferred sales charge.
 
Before you request an exchange, consider each fund’s investment objective and policies as described in the fund’s prospectus. You generally will have to pay income taxes on an exchange.
 
Same-fund exchange privilege
 
Certain shareholders may be eligible to exchange their shares for the Pioneer Fund’s Class Y shares. If eligible, no sales charges or other charges will apply to any such exchange. Generally, shareholders will not recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes upon such an exchange. Investors should contact their financial intermediary to learn more about the details of this privilege.
 
How to exchange shares
 
Through your investment firm
 
Normally, your investment firm will send your exchange request to the Pioneer Fund’s transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for more information about exchanging your shares.
 
By phone or online
 
After you establish an eligible fund account, you can exchange shares of a Pioneer Fund by phone or online if:
 
·  
You are exchanging into an existing account or using the exchange to establish a new account, provided the new account has a registration identical to the original account
 
·  
The fund into which you are exchanging offers the same class of shares
 
·  
You are not exchanging more than $500,000 worth of shares per account per day
 
·  
You can provide the proper account identification information
 
In writing, by mail or by fax
 
You can exchange shares of a Pioneer Fund by mailing or faxing a letter of instruction to the transfer agent. You can exchange shares of a Pioneer Fund directly through the Pioneer Fund only if your account is registered in your name. However, you may not fax an exchange request for more than $500,000. Include in your letter:
 
·  
The name and signature of all registered owners
 
·  
A signature guarantee for each registered owner if the amount of the exchange is more than $500,000
 
·  
The name of the Pioneer Fund out of which you are exchanging and the name of the fund into which you are exchanging
 
·  
The class of shares you are exchanging
 
·  
The dollar amount or number of shares you are exchanging
 
Selling
 
Your shares will be sold at the share price (net asset value less any applicable sales charge) next calculated after the Pioneer Fund or its authorized agent, such as a broker-dealer, receives your request in good order. If a signature guarantee is required, you must submit your request in writing.
 
If the shares you are selling are subject to a deferred sales charge, it will be deducted from the sale proceeds. Each Pioneer Fund generally will send your sale proceeds by check, bank wire or electronic funds transfer. Normally you will be paid within seven days. If you recently
 
 
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sent a check to purchase the shares being sold, the Pioneer Fund may delay payment of the sale proceeds until your check has cleared. This may take up to 10 calendar days from the purchase date.
 
If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account or certain IRAs, you may use any of the methods described below. If you are selling shares from a retirement account other than an IRA, you must make your request in writing.
 
You generally will have to pay income taxes on a sale.
 
If you must use a written request to exchange or sell your shares and your account is registered in the name of a corporation or other fiduciary you must include the name of an authorized person and a certified copy of a current corporate resolution, certificate of incumbency or similar legal document showing that the named individual is authorized to act on behalf of the record owner.
 
How to sell shares
 
Through your investment firm
 
Normally, your investment firm will send your request to sell shares to the Pioneer Funds’ transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. Each Pioneer Fund has authorized the distributor to act as its agent in the repurchase of fund shares from qualified investment firms. Each Pioneer Fund reserves the right to terminate this procedure at any time.
 
By phone or online
 
If you have an eligible non-retirement account, you may sell up to $100,000 per account per day by phone or online. You may sell shares of a Pioneer Fund held in a retirement plan account by phone only if your account is an eligible IRA (tax penalties may apply). You may not sell your shares by phone or online if you have changed your address (for checks) or your bank information (for wires and transfers) in the last 30 days.
 
You may receive your sale proceeds:
 
·  
By check, provided the check is made payable exactly as your account is registered
 
·  
By bank wire or by electronic funds transfer, provided the sale proceeds are being sent to your bank address of record
 
For Class Y shares, shareholders may sell up to $5 million per account per day if the proceeds are directed to your bank account of record ($100,000 per account per day if the proceeds are not directed to your bank account of record).
 
In writing, by mail or by fax
 
You can sell some or all of your shares of a Pioneer Fund by writing directly to the Pioneer Fund only if your account is registered in your name. Include in your request your name, the name of the Pioneer Fund, your fund account number, the class of shares to be sold, the dollar amount or number of shares to be sold and any other applicable requirements as described below. The transfer agent will send the sale proceeds to your address of record unless you provide other instructions. Your request must be signed by all registered owners and be in good order.
 
The transfer agent will not process your request until it is received in good order.
 
You may sell up to $100,000 per account per day by fax.
 
How to contact Pioneer
 
By phone
For information or to request a telephone transaction between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time) by speaking with a shareholder services representative call
1-800-225-6292
 
To request a transaction using FactFoneSM call
1-800-225-4321
 
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By mail
 
Send your written instructions to:
Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 55014
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014
 
Pioneer website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
 
By fax
Fax your exchange and sale requests to:
1-800-225-4240
 
Account options
 
See the account application form for more details on each of the following services or call the transfer agent for details and availability.
 
Telephone transaction privileges
 
If your account is registered in your name, you can buy, exchange or sell shares of the Pioneer Funds by telephone. If you do not want your account to have telephone transaction privileges, you must indicate that choice on your account application or by writing to the transfer agent.
 
When you request a telephone transaction the transfer agent will try to confirm that the request is genuine. The transfer agent records the call, requires the caller to provide validating information for the account and sends you a written confirmation. Each Pioneer Fund may implement other confirmation procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. If a Pioneer Fund’s confirmation procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions.
 
Online transaction privileges
 
If your account is registered in your name, you may be able to buy, exchange or sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange or sell your fund shares online.
 
To establish online transaction privileges:
 
·  
For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application
 
·  
For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen at www.pioneerinvestments.com.
 
To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. Each Pioneer Fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts.
 
Automatic investment plans
 
You can make regular periodic investments in a Pioneer Fund by setting up monthly bank drafts, government allotments, payroll deductions, a Pioneer Investomatic Plan and other similar automatic investment plans. Automatic investments may be made only through U.S. banks. You may use an automatic investment plan to establish a Class A share account with a small initial investment. If you have a Class C share account and your balance is at least $1,000, you may establish an automatic investment plan.
 
Pioneer Investomatic Plan
 
If you establish a Pioneer Investomatic Plan, the transfer agent will make a periodic investment in shares of a Pioneer Fund by means of a preauthorized electronic funds transfer from your bank account. Your plan investments are voluntary. You may discontinue your plan at any time or change the plan’s dollar amount, frequency or investment date by calling or writing to the transfer agent. You should allow up to 30 days for the transfer agent to establish your plan.
 
 
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Automatic exchanges
 
You can automatically exchange your shares of a Pioneer Fund for shares of the same class of another Pioneer mutual fund. The automatic exchange will begin on the day you select when you complete the appropriate section of your account application or an account options form. In order to establish automatic exchange:
 
·  
You must select exchanges on a monthly or quarterly basis
 
·  
Both the originating and receiving accounts must have identical registrations
 
·  
The originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000
 
You may have to pay income taxes on an exchange.
 
Distribution options
 
Each Pioneer Fund offers three distribution options. Any shares of a Pioneer Fund you buy by reinvesting distributions will be priced at the applicable net asset value per share.
 
(1) Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by a Pioneer Fund will automatically be invested in additional fund shares.
 
(2) You may elect to have the amount of any dividends paid to you in cash and any capital gain distributions reinvested in additional shares.
 
(3) You may elect to have the full amount of any dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid to you in cash.
 
Options (2) and (3) are not available to retirement plan accounts or accounts with a current value of less than $500.
 
If you are under 59½, taxes and tax penalties may apply.
 
If your distribution check is returned to the transfer agent or you do not cash the check for six months or more, the transfer agent may reinvest the amount of the check in your account and automatically change the distribution option on your account to option (1) until you request a different option in writing. If the amount of a distribution check would be less than $10, the Pioneer Fund may reinvest the amount in additional shares of the fund instead of sending a check. Additional shares of the Pioneer Fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value.
 
Directed dividends
 
You can invest the dividends paid by one of your Pioneer mutual fund accounts in a second Pioneer mutual fund account. The value of your second account must be at least $1,000. You may direct the investment of any amount of dividends. There are no fees or charges for directed dividends. If you have a retirement plan account, you may only direct dividends to accounts with identical registrations.
 
Systematic withdrawal plans
 
When you establish a systematic withdrawal plan for your account, the transfer agent will sell the number of fund shares you specify on a periodic basis and the proceeds will be paid to you or to any person you select. You must obtain a signature guarantee to direct payments to another person after you have established your systematic withdrawal plan. Payments can be made either by check or by electronic transfer to a U.S. bank account you designate.
 
To establish a systematic withdrawal plan:
 
·  
Your account must have a total value of at least $10,000 when you establish your plan
 
·  
You must request a periodic withdrawal of at least $50
 
·  
You may not request a periodic withdrawal of more than 10% of the value of any Class C share account (valued at the time the plan is implemented)
 
These requirements do not apply to scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs and certain retirement plans.
 
Systematic sales of fund shares may be taxable transactions for you. While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges.
 
 
 
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Direct deposit
 
If you elect to take dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions in cash, or if you establish a systematic withdrawal plan, you may choose to have those cash payments deposited directly into your savings, checking or NOW bank account.
 
Voluntary tax withholding
 
You may have the transfer agent withhold 28% of the dividends and capital gain distributions paid from your fund account (before any reinvestment) and forward the amount withheld to the Internal Revenue Service as a credit against your federal income taxes. Voluntary tax withholding is not available for retirement plan accounts or for accounts subject to backup withholding.
 
Shareholder services and policies
 
Excessive trading
 
Frequent trading into and out of a Pioneer Fund can disrupt portfolio management strategies, harm the Pioneer Fund’s performance by forcing the fund to hold excess cash or to liquidate certain portfolio securities prematurely and increase expenses for all investors, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs. An investor may use short-term trading as a strategy, for example, if the investor believes that the valuation of the Pioneer Fund’s portfolio securities for purposes of calculating its net asset value does not fully reflect the then-current fair market value of those holdings. Each Pioneer Fund discourages, and does not take any intentional action to accommodate, excessive and short-term trading practices, such as market timing. Although there is no generally applied standard in the marketplace as to what level of trading activity is excessive, we may consider trading in a Pioneer Fund’s shares to be excessive for a variety of reasons, such as if:
 
·  
You sell shares within a short period of time after the shares were purchased;
 
·  
You make two or more purchases and redemptions within a short period of time;
 
·  
You enter into a series of transactions that indicate a timing pattern or strategy; or
 
·  
We reasonably believe that you have engaged in such practices in connection with other mutual funds.
 
Each Pioneer Fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by investors in the Pioneer Fund. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, we monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading. If we determine that an investor or a client of a broker or other intermediary has engaged in excessive short-term trading that we believe may be harmful to a Pioneer Fund, we will ask the investor, broker or other intermediary to cease such activity and we will refuse to process purchase orders (including purchases by exchange) of such investor, broker, other intermediary or accounts that we believe are under their control. In determining whether to take such actions, we seek to act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the shareholders of the Pioneer Fund.
 
While we use our reasonable efforts to detect excessive trading activity, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that market timers will not employ tactics designed to evade detection. If we are not successful, your return from an investment in a Pioneer Fund may be adversely affected. Frequently, shares of a Pioneer Fund are held through omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries such as brokers and retirement plan administrators, where the holdings of multiple shareholders, such as all the clients of a particular broker or other intermediary, are aggregated. Our ability to monitor trading practices by investors purchasing shares through omnibus accounts may be limited and dependent upon the cooperation of the broker or other intermediary in taking steps to limit this type of activity.
 
Each Pioneer Fund may reject a purchase or exchange order before its acceptance or the issuance of shares. Each Pioneer Fund may also restrict additional purchases or exchanges in an account. Each of these steps may be taken for any transaction, for any reason, without prior notice, including transactions that the Pioneer Fund believes are requested on behalf of market timers. Each Pioneer Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange request by any investor or financial institution if the Pioneer Fund believes that any combination of trading activity in the account or related accounts is potentially disruptive to the fund. A prospective investor whose purchase or exchange order is rejected will not achieve the investment results, whether gain or loss, that would have been realized if the order had been accepted and an investment made in the fund. A Pioneer Fund and its shareholders do not incur any gain or loss as a result of a rejected order. Each Pioneer Fund may impose further restrictions on trading activities by market timers in the future.
 
To limit the negative effects of excessive trading, each Pioneer Fund has adopted the following restriction on investor transactions. If an investor redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are a part of an exchange transaction) from a Pioneer Fund, that investor shall be prevented (or “blocked”) from purchasing shares of the Pioneer Fund (including purchases that are a part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to systematic purchase or withdrawal plan transactions,
 
 
 
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transactions made through employer-sponsored retirement plans described under Section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code or employee benefit plans, scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs, rebalancing transactions made through certain asset allocation or “wrap” programs, transactions by insurance company separate accounts or transactions by other funds that invest in the Pioneer Fund. This policy does not apply to purchase or redemption transactions of less than $5,000 or to a Pioneer money market fund.
 
We rely on financial intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts to apply to their customers either the Pioneer Funds’ policy described above or the intermediaries’ own policies or restrictions designed to limit excessive trading of shares of a Pioneer Fund. However, we do not impose this policy at the omnibus account level.
 
Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege (for Class A shares) are subject to this policy.
 
Purchases in kind
 
You may use securities you own to purchase shares of a Pioneer Fund provided that Pioneer, in its sole discretion, determines that the securities are consistent with the Pioneer Fund’s objective and policies and their acquisition is in the best interests of the Pioneer Fund. If the fund accepts your securities, they will be valued for purposes of determining the number of shares of the Pioneer Fund to be issued to you in the same way the fund will value the securities for purposes of determining its net asset value. For federal income tax purposes, you may be taxed in the same manner as if you sold the securities that you use to purchase shares of the Pioneer Fund for cash in an amount equal to the value of the shares of the Pioneer Fund that you purchase. Your broker may also impose a fee in connection with processing your purchase of shares of a Pioneer Fund with securities.
 
Reinstatement privilege (Class A shares)
 
If you recently sold all or part of your Class A shares, you may be able to reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds without a sales charge in Class A shares of any Pioneer mutual fund. To qualify for reinstatement:
 
·  
You must send a written request to the transfer agent no more than 90 days after selling your shares and
 
·  
The registration of the account in which you reinvest your sale proceeds must be identical to the registration of the account from which you sold your shares.
 
Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege are subject to limitations on investor transactions, including the limitation on the purchase of a Pioneer Fund’s shares within 30 calendar days of redemption. See “Excessive trading.”
 
When you elect reinstatement, you are subject to the provisions outlined in the selected the Pioneer Fund’s prospectus, including the fund’s minimum investment requirement. Your sale proceeds will be reinvested in shares of the Pioneer Fund at the Class A net asset value per share determined after the transfer agent receives your written request for reinstatement. You may realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of your sale of shares of a Pioneer Fund, and special tax rules may apply if you elect reinstatement. Consult your tax adviser for more information.
 
Pioneer website
 
www.pioneerinvestments.com
The website includes a full selection of information on mutual fund investing.
 
You can also use the website to get:
 
·  
Your current account information
 
·  
Prices, returns and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds
 
·  
Prospectuses, statements of additional information and shareowner reports for all the Pioneer mutual funds
 
·  
A copy of Pioneer’s privacy notice
 
If you or your investment firm authorized your account for the online transaction privilege, you may buy, exchange and sell shares online.
 
FactFoneSM 1-800-225-4321
 
You can use FactFoneSM to:
 
·  
Obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual fund accounts
 
·  
Inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds
 
·  
Make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions for your fund accounts
 
·  
Request account statements
 
 
 
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If you plan to use FactFoneSM to make telephone purchases and redemptions, first you must activate your personal identification number and establish your bank account of record. If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFoneSM.
 
If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFoneSM to obtain account information.
 
Household delivery of fund documents
 
With your consent, Pioneer may send a single proxy statement, prospectus and shareowner report to your residence for you and any other member of your household who has an account with a Pioneer Fund. If you wish to revoke your consent to this practice, you may do so by notifying Pioneer, by phone or in writing (see “How to contact Pioneer”). Pioneer will begin mailing separate proxy statements, prospectuses and shareowner reports to you within 30 days after receiving your notice.
 
Confirmation statements
 
The transfer agent maintains an account for each investment firm or individual shareowner and records all account transactions. You will be sent confirmation statements showing the details of your transactions as they occur, except automatic investment plan transactions, which are confirmed quarterly. If you have more than one Pioneer mutual fund account registered in your name, the Pioneer combined account statement will be mailed to you each quarter.
 
Tax information
 
Early each year, each Pioneer Fund will mail you information about the tax status of the dividends and distributions paid to you by the Pioneer Fund.
 
Tax information for IRA rollovers
 
In January (or by the applicable Internal Revenue Service deadline) following the year in which you take a reportable distribution, the transfer agent will mail you a tax form reflecting the total amount(s) of distribution(s) received by the end of January.
 
Privacy
 
Each Pioneer Fund has a policy designed to protect the privacy of your personal information. A copy of Pioneer’s privacy notice was given to you at the time you opened your account. Each Pioneer Fund will send you a copy of the privacy notice each year. You may also obtain the privacy notice by calling the transfer agent or through Pioneer’s website.
 
Signature guarantees and other requirements
 
You are required to obtain a signature guarantee when:
 
·  
Requesting certain types of exchanges or sales of shares of a Pioneer Fund
 
·  
Redeeming shares for which you hold a share certificate
 
·  
Requesting certain types of changes for your existing account
 
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most broker-dealers, banks, credit unions (if authorized under state law) and federal savings and loan associations. You cannot obtain a signature guarantee from a notary public.
 
The Pioneer funds generally accept only medallion signature guarantees. A medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association, or other financial institution that is participating in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that are not participating in one of these programs are not accepted as medallion signature guarantees. A Pioneer Fund may accept other forms of guarantee from financial intermediaries in limited circumstances.
 
Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit additional documents to sell shares of a Pioneer Fund.
 
Minimum account size
 
The fund requires that you maintain a minimum account value of $500. If you hold less than $500 in your account, each Pioneer Fund reserves the right to notify you that it intends to sell your shares and close your account. You will be given 60 days from the date of the notice to make additional investments to avoid having your shares sold. This policy does not apply to certain qualified retirement plan accounts.
 
 
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Telephone and website access
 
You may have difficulty contacting a Pioneer Fund by telephone or accessing www.pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in telephone or Internet service. On New York Stock Exchange holidays or on days when the exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to access www.pioneerinvestments.com or reach a Pioneer Fund by telephone, you should communicate with the Pioneer Fund in writing.
 
Share certificates
 
The Pioneer Funds do not offer share certificates. Shares are electronically recorded. Any existing certificated shares can only be sold by returning your certificate to the transfer agent, along with a letter of instruction or a stock power (a separate written authority transferring ownership) and a signature guarantee.
 
Other policies
 
Each Pioneer Fund and the distributor reserve the right to:
 
·  
reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason, without prior notice
 
·  
charge a fee for exchanges or to modify, limit or suspend the exchange privilege at any time without notice. Each Pioneer Fund will provide 60 days’ notice of material amendments to or termination of the exchange privilege
 
·  
revise, suspend, limit or terminate the account options or services available to shareowners at any time, except as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
 
Each Pioneer Fund reserves the right to:
 
·  
suspend transactions in shares when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, or when the Securities and Exchange Commission determines an emergency or other circumstances exist that make it impracticable for the Pioneer Fund to sell or value its portfolio securities, or otherwise as permitted by the rules of or by the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission
 
·  
redeem in kind by delivering to you portfolio securities owned by the Pioneer Fund rather than cash. Securities you receive this way may increase or decrease in value while you hold them and you may incur brokerage and transaction charges and tax liability when you convert the securities to cash
 
·  
charge transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent fees, such as an account maintenance fee for small balance accounts, directly to accounts upon at least 30 days’ notice. A Pioneer Fund may do this by deducting the fee from your distribution of dividends and/or by redeeming fund shares to the extent necessary to cover the fee
 
·  
close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state
 
Dividends, capital gains and taxes
 
Dividends and capital gains
 
Each Pioneer Fund generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in November.
 
Each Pioneer Fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in December.
 
Each Pioneer Fund may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if necessary for the Pioneer Fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. If you invest in a Pioneer Fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, generally you will pay a higher price per share and, unless you are exempt from tax, you will pay taxes on the amount of the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution in additional shares or receive it as cash.
 
Taxes
 
You will normally have to pay federal income taxes, and any state or local taxes, on the dividends and other distributions you receive from a Pioneer Fund, whether you take the distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions from a Pioneer Fund’s net capital gains (if any) are considered long-term capital gains and may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%. Distributions from a Pioneer Fund’s net short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Other dividends are taxable either as ordinary income or, in general, if paid from the Pioneer Fund’s “qualified dividend income” and if certain conditions, including holding period requirements, are met by the Pioneer Fund and the shareholder, as qualified dividend income taxable to noncorporate shareholders at U.S. federal income tax rates of up to 20%.
 
 
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“Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a Pioneer Fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market.
 
A portion of dividends received from a Pioneer Fund (but none of the Pioneer Fund’s capital gain distributions) may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
 
Each Pioneer Fund will report to shareholders annually the U.S. federal income tax status of all fund distributions.
 
If a Pioneer Fund declares a dividend in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in January of the following year, you will be taxed on the dividend as if you received it in the year in which it was declared.
 
Sales and exchanges generally will be taxable transactions to shareowners. When you sell or exchange shares of a Pioneer Fund you will generally recognize a capital gain or capital loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net amount of sale proceeds (or, in the case of an exchange, the fair market value of the shares) that you receive and your tax basis for the shares that you sell or exchange.
 
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest and certain capital gains are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.
 
You must provide your social security number or other taxpayer identification number to the Pioneer Fund along with the certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service when you open an account. If you do not or if it is otherwise legally required to do so, the Pioneer Fund will apply “backup withholding” tax on your dividends and other distributions, sale proceeds and any other payments to you that are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is 28%.
 
You should ask your tax adviser about any federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations relating to an investment in the fund. You may also consult the Pioneer Fund’s statement of additional information for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may affect the Pioneer Fund and its shareowners.
 
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
     The financial highlights table helps you understand each Pioneer Fund’s financial performance for the past five years and, if applicable, for any recent semiannual period.
 
     Certain information reflects financial results for a single Pioneer Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned or lost on an investment in Class A, Class B (if applicable), Class C or Class Y shares of the applicable Pioneer Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).
 
     For financial statement purposes (i) with respect to the Pioneer Research Fund - Pioneer Value Fund Reorganization, Pioneer Research Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization; (ii) with respect to the Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund - Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund Reorganization, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization; (iii) with respect to the Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund - Pioneer Independence Fund Reorganization, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization; and (iv) with respect to the Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund - Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Reorganization, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. As the accounting survivor, each such fund’s operating history will be used for financial reporting purposes after consummation of the applicable Reorganization.
 
     Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the predecessor fund) on May 15, 2009. For periods prior to May 15, 2009, the financial information of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is that of the predecessor fund. For Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, the information below for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included in the fund’s annual report along with the fund’s financial statements. The information below for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008 was audited by another independent registered public accounting firm.
 
     For each other Pioneer Fund, the information below, except for the financial highlights for the six months ended December 31 for Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and indicated below, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, each Pioneer Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included in the fund’s annual report along with the fund’s financial statements. The annual report is available upon request.
 
 
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Financial Highlights 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Research Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.47     $ 9.44     $ 8.21     $ 6.43     $ 10.09  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.07     $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0.06     $ 0.09  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.30       0.04       1.23       1.81       (3.65 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.37     $ 0.09     $ 1.28     $ 1.87     $ (3.56 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.07 )      (0.06 )      (0.05 )      (0.09 )      (0.10 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.30     $ 0.03     $ 1.23     $ 1.78     $ (3.66 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.77     $ 9.47     $ 9.44     $ 8.21     $ 6.43  
Total return* 
    14.51 %      0.97 %      15.58 %      29.11 %      (35.22 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.26 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets† 
    0.76 %      0.59 %      0.56 %      0.90 %      0.96 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    59 %      57 %      57 %      90 %      87 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 23,907     $ 15,957     $ 13,890     $ 13,866     $ 10,110  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.59 %      1.55 %      1.53 %      1.62 %      1.36 % 
Net investment income 
    0.42 %      0.29 %      0.28 %      0.53 %      0.85 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 % 
Net investment income 
    0.76 %      0.59 %      0.56 %      0.90 %      0.96 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
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Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Research Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year  
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended  
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
Class B 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 8.94     $ 8.93     $ 7.80     $ 6.10     $ 9.52  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ (0.03 )(b)    $ (0.04 )    $ (0.03 )      0.00 (a)      0.00 (a) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.23       0.05       1.16       1.71       (3.41 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.20     $ 0.01     $ 1.13     $ 1.71     $ (3.41 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (c)      (c)            (0.01 )      (0.01 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.20     $ 0.01     $ 1.13     $ 1.70     $ (3.42 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.14     $ 8.94     $ 8.93     $ 7.80     $ 6.10  
Total return* 
    13.42 %      0.11 %      14.49 %      27.98 %      (35.83 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.16 % 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets† 
    (0.22 )%      (0.36 )%      (0.36 )%      0.03 %      0.02 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    59 %      57 %      57 %      90 %      87 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 1,171     $ 2,097     $ 3,434     $ 4,453     $ 5,908  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    2.58 %      2.52 %      2.47 %      2.54 %      2.22 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.65 )%      (0.73 )%      (0.68 )%      (0.36 )%      (0.04 )% 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    (0.22 )%      (0.36 )%      (0.36 )%      0.03 %      0.03 % 
(a)     
Amounts round to less than $0.01 per share.
(b)     
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment gain on the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of shares.
(c)     
Dividends and/or capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B shares, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other Pioneer Funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
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Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Research Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year  
   
Year  
   
Year  
   
Year  
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.00     $ 8.99     $ 7.85     $ 6.16     $ 9.60  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ (0.01 )(b)    $ (0.03 )    $ (0.03 )      0.00 (a)    $ 0.02  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.21       0.04       1.17       1.72       (3.45 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.20     $ 0.01     $ 1.14     $ 1.72     $ (3.43 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.01 )                  (0.03 )      (0.01 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.19     $ 0.01     $ 1.14     $ 1.69     $ (3.44 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.19     $ 9.00     $ 8.99     $ 7.85     $ 6.16  
Total return* 
    13.37 %      0.11 %      14.52 %      27.93 %      (35.72 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.05 % 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets† 
    (0.14 )%      (0.32 )%      (0.33 )%      0.01 %      0.14 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    59 %      57 %      57 %      90 %      87 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 3,695     $ 1,829     $ 1,630     $ 1,422     $ 1,230  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    2.31 %      2.35 %      2.38 %      2.50 %      2.05 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    (0.30 )%      (0.52 )%      (0.56 )%      (0.34 )%      0.14 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.05 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    (0.14 )%      (0.32 )%      (0.33 )%      0.01 %      0.14 % 
(a)     
Amounts round to less than $0.01 per share.
(b)     
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment gain on the Statement of Operations due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of shares.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
101
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Research Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.55     $ 9.52     $ 8.28     $ 6.48     $ 10.19  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.10     $ 0.09     $ 0.08     $ 0.12     $ 0.14  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.31       0.03       1.24       1.79       (3.71 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.41     $ 0.12     $ 1.32     $ 1.91     $ (3.57 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.09 )      (0.09 )      (0.08 )      (0.11 )      (0.14 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.32     $ 0.03     $ 1.24     $ 1.80     $ (3.71 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.87     $ 9.55     $ 9.52     $ 8.28     $ 6.48  
Total return* 
    14.81 %      1.20 %      15.89 %      29.46 %      (34.96 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    1.02 %      0.97 %      0.96 %      0.97 %      0.82 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets† 
    0.97 %      0.81 %      0.86 %      1.22 %      1.36 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    59 %      57 %      57 %      90 %      87 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 33,875     $ 30,811     $ 47,810     $ 44,744     $ 73,947  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.02 %      0.97 %      0.96 %      0.97 %      0.82 % 
Net investment income 
    0.97 %      0.81 %      0.86 %      1.22 %      1.36 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    1.02 %      0.97 %      0.96 %      0.97 %      0.82 % 
Net investment income 
    0.97 %      0.81 %      0.86 %      1.22 %      1.36 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
102
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Value Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
9/30/12
   
9/30/11
   
9/30/10
   
9/30/09
   
9/30/08
 
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.67     $ 10.37     $ 10.12     $ 11.44     $ 18.28  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.19     $ 0.15     $ 0.14     $ 0.17     $ 0.25  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
and foreign currency transactions 
    2.47       (0.68 )      0.24       (1.29 )      (5.47 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 2.66     $ (0.53 )    $ 0.38     $ (1.12 )    $ (5.22 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.18 )      (0.17 )      (0.13 )      (0.20 )      (0.25 ) 
Net realized gain 
                            (1.37 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 2.48     $ (0.70 )    $ 0.25     $ (1.32 )    $ (6.84 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 12.15     $ 9.67     $ 10.37     $ 10.12     $ 11.44  
Total return* 
    27.74 %(a)      (5.39 )%      3.72 %      (9.49 )%      (30.75 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets † 
    0.99 %      1.02 %      1.01 %      1.06 %      0.94 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets † 
    1.63 %      1.23 %      1.23 %      1.89 %      1.73 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    83 %      84 %      111 %      53 %      95 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 1,348,834     $ 1,211,647     $ 1,457,472     $ 1,649,438     $ 2,082,427  
Ratios with reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    0.99 %      1.02 %      1.01 %      1.06 %      0.94 % 
Net investment income 
    1.63 %      1.23 %      1.23 %      1.89 %      1.73 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended September 30, 2012, the total return would have been 27.58%.
 
 
103
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Value Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
9/30/12
   
9/30/11
   
9/30/10
   
9/30/09
   
9/30/08
 
Class B 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 8.80     $ 9.45     $ 9.24     $ 10.47     $ 16.87  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ 0.02     $     $ 0.01     $ 0.06     $ 0.11  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
and foreign currency transactions 
    2.25       (0.65 )      0.20       (1.21 )      (5.04 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 2.27     $ (0.65 )    $ 0.21     $ (1.15 )    $ (4.93 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
                      (0.08 )      (0.10 ) 
Net realized gain 
                            (1.37 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 2.27     $ (0.65 )    $ 0.21     $ (1.23 )    $ (6.40 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 11.07     $ 8.80     $ 9.45     $ 9.24     $ 10.47  
Total return* 
    25.80 %(a)      (6.88 )%      2.27 %      (10.89 )%      (31.54 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets † 
    2.65 %      2.62 %      2.46 %      2.57 %      2.06 % 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets † 
    (0.03 )%      (0.37 )%      (0.23 )%      0.41 %      0.60 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    83 %      84 %      111 %      53 %      95 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 2,739     $ 3,151     $ 5,271     $ 8,057     $ 13,518  
Ratios with reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.65 %      2.62 %      2.46 %      2.57 %      2.04 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    (0.03 )%      (0.37 )%      (0.23 )%      0.41 %      0.62 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended September 30, 2012, the total return would have been 25.57%.
 
 
 
104
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Value Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
9/30/12
   
9/30/11
   
9/30/10
   
9/30/09
   
9/30/08
 
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 8.76     $ 9.43     $ 9.21     $ 10.43     $ 16.84  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.05     $ 0.02     $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.10  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
and foreign currency transactions 
    2.25       (0.63 )      0.23       (1.19 )      (5.01 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 2.30     $ (0.61 )    $ 0.24     $ (1.11 )    $ (4.91 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.07 )      (0.06 )      (0.02 )      (0.11 )      (0.13 ) 
Net realized gain 
                            (1.37 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 2.23     $ (0.67 )    $ 0.22     $ (1.22 )    $ (6.41 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.99     $ 8.76     $ 9.43     $ 9.21     $ 10.43  
Total return* 
    26.38 %(a)      (6.53 )%      2.65 %      (10.51 )%      (31.49 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets † 
    2.10 %      2.14 %      2.16 %      2.18 %      1.92 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets † 
    0.51 %      0.11 %      0.08 %      0.83 %      0.76 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    83 %      84 %      111 %      53 %      95 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 4,244     $ 3,560     $ 4,314     $ 4,371     $ 7,458  
Ratios with reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.10 %      2.14 %      2.16 %      2.18 %      1.91 % 
Net investment income 
    0.51 %      0.11 %      0.08 %      0.83 %      0.77 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended September 30, 2012, the total return would have been 26.22%.

 
 
105
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Value Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
9/30/12
   
9/30/11
   
9/30/10
   
9/30/09
   
9/30/08
 
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.76     $ 10.46     $ 10.21     $ 11.54     $ 18.42  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.24     $ 0.22     $ 0.28     $ 0.30     $ 0.33  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
         and foreign currency transactions 
    2.49       (0.71 )      0.14       (1.38 )      (5.54 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 2.73     $ (0.49 )    $ 0.42     $ (1.08 )    $ (5.21 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.22 )      (0.21 )      (0.17 )      (0.25 )      (0.30 ) 
Net realized gain 
                            (1.37 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 2.51     $ (0.70 )    $ 0.25     $ (1.33 )    $ (6.88 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 12.27     $ 9.76     $ 10.46     $ 10.21     $ 11.54  
Total return* 
    28.29 %(a)      (4.99 )%      4.12 %      (9.00 )%      (30.50 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets † 
    0.61 %      0.61 %      0.59 %      0.54 %      0.53 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets † 
    2.01 %      1.63 %      1.63 %      2.51 %      2.12 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    83 %      84 %      111 %      53 %      95 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 8,417     $ 8,745     $ 15,628     $ 39,120     $ 112,571  
Ratios with reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    0.61 %      0.61 %      0.59 %      0.54 %      0.53 % 
Net investment income 
    2.01 %      1.63 %      1.63 %      2.51 %      2.12 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
     
Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended September 30, 2012, the total return would have been 28.09%.
 
 
 
106
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
8/31/12
   
8/31/11
   
8/31/10
   
8/31/09
   
8/31/08
 
   
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 8.16     $ 7.95     $ 8.19     $ 9.60     $ 11.99  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.11     $ 0.07     $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ 0.11  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.00       1.00       0.12       (1.39 )      (1.62 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations 
  $ 1.11     $ 1.07     $ 0.18     $ (1.30 )    $ (1.51 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.09 )      (0.07 )      (0.07 )      (0.11 )      (0.11 ) 
Net realized gain 
    (0.49 )      (0.79 )      (0.35 )            (0.77 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.53     $ 0.21     $ (0.24 )    $ (1.41 )    $ (2.39 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 8.69     $ 8.16     $ 7.95     $ 8.19     $ 9.60  
Total return* 
    14.81 %      13.69 %      1.98 %      (13.34 )%      (13.34 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 
    1.23 %      0.95 %      0.78 %      1.34 %      1.07 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    94 %      91 %      112 %      114 %      116 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 2,084     $ 1,358     $ 892     $ 526     $ 520  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the
Adviser: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.71 %      1.68 %      1.76 %      13.37 %      16.02 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    0.77 %      0.52 %      0.27 %      (10.78 )%      (13.70 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
 
 
 
107
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
7/17/08 (a)
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
to     
 
   
8/31/12
   
8/31/11
   
8/31/10
   
8/31/09
   
8/31/08  
 
   
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 8.16     $ 7.96     $ 8.23     $ 9.61     $ 9.34  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ 0.03     $ (0.01 )    $ (0.02 )    $ 0.03     $ 0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    0.99       1.00       0.12       (1.39 )      0.26  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations 
  $ 1.02     $ 0.99     $ 0.10     $ (1.36 )    $ 0.27  
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.01 )      (0.00 )(c)      (0.02 )      (0.02 )       
Net realized gain 
    (0.49 )      (0.79 )      (0.35 )             
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.52     $ 0.20     $ (0.27 )    $ (1.38 )    $ 0.27  
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 8.68     $ 8.16     $ 7.96     $ 8.23     $ 9.61  
Total return* 
    13.62 %      12.65 %      1.07 %      (14.10 )%      2.89 %(b) 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      1.99 %      2.15 %** 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 
    0.35 %      0.05 %      (0.12 )%      0.59 %      0.40 %** 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    94 %      91 %      112 %      114 %      116 %(b) 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 618     $ 673     $ 482     $ 265     $ 257  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the
Adviser: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    2.34 %      2.41 %      2.40 %      13.76 %      25.47 %** 
Net investment income (loss) 
    0.16 %      (0.21 )%      (0.37 )%      (11.18 )%      (22.92 )%** 
(a)     
Class C shares were first publicly offered on July 17, 2008.
(b)     
Not annualized.
(c)     
Rounds to less than ($0.01) per share.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
**     
Annualized.
 
 
108
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
7/31/08 (a)
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
to    
 
   
8/31/12
   
8/31/11
   
8/31/10
   
8/31/09
   
8/31/08
 
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 8.28     $ 8.05     $ 8.27     $ 9.62     $ 9.57  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.13     $ 0.10     $ 0.09     $ 0.06     $ 0.02  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.02       1.02       0.11       (1.34 )      0.03  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations 
  $ 1.15     $ 1.12     $ 0.20     $ (1.28 )    $ 0.05  
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.11 )      (0.10 )      (0.07 )      (0.07 )       
Net realized gain 
    (0.49 )      (0.79 )      (0.35 )             
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.55     $ 0.23     $ (0.22 )    $ (1.35 )    $ 0.05  
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 8.83     $ 8.28     $ 8.05     $ 8.27     $ 9.62  
Total return* 
    15.20 %      14.11 %      2.26 %      (13.22 )%      0.52 %(b) 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    0.90 %      0.90 %      0.90 %      0.90 %      0.90 %** 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 
    1.59 %      1.30 %      1.14 %      1.41 %      2.37 %** 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    94 %      91 %      112 %      114 %      116 %(b) 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 41,613     $ 45,691     $ 29,306     $ 23,037     $ 251  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses 
                                       
by the Adviser: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.03 %      1.02 %      1.22 %      1.88 %      10.11 %** 
Net investment income (loss) 
    1.46 %      1.19 %      0.82 %      0.43 %      (6.84 )%** 
(a)     
Class Y shares were first publicly offered on July 31, 2008.
(b)     
Not annualized.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at each beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
**     
Annualized.
 
 
 
109
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                                     
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                                   
   
   
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund 
                                   
   
   
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
12/31/12
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
(unaudited)
   
6/30/12
   
6/30/11
   
6/30/10
   
6/30/09
   
6/30/08
 
Class A 
                                   
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 18.12     $ 18.96     $ 15.26     $ 14.15     $ 18.97     $ 21.21  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                               
Net investment income 
  $ 0.33     $ 0.35     $ 0.25     $ 0.19     $ 0.22     $ 0.24  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 
                                               
on investments 
    0.50       (0.91 )      3.63       1.09       (4.86 )      (2.16 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment
   operations 
  $ 0.83     $ (0.56 )    $ 3.88     $ 1.28     $ (4.64 )    $ (1.92 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                               
Net investment income 
    (0.69 )      (0.28 )      (0.18 )      (0.17 )      (0.18 )      (0.27 ) 
Net realized gain 
                                  (0.05 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.14     $ (0.84 )    $ 3.70     $ 1.11     $ (4.82 )    $ (2.24 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 18.26     $ 18.12     $ 18.96     $ 15.26     $ 14.15     $ 18.97  
Total return* 
    4.60 %      (2.85 )%      25.50 %      8.95 %      (24.41 )%      (9.22 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net
   assets† 
    1.19 %**      1.18 %      1.13 %      1.17 %      1.18 %      1.09 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average
   net assets† 
    1.91 %**      1.48 %      1.23 %      1.08 %      1.63 %      1.28 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    141 %**      5 %      12 %      12 %      19 %      13 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 879,519     $ 1,296,116     $ 2,102,980     $ 2,027,653     $ 2,021,300     $ 2,224,629  
Ratios with no reimbursement of fees and
   assumption of expenses by the
Adviser and no reduction for fees 
                                               
paid indirectly: 
                                               
Total expenses 
    1.19 %**      1.18 %      1.13 %      1.17 %      1.18 %      1.09 % 
Net investment income 
    1.91 %**      1.48 %      1.23 %      1.08 %      1.63 %      1.28 % 
Ratios with reimbursement of fees and
                                               
assumption of expenses by the
Adviser and reduction for fees 
                                               
paid indirectly: 
                                               
Net expenses 
    1.19 %**      1.18 %      1.13 %      1.17 %      1.18 %      1.09 % 
Net investment income 
    1.91 %**      1.48 %      1.23 %      1.08 %      1.63 %      1.29 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
**     
Annualized.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
110
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
                                     
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                                   
   
   
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund (continued) 
                                   
   
   
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
12/31/12
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
(unaudited)
   
6/30/12
   
6/30/11
   
6/30/10
   
6/30/09
   
6/30/08
 
Class C 
                                   
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 17.93     $ 18.74     $ 15.09     $ 14.00     $ 18.72     $ 20.95  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                               
Net investment income 
  $ 0.20     $ 0.21     $ 0.11     $ 0.06     $ 0.13     $ 0.09  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 
                                               
on investments 
    0.56       (0.89 )      3.59       1.09       (4.81 )      (2.15 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment
   operations 
  $ 0.76     $ (0.68 )    $ 3.70     $ 1.15     $ (4.68 )    $ (2.06 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                               
Net investment income 
    (0.53 )      (0.13 )      (0.05 )      (0.06 )      (0.04 )      (0.12 ) 
Net realized gain 
                                  (0.05 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.23     $ (0.81 )    $ 3.65     $ 1.09     $ (4.72 )    $ (2.23 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 18.16     $ 17.93     $ 18.74     $ 15.09     $ 14.00     $ 18.72  
Total return* 
    4.22 %      (3.58 )%      24.54 %      8.16 %      (24.98 )%      (9.92 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    1.96 %**      1.90 %      1.87 %      1.92 %      1.96 %      1.85 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average
   net assets† 
    1.16 %**      0.78 %      0.49 %      0.33 %      0.83 %      0.51 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    141 %**      5 %      12 %      12 %      19 %      13 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 226,504     $ 293,696     $ 445,252     $ 432,245     $ 425,022     $ 588,241  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of 
                                               
expenses by the Adviser and no reduction
for fees 
                                               
paid indirectly: 
                                               
Total expenses 
    1.96 %**      1.90 %      1.87 %      1.92 %      1.96 %      1.85 % 
Net investment income 
    1.16 %**      0.78 %      0.49 %      0.33 %      0.83 %      0.51 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of 
                                               
expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees 
                                               
paid indirectly: 
                                               
Net expenses 
    1.96 %**      1.90 %      1.87 %      1.92 %      1.96 %      1.84 % 
Net investment income 
    1.16 %**      0.78 %      0.49 %      0.33 %      0.83 %      0.52 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
**     
Annualized.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
111
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                                     
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                                   
   
   
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund (continued) 
                                   
   
   
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
12/31/12
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
(unaudited)
   
6/30/12
   
6/30/11
   
6/30/10
   
6/30/09
   
6/30/08
 
   
Class Y 
                                   
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 18.19     $ 19.05     $ 15.34     $ 14.21     $ 19.07     $ 21.30  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                               
Net investment income 
  $ 0.77     $ 0.36     $ 0.27     $ 0.19     $ 0.21     $ 0.29  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 
                                               
on investments 
          (0.86 )      3.69       1.17       (4.83 )      (2.14 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment
   operations 
  $ 0.77     $ (0.50 )    $ 3.96     $ 1.36     $ (4.62 )    $ (1.85 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                               
Net investment income 
    (0.67 )      (0.36 )      (0.25 )      (0.23 )      (0.24 )      (0.33 ) 
Net realized gain 
                                  (0.05 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.10     $ (0.86 )    $ 3.71     $ 1.13     $ (4.86 )    $ (2.23 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 18.29     $ 18.19     $ 19.05     $ 15.34     $ 14.21     $ 19.07  
Total return* 
    4.74 %      (2.49 )%      25.92 %      9.47 %      (24.18 )%      (8.87 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    0.85 %**      0.80 %      0.78 %      0.75 %      0.83 %      0.75 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average
   net assets† 
    2.31 %**      1.89 %      1.61 %      1.50 %      2.01 %      1.62 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    141 %**      5 %      12 %      12 %      19 %      13 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 611,960     $ 2,119,613     $ 2,655,530     $ 1,973,461     $ 1,231,649     $ 818,534  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of 
                                               
expenses by the Adviser and no reduction
for fees 
                                               
paid indirectly: 
                                               
Total expenses 
    0.85 %**      0.80 %      0.78 %      0.75 %      0.83 %      0.75 % 
Net investment income 
    2.31 %**      1.89 %      1.61 %      1.50 %      2.01 %      1.62 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of 
                                               
expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees 
                                               
paid indirectly: 
                                               
Net expenses 
    0.85 %**      0.80 %      0.78 %      0.75 %      0.83 %      0.75 % 
Net investment income 
    2.31 %**      1.89 %      1.61 %      1.50 %      2.01 %      1.62 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
**     
Annualized.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
 
 
 
112
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
8/31/12
   
8/31/11
   
8/31/10
   
8/31/09
   
8/31/08
 
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.67     $ 8.82     $ 8.59     $ 9.98     $ 12.25  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ 0.02     $ (0.01 )    $ 0.03     $ 0.02     $ 0.02  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.51       1.89       0.45       (1.39 )      (1.12 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.53     $ 1.88     $ 0.48     $ (1.37 )    $ (1.10 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.03 )      (0.03 )      (0.03 )      (0.02 )       
Net realized gain 
    (0.78 )      (1.00 )      (0.22 )            (1.17 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.72     $ 0.85     $ 0.23     $ (1.39 )    $ (2.27 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.39     $ 9.67     $ 8.82     $ 8.59     $ 9.98  
Total return* 
    17.46 %      21.62 %      5.48 %      (13.64 )%      (10.03 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 
    0.31 %      0.18 %      0.39 %      0.39 %      0.22 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    75 %      107 %      104 %      106 %      92 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 9,646     $ 5,257     $ 962     $ 667     $ 551  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
   the Adviser and no reduction 
                                       
for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.48 %      1.52 %      1.66 %      10.79 %      16.35 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    0.08 %      (0.09 )%      (0.02 )%      (9.15 )%      (14.88 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
 
 
 
113
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
7/17/08 (a)
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
to    
 
   
8/31/12
   
8/31/11
   
8/31/10
   
8/31/09
   
8/31/08
 
   
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.48     $ 8.71     $ 8.54     $ 9.97     $ 9.74  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.06 )    $ (0.07 )    $ (0.05 )    $ (0.03 )    $ 0.00 (c) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.47       1.84       0.44       (1.40 )      0.23  
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.41     $ 1.77     $ 0.39     $ (1.43 )    $ 0.23  
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
    (0.78 )      (1.00 )      (0.22 )             
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.63     $ 0.77     $ 0.17     $ (1.43 )    $ 0.23  
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.11     $ 9.48     $ 8.71     $ 8.54     $ 9.97  
Total return* 
    16.41 %      20.58 %      4.49 %      (14.34 )%      2.36 %(b) 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.11 %      2.15 %      1.83 %** 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets 
    (0.58 )%      (0.72 )%      (0.48 )%      (0.52 )%      (0.05 )%** 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    75 %      107 %      104 %      106 %      92 %(b) 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 1,501     $ 1,283     $ 320     $ 255     $ 256  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
   the Adviser and no reduction for
                                       
fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    2.41 %      2.47 %      2.36 %      11.44 %      30.50 %** 
Net investment loss 
    (0.84 )%      (1.04 )%      (0.73 )%      (9.82 )%      (28.72 )%** 
(a)     
Class C shares were first publicly offered on July 17, 2008.
(b)     
Not annualized.
(c)     
Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
**     
Annualized.
 
 
 
114
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
7/31/08 (a)
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
to
 
   
8/31/12
   
8/31/11
   
8/31/10
   
8/31/09
   
8/31/08
 
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 9.73     $ 8.86     $ 8.62     $ 9.98     $ 9.87  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.07     $ 0.05     $ 0.07     $ 0.03     $ 0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.51       1.88       0.43       (1.37 )      0.10  
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.58     $ 1.93     $ 0.50     $ (1.34 )    $ 0.11  
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
    (0.06 )      (0.06 )      (0.04 )      (0.02 )       
Net realized gain 
    (0.78 )      (1.00 )      (0.22 )             
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.74     $ 0.87     $ 0.24     $ (1.36 )    $ 0.11  
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 10.47     $ 9.73     $ 8.86     $ 8.62     $ 9.98  
Total return* 
    17.88 %      22.07 %      5.78 %      (13.34 )%      1.11 %(b) 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    0.90 %      0.90 %      0.90 %      0.90 %      0.90 %** 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 
    0.67 %      0.52 %      0.72 %      0.88 %      1.60 %** 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    75 %      107 %      104 %      106 %      92 %(b) 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 38,296     $ 46,528     $ 29,723     $ 28,173     $ 253  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
   the Adviser and no reduction
                                       
for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.00 %      1.00 %      1.15 %      1.70 %      20.69 %** 
Net investment income (loss) 
    0.57 %      0.42 %      0.47 %      0.07 %      (18.19 )%** 
(a)     
Class Y shares were first publicly offered on July 31, 2008.
(b)     
Not annualized.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
**     
Annualized.
 
 
 
115
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Independence Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
   
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 10.99     $ 11.23     $ 9.82     $ 6.87     $ 13.48  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ (a)(b)    $ (0.04 )    $ (0.03 )    $ 0.01 (a)    $ 0.03  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
and foreign currency transactions 
    1.46       (0.20 )      1.44       2.95       (6.61 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.46     $ (0.24 )    $ 1.41     $ 2.96     $ (6.58 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
                      (0.01 )      (0.03 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.46     $ (0.24 )    $ 1.41     $ 2.95     $ (6.61 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 12.45     $ 10.99     $ 11.23     $ 9.82     $ 6.87  
Total return* 
    13.29 %(c)      (2.14 )%      14.36 %      43.06 %      (48.83 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.26 % 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets† 
    0.03 %      (0.30 )%      (0.31 )%      0.04 %      0.33 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    38 %      71 %      69 %      111 %      154 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 781,623     $ 733,077     $ 791,042     $ 718,156     $ 495,187  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.25 %      1.27 %      1.35 %      1.39 %      1.55 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    0.03 %      (0.32 )%      (0.41 )%      (0.11 )%      0.04 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 %      1.25 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    0.03 %      (0.30 )%      (0.31 )%      0.04 %      0.34 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment loss on the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of shares.
(b)     
Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
(c)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 13.27%.
 
 
 
116
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Independence Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
   
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 10.47     $ 10.79     $ 9.53     $ 6.73     $ 13.26  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.11 )    $ (0.14 )    $ (0.13 )    $ (0.07 )    $ (0.07 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.40       (0.18 )      1.39       2.87       (6.46 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.29     $ (0.32 )    $ 1.26     $ 2.80     $ (6.53 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.29     $ (0.32 )    $ 1.26     $ 2.80     $ (6.53 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 11.76     $ 10.47     $ 10.79     $ 9.53     $ 6.73  
Total return* 
    12.32 %(a)      (2.97 )%      13.22 %      41.60 %      (49.25 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.16 % 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets† 
    (0.88 )%      (1.20 )%      (1.21 )%      (0.86 )%      (0.57 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    38 %      71 %      69 %      111 %      154 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 14,548     $ 15,230     $ 18,700     $ 20,926     $ 18,479  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses 
                                       
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    2.18 %      2.20 %      2.27 %      2.48 %      2.25 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.91 )%      (1.25 )%      (1.34 )%      (1.19 )%      (0.66 )% 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 %      2.15 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.88 )%      (1.20 )%      (1.21 )%      (0.86 )%      (0.56 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 12.31%.
 
 
117
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Independence Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
   
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 11.10     $ 11.30     $ 9.84     $ 6.87     $ 13.47  
Increase from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income 
  $ 0.04 (a)    $ 0.01     $ 0.02     $ 0.11 (a)    $ 0.14  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.49       (0.21 )      1.44       2.88       (6.68 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.53     $ (0.20 )    $ 1.46     $ 2.99     $ (6.54 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net investment income 
                      (0.02 )      (0.06 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.53     $ (0.20 )    $ 1.46     $ 2.97     $ (6.60 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 12.63     $ 11.10     $ 11.30     $ 9.84     $ 6.87  
Total return* 
    13.78 %(b)      (1.77 )%      14.84 %      43.48 %      (48.54 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    0.89 %      0.86 %      0.82 %      0.91 %      0.85 % 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 
    0.45 %      0.09 %      0.12 %      0.41 %      0.74 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    38 %      71 %      69 %      111 %      154 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 5,273     $ 3,784     $ 7,640     $ 9,274     $ 34,822  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses 
                                       
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    0.89 %      0.86 %      0.82 %      0.91 %      0.85 % 
Net investment income 
    0.45 %      0.09 %      0.12 %      0.41 %      0.74 % 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    0.89 %      0.86 %      0.82 %      0.91 %      0.85 % 
Net investment income 
    0.45 %      0.09 %      0.12 %      0.41 %      0.74 % 
(a)     
The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment loss on the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of sales.
(b)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 13.77%.
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
 
 
 
118
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
11/30/12
   
11/30/11
   
11/30/10
   
11/30/09 (a)
   
11/30/08
 
   
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 17.73     $ 16.76     $ 13.86     $ 9.59     $ 18.63  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.11 )    $ (0.09 )    $ (0.08 )    $ (0.06 )    $ (0.05 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
         and foreign currency transactions 
    1.37       1.06       2.98       4.39       (6.84 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.26     $ 0.97     $ 2.90     $ 4.33     $ (6.89 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
                      (0.06 )      (2.15 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.26     $ 0.97     $ 2.90     $ 4.27     $ (9.04 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 18.99     $ 17.73     $ 16.76     $ 13.86     $ 9.59  
Total return* 
    7.11 %(c)      5.79 %(b)      20.92 %      45.46 %      (41.79 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    1.16 %      1.15 %      1.21 %      1.29 %      1.25 % 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets 
    (0.54 )%      (0.44 )%      (0.61 )%      (0.39 )%      (0.25 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    86 %      81 %      88 %      91 %      38 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 335,702     $ 362,504     $ 387,037     $ 73,077     $ 97,154  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    1.16 %      1.15 %      1.21 %      1.29 %      1.25 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.54 )%      (0.44 )%      (0.61 )%      (0.39 )%      (0.25 )% 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    1.16 %      1.15 %      1.21 %      1.29 %      1.25 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.54 )%      (0.44 )%      (0.61 )%      (0.39 )%      (0.25 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
(a)     
Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund.
(b)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 5.61%.
(c)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2012, the total return would have been 7.02%.
 
 
 
119
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year      
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
11/30/12
   
11/30/11
   
11/30/10
   
11/30/09 (a)
   
11/30/08
 
   
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 16.37     $ 15.62     $ 13.04     $ 9.09     $ 17.93  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.28 )    $ (0.24 )    $ (0.20 )    $ (0.17 )    $ (0.17 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
and foreign currency transactions 
    1.27       0.99       2.78       4.18       (6.52 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 0.99     $ 0.75     $ 2.58     $ 4.01     $ (6.69 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
                      (0.06 )      (2.15 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 0.99     $ 0.75     $ 2.58     $ 3.95     $ (8.84 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 17.36     $ 16.37     $ 15.62     $ 13.04     $ 9.09  
Total return* 
    6.05 %(c)      4.80 %(b)      19.79 %      44.43 %      (42.37 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    2.16 %      2.07 %      2.14 %      2.31 %      2.00 % 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets 
    (1.54 )%      (1.37 )%      (1.54 )%      (1.44 )%      (1.00 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    86 %      81 %      88 %      91 %      38 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 12,761     $ 13,090     $ 13,565     $ 5,017     $ 4,457  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    2.16 %      2.07 %      2.25 %      2.31 %      2.00 % 
Net investment loss 
    (1.54 )%      (1.37 )%      (1.64 )%      (1.44 )%      (1.00 )% 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.16 %      2.07 %      2.14 %      2.31 %      2.00 % 
Net investment loss 
    (1.54 )%      (1.37 )%      (1.54 )%      (1.44 )%      (1.00 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
(a)     
Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund.
(b)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 4.67%.
(c)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2012, the total return would have been 5.97%.
 
 
120
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
11/30/12
   
11/30/11
   
11/30/10
   
11/30/09 (a)
   
11/30/08
 
   
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 18.16     $ 17.10     $ 14.08     $ 9.70     $ 18.77  
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.02 )    $ (0.00 )(b)    $ (0.02 )    $ (0.01 )    $  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
                                       
         and foreign currency transactions 
    1.40       1.06       3.04       4.45       (6.92 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.38     $ 1.06     $ 3.02     $ 4.44     $ (6.92 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
                      (0.06 )      (2.15 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.38     $ 1.06     $ 3.02     $ 4.38     $ (9.07 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 19.54     $ 18.16     $ 17.10     $ 14.08     $ 9.70  
Total return* 
    7.60 %(e)      6.20 %(d)      21.45 %      46.08 %      (41.62 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 
    0.73 %      0.71 %      0.74 %      0.97 %      1.00 % 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets 
    (0.11 )%      (0.00 )%(c)      (0.14 )%      (0.05 )%       
Portfolio turnover rate 
    86 %      81 %      88 %      91 %      38 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 102,042     $ 83,460     $ 107,870     $ 81,580     $ 115,533  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Total expenses 
    0.73 %      0.71 %      0.74 %      0.97 %      1.00 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.11 )%      (0.00 )%(c)      (0.14 )%      (0.05 )%       
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by 
                                       
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    0.73 %      0.71 %      0.74 %      0.97 %      1.00 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.11 )%      (0.00 )%(c)      (0.14 )%      (0.05 )%       
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
(a)     
Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund.
(b)     
Rounds to less than $0.01 or $(0.01) per share.
(c)     
Rounds to less than 0.01% or (0.01)%.
(d)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 6.08%.
(e)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2012, the total return would have been 7.52%.
 
 
121
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
   
Class A 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 26.59     $ 27.28     $ 22.81     $ 15.95     $ 25.24  
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.23 )    $ (0.28 )    $ (0.22 )    $ (0.07 )    $ (0.07 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.98       (0.41 )      4.69       6.93       (8.91 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.75     $ (0.69 )    $ 4.47     $ 6.86     $ (8.98 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
                            (0.31 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.75     $ (0.69 )    $ 4.47     $ 6.86     $ (9.29 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 28.34     $ 26.59     $ 27.28     $ 22.81     $ 15.95  
Total return* 
    6.58 %(a)      (2.53 )%      19.60 %      43.01 %      (35.39 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    1.25 %      1.26 %      1.29 %      1.35 %      1.28 % 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets† 
    (0.74 )%      (0.95 )%      (0.86 )%      (0.53 )%      (0.29 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    137 %      112 %      114 %      140 %      221 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 419,159     $ 442,574     $ 505,960     $ 463,880     $ 171,415  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
   the Adviser and no reduction
                                       
for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    1.25 %      1.26 %      1.29 %      1.35 %      1.28 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.74 )%      (0.95 )%      (0.86 )%      (0.53 )%      (0.29 )% 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser 
                                       
and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    1.25 %      1.26 %      1.29 %      1.35 %      1.28 % 
Net investment loss 
    (0.74 )%      (0.95 )%      (0.86 )%      (0.53 )%      (0.28 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 6.54%.
 
 
122
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
   
Class C 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 22.68     $ 23.47     $ 19.81     $ 14.02     $ 22.57  
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment loss 
  $ (0.41 )    $ (0.46 )    $ (0.42 )    $ (0.09 )    $ (0.27 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    1.69       (0.33 )      4.08       5.88       (7.97 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.28     $ (0.79 )    $ 3.66     $ 5.79     $ (8.24 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
                            (0.31 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.28     $ (0.79 )    $ 3.66     $ 5.79     $ (8.55 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 23.96     $ 22.68     $ 23.47     $ 19.81     $ 14.02  
Total return* 
    5.64 %(a)      (3.37 )%      18.48 %      41.30 %      (36.30 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    2.11 %      2.13 %      2.26 %      2.39 %      2.65 % 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets† 
    (1.60 )%      (1.82 )%      (1.83 )%      (1.33 )%      (1.64 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    137 %      112 %      114 %      140 %      221 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 38,786     $ 41,448     $ 49,239     $ 49,845     $ 696  
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses 
                                       
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.11 %      2.13 %      2.26 %      2.39 %      2.65 % 
Net investment loss 
    (1.60 )%      (1.82 )%      (1.83 )%      (1.33 )%      (1.64 )% 
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses 
                                       
by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    2.11 %      2.13 %      2.26 %      2.39 %      2.64 % 
Net investment loss 
    (1.60 )%      (1.82 )%      (1.83 )%      (1.33 )%      (1.63 )% 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 5.60%.
 
 
 
123
 
 
 
 

 

 
                               
Financial Highlights (continued) 
                             
   
   
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (continued) 
                             
   
   
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
   
Class Y 
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period 
  $ 27.55     $ 28.13     $ 23.39     $ 16.26     $ 25.59  
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: 
                                       
Net investment income (loss) 
  $ (0.08 )    $ (0.14 )    $ (0.11 )    $ 0.01 (a)    $ 0.05  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 
    2.04       (0.44 )      4.85       7.13       (9.07 ) 
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations 
  $ 1.96     $ (0.58 )    $ 4.74     $ 7.13     $ (9.02 ) 
Distributions to shareowners: 
                                       
Net realized gain 
                            (0.31 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 
  $ 1.96     $ (0.58 )    $ 4.74     $ 7.13     $ (9.33 ) 
Net asset value, end of period 
  $ 29.51     $ 27.55     $ 28.13     $ 23.39     $ 16.26  
Total return* 
    7.12 %(b)      (2.06 )%      20.26 %      43.85 %      (35.06 )% 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets† 
    0.76 %      0.75 %      0.76 %      0.77 %      0.79 % 
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets† 
    (0.25 )%      (0.44 )%      (0.34 )%      (0.04 )%      0.23 % 
Portfolio turnover rate 
    137 %      112 %      114 %      140 %      221 % 
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) 
  $ 36,782     $ 39,253     $ 49,527     $ 82,061     $ 42,259  
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses 
                                       
by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: 
                                       
Net expenses 
    0.76 %      0.75 %      0.76 %      0.77 %      0.79 % 
Net investment income (loss) 
    (0.25 )%      (0.44 )%      (0.34 )%      0.04 %      0.23 % 
*     
Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period.
     
Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(a)     
The amount shown for share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment loss on the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of shares.
(b)     
If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 7.07%.
 
 
124
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF THE PIONEER FUNDS
 
As of [ ], 2013, the Trustees and officers of each Pioneer Fund owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of a Pioneer Fund. The following is a list of the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of a Pioneer Fund as of [ ], 2013.
 
 
       
 
Pioneer Research Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class B
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class Y
   
       
 
Pioneer Value Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class B
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class Y
   
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class Y
   
       
 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class B
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class R
   
 
Class Y
   
 
Class Z
   
       
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class Y
   
 
 
125
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
       
 
Pioneer Independence Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class B
   
 
Class C
   
  Class Y    
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class Y
   
       
 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund
     
   
Number of
 
Record Holder
Share Class
Number of Shares
Percent of Class
 
Class A
   
 
Class B
   
 
Class C
   
 
Class R
   
 
Class Y
   
 
 
EXPERTS
 
     The financial highlights and financial statements of each Pioneer Fund for the past five fiscal years are incorporated by reference into this Information Statement/Prospectus. The Pioneer Funds’ financial highlights and financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP. Such financial statements and financial highlights are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     You can obtain more free information about each Pioneer Fund from your investment firm or by writing to Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You may also call 1-800-225-6292 for more information about a Pioneer Fund, to request copies of a Pioneer Fund’s statement of additional information and shareowner reports, and to make other inquiries.
 
     Visit our website www.pioneerinvestments.com
 
     Each Pioneer Fund makes available its statement of additional information and shareholder reports, free of charge, on the Pioneer Funds’ website at www.pioneerinvestments.com. You also may find other information and updates about Pioneer and each Pioneer Fund, including Pioneer Fund performance information, on the Pioneer Funds’ website.
 
     Shareholder reports. Annual and semiannual reports to shareholders, and quarterly reports filed with the SEC, provide information about each Pioneer Fund’s investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Pioneer Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
 
     Statement of additional information. The statement of additional information of each Pioneer Fund provides more detailed information about the fund.
 
 
 
126
 
 
 
 

 

 
     You can also review and copy each Pioneer Fund’s shareholder reports, prospectus and statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free from the Commission’s EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You may also email requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the Commission’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
 
 
 
127
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
26431-00-0213 N-14
 

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT A — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
PIONEER RESEARCH FUND — PIONEER VALUE FUND
 
     This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Agreement”) is made as of the [ ] day of [ ], by and between Pioneer Value Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Value Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and Pioneer Research Fund, a Delaware statutory, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Research Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and, solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 hereof, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (“Pioneer”). Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Funds” and individually as a “Fund.”
 
     This Agreement is intended to constitute a plan of a “reorganization” as defined in Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. The reorganization (the “Reorganization”) will consist of (1) the transfer of all of the assets of Pioneer Research Fund to Pioneer Value Fund solely in exchange for (A) the issuance of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares of beneficial interest of Pioneer Value Fund (collectively, the “Value Fund Shares” and each, a “Value Fund Share”) to Pioneer Research Fund, and (B) the assumption by Pioneer Value Fund of all of the liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund on the closing date of the Reorganization (the “Closing Date”), and (2) the distribution by Pioneer Research Fund, on or promptly after the Closing Date as provided herein, of the Value Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Research Fund in complete liquidation of Pioneer Research Fund, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement. The parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a).
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund are each registered investment companies classified as management companies of the open-end type.
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Value Fund is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest.
 
     WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of each of Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Value Fund shareholders and Pioneer Research Fund shareholders, respectively, and is not dilutive of the interests of those shareholders.
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
 
 
1.  TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF PIONEER RESEARCH FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF PIONEER VALUE FUND AND
  ASSUMPTION OF THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES; LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION OF PIONEER RESEARCH FUND.
 
     1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, Pioneer Research Fund will transfer all of its assets as set forth in Paragraph 1.2 (the “Research Fund Assets”) to Pioneer Value Fund free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (other than those arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), liens for taxes not yet due and contractual restrictions on the transfer of the Research Fund Assets) and Pioneer Value Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to issue to Pioneer Research Fund the number of Value Fund Shares, including fractional Value Fund Shares, of each class with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the NAV of Pioneer Research Fund attributable to the corresponding class of Pioneer Value Fund’s shares, as determined in the manner set forth in Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2; and (ii) to assume all of the liabilities and obligations of Pioneer Research Fund, whether accrued or contingent, known or unknown, existing at the Closing Date (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”). Such transactions shall take place at the Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 below).
 
     1.2 (a) The Research Fund Assets shall consist of all of Pioneer Research Fund’s property, including, without limitation, all portfolio securities and instruments, dividends and interest receivables, cash, goodwill, contractual rights and choses in action of Pioneer Research Fund or Pioneer Research Fund in respect of its series Pioneer Research Fund, all other intangible property owned by Pioneer Research Fund, originals or copies of all books and records of Pioneer Research Fund, and all other assets of Pioneer Research Fund on the Closing Date. Pioneer Value Fund shall also be entitled to receive copies of all records that Pioneer Research Fund is required to maintain under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) promulgated thereunder to the extent such records pertain to Pioneer Research Fund.
 
           (b) Pioneer Research Fund has provided Pioneer Value Fund with a list of all of Pioneer Research Fund’s securities and other assets as of the date of execution of this Agreement, and Pioneer Value Fund has provided Pioneer Research Fund with a copy of the current fundamental investment policies and restrictions and fair value procedures applicable to Pioneer Value Fund.
 
 
 
 
A–1
 
 

 
 

 
Pioneer Research Fund reserves the right to sell any of such securities or other assets before the Closing Date (except to the extent sales may be limited by representations of Pioneer Research Fund contained herein or in the Research Fund Tax Representation Certificate (as defined below) and made in connection with the issuance of the tax opinion provided for in Paragraph 8.4 hereof) and agrees not to acquire any portfolio security that is not an eligible investment for, or that would violate an investment policy or restriction of, Pioneer Value Fund.
 
     1.3 Pioneer Research Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations that are or will become due prior to the Closing.
 
     1.4 On or as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable (the “Liquidation Date”), Pioneer Research Fund shall liquidate its series Pioneer Research Fund and distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date (the “Research Fund Shareholders”), the Value Fund Shares received by Pioneer Research Fund pursuant to Paragraph 1.1 hereof. Each Research Fund Shareholder shall receive the number of full and fractional Value Fund Shares of the class corresponding to the class of shares of beneficial interest in Pioneer Research Fund (the “Research Fund Shares”) held by such Research Fund Shareholder that have an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate NAV of the Research Fund Shares held of record by such Research Fund Shareholder on the Closing Date. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by Pioneer Research Fund on behalf of its series instructing Pioneer Value Fund on behalf of its series to transfer the Value Fund Shares then credited to the account of Pioneer Research Fund on the books of Pioneer Value Fund to open accounts on the share records of Pioneer Value Fund established and maintained by Pioneer Value Fund’s transfer agent in the names of the Research Fund Shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number of the Value Fund Shares due the Research Fund Shareholders. Pioneer Research Fund on behalf of its series shall promptly provide Pioneer Value Fund on behalf of its series with evidence of such liquidation and distribution. All issued and outstanding Research Fund Shares will simultaneously be cancelled on the books of Pioneer Research Fund, and Pioneer Research Fund will be dissolved. Pioneer Value Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Value Fund Shares in connection with such exchange.
 
     1.5 Ownership of Value Fund Shares will be shown on the books of Pioneer Value Fund’s transfer agent. Any certificates representing ownership of Research Fund Shares that remain outstanding on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be cancelled and shall no longer evidence ownership of Research Fund Shares.
 
     1.6 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of Value Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Research Fund Shares on the books of Pioneer Research Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Value Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.
 
     1.7 Any reporting responsibility of Pioneer Research Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Research Fund for periods ending on or before the Closing Date, including, but not limited to, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, or other documents with the Commission, any state securities commissions, and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of Pioneer Research Fund.
 
2.
VALUATION
 
     2.1 The NAV per share of each class of the Value Fund Shares and the NAV per share of each class of Pioneer Research Fund shall, in each case, be determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the Closing Date (the “Valuation Time”). Pioneer shall compute the NAV per Value Fund Share in the manner set forth in Pioneer Value Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”), or By-Laws, and Pioneer Value Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall compute the NAV per share of Pioneer Research Fund in the manner set forth in Pioneer Research Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, or By-Laws, and Pioneer Research Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall confirm to Pioneer Value Fund the NAV of Pioneer Research Fund.
 
     2.2 The number of shares of each class of Value Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Research Fund Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities shall be determined by Pioneer by dividing the NAV of Pioneer Research Fund attributable to each class of Pioneer Research Fund’s shares, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1, by the NAV of a Value Fund Share of the corresponding class, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1.
 
     2.3 Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund shall cause Pioneer to deliver a copy of its valuation report to the other party at Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1). All computations of value shall be made by Pioneer or its agents in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund.
 
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3.
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
 
     3.1 The Closing Date shall be May 17, 2013, or such other earlier or later date as the parties may agree. All acts necessary to consummate the Reorganization (the “Closing”) shall be deemed to take place simultaneously as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the Closing Date unless otherwise agreed by the parties. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or at such other place as the parties may agree.
 
     3.2 Portfolio securities that are held other than in book-entry form in the name of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Research Fund Custodian”) as record holder for Pioneer Research Fund shall be presented by Pioneer Research Fund to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Value Fund Custodian”) for examination no later than three (3) business days preceding the Closing Date. Such portfolio securities shall be delivered by Pioneer Research Fund to the Value Fund Custodian for the account of Pioneer Value Fund on the Closing Date, duly endorsed in proper form for transfer, in such condition as to constitute good delivery thereof in accordance with the custom of brokers, and shall be accompanied by all necessary federal and state stock transfer stamps or a check for the appropriate purchase price thereof. Portfolio securities held of record by the Research Fund Custodian in book-entry form on behalf of Pioneer Research Fund shall be delivered by the Research Fund Custodian through the Depository Trust Company to the Value Fund Custodian and by the Value Fund Custodian recording the beneficial ownership thereof by Pioneer Value Fund on the Value Fund Custodian’s records. Any cash shall be delivered by the Research Fund Custodian transmitting immediately available funds by wire transfer to the Value Fund Custodian the cash balances maintained by the Research Fund Custodian and the Value Fund Custodian crediting such amount to the account of Pioneer Value Fund.
 
     3.3 The Value Fund Custodian shall deliver within one business day after the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that: (a) the Research Fund Assets have been delivered in proper form to Pioneer Value Fund on the Closing Date, and (b) all necessary transfer taxes including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, have been paid, or provision for payment has been made in conjunction with the delivery of portfolio securities as part of the Research Fund Assets.
 
     3.4 If on the Closing Date (a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed to trading or trading thereon shall be restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on such exchange or elsewhere is disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the NAV of the Value Fund Shares or Pioneer Research Fund pursuant to Paragraph 2.1 is impracticable (in the judgment of the Board of Pioneer Value Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Value Fund and the Board of Pioneer Research Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Research Fund), the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each party.
 
     3.5 Pioneer Research Fund shall deliver at the Closing a list of the names, addresses, federal taxpayer identification numbers and backup withholding and nonresident alien withholding statuses and certificates of the Research Fund Shareholders and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding Research Fund Shares owned by each Research Fund Shareholder as of the Valuation Time, certified by the President or Vice President or a Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Pioneer Research Fund and its Treasurer, Secretary or other authorized officer (the “Shareholder List”) as being an accurate record of the information (a) provided by the Research Fund Shareholders, (b) provided by the Research Fund Custodian, or (c) derived from Pioneer Research Fund’s records by such officers or one of Pioneer Research Fund’s service providers. Pioneer Value Fund shall issue and deliver to Pioneer Research Fund a confirmation evidencing the Value Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to Pioneer Research Fund that such Value Fund Shares have been credited to Pioneer Research Fund’s account on the books of Pioneer Value Fund. At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, stock certificates, receipts or other documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
 
4.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     4.1 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1 of this Agreement, Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Value Fund as follows:
 
           (a) Pioneer Research Fund is a series of Pioneer Research Fund. Pioneer Research Fund is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Research Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Research Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
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          (b) Pioneer Research Fund is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) Pioneer Research Fund is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Research Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provision of Pioneer Research Fund’s Declaration or By-Laws or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Research Fund to which Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Research Fund or any of its assets are bound;
 
          (d) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Research Fund or any of Pioneer Research Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Research Fund’s business. Pioneer Research Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Research Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein or would be binding upon Pioneer Value Fund as the successor to Pioneer Research Fund;
 
          (e) All material contracts or other commitments of Pioneer Research Fund (other than this Agreement or agreements for the purchase and sale of securities entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with its obligations under this Agreement) will terminate at or prior to the Closing Date and no such termination will result in liability to Pioneer Research Fund (or Pioneer Value Fund);
 
          (f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Research Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Research Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities will be in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and will fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Research Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended. Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Pioneer Research Fund will not have any known or contingent liabilities on the Closing Date. No significant deficiency, material weakness, fraud, significant change or other factor that could significantly affect the internal controls of Pioneer Research Fund has been disclosed or is required to be disclosed in Pioneer Research Fund’s reports on Form N-CSR to enable the chief executive officer and chief financial officer or other officers of Pioneer Research Fund to make the certifications required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and no deficiency, weakness, fraud, change, event or other factor exists with respect to Pioneer Research Fund that will be required to be disclosed in Pioneer Research Fund’s Form N-CSR after the Closing Date;
 
          (g) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Research Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Research Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Research Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (g) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Research Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Research Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Research Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Research Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
           (h) Pioneer Research Fund is the sole series of Pioneer Research Fund. For each taxable year of its existence, including the taxable year ending on the Closing Date, Pioneer Research Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied or will satisfy all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been or will be eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.
 
           (i) All issued and outstanding Research Fund Shares are, and at the Closing Date will be, legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable by Pioneer Research Fund. All of the issued and outstanding Research Fund Shares will, at the time of Closing, be held of record by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the Shareholder List submitted to Pioneer Value Fund pursuant to Paragraph 3.5 hereof. Pioneer Research Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Research Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Research Fund Shares;
 
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          (j) At the Closing Date, Pioneer Research Fund will have good and marketable title to the Research Fund Assets, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Research Fund Assets to Pioneer Value Fund, and, upon delivery and payment for the Research Fund Assets, Pioneer Value Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, except such restrictions as might arise under the Securities Act;
 
          (k) Pioneer Research Fund has the trust power and authority, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Research Fund’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (l) The information to be furnished by Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, to Pioneer Value Fund for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and any information necessary to compute the total return of Pioneer Research Fund shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (m) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Research Fund or its series Pioneer Research Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (n) The provisions of Pioneer Research Fund’s Declaration, Pioneer Research Fund’s By-Laws and Delaware law do not require the shareholders of Pioneer Research Fund to approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein in order for Pioneer Research Fund or its series Pioneer Research Fund to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (o) All of the issued and outstanding Research Fund Shares have been offered for sale and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws, except as may have been previously disclosed in writing to Pioneer Value Fund;
 
          (p) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Research Fund and any amendments or supplements thereto did not as of their dates or the dates of their distribution to the public contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which such statements were made, not materially misleading;
 
          (q) Pioneer Research Fund currently complies in all material respects with the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Research Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Research Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Research Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Research Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Research Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (r) Neither Pioneer Research Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Research Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Research Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Research Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Research Fund been the subject, or presently is
 
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the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”), or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
          (s) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Research Fund to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 7.4 (the “Research Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
     4.2 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2 of this Agreement, Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Research Fund, as follows:
 
          (a) Pioneer Value Fund is a series of Pioneer Value Fund. Pioneer Value Fund is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Pioneer Value Fund has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Value Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Value Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Value Fund is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Value Fund and any amendment or supplement thereto, conform or conformed at the time of their distribution to the public in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder and do not or did not at the time of their distribution to the public include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading;
 
          (d) Pioneer Value Fund’s registration statement on Form N-1A with respect to its series Pioneer Value Fund that will be in effect on the Closing Date, and the prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Value Fund included therein, will conform in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not as of the effective date thereof and will not as of the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading;
 
           (e) Pioneer Value Fund is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provisions of the Declaration or By-Laws of Pioneer Value Fund or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Value Fund to which Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Value Fund or any of its assets is bound;
 
          (f) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Value Fund or any of Pioneer Value Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Value Fund’s business. Pioneer Value Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Value Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (g) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Value Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Value Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Value Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein;
 
          (h) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Value Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Value Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Value Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the
 
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settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (h) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Value Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Value Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Value Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Value Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
          (i) Pioneer Value Fund is the sole series of Pioneer Value Fund. For each taxable year of its existence, Pioneer Value Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. Pioneer Value Fund expects to satisfy such requirements and be so eligible for its taxable year that includes the Closing Date;
 
          (j) The authorized capital of Pioneer Value Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. As of the Closing Date, Pioneer Value Fund will be authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. The Value Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to Pioneer Research Fund for the account of the Research Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will have been duly authorized on the Closing Date and, when so issued and delivered, will be legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Pioneer Value Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Value Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Value Fund Shares;
 
          (k) All issued and outstanding Value Fund Shares are, and on the Closing Date will be, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable and have been offered and sold in every state and the District of Columbia in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws;
 
          (l) Pioneer Value Fund has the trust power and authority, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Value Fund’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (m) The information to be furnished in writing by Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (n) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Value Fund or its series Pioneer Value Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (o) Pioneer Value Fund currently complies in all material respects with, the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Value Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Value Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Value Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Value Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of FINRA and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Value Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
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          (p) Neither Pioneer Value Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Value Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Value Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Value Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Value Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
          (q) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Value Fund to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 6.3 (the “Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
5.
COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS
 
  Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund, respectively, hereby further covenant as follows:
 
     5.1 Pioneer Research Fund covenants that the Value Fund Shares to be issued hereunder are not being acquired by Pioneer Research Fund for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
 
     5.2 Pioneer Research Fund will assist Pioneer Value Fund in obtaining such information as Pioneer Value Fund reasonably requires concerning the beneficial ownership of the Research Fund Shares.
 
     5.3 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
 
     5.4 Pioneer Research Fund shall furnish to Pioneer Value Fund on the Closing Date a statement of assets and liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund (“Statement of Assets and Liabilities”) as of the Closing Date setting forth the NAV (as computed pursuant to Paragraph 2.1) of Pioneer Research Fund as of the Valuation Time, which statement shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and certified by Pioneer Research Fund’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 30 days after the Closing Date, Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, shall furnish to Pioneer Value Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Value Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of Pioneer Research Fund for federal income tax purposes, and of any capital loss carryovers and other items that will be carried over to Pioneer Value Fund under the Code, and which statement will be certified by the Treasurer of Pioneer Research Fund; and
 
     5.5 Neither Fund shall take any action that is inconsistent with the representations set forth herein or, with respect to Pioneer Research Fund or its series Pioneer Research Fund, in the Research Fund Tax Representation Certificate and, with respect to Pioneer Value Fund or its series Pioneer Value Fund, in the Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate. Unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, the parties hereto shall treat and report the transactions contemplated hereby as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and shall not take any position inconsistent with such treatment.
 
6.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER RESEARCH FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Research Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Value Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date, and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Research Fund in writing:
 
     6.1 All representations and warranties by Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     6.2 Pioneer Value Fund shall have delivered to Pioneer Research Fund on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Value Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to Pioneer Research Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Value Fund made in this Agreement on behalf of its series Pioneer Value Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 6 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Research Fund shall reasonably request;
 
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     6.3 Pioneer Value Fund shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     6.4 With respect to Pioneer Value Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Value Fund shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Value Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
7.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER VALUE FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Value Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Research Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Value Fund in writing:
 
     7.1 All representations and warranties of Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     7.2 Pioneer Research Fund shall have delivered to Pioneer Value Fund the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund pursuant to Paragraph 5.4, together with a list of its portfolio securities showing the federal income tax bases and holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by Pioneer Research Fund’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer;
 
     7.3 Pioneer Research Fund shall have delivered to Pioneer Value Fund on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Research Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and a Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Value Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Research Fund made in this Agreement on behalf of its series Pioneer Research Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 7 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Value Fund shall reasonably request;
 
     7.4 Pioneer Research Fund shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Research Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     7.5 With respect to Pioneer Research Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Research Fund shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Research Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
8.
FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
     If any of the conditions set forth below does not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to either party hereto, the other party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
 
     8.1 On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein;
 
     8.2 All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state Blue Sky and securities authorities) deemed necessary by either party hereto to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of either party hereto, provided that either party may waive any such conditions for itself;
 
     8.3 The registration statement on Form N-14 filed in connection with this Agreement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement shall have been issued and, to the knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the Securities Act;
 
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     8.4 The parties shall have received an opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP, satisfactory to Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund and subject to customary assumptions and qualifications, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations, and upon certifications contained in the Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate and the Research Fund Tax Representation Certificate, for federal income tax purposes (i) the Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and each of Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Research Fund on the transfer of the Research Fund Assets to Pioneer Value Fund solely in exchange for the Value Fund Shares and the assumption by Pioneer Value Fund of the Assumed Liabilities, or upon the distribution of the Value Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Research Fund, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, or (C) any other gain that may be required to be recognized as a result of the closing of Pioneer Research Fund’s taxable year or upon the transfer of an asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code; (iii) the tax basis in the hands of Pioneer Value Fund of each Research Fund Asset will be the same as the tax basis of such Research Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Research Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by Pioneer Research Fund on the transfer; (iv) the holding period of each Research Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Value Fund, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include in each instance the period during which such Research Fund Asset was held by Pioneer Research Fund; (v) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Value Fund upon its receipt of the Research Fund Assets solely in exchange for Value Fund Shares and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities; (vi) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Research Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Research Fund Shares for Value Fund Shares as part of the Reorganization; (vii) the aggregate tax basis of the Value Fund Shares that each Research Fund Shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Research Fund Shares exchanged therefor; (viii) each Research Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Value Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will include the period for which such shareholder held the Research Fund Shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Research Fund Shareholder held such Research Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of exchange. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Pioneer Research Fund nor Pioneer Value Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 8.4.
 
     8.5 Pioneer Research Fund shall have distributed to the Research Fund Shareholders, in a distribution or distributions qualifying for the deduction for dividends paid under Section 561 of the Code, all of Pioneer Research Fund’s investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852(b)(2) of the Code determined without regard to Section 852(b)(2)(D) of the Code) for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, all of the excess of (i) its interest income excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over (ii) its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, and all of its net capital gain (as such term is used in Sections 852(b)(3)(A) and (C) of the Code), after reduction by any available capital loss carryforward, for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date.
 
9.
BROKERAGE FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     9.1 Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other party hereto that there are no brokers or finders entitled to receive any payments in connection with the transactions provided for herein.
 
     9.2 The parties have been informed by Pioneer that it will pay 50% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Each of Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund agrees to pay 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in the disqualification of such party as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Reorganization from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization.
 
10.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
 
     10.1 Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund each agrees that neither party has made any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein or referred to in Paragraphs 4.1 or 4.2 hereof and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
 
     10.2 The covenants to be performed after the Closing by both Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund shall survive the Closing. The representations and warranties and all other covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
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11.
TERMINATION
 
     11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of Pioneer Value Fund and Pioneer Research Fund. In addition, either party may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date:
 
          (a) by resolution of Pioneer Value Fund’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Value Fund’s shareholders; or
 
          (b) by resolution of Pioneer Research Fund’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Research Fund’s shareholders.
 
     11.2 In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of Pioneer Value Fund, its series Pioneer Value Fund, Pioneer Research Fund or its series Pioneer Research Fund, or the trustees or officers of Pioneer Research Fund or Pioneer Value Fund, but, subject to Paragraph 9.2, each party shall bear the expenses incurred by it incidental to the preparation and carrying out of this Agreement.
 
12. AMENDMENTS
 
     This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund; provided that nothing contained in this Section 12 shall be construed to prohibit the parties from amending this Agreement to change the Closing Date.
 
13. NOTICES
 
     Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid telegraph, telecopy or certified mail addressed to Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Value Fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
 
14. HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
 
     14.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
     14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
 
     14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles (other than Delaware Code Title 6 § 2708); provided that, in the case of any conflict between those laws and the federal securities laws, the latter shall govern.
 
     14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by either party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
* * * * *
 
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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above by its President or Vice President and attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
 
   
Attest:
PIONEER RESEARCH FUND,
on behalf of its series,
PIONEER RESEARCH FUND
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
   
Attest:
PIONEER VALUE FUND,
on behalf of its series,
PIONEER VALUE FUND
   
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
T
itle:
   
Attest:
Solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 of the Agreement:
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
 
 
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SCHEDULE 4.1
 
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SCHEDULE 4.2
 
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EXHIBIT B — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND — PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND
 
     This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Agreement”) is made as of the [ ] day of [ ], by and between Pioneer Series Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and Pioneer Series Trust V, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and, solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 hereof, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (“Pioneer”). Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Funds” and individually as a “Fund.”
 
     This Agreement is intended to constitute a plan of a “reorganization” as defined in Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. The reorganization (the “Reorganization”) will consist of (1) the transfer of all of the assets of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund solely in exchange for (A) the issuance of Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of beneficial interest of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund (collectively, the “Fundamental Value Fund Shares” and each, a “Fundamental Value Fund Share”) to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, and (B) the assumption by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund of all of the liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund on the closing date of the Reorganization (the “Closing Date”), and (2) the distribution by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, on or promptly after the Closing Date as provided herein, of the Fundamental Value Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund in complete liquidation of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement. The parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a).
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V are each registered investment companies classified as management companies of the open-end type.
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest.
 
     WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of each of Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund shareholders and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shareholders, respectively, and is not dilutive of the interests of those shareholders.
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
 
1.       TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND AND ASSUMPTION OF THE
          ASSUMED LIABILITIES; LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND.
 
     1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will transfer all of its assets as set forth in Paragraph 1.2 (the “Disciplined Value Fund Assets”) to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (other than those arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), liens for taxes not yet due and contractual restrictions on the transfer of the Disciplined Value Fund Assets) and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to issue to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund the number of Fundamental Value Fund Shares, including fractional Fundamental Value Fund Shares, of each class with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the NAV of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund attributable to the corresponding class of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s shares, as determined in the manner set forth in Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2; and (ii) to assume all of the liabilities and obligations of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, whether accrued or contingent, known or unknown, existing at the Closing Date (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”). Such transactions shall take place at the Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 below).
 
     1.2 (a) The Disciplined Value Fund Assets shall consist of all of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s property, including, without limitation, all portfolio securities and instruments, dividends and interest receivables, cash, goodwill, contractual rights and choses in action of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund or Pioneer Series Trust V in respect of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, all other intangible property owned by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, originals or copies of all books and records of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, and all other assets of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund on the Closing Date. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund shall also be entitled to receive copies of all records that Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund is required to maintain under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) promulgated thereunder to the extent such records pertain to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.
 
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          (b) Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund has provided Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund with a list of all of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s securities and other assets as of the date of execution of this Agreement, and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund has provided Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund with a copy of the current fundamental investment policies and restrictions and fair value procedures applicable to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund reserves the right to sell any of such securities or other assets before the Closing Date (except to the extent sales may be limited by representations of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund contained herein or in the Disciplined Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate (as defined below) and made in connection with the issuance of the tax opinion provided for in Paragraph 8.4 hereof) and agrees not to acquire any portfolio security that is not an eligible investment for, or that would violate an investment policy or restriction of, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund.
 
     1.3 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations that are or will become due prior to the Closing.
 
     1.4 On or as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable (the “Liquidation Date”), Pioneer Series Trust V shall liquidate Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date (the “Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders”), the Fundamental Value Fund Shares received by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund pursuant to Paragraph 1.1 hereof. Each Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder shall receive the number of full and fractional Fundamental Value Fund Shares of the class corresponding to the class of shares of beneficial interest in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (the “Disciplined Value Fund Shares”) held by such Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder that have an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate NAV of the Disciplined Value Fund Shares held of record by such Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder on the Closing Date. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by Pioneer Series Trust V instructing Pioneer Series Trust III to transfer the Fundamental Value Fund Shares then credited to the account of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund on the books of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund to open accounts on the share records of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund established and maintained by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s transfer agent in the names of the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number of the Fundamental Value Fund Shares due the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders. Pioneer Series Trust V shall promptly provide Pioneer Series Trust III with evidence of such liquidation and distribution. All issued and outstanding Disciplined Value Fund Shares will simultaneously be cancelled on the books of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will be dissolved. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Fundamental Value Fund Shares in connection with such exchange.
 
     1.5 Ownership of Fundamental Value Fund Shares will be shown on the books of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s transfer agent. Any certificates representing ownership of Disciplined Value Fund Shares that remain outstanding on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be cancelled and shall no longer evidence ownership of Disciplined Value Fund Shares.
 
     1.6 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of Fundamental Value Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Disciplined Value Fund Shares on the books of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Fundamental Value Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.
 
     1.7 Any reporting responsibility of Pioneer Series Trust V with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund for periods ending on or before the Closing Date, including, but not limited to, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, or other documents with the Commission, any state securities commissions, and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.
 
2.
VALUATION
 
     2.1 The NAV per share of each class of the Fundamental Value Fund Shares and the NAV per share of each class of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall, in each case, be determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the Closing Date (the “Valuation Time”). Pioneer shall compute the NAV per Fundamental Value Fund Share in the manner set forth in Pioneer Series Trust III’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”), or By-Laws, and Pioneer Series Trust III’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall compute the NAV per share of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund in the manner set forth in Pioneer Series Trust V’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, or ByLaws, and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall confirm to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund the NAV of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.
 
     2.2 The number of shares of each class of Fundamental Value Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Disciplined Value Fund Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities shall be determined by Pioneer by dividing the NAV of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund attributable to each class of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s shares, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1, by the NAV of a Fundamental Value Fund Share of the corresponding class, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1.
 
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     2.3 Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall cause Pioneer to deliver a copy of its valuation report to the other party at Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1). All computations of value shall be made by Pioneer or its agents in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.
 
3.  
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
 
     3.1 The Closing Date shall be May 17, 2013, or such other earlier or later date as the parties may agree. All acts necessary to consummate the Reorganization (the “Closing”) shall be deemed to take place simultaneously as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the Closing Date unless otherwise agreed by the parties. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or at such other place as the parties may agree.
 
     3.2 Portfolio securities that are held other than in book-entry form in the name of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Disciplined Value Fund Custodian”) as record holder for Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall be presented by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Fundamental Value Fund Custodian”) for examination no later than three (3) business days preceding the Closing Date. Such portfolio securities shall be delivered by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to the Fundamental Value Fund Custodian for the account of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund on the Closing Date, duly endorsed in proper form for transfer, in such condition as to constitute good delivery thereof in accordance with the custom of brokers, and shall be accompanied by all necessary federal and state stock transfer stamps or a check for the appropriate purchase price thereof. Portfolio securities held of record by the Disciplined Value Fund Custodian in book-entry form on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall be delivered by the Disciplined Value Fund Custodian through the Depository Trust Company to the Fundamental Value Fund Custodian and by the Fundamental Value Fund Custodian recording the beneficial ownership thereof by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund on the Fundamental Value Fund Custodian’s records. Any cash shall be delivered by the Disciplined Value Fund Custodian transmitting immediately available funds by wire transfer to the Fundamental Value Fund Custodian the cash balances maintained by the Disciplined Value Fund Custodian and the Fundamental Value Fund Custodian crediting such amount to the account of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund.
 
     3.3 The Fundamental Value Fund Custodian shall deliver within one business day after the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that: (a) the Disciplined Value Fund Assets have been delivered in proper form to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund on the Closing Date, and (b) all necessary transfer taxes including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, have been paid, or provision for payment has been made in conjunction with the delivery of portfolio securities as part of the Disciplined Value Fund Assets.
 
     3.4 If on the Closing Date (a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed to trading or trading thereon shall be restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on such exchange or elsewhere is disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the NAV of the Fundamental Value Fund Shares or Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund pursuant to Paragraph 2.1 is impracticable (in the judgment of the Board of Pioneer Series Trust III with respect to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and the Board of Pioneer Series Trust V with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund), the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each party.
 
     3.5 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall deliver at the Closing a list of the names, addresses, federal taxpayer identification numbers and backup withholding and nonresident alien withholding statuses and certificates of the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding Disciplined Value Fund Shares owned by each Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder as of the Valuation Time, certified by the President or Vice President or a Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Pioneer Series Trust V and its Treasurer, Secretary or other authorized officer (the “Shareholder List”) as being an accurate record of the information (a) provided by the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders, (b) provided by the Disciplined Value Fund Custodian, or (c) derived from Pioneer Series Trust V’s records by such officers or one of Pioneer Series Trust V’s service providers. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund shall issue and deliver to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund a confirmation evidencing the Fundamental Value Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund that such Fundamental Value Fund Shares have been credited to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s account on the books of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund. At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, stock certificates, receipts or other documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
 
4.  
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     4.1 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1 of this Agreement, Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund as follows:
 
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           (a) Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust V. Pioneer Series Trust V is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Series Trust V is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) Pioneer Series Trust V is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provision of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Declaration or By-Laws or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to which Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund or any of its assets are bound;
 
          (d) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund or any of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s business. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein or would be binding upon Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund as the successor to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund;
 
          (e) All material contracts or other commitments of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (other than this Agreement or agreements for the purchase and sale of securities entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with its obligations under this Agreement) will terminate at or prior to the Closing Date and no such termination will result in liability to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (or Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund);
 
          (f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities will be in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and will fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended. Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will not have any known or contingent liabilities on the Closing Date. No significant deficiency, material weakness, fraud, significant change or other factor that could significantly affect the internal controls of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund has been disclosed or is required to be disclosed in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s reports on Form N-CSR to enable the chief executive officer and chief financial officer or other officers of Pioneer Series Trust V to make the certifications required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and no deficiency, weakness, fraud, change, event or other factor exists with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund that will be required to be disclosed in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s Form N-CSR after the Closing Date;
 
          (g) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (g) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Disciplined Value Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
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          (h) Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund is a separate series of Pioneer Series Trust V treated as a separate corporation from each other series of Pioneer Series Trust V under Section 851(g) of the Code. For each taxable year of its existence, including the taxable year ending on the Closing Date, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied or will satisfy all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been or will be eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.
 
           (i) All issued and outstanding Disciplined Value Fund Shares are, and at the Closing Date will be, legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund. All of the issued and outstanding Disciplined Value Fund Shares will, at the time of Closing, be held of record by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the Shareholder List submitted to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund pursuant to Paragraph 3.5 hereof. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Disciplined Value Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Disciplined Value Fund Shares;
 
          (j) At the Closing Date, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will have good and marketable title to the Disciplined Value Fund Assets, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Disciplined Value Fund Assets to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, and, upon delivery and payment for the Disciplined Value Fund Assets, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, except such restrictions as might arise under the Securities Act;
 
          (k) Pioneer Series Trust V has the trust power and authority, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (l) The information to be furnished by Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and any information necessary to compute the total return of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (m) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (n) The provisions of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Declaration, Pioneer Series Trust V’s By-Laws and Delaware law do not require the shareholders of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein in order for Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (o) All of the issued and outstanding Disciplined Value Fund Shares have been offered for sale and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws, except as may have been previously disclosed in writing to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund;
 
          (p) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and any amendments or supplements thereto did not as of their dates or the dates of their distribution to the public contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which such statements were made, not materially misleading;
 
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          (q) Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund currently complies in all material respects with the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Series Trust V with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (r) Neither Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”), or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
          (s) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 7.4 (the “Disciplined Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
     4.2 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2 of this Agreement, Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, as follows:
 
          (a) Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust III. Pioneer Series Trust III is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Pioneer Series Trust III has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Series Trust III is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and any amendment or supplement thereto, conform or conformed at the time of their distribution to the public in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder and do not or did not at the time of their distribution to the public include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading;
 
          (d) Pioneer Series Trust III’s registration statement on Form N-1A with respect to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund that will be in effect on the Closing Date, and the prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund included therein, will conform in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not as of the effective date thereof and will not as of the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading;
 
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          (e) Pioneer Series Trust III is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provisions of the Declaration or By-Laws of Pioneer Series Trust III or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund to which Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund or any of its assets is bound;
 
          (f) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund or any of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s business. Neither Pioneer Series Trust III nor Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (g) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein;
 
          (h) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, or its semi-annual report for the period ended December 31, 2012, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (h) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Fundamental Value Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
          (i) Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund is the sole series of Pioneer Series Trust III. For each taxable year of its existence, Pioneer Series Trust III has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. Pioneer Series Trust III expects to satisfy such requirements and be so eligible for its taxable year that includes the Closing Date;
 
          (j) The authorized capital of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. As of the Closing Date, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund will be authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. The Fundamental Value Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund for the account of the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will have been duly authorized on the Closing Date and, when so issued and delivered, will be legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Fundamental Value Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Fundamental Value Fund Shares;
 
          (k) All issued and outstanding Fundamental Value Fund Shares are, and on the Closing Date will be, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable and have been offered and sold in every state and the District of Columbia in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws;
 
          (l) Pioneer Series Trust III has the trust power and authority, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Series Trust III’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
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          (m) The information to be furnished in writing by Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (n) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Series Trust III or Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (o) Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund currently complies in all material respects with, the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Series Trust III with respect to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of FINRA and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (p) Neither Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
          (q) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 6.3 (the “Fundamental Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
5.       COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS
 
     Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, respectively, hereby further covenant as follows:
 
     5.1 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund covenants that the Fundamental Value Fund Shares to be issued hereunder are not being acquired by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
 
     5.2 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund will assist Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund in obtaining such information as Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund reasonably requires concerning the beneficial ownership of the Disciplined Value Fund Shares.
 
     5.3 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
 
     5.4 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund shall furnish to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund on the Closing Date a statement of assets and liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (“Statement of Assets and Liabilities”) as of the Closing Date setting forth the NAV (as computed pursuant to Paragraph 2.1) of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as of the Valuation Time, which statement shall be
 
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prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and certified by Pioneer Series Trust V’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 30 days after the Closing Date, Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, shall furnish to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund for federal income tax purposes, and of any capital loss carryovers and other items that will be carried over to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund under the Code, and which statement will be certified by the Treasurer of Pioneer Series Trust V; and
 
     5.5 Neither Fund shall take any action that is inconsistent with the representations set forth herein or, with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund or Pioneer Series Trust V, in the Disciplined Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate and, with respect to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund or Pioneer Series Trust III, in the Fundamental Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate. Unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, the parties hereto shall treat and report the transactions contemplated hereby as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and shall not take any position inconsistent with such treatment.
 
6.      CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date, and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund in writing:
 
     6.1 All representations and warranties by Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     6.2 Pioneer Series Trust III shall have delivered to Pioneer Series Trust V on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Series Trust III, on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust V and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust III made in this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 6 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Series Trust V shall reasonably request;
 
     6.3 Pioneer Series Trust III, on its own behalf and on behalf of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Fundamental Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     6.4 With respect to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust III shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
7.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund in writing:
 
     7.1 All representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     7.2 Pioneer Series Trust V shall have delivered to Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund pursuant to Paragraph 5.4, together with a list of its portfolio securities showing the federal income tax bases and holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by Pioneer Series Trust V’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer;
 
     7.3 Pioneer Series Trust V shall have delivered to Pioneer Series Trust III on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and a Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust III and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust V made in this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value
 
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Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 7 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Series Trust III shall reasonably request;
 
     7.4 Pioneer Series Trust V, on its own behalf and on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Disciplined Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     7.5 With respect to Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust V shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
8.        FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
     If any of the conditions set forth below does not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to either party hereto, the other party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
 
     8.1 On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein;
 
     8.2 All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state Blue Sky and securities authorities) deemed necessary by either party hereto to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of either party hereto, provided that either party may waive any such conditions for itself;
 
     8.3 The registration statement on Form N-14 filed in connection with this Agreement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement shall have been issued and, to the knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the Securities Act;
 
     8.4 The parties shall have received an opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP, satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust V and Pioneer Series Trust III and subject to customary assumptions and qualifications, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations, and upon certifications contained in the Fundamental Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate and the Disciplined Value Fund Tax Representation Certificate, for federal income tax purposes (i) the Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and each of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund and Pioneer Series Trust III will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund on the transfer of the Disciplined Value Fund Assets to Pioneer Series Trust III solely in exchange for the Fundamental Value Fund Shares and the assumption by Pioneer Series Trust III of the Assumed Liabilities, or upon the distribution of the Fundamental Value Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, or (C) any other gain that may be required to be recognized as a result of the closing of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s taxable year or upon the transfer of an asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code; (iii) the tax basis in the hands of Pioneer Series Trust III of each Disciplined Value Fund Asset will be the same as the tax basis of such Disciplined Value Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund on the transfer; (iv) the holding period of each Disciplined Value Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Series Trust III, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include in each instance the period during which such Disciplined Value Fund Asset was held by Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund; (v) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Series Trust III upon its receipt of the Disciplined Value Fund Assets solely in exchange for Fundamental Value Fund Shares and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities; (vi) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Disciplined Value Fund Shares for Fundamental Value Fund Shares as part of the Reorganization; (vii) the aggregate tax basis of the Fundamental Value Fund Shares that each Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Disciplined Value Fund Shares exchanged therefor; (viii) each Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Fundamental Value Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will include the period for which such shareholder held the Disciplined Value Fund Shares
 
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exchanged therefor, provided that the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholder held such Disciplined Value Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of exchange. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund nor Pioneer Series Trust III may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 8.4.
 
     8.5 Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, shall have distributed to the Disciplined Value Fund Shareholders, in a distribution or distributions qualifying for the deduction for dividends paid under Section 561 of the Code, all of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852(b)(2) of the Code determined without regard to Section 852(b)(2)(D) of the Code) for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, all of the excess of (i) its interest income excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over (ii) its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, and all of its net capital gain (as such term is used in Sections 852(b)(3)(A) and (C) of the Code), after reduction by any available capital loss carryforward, for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date.
 
9.        BROKERAGE FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     9.1 Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other party hereto that there are no brokers or finders entitled to receive any payments in connection with the transactions provided for herein.
 
     9.2 The parties have been informed by Pioneer that it will pay 75% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund agrees to pay 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in the disqualification of such party as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Reorganization from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization.
 
10.      ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
 
     10.1 Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V each agrees that neither party has made any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein or referred to in Paragraphs 4.1 or 4.2 hereof and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
 
     10.2 The covenants to be performed after the Closing by both Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V shall survive the Closing. The representations and warranties and all other covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
11.     TERMINATION
 
     11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of Pioneer Series Trust III and Pioneer Series Trust V. In addition, either party may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date:
 
     (a) by resolution of Pioneer Series Trust III’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund’s shareholders; or
 
     (b) by resolution of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s shareholders.
 
     11.2 In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of Pioneer Series Trust III, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund, or the trustees or officers of Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Series Trust III, but, subject to Paragraph 9.2, each party shall bear the expenses incurred by it incidental to the preparation and carrying out of this Agreement.
 
12.      AMENDMENTS
 
     This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of Pioneer Series Trust V and Pioneer Series Trust III; provided that nothing contained in this Section 12 shall be construed to prohibit the parties from amending this Agreement to change the Closing Date.
 
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13.      NOTICES
 
     Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid telegraph, telecopy or certified mail addressed to Pioneer Series Trust V and Pioneer Series Trust III at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
 
14.     HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
 
     14.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
     14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
 
     14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles (other than Delaware Code Title 6 § 2708); provided that, in the case of any conflict between those laws and the federal securities laws, the latter shall govern.
 
     14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by either party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
* * * * *
 
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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above by its President or Vice President and attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
 
   
Attest:
PIONEER SERIES TRUST V, on behalf of its series,
PIONEER DISCIPLINED VALUE FUND
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
 
   
Attest:
PIONEER SERIES TRUST III, on behalf of its series,
PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
   
Attest:
Solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 of the Agreement:
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
 
 
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SCHEDULE 4.1
 
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SCHEDULE 4.2
 
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This page for your notes.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT C — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND — PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
 
     This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Agreement”) is made as of the [ ] day of [ ], by and between Pioneer Independence Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Independence Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and Pioneer Series Trust V, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and, solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 hereof, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (“Pioneer”). Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Funds” and individually as a “Fund.”
 
     This Agreement is intended to constitute a plan of a “reorganization” as defined in Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. The reorganization (the “Reorganization”) will consist of (1) the transfer of all of the assets of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to Pioneer Independence Fund solely in exchange for (A) the issuance of Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of beneficial interest of Pioneer Independence Fund (collectively, the “Independence Fund Shares” and each, an “Independence Fund Share”) to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, and (B) the assumption by Pioneer Independence Fund of all of the liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund on the closing date of the Reorganization (the “Closing Date”), and (2) the distribution by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, on or promptly after the Closing Date as provided herein, of the Independence Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund in complete liquidation of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement. The parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a).
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V are each registered investment companies classified as management companies of the open-end type.
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Independence Fund is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest.
 
     WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of each of Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Independence Fund shareholders and Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shareholders, respectively, and is not dilutive of the interests of those shareholders.
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
 
1.   TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF PIONEER INDEPENDENCE
      FUND AND ASSUMPTION OF THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES; LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED
      GROWTH FUND.
 
     1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will transfer all of its assets as set forth in Paragraph 1.2 (the “Disciplined Growth Fund Assets”) to Pioneer Independence Fund free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (other than those arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), liens for taxes not yet due and contractual restrictions on the transfer of the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets) and Pioneer Independence Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to issue to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund the number of Independence Fund Shares, including fractional Independence Fund Shares, of each class with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the NAV of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund attributable to the corresponding class of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s shares, as determined in the manner set forth in Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2; and (ii) to assume all of the liabilities and obligations of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, whether accrued or contingent, known or unknown, existing at the Closing Date (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”). Such transactions shall take place at the Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 below).
 
     1.2 (a) The Disciplined Growth Fund Assets shall consist of all of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s property, including, without limitation, all portfolio securities and instruments, dividends and interest receivables, cash, goodwill, contractual rights and choses in action of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund or Pioneer Series Trust V in respect of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, all other intangible property owned by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, originals or copies of all books and records of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, and all other assets of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund on the Closing Date. Pioneer Independence Fund shall also be entitled to receive copies of all records that Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund is required to maintain under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) promulgated thereunder to the extent such records pertain to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund.
 
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          (b) Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund has provided Pioneer Independence Fund with a list of all of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s securities and other assets as of the date of execution of this Agreement, and Pioneer Independence Fund has provided Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund with a copy of the current fundamental investment policies and restrictions and fair value procedures applicable to Pioneer Independence Fund. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund reserves the right to sell any of such securities or other assets before the Closing Date (except to the extent sales may be limited by representations of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund contained herein or in the Disciplined Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate (as defined below) and made in connection with the issuance of the tax opinion provided for in Paragraph 8.4 hereof) and agrees not to acquire any portfolio security that is not an eligible investment for, or that would violate an investment policy or restriction of, Pioneer Independence Fund.
 
     1.3 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations that are or will become due prior to the Closing.
 
     1.4 On or as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable (the “Liquidation Date”), Pioneer Series Trust V shall liquidate Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date (the “Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders”), the Independence Fund Shares received by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund pursuant to Paragraph 1.1 hereof. Each Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder shall receive the number of full and fractional Independence Fund Shares of the class corresponding to the class of shares of beneficial interest in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (the “Disciplined Growth Fund Shares”) held by such Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder that have an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate NAV of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shares held of record by such Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder on the Closing Date. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by Pioneer Series Trust V instructing Pioneer Independence Fund on behalf of its series to transfer the Independence Fund Shares then credited to the account of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund on the books of Pioneer Independence Fund to open accounts on the share records of Pioneer Independence Fund established and maintained by Pioneer Independence Fund’s transfer agent in the names of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number of the Independence Fund Shares due the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders. Pioneer Series Trust V shall promptly provide Pioneer Independence Fund on behalf of its series with evidence of such liquidation and distribution. All issued and outstanding Disciplined Growth Fund Shares will simultaneously be cancelled on the books of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, and Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will be dissolved. Pioneer Independence Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Independence Fund Shares in connection with such exchange.
 
     1.5 Ownership of Independence Fund Shares will be shown on the books of Pioneer Independence Fund’s transfer agent. Any certificates representing ownership of Disciplined Growth Fund Shares that remain outstanding on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be cancelled and shall no longer evidence ownership of Disciplined Growth Fund Shares.
 
     1.6 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of Independence Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shares on the books of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Independence Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.
 
     1.7 Any reporting responsibility of Pioneer Series Trust V with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund for periods ending on or before the Closing Date, including, but not limited to, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, or other documents with the Commission, any state securities commissions, and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund.
 
2.
VALUATION
 
     2.1 The NAV per share of each class of the Independence Fund Shares and the NAV per share of each class of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall, in each case, be determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the Closing Date (the “Valuation Time”). Pioneer shall compute the NAV per Independence Fund Share in the manner set forth in Pioneer Independence Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”), or ByLaws, and Pioneer Independence Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall compute the NAV per share of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund in the manner set forth in Pioneer Series Trust V’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, or By-Laws, and Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall confirm to Pioneer Independence Fund the NAV of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund.
 
     2.2 The number of shares of each class of Independence Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities shall be determined by Pioneer by dividing the NAV of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund attributable to each class of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s shares, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1, by the NAV of an Independence Fund Share of the corresponding class, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1.
 
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     2.3 Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall cause Pioneer to deliver a copy of its valuation report to the other party at Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1). All computations of value shall be made by Pioneer or its agents in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund.
 
3.
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
 
     3.1 The Closing Date shall be May 17, 2013, or such other earlier or later date as the parties may agree. All acts necessary to consummate the Reorganization (the “Closing”) shall be deemed to take place simultaneously as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the Closing Date unless otherwise agreed by the parties. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or at such other place as the parties may agree.
 
     3.2 Portfolio securities that are held other than in book-entry form in the name of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Disciplined Growth Fund Custodian”) as record holder for Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall be presented by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Independence Fund Custodian”) for examination no later than three (3) business days preceding the Closing Date. Such portfolio securities shall be delivered by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to the Independence Fund Custodian for the account of Pioneer Independence Fund on the Closing Date, duly endorsed in proper form for transfer, in such condition as to constitute good delivery thereof in accordance with the custom of brokers, and shall be accompanied by all necessary federal and state stock transfer stamps or a check for the appropriate purchase price thereof. Portfolio securities held of record by the Disciplined Growth Fund Custodian in book-entry form on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall be delivered by the Disciplined Growth Fund Custodian through the Depository Trust Company to the Independence Fund Custodian and by the Independence Fund Custodian recording the beneficial ownership thereof by Pioneer Independence Fund on the Independence Fund Custodian’s records. Any cash shall be delivered by the Disciplined Growth Fund Custodian transmitting immediately available funds by wire transfer to the Independence Fund Custodian the cash balances maintained by the Disciplined Growth Fund Custodian and the Independence Fund Custodian crediting such amount to the account of Pioneer Independence Fund.
 
     3.3 The Independence Fund Custodian shall deliver within one business day after the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that: (a) the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets have been delivered in proper form to Pioneer Independence Fund on the Closing Date, and (b) all necessary transfer taxes including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, have been paid, or provision for payment has been made in conjunction with the delivery of portfolio securities as part of the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets.
 
     3.4 If on the Closing Date (a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed to trading or trading thereon shall be restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on such exchange or elsewhere is disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the NAV of the Independence Fund Shares or Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund pursuant to Paragraph 2.1 is impracticable (in the judgment of the Board of Pioneer Independence Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Independence Fund and the Board of Pioneer Series Trust V with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund), the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each party.
 
     3.5 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall deliver at the Closing a list of the names, addresses, federal taxpayer identification numbers and backup withholding and nonresident alien withholding statuses and certificates of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding Disciplined Growth Fund Shares owned by each Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder as of the Valuation Time, certified by the President or Vice President or a Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Pioneer Series Trust V and its Treasurer, Secretary or other authorized officer (the “Shareholder List”) as being an accurate record of the information (a) provided by the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders, (b) provided by the Disciplined Growth Fund Custodian, or (c) derived from Pioneer Series Trust V’s records by such officers or one of Pioneer Series Trust V’s service providers. Pioneer Independence Fund shall issue and deliver to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund a confirmation evidencing the Independence Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund that such Independence Fund Shares have been credited to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s account on the books of Pioneer Independence Fund. At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, stock certificates, receipts or other documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
 
4.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     4.1 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1 of this Agreement, Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Independence Fund as follows:
 
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          (a) Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust V. Pioneer Series Trust V is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Series Trust V is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) Pioneer Series Trust V is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provision of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Declaration or By-Laws or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to which Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund or any of its assets are bound;
 
          (d) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund or any of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s business. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein or would be binding upon Pioneer Independence Fund as the successor to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund;
 
          (e) All material contracts or other commitments of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (other than this Agreement or agreements for the purchase and sale of securities entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with its obligations under this Agreement) will terminate at or prior to the Closing Date and no such termination will result in liability to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (or Pioneer Independence Fund);
 
          (f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities will be in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and will fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended. Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will not have any known or contingent liabilities on the Closing Date. No significant deficiency, material weakness, fraud, significant change or other factor that could significantly affect the internal controls of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund has been disclosed or is required to be disclosed in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s reports on Form N-CSR to enable the chief executive officer and chief financial officer or other officers of Pioneer Series Trust V to make the certifications required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and no deficiency, weakness, fraud, change, event or other factor exists with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund that will be required to be disclosed in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s Form N-CSR after the Closing Date;
 
           (g) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (g) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Disciplined Growth Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
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          (h) Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund is a separate series of Pioneer Series Trust V treated as a separate corporation from each other series of Pioneer Series Trust V under Section 851(g) of the Code. For each taxable year of its existence, including the taxable year ending on the Closing Date, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied or will satisfy all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been or will be eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.
 
          (i) All issued and outstanding Disciplined Growth Fund Shares are, and at the Closing Date will be, legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund. All of the issued and outstanding Disciplined Growth Fund Shares will, at the time of Closing, be held of record by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the Shareholder List submitted to Pioneer Independence Fund pursuant to Paragraph 3.5 hereof. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Disciplined Growth Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Disciplined Growth Fund Shares;
 
          (j) At the Closing Date, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will have good and marketable title to the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets to Pioneer Independence Fund, and, upon delivery and payment for the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets, Pioneer Independence Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, except such restrictions as might arise under the Securities Act;
 
          (k) Pioneer Series Trust V has the trust power and authority, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (l) The information to be furnished by Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, to Pioneer Independence Fund for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and any information necessary to compute the total return of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (m) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (n) The provisions of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Declaration, Pioneer Series Trust V’s By-Laws and Delaware law do not require the shareholders of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein in order for Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (o) All of the issued and outstanding Disciplined Growth Fund Shares have been offered for sale and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws, except as may have been previously disclosed in writing to Pioneer Independence Fund;
 
          (p) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and any amendments or supplements thereto did not as of their dates or the dates of their distribution to the public contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which such statements were made, not materially misleading;
 
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          (q) Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund currently complies in all material respects with the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Series Trust V with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (r) Neither Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”), or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
          (s) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 7.4 (the “Disciplined Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
     4.2 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2 of this Agreement, Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, as follows:
 
          (a) Pioneer Independence Fund is a series of Pioneer Independence Fund. Pioneer Independence Fund is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Pioneer Independence Fund has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Independence Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Independence Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Independence Fund is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Independence Fund and any amendment or supplement thereto, conform or conformed at the time of their distribution to the public in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder and do not or did not at the time of their distribution to the public include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading;
 
          (d) Pioneer Independence Fund’s registration statement on Form N-1A with respect to its series Pioneer Independence Fund that will be in effect on the Closing Date, and the prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Independence Fund included therein, will conform in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not as of the effective date thereof and will not as of the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading;
 
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          (e) Pioneer Independence Fund is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provisions of the Declaration or By-Laws of Pioneer Independence Fund or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Independence Fund to which Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Independence Fund or any of its assets is bound;
 
          (f) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Independence Fund or any of Pioneer Independence Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Independence Fund’s business. Pioneer Independence Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Independence Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (g) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Independence Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Independence Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Independence Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein;
 
          (h) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Independence Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Independence Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Independence Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (h) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Independence Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Independence Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Independence Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Independence Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
          (i) Pioneer Independence Fund is the sole series of Pioneer Independence Fund. For each taxable year of its existence, Pioneer Independence Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. Pioneer Independence Fund expects to satisfy such requirements and be so eligible for its taxable year that includes the Closing Date;
 
          (j) The authorized capital of Pioneer Independence Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. As of the Closing Date, Pioneer Independence Fund will be authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. The Independence Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund for the account of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will have been duly authorized on the Closing Date and, when so issued and delivered, will be legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Pioneer Independence Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Independence Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Independence Fund Shares;
 
          (k) All issued and outstanding Independence Fund Shares are, and on the Closing Date will be, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable and have been offered and sold in every state and the District of Columbia in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws;
 
          (l) Pioneer Independence Fund has the trust power and authority, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Independence Fund’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (m) The information to be furnished in writing by Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all
 
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material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (n) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Independence Fund or its series Pioneer Independence Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (o) Pioneer Independence Fund currently complies in all material respects with, the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Independence Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Independence Fund with respect to its series Pioneer Independence Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Independence Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of FINRA and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Independence Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (p) Neither Pioneer Independence Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Independence Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Independence Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Independence Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Independence Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
         (q) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Independence Fund to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 6.3 (the “Independence Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
5.
COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Independence Fund, respectively, hereby further covenant as follows:
 
     5.1 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund covenants that the Independence Fund Shares to be issued hereunder are not being acquired by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
 
     5.2 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund will assist Pioneer Independence Fund in obtaining such information as Pioneer Independence Fund reasonably requires concerning the beneficial ownership of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shares.
 
     5.3 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
 
     5.4 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund shall furnish to Pioneer Independence Fund on the Closing Date a statement of assets and liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (“Statement of Assets and Liabilities”) as of the Closing Date setting forth the NAV (as computed pursuant to Paragraph 2.1) of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund as of the Valuation Time, which statement shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and certified by Pioneer Series Trust V’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 30 days after the Closing Date, Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, shall furnish to Pioneer Independence Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Independence Fund, a
 
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statement of the earnings and profits of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund for federal income tax purposes, and of any capital loss carryovers and other items that will be carried over to Pioneer Independence Fund under the Code, and which statement will be certified by the Treasurer of Pioneer Series Trust V; and
 
     5.5 Neither Fund shall take any action that is inconsistent with the representations set forth herein or, with respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund or Pioneer Series Trust V, in the Disciplined Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate and, with respect to Pioneer Independence Fund or its series Pioneer Independence Fund, in the Independence Fund Tax Representation Certificate. Unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, the parties hereto shall treat and report the transactions contemplated hereby as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and shall not take any position inconsistent with such treatment.
 
6.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Independence Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date, and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund in writing:
 
     6.1 All representations and warranties by Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     6.2 Pioneer Independence Fund shall have delivered to Pioneer Series Trust V on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Independence Fund, on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust V and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Independence Fund made in this Agreement on behalf of its series Pioneer Independence Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 6 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Series Trust V shall reasonably request;
 
     6.3 Pioneer Independence Fund shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP an Independence Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     6.4 With respect to Pioneer Independence Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Independence Fund shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Independence Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
7.      CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Independence Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Independence Fund in writing:
 
     7.1 All representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     7.2 Pioneer Series Trust V shall have delivered to Pioneer Independence Fund the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund pursuant to Paragraph 5.4, together with a list of its portfolio securities showing the federal income tax bases and holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by Pioneer Series Trust V’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer;
 
     7.3 Pioneer Series Trust V shall have delivered to Pioneer Independence Fund on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and a Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Independence Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust V made in this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 7 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Independence Fund shall reasonably request;
 
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     7.4 Pioneer Series Trust V, on its own behalf and on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Disciplined Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     7.5 With respect to Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust V shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
8.       FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
     If any of the conditions set forth below does not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to either party hereto, the other party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
 
     8.1 On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein;
 
     8.2 All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state Blue Sky and securities authorities) deemed necessary by either party hereto to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of either party hereto, provided that either party may waive any such conditions for itself;
 
     8.3 The registration statement on Form N-14 filed in connection with this Agreement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement shall have been issued and, to the knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the Securities Act;
 
     8.4 The parties shall have received an opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP, satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust V and Pioneer Independence Fund and subject to customary assumptions and qualifications, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations, and upon certifications contained in the Independence Fund Tax Representation Certificate and the Disciplined Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate, for federal income tax purposes (i) the Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and each of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Independence Fund will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund on the transfer of the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets to Pioneer Independence Fund solely in exchange for the Independence Fund Shares and the assumption by Pioneer Independence Fund of the Assumed Liabilities, or upon the distribution of the Independence Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, or (C) any other gain that may be required to be recognized as a result of the closing of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s taxable year or upon the transfer of an asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code; (iii) the tax basis in the hands of Pioneer Independence Fund of each Disciplined Growth Fund Asset will be the same as the tax basis of such Disciplined Growth Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund on the transfer; (iv) the holding period of each Disciplined Growth Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Independence Fund, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include in each instance the period during which such Disciplined Growth Fund Asset was held by Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund; (v) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Independence Fund upon its receipt of the Disciplined Growth Fund Assets solely in exchange for Independence Fund Shares and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities; (vi) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Disciplined Growth Fund Shares for Independence Fund Shares as part of the Reorganization; (vii) the aggregate tax basis of the Independence Fund Shares that each Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Disciplined Growth Fund Shares exchanged therefor; (viii) each Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Independence Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will include the period for which such shareholder held the Disciplined Growth Fund Shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholder held such Disciplined Growth Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of exchange. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund nor Pioneer Independence Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 8.4.
 
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     8.5 Pioneer Series Trust V, on behalf of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, shall have distributed to the Disciplined Growth Fund Shareholders, in a distribution or distributions qualifying for the deduction for dividends paid under Section 561 of the Code, all of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852(b)(2) of the Code determined without regard to Section 852(b)(2)(D) of the Code) for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, all of the excess of (i) its interest income excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over (ii) its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, and all of its net capital gain (as such term is used in Sections 852(b)(3)(A) and (C) of the Code), after reduction by any available capital loss carryforward, for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date.
 
9.       BROKERAGE FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     9.1 Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other party hereto that there are no brokers or finders entitled to receive any payments in connection with the transactions provided for herein.
 
     9.2 The parties have been informed by Pioneer that it will pay 100% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in the disqualification of such party as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Reorganization from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization.
 
10.     ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
 
     10.1 Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V each agrees that neither party has made any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein or referred to in Paragraphs 4.1 or 4.2 hereof and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
 
     10.2 The covenants to be performed after the Closing by both Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V shall survive the Closing. The representations and warranties and all other covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
11.     TERMINATION
 
     11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of Pioneer Independence Fund and Pioneer Series Trust V. In addition, either party may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date:
 
           (a) by resolution of Pioneer Independence Fund’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Independence Fund’s shareholders; or
 
           (b) by resolution of Pioneer Series Trust V’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s shareholders.
 
     11.2 In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of Pioneer Independence Fund, its series Pioneer Independence Fund, Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund, or the trustees or officers of Pioneer Series Trust V or Pioneer Independence Fund, but, subject to Paragraph 9.2, each party shall bear the expenses incurred by it incidental to the preparation and carrying out of this Agreement.
 
12.     AMENDMENTS
 
     This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of Pioneer Series Trust V and Pioneer Independence Fund; provided that nothing contained in this Section 12 shall be construed to prohibit the parties from amending this Agreement to change the Closing Date.
 
13.     NOTICES
 
     Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid telegraph, telecopy or certified mail addressed to Pioneer Series Trust V and Pioneer Independence Fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
 
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14.     HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
 
     14.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
     14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
 
     14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles (other than Delaware Code Title 6 § 2708); provided that, in the case of any conflict between those laws and the federal securities laws, the latter shall govern.
 
     14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by either party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
* * * * *
 
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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above by its President or Vice President and attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
 
   
Attest:
PIONEER SERIES TRUST V, on behalf of its series,
PIONEER DISCIPLINED GROWTH FUND
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
   
Attest:
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND, on behalf of its series,
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
   
Attest:
Solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 of the Agreement:
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
 
 
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SCHEDULE 4.1
 
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SCHEDULE 4.2
 
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This page for your notes.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT D — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND — PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
 
     This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Agreement”) is made as of the [ ] day of [ ], by and between Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and Pioneer Series Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of its series, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and, solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 hereof, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (“Pioneer”). Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Funds” and individually as a “Fund.”
 
     This Agreement is intended to constitute a plan of a “reorganization” as defined in Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. The reorganization (the “Reorganization”) will consist of (1) the transfer of all of the assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund solely in exchange for (A) the issuance of Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of beneficial interest of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (collectively, the “Growth Opportunities Fund Shares” and each, a “Growth Opportunities Fund Share”) to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, and (B) the assumption by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of all of the liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund on the closing date of the Reorganization (the “Closing Date”), and (2) the distribution by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, on or promptly after the Closing Date as provided herein, of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in complete liquidation of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement. The parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a).
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I are each registered investment companies classified as management companies of the open-end type.
 
     WHEREAS, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest.
 
     WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of each of Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund shareholders and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shareholders, respectively, and is not dilutive of the interests of those shareholders.
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
 
1.       TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF PIONEER GROWTH
          OPPORTUNITIES FUND AND ASSUMPTION OF THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES; LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION OF PIONEER
          SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND.
 
     1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will transfer all of its assets as set forth in Paragraph 1.2 (the “Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets”) to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (other than those arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), liens for taxes not yet due and contractual restrictions on the transfer of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets) and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to issue to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund the number of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares, including fractional Growth Opportunities Fund Shares, of each class with an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) equal to the NAV of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund attributable to the corresponding class of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s shares, as determined in the manner set forth in Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2; and (ii) to assume all of the liabilities and obligations of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, whether accrued or contingent, known or unknown, existing at the Closing Date (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”). Such transactions shall take place at the Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 below).
 
     1.2 (a) The Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets shall consist of all of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s property, including, without limitation, all portfolio securities and instruments, dividends and interest receivables, cash, goodwill, contractual rights and choses in action of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund or Pioneer Series Trust I in respect of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, all other intangible property owned by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, originals or copies of all books and records of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, and all other assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund on the Closing Date. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund shall also be entitled to receive copies of all records that Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is required to maintain under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) promulgated thereunder to the extent such records pertain to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
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          (b) Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has provided Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund with a list of all of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s securities and other assets as of the date of execution of this Agreement, and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has provided Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with a copy of the current fundamental investment policies and restrictions and fair value procedures applicable to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund reserves the right to sell any of such securities or other assets before the Closing Date (except to the extent sales may be limited by representations of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund contained herein or in the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate (as defined below) and made in connection with the issuance of the tax opinion provided for in Paragraph 8.4 hereof) and agrees not to acquire any portfolio security that is not an eligible investment for, or that would violate an investment policy or restriction of, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund.
 
     1.3 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations that are or will become due prior to the Closing.
 
     1.4 On or as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable (the “Liquidation Date”), Pioneer Series Trust I shall liquidate Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date (the “Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders”), the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares received by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund pursuant to Paragraph 1.1 hereof. Each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder shall receive the number of full and fractional Growth Opportunities Fund Shares of the class corresponding to the class of shares of beneficial interest in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the “Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares”) held by such Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder that have an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate NAV of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares held of record by such Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder on the Closing Date. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by Pioneer Series Trust I instructing Pioneer Series Trust II to transfer the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares then credited to the account of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund on the books of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund to open accounts on the share records of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund established and maintained by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s transfer agent in the names of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares due the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders. Pioneer Series Trust I shall promptly provide Pioneer Series Trust II with evidence of such liquidation and distribution. All issued and outstanding Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares will simultaneously be cancelled on the books of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be dissolved. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares in connection with such exchange.
 
     1.5 Ownership of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares will be shown on the books of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s transfer agent. Any certificates representing ownership of Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares that remain outstanding on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be cancelled and shall no longer evidence ownership of Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares.
 
     1.6 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares on the books of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Growth Opportunities Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.
 
     1.7 Any reporting responsibility of Pioneer Series Trust I with respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for periods ending on or before the Closing Date, including, but not limited to, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, or other documents with the Commission, any state securities commissions, and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
2.
VALUATION
 
     2.1 The NAV per share of each class of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares and the NAV per share of each class of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall, in each case, be determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the Closing Date (the “Valuation Time”). Pioneer shall compute the NAV per Growth Opportunities Fund Share in the manner set forth in Pioneer Series Trust II’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”), or By-Laws, and Pioneer Series Trust II’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall compute the NAV per share of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in the manner set forth in Pioneer Series Trust I’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, or By-Laws, and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information. Pioneer shall confirm to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund the NAV of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
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     2.2 The number of shares of each class of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities shall be determined by Pioneer by dividing the NAV of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund attributable to each class of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s shares, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1, by the NAV of a Growth Opportunities Fund Share of the corresponding class, as determined in accordance with Paragraph 2.1.
 
     2.3 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall cause Pioneer to deliver a copy of its valuation report to the other party at Closing (as defined in Paragraph 3.1). All computations of value shall be made by Pioneer or its agents in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
3.
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
 
     3.1 The Closing Date shall be May 17, 2013, or such other earlier or later date as the parties may agree. All acts necessary to consummate the Reorganization (the “Closing”) shall be deemed to take place simultaneously as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the Closing Date unless otherwise agreed by the parties. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or at such other place as the parties may agree.
 
     3.2 Portfolio securities that are held other than in book-entry form in the name of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Custodian”) as record holder for Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall be presented by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian”) for examination no later than three (3) business days preceding the Closing Date. Such portfolio securities shall be delivered by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to the Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian for the account of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund on the Closing Date, duly endorsed in proper form for transfer, in such condition as to constitute good delivery thereof in accordance with the custom of brokers, and shall be accompanied by all necessary federal and state stock transfer stamps or a check for the appropriate purchase price thereof. Portfolio securities held of record by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Custodian in book-entry form on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall be delivered by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Custodian through the Depository Trust Company to the Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian and by the Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian recording the beneficial ownership thereof by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund on the Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian’s records. Any cash shall be delivered by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Custodian transmitting immediately available funds by wire transfer to the Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian the cash balances maintained by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Custodian and the Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian crediting such amount to the account of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund.
 
     3.3 The Growth Opportunities Fund Custodian shall deliver within one business day after the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that: (a) the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets have been delivered in proper form to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund on the Closing Date, and (b) all necessary transfer taxes including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any, have been paid, or provision for payment has been made in conjunction with the delivery of portfolio securities as part of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets.
 
     3.4 If on the Closing Date (a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed to trading or trading thereon shall be restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on such exchange or elsewhere is disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the NAV of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares or Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund pursuant to Paragraph 2.1 is impracticable (in the judgment of the Board of Pioneer Series Trust II with respect to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and the Board of Pioneer Series Trust I with respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund), the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer of each party.
 
     3.5 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall deliver at the Closing a list of the names, addresses, federal taxpayer identification numbers and backup withholding and nonresident alien withholding statuses and certificates of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares owned by each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder as of the Valuation Time, certified by the President or Vice President or a Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Pioneer Series Trust I and its Treasurer, Secretary or other authorized officer (the “Shareholder List”) as being an accurate record of the information (a) provided by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders, (b) provided by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Custodian, or (c) derived from Pioneer Series Trust I’s records by such officers or one of Pioneer Series Trust I’s service providers. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund shall issue and deliver to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund a confirmation
 
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evidencing the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund that such Growth Opportunities Fund Shares have been credited to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s account on the books of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund. At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, stock certificates, receipts or other documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
 
4.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     4.1 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1 of this Agreement, Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund as follows:
 
          (a) Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust I. Pioneer Series Trust I is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Series Trust I is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) Pioneer Series Trust I is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provision of Pioneer Series Trust I’s Declaration or By-Laws or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to which Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund or any of its assets are bound;
 
          (d) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund or any of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s business. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein or would be binding upon Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund as the successor to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund;
 
          (e) All material contracts or other commitments of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (other than this Agreement or agreements for the purchase and sale of securities entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with its obligations under this Agreement) will terminate at or prior to the Closing Date and no such termination will result in liability to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (or Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund);
 
          (f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2012, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities will be in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and will fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended. Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will not have any known or contingent liabilities on the Closing Date. No significant deficiency, material weakness, fraud, significant change or other factor that could significantly affect the internal controls of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has been disclosed or is required to be disclosed in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s reports on Form N-CSR to enable the chief executive officer and chief financial officer or other officers of Pioneer Series Trust I to make the certifications required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and no deficiency, weakness, fraud, change, event or other factor exists with respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund that will be required to be disclosed in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Form N-CSR after the Closing Date;
 
          (g) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any
 
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incurrence by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (g) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
           (h) Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund is a separate series of Pioneer Series Trust I treated as a separate corporation from each other series of Pioneer Series Trust I under Section 851(g) of the Code. For each taxable year of its existence, including the taxable year ending on the Closing Date, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied or will satisfy all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been or will be eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.
 
          (i) All issued and outstanding Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares are, and at the Closing Date will be, legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. All of the issued and outstanding Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares will, at the time of Closing, be held of record by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the Shareholder List submitted to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund pursuant to Paragraph 3.5 hereof. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares;
 
          (j) At the Closing Date, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will have good and marketable title to the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, and, upon delivery and payment for the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, except such restrictions as might arise under the Securities Act;
 
          (k) Pioneer Series Trust I has the trust power and authority, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Series Trust I’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (l) The information to be furnished by Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and any information necessary to compute the total return of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (m) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Series Trust I or Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (n) The provisions of Pioneer Series Trust I’s Declaration, Pioneer Series Trust I’s By-Laws and Delaware law do not require the shareholders of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein in order for Pioneer Series Trust I or Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (o) All of the issued and outstanding Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares have been offered for sale and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws, except as may have been previously disclosed in writing to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund;
 
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          (p) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and any amendments or supplements thereto did not as of their dates or the dates of their distribution to the public contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which such statements were made, not materially misleading;
 
          (q) Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund currently complies in all material respects with the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Series Trust I with respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (r) Neither Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”), or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
           (s) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 7.4 (the “Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
     4.2 Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2 of this Agreement, Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, represents, warrants and covenants to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, as follows:
 
          (a) Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust II. Pioneer Series Trust II is a statutory trust validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Pioneer Series Trust II has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is not required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would subject it to any material liability or disability. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
 
          (b) Pioneer Series Trust II is a registered investment company classified as a management company of the open-end type, and its registration with the Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act is in full force and effect;
 
          (c) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and any amendment or supplement thereto, conform or conformed at the time of their distribution to the public in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder and do not or did not at the time of their distribution to the public include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading;
 
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          (d) Pioneer Series Trust II’s registration statement on Form N-1A with respect to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund that will be in effect on the Closing Date, and the prospectus and statement of additional information of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund included therein, will conform in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not as of the effective date thereof and will not as of the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading;
 
          (e) Pioneer Series Trust II is not in violation of, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and performance of its obligations under this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund will not result in a material violation of, any provisions of the Declaration or By-Laws of Pioneer Series Trust II or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking with respect to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund to which Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, is a party or by which Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund or any of its assets is bound;
 
           (f) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund or any of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s properties or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s business. Neither Pioneer Series Trust II nor Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially adversely affects Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein;
 
          (g) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, and the related Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and are in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and fairly reflect, in all material respects, the financial condition of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund as of such date and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and all known liabilities, whether actual or contingent, of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund as of the date thereof are disclosed therein;
 
          (h) Since the most recent fiscal year end, except as specifically disclosed in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s prospectus or its statement of additional information as in effect on the date of this Agreement, there has not been any material adverse change in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects, or any incurrence by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of indebtedness, except for normal contractual obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the settlement of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. For the purposes of this subparagraph (h) (but not for any other purpose of this Agreement), a decline in NAV per Growth Opportunities Fund Share arising out of its normal investment operations or a decline in market values of securities in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s portfolio, a decline in net assets of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund as a result of redemptions or the discharge of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s liabilities shall not constitute a material adverse change;
 
          (i) Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is a separate series of Pioneer Series Trust II treated as a separate corporation from each other series of Pioneer Series Trust II under Section 851(g) of the Code. For each taxable year of its existence, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has had in effect an election to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code, has satisfied all of the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a regulated investment company, and has been eligible to compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund expects to satisfy such requirements and be so eligible for its taxable year that includes the Closing Date;
 
          (j) The authorized capital of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. As of the Closing Date, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund will be authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share. The Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for the account of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will have been duly authorized on the Closing Date and, when so issued and delivered, will be legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any Growth Opportunities Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Growth Opportunities Fund Shares;
 
          (k) All issued and outstanding Growth Opportunities Fund Shares are, and on the Closing Date will be, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable and have been offered and sold in every state and the District of Columbia in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws;
 
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          (l) Pioneer Series Trust II has the trust power and authority, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Pioneer Series Trust II’s Board of Trustees, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;
 
          (m) The information to be furnished in writing by Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, for use in applications for orders, registration statements and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations applicable thereto or the requirements of any form for which its use is intended, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading;
 
          (n) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or filing with any court or governmental authority is required for the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Pioneer Series Trust II or Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, except such as may be required under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, state securities laws and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act;
 
          (o) Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund currently complies in all material respects with, the requirements of, and the rules and regulations under, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state “Blue Sky” laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund currently complies in all material respects with all investment objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions and any compliance procedures established by Pioneer Series Trust II with respect to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund. All advertising and sales material currently used by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission, and, to the extent applicable, the Conduct Rules of FINRA and any applicable state regulatory authority. All registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials or other filings required to be made or filed with the Commission, FINRA or any state securities authorities used by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund during the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement have been duly filed and have been approved or declared effective, if such approval or declaration of effectiveness is required by law. Such registration statements, prospectuses, reports, proxy materials and other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act (i) are or were in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and (ii) do not or did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not false or misleading;
 
          (p) Neither Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, any “affiliated person” of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor, described in Section 9(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, nor, to the knowledge of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, has any affiliated person of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund been the subject, or presently is the subject, of any proceeding or investigation with respect to any disqualification that would be a basis for denial, suspension or revocation of registration as an investment adviser under Section 203(e) of the Investment Advisers Act or Rule 206(4)-4(b) thereunder or of a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or for disqualification as an investment adviser, employee, officer or director of an investment company under Section 9 of the Investment Company Act; and
 
          (q) The tax representation certificate to be delivered by Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, to Bingham McCutchen LLP at the Closing pursuant to Paragraph 6.3 (the “Growth Opportunities Fund Tax Representation Certificate”) will not on the Closing Date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
 
5.       COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS
 
     Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, respectively, hereby further covenant as follows:
 
     5.1 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund covenants that the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to be issued hereunder are not being acquired by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
 
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     5.2 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will assist Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund in obtaining such information as Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund reasonably requires concerning the beneficial ownership of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares.
 
     5.3 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
 
     5.4 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund shall furnish to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund on the Closing Date a statement of assets and liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (“Statement of Assets and Liabilities”) as of the Closing Date setting forth the NAV (as computed pursuant to Paragraph 2.1) of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund as of the Valuation Time, which statement shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and certified by Pioneer Series Trust I’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 30 days after the Closing Date, Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, shall furnish to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for federal income tax purposes, and of any capital loss carryovers and other items that will be carried over to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund under the Code, and which statement will be certified by the Treasurer of Pioneer Series Trust I; and
 
     5.5 Neither Fund shall take any action that is inconsistent with the representations set forth herein or, with respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund or Pioneer Series Trust I, in the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate and, with respect to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund or Pioneer Series Trust II, in the Growth Opportunities Fund Tax Representation Certificate. Unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, the parties hereto shall treat and report the transactions contemplated hereby as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and shall not take any position inconsistent with such treatment.
 
6.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date, and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in writing:
 
     6.1 All representations and warranties by Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
     6.2 Pioneer Series Trust II shall have delivered to Pioneer Series Trust I on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust I and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust II made in this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 6 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Series Trust I shall reasonably request;
 
     6.3 Pioneer Series Trust II, on its own behalf and on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Growth Opportunities Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     6.4 With respect to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust II shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
7.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
 
     The obligations of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be, at its election, subject to the performance by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following further conditions, unless waived by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund in writing:
 
     7.1 All representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date;
 
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     7.2 Pioneer Series Trust I shall have delivered to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund pursuant to Paragraph 5.4, together with a list of its portfolio securities showing the federal income tax bases and holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by Pioneer Series Trust I’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer;
 
     7.3 Pioneer Series Trust I shall have delivered to Pioneer Series Trust II on the Closing Date a certificate of Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, executed in its name by its President or Vice President and a Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust II and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of Pioneer Series Trust I made in this Agreement on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that each of the conditions to Closing in this Article 7 has been met, and as to such other matters as Pioneer Series Trust II shall reasonably request;
 
     7.4 Pioneer Series Trust I, on its own behalf and on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, shall have delivered to Bingham McCutchen LLP a Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate, satisfactory to Bingham McCutchen LLP, in a form mutually acceptable to Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I, concerning certain tax-related matters; and
 
     7.5 With respect to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust I shall have determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and, based upon such determination, shall have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
8.       FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
     If any of the conditions set forth below does not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to either party hereto, the other party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
 
     8.1 On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein;
 
     8.2 All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state Blue Sky and securities authorities) deemed necessary by either party hereto to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of either party hereto, provided that either party may waive any such conditions for itself;
 
     8.3 The registration statement on Form N-14 filed in connection with this Agreement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement shall have been issued and, to the knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the Securities Act;
 
     8.4 The parties shall have received an opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP, satisfactory to Pioneer Series Trust I and Pioneer Series Trust II and subject to customary assumptions and qualifications, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and representations, and upon certifications contained in the Growth Opportunities Fund Tax Representation Certificate and the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Tax Representation Certificate, for federal income tax purposes (i) the Reorganization will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and each of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund will be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund on the transfer of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund solely in exchange for the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares and the assumption by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of the Assumed Liabilities, or upon the distribution of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, or (C) any other gain that may be required to be recognized as a result of the closing of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s taxable year or upon the transfer of an asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code; (iii) the tax basis in the hands of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Asset will be the same as the tax basis of such Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund immediately prior to the transfer thereof, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund on the transfer; (iv) the holding period
 
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of each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Asset in the hands of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include in each instance the period during which such Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Asset was held by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund; (v) no gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund upon its receipt of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Assets solely in exchange for Growth Opportunities Fund Shares and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities; (vi) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares for Growth Opportunities Fund Shares as part of the Reorganization; (vii) the aggregate tax basis of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares that each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder receives in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares exchanged therefor; (viii) each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares received in the Reorganization will include the period for which such shareholder held the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder held such Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of exchange. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund nor Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 8.4.
 
     8.5 Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, shall have distributed to the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders, in a distribution or distributions qualifying for the deduction for dividends paid under Section 561 of the Code, all of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852(b)(2) of the Code determined without regard to Section 852(b)(2)(D) of the Code) for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, all of the excess of (i) its interest income excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over (ii) its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date, and all of its net capital gain (as such term is used in Sections 852(b)(3)(A) and (C) of the Code), after reduction by any available capital loss carryforward, for its taxable year ending on the Closing Date.
 
9.       BROKERAGE FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     9.1 Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other party hereto that there are no brokers or finders entitled to receive any payments in connection with the transactions provided for herein.
 
     9.2 The parties have been informed by Pioneer that it will pay 75% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund agrees to pay 25% of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (including, but not limited to, the preparation of the registration statement on Form N-14). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in the disqualification of such party as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Reorganization from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization.
 
10.     ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
 
     10.1 Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I each agrees that neither party has made any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein or referred to in Paragraphs 4.1 or 4.2 hereof and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
 
     10.2 The covenants to be performed after the Closing by both Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I shall survive the Closing. The representations and warranties and all other covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
11.     TERMINATION
 
     11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of Pioneer Series Trust II and Pioneer Series Trust I. In addition, either party may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date:
 
          (a) by resolution of Pioneer Series Trust II’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s shareholders; or
 
          (b) by resolution of Pioneer Series Trust I’s Board of Trustees if circumstances should develop that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, make proceeding with the Agreement not in the best interests of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s shareholders.
 
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     11.2 In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of Pioneer Series Trust II, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, Pioneer Series Trust I or Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, or the trustees or officers of Pioneer Series Trust I or Pioneer Series Trust II, but, subject to Paragraph 9.2, each party shall bear the expenses incurred by it incidental to the preparation and carrying out of this Agreement.
 
12.     AMENDMENTS
 
     This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of Pioneer Series Trust I and Pioneer Series Trust II; provided that nothing contained in this Section 12 shall be construed to prohibit the parties from amending this Agreement to change the Closing Date.
 
13.      NOTICES
 
     Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid telegraph, telecopy or certified mail addressed to Pioneer Series Trust I and Pioneer Series Trust II at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
 
14.     HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
 
     14.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
     14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
 
     14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles (other than Delaware Code Title 6 § 2708); provided that, in the case of any conflict between those laws and the federal securities laws, the latter shall govern.
 
     14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by either party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
* * * * *
 
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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above by its President or Vice President and attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
 
   
Attest:
PIONEER SERIES TRUST I, on behalf of its series,
PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
   
Attest:
PIONEER SERIES TRUST II, on behalf of its series,
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
   
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
   
Attest:
Solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 of the Agreement:
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
 
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
 
 
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SCHEDULE 4.1
 
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SCHEDULE 4.2
 
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This page for your notes.
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
PIONEER VALUE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Core Equity Fund)
 
PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL VALUE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund)
a series of Pioneer Series Trust III
 
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund)
 
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(to be renamed Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund)
a series of Pioneer Series Trust II
 
(each, a “Pioneer Fund” and together, the “Pioneer Funds”)
 
 
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
 
 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
______________, 2013
 
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the related combined Information Statement and Prospectus (also dated ______________, 2013) which covers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares of Pioneer Value Fund to be issued in exchange for corresponding shares of Pioneer Research Fund; Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund to be issued in exchange for Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund; Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of Pioneer Independence Fund to be issued in exchange for Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund; and Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund to be issued in exchange for Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. Please retain this Statement of Additional Information for further reference.
   
The Prospectus is available to you from Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. free of charge by calling 1-800-225-6292.
 
 
 
Page
INTRODUCTION
2
EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EACH PIONEER FUND
4
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4
 
1
 
 

 
 

INTRODUCTION
This Statement of Additional Information is intended to supplement the information provided in a Information Statement and Prospectus dated ______________, 2013 (the "Information Statement and Prospectus") relating to the reorganization of Pioneer Research Fund into Pioneer Value Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund into Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund into Pioneer Independence Fund, and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund.
EXHIBITS AND DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise indicated. Shareholders will receive a copy of each document that is incorporated by reference upon any request to receive a copy of this Statement of Additional Information.
 
I. For the reorganization of Pioneer Research Fund into Pioneer Value Fund:
 
1. Pioneer Value Fund's Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares, dated February 1, 2013 (File Nos. 2-32773 and 811-01835), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2013 (Accession No. 0000078758-13-000004) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
2. The Annual Report of Pioneer Value Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (File No. 811-01835), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 29, 2012 (Accession No. 0000078713-12-000098) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
3. Pioneer Research Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares, dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented (File No. 333-87233), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2012 (Accession No. 0000812195-12-000017) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
4. Pioneer Research Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 811-09585), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2013 (Accession No. 0000078713-13-000019) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
II. For the reorganization of Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund into Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund:
 
1. Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund's Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, Class Y and Class Z shares, dated November 1, 2012, as supplemented (File No. 333-120144), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012 (Accession No. 0001306349-12-000014) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
2. The Annual Report of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 (File No. 811-21664), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2012 (Accession No. 0000078713-12-000065) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
3. The Semi-Annual Report of Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 811-21664), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2013 (Accession No. 0000078713-13-000016) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
4. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, dated December 31, 2012, as supplemented (File Nos. 333-129005 and 811-21823), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2012 (Accession No. 0001341256-12-000006) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
5. Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 (File No. 811-21823), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2012 (Accession No. 0000078713-12-000090) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
III. For the reorganization of Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund into Pioneer Independence Fund:
 
1. Pioneer Independence Fund's Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares, dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented (File No. 333-42105), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2012 (Accession No. 0000276776-12-000011) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
2. The Annual Report of Pioneer Independence Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 811-08547), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2013 (Accession No. 0000078713-13-000018) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
3. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, dated December 31, 2012, as supplemented (File Nos. 333-129005 and 811-21823), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2012 (Accession No. 0001341256-12-000006) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
4. Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 (File No. 811-21823), as filed with the
2
 
 

 
 

Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2012 (Accession No. 0000078713-12-000090) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
IV. For the reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund:
 
1. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares, dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented (File No. 333-110037), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2012 (Accession No. 0001265389-12-000005) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
2. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 811-21460), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2013 (Accession No. [0000078713-13-000017) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
3. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented (File Nos. 333-108472 and 811-21425), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012 (Accession No. 0001257951-12-000007) is incorporated herein by reference.
 
4. The Annual Report of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2012 (File No. 811-21425), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2013 (Accession No. 0000078713-13-000008) is incorporated herein by reference.
3
 
 

 
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT
EACH PIONEER FUND
 
Additional information about each Pioneer Fund can be found in the most recent Statement of Additional Information of each Pioneer Fund, which is incorporated by reference into this registration statement.
 
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
No pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared relating to the reorganization of Pioneer Research Fund with Pioneer Value Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund with Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund, or Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund with Pioneer Independence Fund because in each case the net asset value of the fund being reorganized into the other fund does not exceed 10 percent of the other fund’s net asset value as measured as of February 26, 2013, which is within 30 days prior to the filing of this registration statement.
 
The pro forma financial statements relating to the reorganization of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund with Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund follow below.
4
 
 

 
 

                                                 
Pro Forma Combined
 
Schedule of Investments
 
November 30, 2012
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Pioneer
  Pioneer                      
Pioneer
    Pioneer              
Growth
  Select                      
Growth
   
Select
             
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
       
Pro Forma
     
% of
   
Opportunities
   
Mid Cap
         
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
       
Combined
     
Pro Forma
   
Fund
   
Growth Fund
         
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
   
Principal
     
Combined
   
Market
   
Market
   
Pro Forma
   
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
   
Amount ($)
     
Net Assets
   
Value
   
Value
   
Adjustment (a)
   
Value
 
                 
COMMON STOCKS
  99.5 %                        
                 
Energy
  9.4 %                        
                 
Oil & Gas Drilling
  0.9 %                        
 —   111,224   40,475     151,699  
Ensco Plc
        $  —     $ 6,476,574     $ 2,356,868     $ 8,833,442  
                            $     $ 6,476,574             $ 8,833,442  
                 
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
  1.9 %                                
233,384         233,384  
Basic Energy Services, Inc.*
        $ 2,662,911     $           $ 2,662,911  
78,900   68,000   24,746     171,646  
Dresser—Rand Group, Inc.*
          4,429,446       3,591,080       1,306,818       9,327,344  
  64,000   23,290     87,290  
Oil States International, Inc.*
                4,526,080       1,647,070       6,173,150  
                            $ 7,092,357     $ 8,117,160             $ 18,163,405  
                 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
  5.8 %                                
76,700         76,700  
Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.*
        $ 2,131,493     $           $ 2,131,493  
256,543   163,394   59,460     479,397  
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.*
          12,760,449       7,695,857       2,800,573       23,256,879  
104,300         104,300  
Cobalt International Energy, Inc.*
          2,561,608                   2,561,608  
329,070     (329,070 )    
Comstock Resources, Inc.*
          4,978,829             (4,978,829 )      
  51,000   18,559     69,559  
Concho Resources, Inc.*
                4,093,260       1,489,564       5,582,824  
541,100     (541,100 )    
EXCO Resources, Inc.*
          3,663,247             (3,663,247 )      
158,900   69,000   25,110     253,010  
Gulfport Energy Corp.*
          6,073,158       2,624,760       955,167       9,653,085  
251,000     (251,000 )    
McMoRan Exploration Co.*
          4,028,550             (4,028,550 )      
123,100         123,100  
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.*
          3,914,580                   3,914,580  
  41,000   14,920     55,920  
Range Resources Corp.
                2,624,820       955,189       3,580,009  
100,900   60,000   21,834     182,734  
Trilogy Energy Corp.
          2,957,904       1,730,514       629,745       5,318,163  
                            $ 43,069,818     $ 18,769,211             $ 55,998,641  
                 
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation
  0.8 %                                
69,100   97,000   35,299     201,399  
SemGroup Corp.*
        $ 2,700,428     $ 3,654,960       1,330,064     $ 7,685,452  
                            $ 2,700,428     $ 3,654,960             $ 7,685,452  
                 
Coal & Consumable Fuels
  0.0 %                                
372,177     (372,177 )    
Arch Coal, Inc.
        $ 2,724,336     $        (2,724,336 )   $  
                            $ 2,724,336     $             $  
                 
Total Energy
        $ 55,586,939     $ 37,017,905             $ 90,680,940  
                 
Materials
  7.0 %                                
                 
Commodity Chemicals
  0.4 %                                
50,000         50,000  
Westlake Chemical Corp.
        $ 3,965,000     $           $ 3,965,000  
                            $ 3,965,000     $             $ 3,965,000  
                 
Industrial Gases
  0.3 %                                
  25,000   9,098     34,098  
Airgas, Inc.
        $     $ 2,214,250       805,780     $ 3,020,030  
                            $     $ 2,214,250             $ 3,020,030  
                 
Specialty Chemicals
  3.6 %                                
  77,000   28,021     105,021  
Ecolab, Inc.
        $     $ 5,550,160       2,019,740     $ 7,569,900  
543,000   200,000   72,781     815,781  
Flotek Industries, Inc.*
          6,624,600       2,310,000       840,624       9,775,224  
  49,000   17,831     66,831  
Valspar Corp.
                3,076,220       1,119,457       4,195,677  
135,300   47,000   17,104     199,404  
WR Grace & Co.*
          9,096,219       3,077,090       1,119,773       13,293,082  
                            $ 15,720,819     $ 14,013,470             $ 34,833,883  
                 
Construction Materials
  1.8 %                                
105,400   40,000   14,556     159,956  
Eagle Materials, Inc.
        $ 6,165,900     $ 2,128,800       774,684     $ 9,069,384  
91,500   50,000   18,195     159,695  
Vulcan Materials Co.
          4,762,575       2,642,000       961,441       8,366,016  
                            $ 10,928,475     $ 4,770,800             $ 17,435,400  
                 
Metal & Glass Containers
  0.6 %                                
  89,000   32,388     121,388  
Ball Corp.
        $     $ 3,977,410       1,447,406     $ 5,424,816  
                            $     $ 3,977,410             $ 5,424,816  
 
5
 
 

 
 

                                           
Pioneer
 
Pioneer
                   
Pioneer
 
Pioneer
           
Growth
  Select                    
Growth
  Select            
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
       
Pro Forma
   
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
       
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
       
Combined
   
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
       
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
   
Principal
   
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
   
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
   
Amount ($)
   
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
   
Value
 
                 
Paper Packaging
0.3 %                    
 —   35,000   12,737     47,737  
Rock—Tenn Co.
      $   $  2,276,400   $ 828,397     $ 3,104,797  
                          $   $ 2,276,400           $ 3,104,797  
                 
Total Materials
      $ 30,614,294   $ 27,252,330           $ 67,783,926  
                 
Capital Goods
6.8 %                            
                 
Building Products
0.3 %                            
  70,000   25,473     95,473  
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.*
      $   $ $2,099,300     763,949     $ 2,863,249  
                          $   $ 2,099,300           $ 2,863,249  
                 
Construction & Engineering
0.9 %                            
582,600     (582,600 )    
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.
      $ 5,202,618   $      (5,202,618 )   $  
112,200   139,400   50,729     302,329  
KBR, Inc.
        3,357,024     3,875,320     1,410,254       8,642,598  
                          $ 8,559,642   $ 3,875,320           $ 8,642,598  
                 
Construction & Farm Machinery
                               
                 
& Heavy Trucks
2.3 %                            
114,000   66,000   24,018     204,018  
Joy Global, Inc.
      $ 7,270,920   $ 3,761,340     1,368,776     $ 12,401,036  
329,700   225,000   81,879     636,579  
The Manitowoc Co., Inc.
        5,169,696     3,375,000     1,228,185       9,772,881  
                          $ 12,440,616   $ 7,136,340           $ 22,173,917  
                 
Industrial Machinery
2.8 %                            
105,800   73,000   26,565     205,365  
Chart Industries, Inc.*
      $ 7,053,686   $ 4,415,040     1,606,662     $ 13,075,388  
  130,000   47,308     177,308  
Ingersoll–Rand Plc
            6,341,400     2,307,677       8,649,077  
136,280     (136,280 )    
Kennametal, Inc.
        5,451,200         (5,451,200 )      
  57,073   20,769     77,842  
SPX Corp.
            3,887,813     1,414,801       5,302,614  
                          $ 12,504,886   $ 14,644,253           $ 27,027,079  
                 
Trading Companies & Distributors
0.5 %                            
  45,700   16,631     62,331  
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.
      $   $ 3,320,562     1,208,374     $ 4,528,936  
                          $   $ 3,320,562           $ 4,528,936  
                 
Total Capital Goods
      $ 33,505,144   $ 31,075,775           $ 65,235,779  
                 
Commercial Services & Supplies
3.8 %                            
                 
Diversified Support Services
0.8 %                            
235,600     (235,600 )    
Mobile Mini, Inc.*
      $ 4,907,548   $     (4,907,548 )   $  
283,700     (283,700 )    
Performant Financial Corp.*
        2,865,370         (2,865,370 )      
  141,000   51,311     192,311  
United Rentals, Inc.*
            5,855,730     2,130,939       7,986,669  
                          $ 7,772,918   $ 5,855,730           $ 7,986,669  
                 
Human Resource & Employment Services
0.8 %                            
388,485         388,485  
On Assignment, Inc.*
      $ 7,878,476   $         $ 7,878,476  
357,200     (357,200 )    
WageWorks, Inc.*
        6,358,160         (6,358,160 )      
                          $ 14,236,636   $           $ 7,878,476  
                 
Research & Consulting Services
2.1 %                          
42,111   68,000   24,746     134,857  
CoStar Group, Inc.*
      $ 3,763,460   $ 5,906,480     2,149,407     $ 11,819,347  
  15,300   5,568     20,868  
IHS, Inc.*
            1,409,742     513,014       1,922,756  
  176,000   64,048     240,048  
Nielsen Holdings NV*
            4,984,320     1,813,827       6,798,147  
                          $ 3,763,460   $ 12,300,542           $ 20,540,250  
                 
Total Commercial Services & Supplies
      $ 25,773,014   $ 18,156,272           $ 36,405,395  
                 
Transportation
2.7 %                            
                 
Air Freight & Logistics
0.0 %                            
303,300     (303,300 )    
XPO Logistics, Inc.*
      $ 5,271,354   $     (5,271,354 )   $  
                          $ 5,271,354   $           $  
                 
Airlines
2.4 %                            
108,100   45,000   16,376     169,476  
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*
      $ 4,658,029   $ 1,923,750     700,065     $ 7,281,844  
48,820     (48,820 )    
Allegiant Travel Co.
        3,583,876         (3,583,876 )      
  45,000   16,376     61,376  
Copa Holdings SA
            4,267,800     1,553,080       5,820,880  
  104,785   38,132     142,917  
Spirit Airlines, Inc.*
            1,758,292     639,854       2,398,146  
384,200   138,300   50,328     572,828  
US Airways Group, Inc.*
        5,186,700     1,782,687     648,732       7,618,119  
                          $ 13,428,605   $ 9,732,529           $ 23,118,989  
                 
Railroads
0.3 %                            
  25,500   9,280     34,780  
Kansas City Southern
      $   $ $ 1,992,825     725,202     $ 2,718,027  
                          $   $ 1,992,825           $ 2,718,027  
 
6
 
 

 
 

                                         
Pioneer
  Pioneer                    
Pioneer
 
Pioneer
         
Growth
 
Select
                   
Growth
 
Select
         
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
     
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
     
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
 
Principal
     
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
 
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
 
Amount ($)
     
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
 
Value
 
               
Trucking
  0.0 %                  
676,200    —   (676,200 )  
Swift Transportation Co.*
        $ 6,166,944   $   $ (6,166,944 ) $  
                          $ 6,166,944   $         $  
               
Total Transportation
        $ 24,866,903   $ 11,725,354         $ 25,837,016  
               
Automobiles & Components
  1.1 %                          
               
Auto Parts & Equipment
  0.6 %                          
  96,000   34,935   130,935  
Lear Corp.
        $   $ 4,192,320     1,525,613   $ 5,717,933  
                          $   $ 4,192,320         $ 5,717,933  
               
Motorcycle Manufacturers 
  0.5 %                        
  69,000   25,110   94,110  
Harley—Davidson, Inc.
        $   $ 3,240,240     1,179,145   $ 4,419,385  
                          $   $ 3,240,240         $ 4,419,385  
               
Total Automobiles & Components
        $   $ 7,432,560         $ 10,137,318  
               
Consumer Durables & Apparel
  3.0 %                          
               
Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods
  2.3 %                          
  17,000   6,186   23,186  
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*
        $   $ 1,220,260     444,061   $ 1,664,321  
  180,000   65,503   245,503  
True Religion Apparel, Inc.
              4,696,200     1,708,978     6,405,178  
  20,000   7,278   27,278  
VF Corp.
              3,210,200     1,168,213     4,378,413  
53,601       53,601  
Carter's, Inc.*
          2,982,896             2,982,896  
166,700     (166,700 )  
G–III Apparel Group, Ltd.*
          5,706,141         (5,706,141 )    
179,500       179,500  
Hanesbrands, Inc.*
          6,429,690             6,429,690  
                          $ 15,118,727   $ 9,126,660         $ 21,860,498  
               
Home Furnishings
  0.0 %                          
152,800     (152,800 )  
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.
        $ 3,928,488   $     (3,928,488 ) $  
                          $ 3,928,488   $         $  
               
Homebuilding
  0.4 %                          
99,400       99,400  
Lennar Corp.
        $ 3,843,798   $       $ 3,843,798  
                          $ 3,843,798   $         $ 3,843,798  
               
Housewares & Specialties
  0.4 %                          
57,000       57,000  
Tupperware Brands Corp.
        $ 3,653,700   $       $ 3,653,700  
                          $ 3,653,700   $         $ 3,653,700  
               
Footwear
  0.0 %                          
415,956     (415,956 )  
Crocs, Inc.*
        $ 5,985,607   $     (5,985,607 ) $  
                          $ 5,985,607   $         $  
               
Total Consumer Durables & Apparel
        $ 32,530,320   $ 9,126,660         $ 29,357,996  
               
Consumer Services
  2.0 %                          
               
Casinos & Gaming
  0.0 %                          
426,600     (426,600 )  
Scientific Games Corp.*
        $ 3,698,622   $     (3,698,622 ) $  
                          $ 3,698,622   $         $  
               
Leisure Facilities
  0.0 %                          
63,000     (63,000 )  
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
        $ 3,855,600   $     (3,855,600 ) $  
                          $ 3,855,600   $         $  
               
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines
  0.5 %                          
  76,800   27,948   104,748  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
        $   $ 3,770,112     1,371,969   $ 5,142,081  
                          $   $ 3,770,112         $ 5,142,081  
               
Restaurants
  1.0 %                          
35,800   44,000   16,012   95,812  
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.*
        $ 2,606,956   $ 3,187,360     1,159,901   $ 6,954,217  
  7,500   2,729   10,229  
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*
              1,978,350     719,935     2,698,285  
                          $ 2,606,956   $ 5,165,710         $ 9,652,502  
               
Education Services
  0.5 %                          
204,463       204,463  
Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*
        $ 4,798,747   $       $ 4,798,747  
                          $ 4,798,747   $         $ 4,798,747  
               
Total Consumer Services
        $ 14,959,925   $ 8,935,822         $ 19,593,330  
 
7
 
 

 
 

 

                                         
Pioneer
  Pioneer                    
Pioneer
  Pioneer          
Growth
 
Select
                   
Growth
 
Select
         
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
     
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
     
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
 
Principal
     
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
 
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
 
Amount ($)
     
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
 
Value
 
               
Media
  2.6 %                  
               
Broadcasting
  0.3 %                  
 —   40,000   14,556   54,556  
Discovery Communications, Inc.*
        $   $ 2,416,400   $ 879,344   $ 3,295,744  
                          $   $ 2,416,400         $ 3,295,744  
               
Movies & Entertainment
  2.3 %                          
297,619   225,000   81,879   604,498  
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
        $ 7,732,142   $ 6,120,000     2,227,108   $ 16,079,250  
  198,000   72,053   270,053  
Imax Corp.*
              4,286,700     1,559,958     5,846,658  
                          $ 7,732,142   $ 10,406,700         $ 21,925,908  
               
Total Media
        $ 7,732,142   $ 12,823,100         $ 25,221,652  
               
Retailing
  8.9 %                          
               
Distributors
  1.3 %                          
  405,600   147,601   553,201  
LKQ Corp.*
        $   $ 8,890,752     3,235,403   $ 12,126,155  
                          $   $ 8,890,752         $ 12,126,155  
               
Internet Retail
  0.9 %                          
189,375   160,000   58,225   407,600  
HomeAway, Inc.*
        $ 4,166,250   $ 3,276,800     1,192,449   $ 8,635,499  
                          $ 4,166,250   $ 3,276,800         $ 8,635,499  
               
General Merchandise Stores
  1.0 %                          
  101,000   36,755   137,755  
Dollar General Corp.*
        $   $ 5,050,000     1,837,728   $ 6,887,728  
  50,962   18,545   69,507  
Dollar Tree, Inc.*
              2,127,154     774,085     2,901,239  
                          $   $ 7,177,154         $ 9,788,967  
               
Apparel Retail
  2.9 %                          
94,000       94,000  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
        $ 4,509,180   $       $ 4,509,180  
106,800   108,510   39,488   254,798  
Francesca's Holdings Corp.*
          2,772,528     2,824,515     1,027,860     6,624,903  
  68,400   24,891   93,291  
Ross Stores, Inc.
              3,893,328     1,416,808     5,310,136  
  146,000   53,130   199,130  
TJX Companies, Inc.
              6,473,640     2,355,800     8,829,440  
  55,800   20,306   76,106  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
              2,103,660     765,536     2,869,196  
                          $ 7,281,708   $ 15,295,143         $ 28,142,855  
               
Computer & Electronics Retail
  0.0 %                          
146,900     (146,900 )  
GameStop Corp.
        $ 3,685,721   $     (3,685,721 ) $  
                          $ 3,685,721   $         $  
               
Specialty Stores
  1.5 %                          
67,500       67,500  
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.*
        $ 3,871,800   $       $ 3,871,800  
  65,600   23,872   89,472  
GNC Holdings, Inc.
              2,304,528     838,633     3,143,161  
  37,000   13,465   50,465  
Tractor Supply Co.*
              3,315,940     1,206,692     4,522,632  
  18,000   6,550   24,550  
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.
              1,805,040     656,866     2,461,906  
                          $ 3,871,800   $ 7,425,508         $ 13,999,499  
               
Home Improvement Retail
  0.7 %                          
  145,000   52,766   197,766  
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
        $   $ 5,233,050     1,904,341   $ 7,137,391  
                          $   $ 5,233,050         $ 7,137,391  
               
Automotive Retail
  0.6 %                          
  125,000   45,488   170,488  
CarMax, Inc.*
        $   $ 4,532,500     1,649,407   $ 6,181,907  
                          $   $ 4,532,500         $ 6,181,907  
               
Total Retailing
        $ 19,005,479   $ 51,830,907         $ 86,012,273  
               
Food & Staples Retailing
  1.6 %                          
               
Food Retail
  1.6 %                        
145,798       145,798  
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.*
        $ 2,783,284   $       $ 2,783,284  
  75,000   27,293   102,293  
The Fresh Market, Inc.*
              3,887,250     1,414,596     5,301,846  
  58,921   21,442   80,363  
Whole Foods Market, Inc.
              5,500,865     2,001,801     7,502,666  
                          $ 2,783,284   $ 9,388,115         $ 15,587,796  
               
Total Food & Staples Retailing
        $ 2,783,284   $ 9,388,115         $ 15,587,796  
               
Food, Beverage & Tobacco
  3.8 %                          
               
Soft Drinks
  1.1 %                          
  77,700   28,276   105,976  
Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (A.D.R.)
        $   $ 7,620,816     2,773,265   $ 10,394,081  
                          $   $ 7,620,816         $ 10,394,081  
               
Agricultural Products
  0.4 %                          
  41,000   14,920   55,920  
Ingredion, Inc.
        $   $ 2,662,950     969,065   $ 3,632,015  
                          $   $ 2,662,950         $ 3,632,015  
 
8
 
 
 

 


                                       
Pioneer
 
Pioneer
                 
Pioneer
  Pioneer          
Growth
 
Select
                 
Growth
 
Select
         
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
   
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
   
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
 
Principal
   
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
 
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
 
Amount ($)
   
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
 
Value
 
               
Packaged Foods & Meats
2.4 %                  
139,000    —     139,000  
B&G Foods, Inc.
      $ 3,935,090   $   $   $ 3,935,090  
144,200      —   144,200  
Flowers Foods, Inc.
        3,355,534             3,355,534  
149,300   191,000   69,506   409,806  
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.*
        6,175,048     7,003,970     2,548,791     15,727,809  
                        $ 13,465,672   $ 7,003,970         $ 23,018,433  
               
Total Food, Beverage & Tobacco
      $ 13,465,672   $ 17,287,736         $ 37,044,529  
               
Health Care Equipment & Services
6.7 %                          
               
Health Care Equipment
3.0 %                          
385,053   73,700   26,820   485,573  
ABIOMED, Inc.*
      $ 5,182,813   $ 983,895     358,046   $ 6,524,754  
229,225     (229,225 )  
Conceptus, Inc.*
        4,816,017         (4,816,017 )    
271,800     (271,800 )  
DexCom, Inc.*
        3,699,198         (3,699,198 )    
44,134     (44,134 )  
HeartWare International, Inc.*
        3,705,049         (3,705,049 )    
    339,600   123,583   463,183  
Hologic, Inc.*
            6,479,568     2,357,957     8,837,525  
210,300       210,300  
Insulet Corp.*
        4,462,566             4,462,566  
    5,200   1,892   7,092  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
            2,750,800     1,001,034     3,751,834  
237,300       237,300  
Masimo Corp.
        4,985,673             4,985,673  
                        $ 26,851,316   $ 10,214,263         $ 28,562,352  
               
Health Care Supplies
1.6 %                          
167,500   170,000   61,864   399,364  
Align Technology, Inc.*
      $ 4,648,125   $ 4,656,300     1,694,458   $ 10,998,883  
287,400     (287,400 )  
Endologix, Inc.*
        4,092,576         (4,092,576 )    
108,500       108,500  
Haemonetics Corp.*
        4,431,140             4,431,140  
480,300     (480,300 )  
Quidel Corp.*
        8,967,201         (8,967,201 )    
                        $ 22,139,042   $ 4,656,300         $ 15,430,023  
               
Health Care Services
1.0 %                          
  45,490   16,554   62,044  
Catamaran Corp.*
      $   $ 2,214,908     806,020   $ 3,020,928  
  26,000   9,462   35,462  
DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.*
            2,808,000     1,021,850     3,829,850  
  36,000   13,101   49,101  
Express Scripts Holding Co.*
            1,938,600     705,469     2,644,069  
                        $   $ 6,961,508         $ 9,494,847  
               
Health Care Facilities
1.1 %                          
277,100   115,000   41,849   433,949  
Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.*
      $ 7,016,172   $ 2,939,400     1,069,667   $ 11,025,239  
497,452     (497,452 )  
LCA—Vision, Inc.*
        1,417,738         (1,417,738 )    
                        $ 8,433,910   $ 2,939,400         $ 11,025,239  
               
Managed Health Care
0.0 %                          
57,800     (57,800 )  
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*
      $ 2,814,282   $     (2,814,282 ) $  
                        $ 2,814,282   $         $  
               
Total Health Care Equipment & Services
      $ 60,238,550   $ 24,771,471         $ 64,512,461  
               
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology &
                             
               
Life Sciences
11.8 %                          
               
Biotechnology
5.2 %                          
  35,000   12,737   47,737  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
      $   $ 3,360,700     1,222,981   $ 4,583,681  
348,249   209,000   76,056   633,305  
Alkermes Plc*
        6,449,571     4,035,790     1,468,651     11,954,012  
  313,370   114,037   427,407  
Amarin Corp. Plc (A.D.R.)*
            3,888,922     1,415,204     5,304,126  
  31,000   11,281   42,281  
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*
            1,506,600     548,262     2,054,862  
121,900   100,000   36,391   258,291  
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
        5,127,114     4,061,000     1,477,825     10,665,939  
382,500     (382,500 )  
Exact Sciences Corp.*
        4,050,675         (4,050,675 )    
714,200     (714,200 )  
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*
        5,342,216         (5,342,216 )    
566,800   280,000   101,894   948,694  
NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
        5,157,880     2,864,400     1,042,374     9,064,654  
  19,000   6,914   25,914  
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
            3,354,450     1,220,706     4,575,156  
  26,000   9,462   35,462  
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
            1,034,540     376,476     1,411,016  
                        $ 26,127,456   $ 24,106,402         $ 49,613,446  
               
Pharmaceuticals
6.6 %                          
374,300   185,000   67,323   626,623  
Akorn, Inc.*
      $ 5,000,648   $ 2,495,650     908,183   $ 8,404,481  
202,805   150,781   54,870   408,456  
Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc*
        10,789,226     8,124,080     2,956,406     21,869,712  
214,900   76,000   27,657   318,557  
Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.*
        8,699,152     3,256,600     1,185,098     13,140,850  
318,100   128,007   46,583   492,690  
ViroPharma, Inc.*
        7,239,956     3,173,294     1,154,783     11,568,033  
  74,000   26,929   100,929  
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
            6,512,740     2,370,029     8,882,769  
                        $ 31,728,982   $ 23,562,364         $ 63,865,845  
               
Total Pharmaceuticals,
                             
               
Biotechnology & Life Sciences
      $ 57,856,438   $ 47,668,766         $ 113,479,291  
 
9
 
 

 
 

                                       
Pioneer
  Pioneer                  
Pioneer
  Pioneer          
Growth
 
Select
                 
Growth
 
Select
         
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
   
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
   
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
 
Principal
   
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
 
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
 
Amount ($)
   
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
 
Value
 
               
Banks
0.0 %                  
               
Regional Banks
0.0 %                  
73,600    —   (73,600 )  
Signature Bank
      $ 5,250,624   $   $ (5,250,624 ) $  
                        $ 5,250,624   $         $  
               
Total Banks
      $ 5,250,624   $         $  
               
Diversified Financials
4.0 %                          
               
Consumer Finance
1.7 %                          
  86,140   31,347   117,487  
Capital One Financial Corp.
      $   $ 4,961,664     1,805,582   $ 6,767,246  
  100,000   36,391   136,391  
Discover Financial Services
            4,161,000     1,514,215     5,675,215  
69,884       69,884  
First Cash Financial Services, Inc.*
        3,467,644             3,467,644  
                        $ 3,467,644   $ 9,122,664         $ 15,910,105  
               
Asset Management & Custody Banks
1.8 %                          
71,100       71,100  
Financial Engines, Inc.
      $ 1,973,025   $       $ 1,973,025  
  116,300   42,322   158,622  
Invesco, Ltd.
            2,906,337     1,057,635     3,963,972  
125,600   100,669   36,634   262,903  
Walter Investment Management Corp.*
        5,403,312     4,256,285     1,548,890     11,208,487  
                        $ 7,376,337   $ 7,162,622         $ 17,145,484  
               
Investment Banking & Brokerage
0.6 %                          
520,900     (520,900 )  
E*TRADE Financial Corp.*
      $ 4,662,055   $     (4,662,055 ) $  
111,600   55,000   20,015   186,615  
Evercore Partners, Inc.
        3,369,204     1,510,850     549,808     5,429,862  
                        $ 8,031,259   $ 1,510,850         $ 5,429,862  
               
Total Diversified Financials
      $ 18,875,240   $ 17,796,136         $ 38,485,451  
               
Insurance
0.5 %                          
               
Property & Casualty Insurance
0.5 %                          
  140,000   50,947   190,947  
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
      $   $ 3,389,400     1,233,425   $ 4,622,825  
                        $   $ 3,389,400         $ 4,622,825  
               
Total Insurance
      $   $ 3,389,400         $ 4,622,825  
               
Real Estate
1.5 %                          
               
Residential REITs
0.8 %                          
57,200   85,000   30,932   173,132  
American Campus Communities, Inc.
      $ 2,638,636   $ 3,723,000     1,354,824   $ 7,716,460  
                        $ 2,638,636   $ 3,723,000         $ 7,716,460  
               
Real Estate Services
0.7 %                          
  58,800   21,398   80,198  
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
      $   $ 4,822,188     1,754,826   $ 6,577,014  
                        $   $ 4,822,188         $ 6,577,014  
               
Total Real Estate
      $ 2,638,636   $ 8,545,188         $ 14,293,474  
               
Software & Services
16.5 %                          
               
Internet Software & Services
5.0 %                          
  87,000   31,660   118,660  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
      $   $ 3,185,940     1,159,385   $ 4,345,325  
288,200     (288,200 )  
Brightcove, Inc.*
        2,605,328         (2,605,328 )    
  77,000   28,021   105,021  
eBay, Inc.*
            4,067,140     1,480,059     5,547,199  
256,300   150,012   54,590   460,902  
ExactTarget, Inc.*
        5,126,000     3,091,747     1,125,107     9,342,854  
  8,100   2,948   11,048  
Google, Inc.*
            5,656,797     2,058,546     7,715,343  
  21,000   7,642   28,642  
LinkedIn Corp.*
            2,270,940     826,410     3,097,350  
  70,000   25,473   95,473  
Rackspace Hosting, Inc.*
            4,838,400     1,760,726     6,599,126  
415,900   202,915   73,842   692,657  
SciQuest, Inc.*
        6,596,174     3,305,485     1,202,888     11,104,547  
244,018     (244,018 )  
Vocus, Inc.*
        4,241,033         (4,241,033 )    
                        $ 18,568,535   $ 26,416,449         $ 47,751,744  
               
IT Consulting & Other Services
1.2 %                          
172,800   51,000   18,559   242,359  
Gartner, Inc.*
      $ 7,952,256   $ 2,441,880     888,616   $ 11,282,752  
                        $ 7,952,256   $ 2,441,880         $ 11,282,752  
               
Data Processing & Outsourced Services
2.6 %                          
  31,300   11,390   42,690  
Alliance Data Systems Corp.*
      $   $ 4,459,937     1,623,000   $ 6,082,937  
  100,000   36,391   136,391  
Genpact, Ltd.
            1,605,000     584,070     2,189,070  
  13,100   4,767   17,867  
Mastercard, Inc.
            6,401,708     2,329,624     8,731,332  
73,600   30,000   10,917   114,517  
WEX, Inc.*
        5,547,232     2,158,800     785,602     8,491,634  
433,200     (433,200 )  
WNS Holdings, Ltd. (A.D.R.)*
        4,513,944         (4,513,944 )    
                        $ 10,061,176   $ 14,625,445         $ 25,494,973  
 
10
 
 

 
 

                                       
Pioneer
 
Pioneer
                 
Pioneer
 
Pioneer
     
 
 
Growth
 
Select
                 
Growth
 
Select
         
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
   
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
 
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
   
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
 
Principal
   
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
 
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
 
Amount ($)
   
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
 
Value
 
               
Application Software
6.6 %                  
 —   21,982   7,999   29,981  
ANSYS, Inc.*
      $   $ 1,458,066   $ 530,600   $ 1,988,666  
148,533       148,533  
Aspen Technology, Inc.*
        4,105,452             4,105,452  
    50,700   18,450   69,150  
Citrix Systems, Inc.*
            3,100,812     1,128,406     4,229,218  
106,500       106,500  
Guidewire Software, Inc.*
        3,165,180             3,165,180  
205,900   90,000   32,752   328,652  
Nuance Communications, Inc.*
        4,595,688     2,001,600     728,395     7,325,683  
180,400       180,400  
QLIK Technologies, Inc.*
        3,918,288             3,918,288  
  115,000   41,849   156,849  
RealPage, Inc.*
            2,275,850     828,197     3,104,047  
  31,000   11,281   42,281  
Salesforce.com, Inc.*
            4,887,770     1,778,692     6,666,462  
77,700       77,700  
Solera Holdings, Inc.*
        4,154,619             4,154,619  
  161,320   58,705   220,025  
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.*
            3,805,539     1,384,861     5,190,400  
422,540   300,000   109,172   831,712  
Tangoe, Inc.*
        5,015,550     3,912,000     1,423,603     10,351,153  
200,500   60,000   21,834   282,334  
TIBCO Software, Inc.*
        4,413,005     1,503,000     546,952     6,462,957  
292,500     (292,500 )  
TiVo, Inc.*
        3,603,600         (3,603,600 )    
30,233       30,233  
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.*
        2,854,298             2,854,298  
                        $ 35,825,680   $ 22,944,637         $ 63,516,423  
               
Systems Software
1.1 %                          
29,300       29,300  
CommVault Systems, Inc.*
      $ 2,042,503   $       $ 2,042,503  
179,340       179,340  
Fortinet, Inc.*
        3,778,694             3,778,694  
50,000     (50,000 )  
Imperva, Inc.*
        1,576,500         (1,576,500 )    
  70,000   25,473   95,473  
Red Hat, Inc.*
            3,458,000     1,258,389     4,716,389  
                        $ 7,397,697   $ 3,458,000         $ 10,537,586  
               
Total Software & Services
      $ 79,805,344   $ 69,886,411         $ 158,583,478  
               
Technology Hardware & Equipment
2.0 %                          
               
Communications Equipment
1.5 %                          
250,300   180,000   65,503   495,803  
Aruba Networks, Inc.*
      $ 5,193,725   $ 3,506,400     1,276,002   $ 9,976,127  
  22,000   8,006   30,006  
F5 Networks, Inc.*
            2,060,960     749,997     2,810,957  
143,500     (143,500 )  
Procera Networks, Inc.*
        2,661,925         (2,661,925 )    
  75,802   27,585   103,387  
Riverbed Technology, Inc.*
            1,356,856     493,769     1,850,625  
                        $ 7,855,650   $ 6,924,216         $ 14,637,709  
               
Computer Storage & Peripherals
0.5 %                          
  84,089   30,601   114,690  
SanDisk Corp.*
      $   $ 3,287,880     1,196,481   $ 4,484,361  
                        $   $ 3,287,880         $ 4,484,361  
               
Total Technology Hardware & Equipment
      $ 7,855,650   $ 10,212,096         $ 19,122,070  
               
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment
3.3 %                          
               
Semiconductor Equipment
0.2 %                          
  27,797   10,116   37,913  
ASML Holding NV (A.D.R.)
      $   $ 1,739,258     632,927   $ 2,372,185  
                        $   $ 1,739,258         $ 2,372,185  
               
Semiconductors
3.0 %                          
  90,000   32,752   122,752  
Altera Corp.
      $   $ 2,915,100     1,060,824   $ 3,975,924  
  90,000   32,752   122,752  
Analog Devices, Inc.
            3,654,000     1,329,715     4,983,715  
  115,000   41,849   156,849  
Broadcom Corp.
            3,723,700     1,355,079     5,078,779  
487,000     (487,000 )  
Entropic Communications, Inc.
        2,576,230         (2,576,230 )    
  80,000   29,113   109,113  
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
            2,335,200     849,795     3,184,995  
210,000     (210,000 )  
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
        4,678,800         (4,678,800 )    
185,300     (185,300 )  
Semtech Corp.
        5,364,435         (5,364,435 )    
243,900   130,000   47,308   421,208  
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.*
        4,951,170     2,944,500     1,071,523     8,967,193  
  65,000   23,654   88,654  
Xilinx, Inc.
            2,252,250     819,609     3,071,859  
                        $ 17,570,635   $ 17,824,750         $ 29,262,465  
               
Total Semiconductors &
                             
               
Semiconductor Equipment
      $ 17,570,635   $ 19,564,008         $ 31,634,650  
               
Telecommunication Services
0.5 %                          
               
Alternative Carriers
0.5 %                          
  125,000   45,488   170,488  
tw telecom, Inc.*
      $   $ 3,211,250     1,168,595   $ 4,379,845  
                        $   $ 3,211,250         $ 4,379,845  
               
Total Telecommunication Services
      $   $ 3,211,250         $ 4,379,845  
               
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
      $ 510,914,233   $ 447,097,262         $ 958,011,495  
 
11
 
 

 
 

                                       
 Pioneer   Pioneer                  
Pioneer
             
Growth   Select                  
Growth
 
Pioneer
         
Opportunities
  Mid Cap       Pro Forma    
% of
   
Opportunities
 
Select Mid Cap
     
Pro Forma
 
Fund   Growth Fund       Combined    
Pro Forma
   
Fund
 
Growth Fund
     
Combined
 
Principal
 
Principal
 
Pro Forma
  Principal    
Combined
   
Market
 
Market
 
Pro Forma
 
Market
 
Amount ($)
 
Amount ($)
 
Adjustment
  Amount ($)    
Net Assets
   
Value
 
Value
 
Adjustment (a)
 
Value
 
                                       
               
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
0.6 %                  
  5,500,000     5,500,000  
Repurchase Agreement
0.6 %                  
               
JPMorgan, Inc., 0.21%, dated 11/30/12, repurchase price of $5,500,000 plus accrued interest on 12/3/12
collateralized by $5,610,080 Freddie Mac Giant, 3.0%, 11/1/42
      $   $ 5,500,000   $   $ 5,500,000  
                                               
               
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
      $   $ 5,500,000         $ 5,500,000  
                                               
               
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
100.0 %   $ 510,914,233   $ 452,597,262         $ 963,511,495  
               
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
0.0 %   $ 1,612,215   $ (2,091,830 )       $ (479,615 )
                                               
               
TOTAL NET ASSETS
100.0 %   $ 512,526,448   $ 450,505,432         $ 963,031,880  
               
TOTAL INVESTMENT AT COST
      $ 442,266,381   $ 380,779,523   $ 11,873,498   $ 834,919,402  
 
*
Non-income producing security.
(a)
Specific investments held by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund are assumed to be sold for cash, with proceeds being reallocated amongst existing investments held by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
 
12
 
 

 
 

                         
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 
November 30, 2012
 
(unaudited)
 
   
   
Pioneer
   
Pioneer Select
             
   
Growth
   
Mid Cap
             
   
Opportunities
   
Growth
   
Pro Forma
   
Pro Forma
 
   
Fund
   
Fund
   
Adjustments
   
Combined
 
ASSETS:
                       
Investment in securities, at value (Cost $442,266,381 and $380,779,523, respectively)
  $ 510,914,233     $ 452,597,262           $ 963,511,495  
Cash
          1,919,819             1,919,819  
Receivables –
                           
Investment securities sold
    11,108,684       11,341,292             22,449,976  
Fund shares sold
    224,265       441,800             666,065  
Dividends and interest
    54,683       208,717             263,400  
Due from Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
                       
Other
    41,804       22,844             64,648  
Total assets
  $ 522,343,669     $ 466,531,734           $ 988,875,403  
LIABILITIES:
                             
Payables –
                             
Investment securities purchased
  $ 8,361,323     $ 15,247,583           $ 23,608,906  
Fund shares repurchased
    1,126,247       523,363             1,649,610  
Upon return of securities loaned
                       
Due to custodian
    49,034                   49,034  
Due to affiliates
    224,287       113,393             337,680  
Accrued expenses
    56,330       141,963       16,250 (b)     214,543  
Total liabilities
  $ 9,817,221     $ 16,026,302               25,859,773  
NET ASSETS:
                               
Paid-in capital
  $ 538,185,336     $ 368,439,883             $ 906,625,219  
Undistributed net investment income
          71,932       (16,250 )(b)     55,682  
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and option contracts
    (94,306,746 )     10,176,142       11,873,498 (c)     (72,257,106 )
Net unrealized gain on investments
    68,647,852       71,817,739       (11,873,498 )(c)     128,592,093  
Net unrealized loss on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
    6       (264 )             (258 )
Total net assets
  $ 512,526,448     $ 450,505,432             $ 963,015,630  
NET ASSETS BY CLASS:
                               
Class A
  $ 419,159,021     $ 335,701,617       (12,737 )   $ 754,847,901  
Class B
  $ 10,172,422     $       (172 )   $ 10,172,250  
Class C
  $ 38,786,084     $ 12,761,405       (870 )   $ 51,546,619  
Class R
  $ 7,626,954     $       (129 )   $ 7,626,825  
Class Y
  $ 36,781,967     $ 102,042,410       (2,342 )   $ 138,822,035  
OUTSTANDING SHARES:
                               
(No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)
                               
Class A
    14,791,791       17,679,626       (5,834,121 )(a)     26,637,296  
Class B
    433,890                     433,890  
Class C
    1,618,962       735,154       (202,541 )(a)     2,151,575  
Class R
    271,742                     271,742  
Class Y
    1,246,587       5,222,273       (1,764,380 )(a)     4,704,480  
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:
                               
Class A
  $ 28.34     $ 18.99             $ 28.34  
Class B
  $ 23.44     $             $ 23.44  
Class C
  $ 23.96     $ 17.36             $ 23.96  
Class R
  $ 28.07     $             $ 28.07  
Class Y
  $ 29.51     $ 19.54             $ 29.51  
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE:
                               
Class A
  $ 30.07     $ 20.15             $ 30.07  
 

(a)
Class A, C and Y shares of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund are exchanged for Class A, C and Y shares of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, respectively.
(b)
Reflects one-time cost related to the reorganization.
(c)
Specific investments held by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund are assumed to be sold for cash, with proceeds being reallocated amongst existing investments held by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
 
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
 
13
 
 

 
 

                         
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations
 
For the Year Ended November 30, 2012
 
(unaudited)
 
   
   
Pioneer
   
Pioneer Select
             
   
Growth
   
Mid Cap
             
   
Opportunities
   
Growth
   
Pro Forma
   
Pro Forma
 
   
Fund
   
Fund
   
Adjustments
   
Combined
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
                       
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $532 and 5,585, respectively)
  $ 2,799,714     $ 2,920,970           $ 5,720,684  
Interest
    19,508       2,977             22,485  
Income on securities loaned, net
    169       1,987             2,156  
Total investment income
  $ 2,819,391     $ 2,925,934           $ 5,745,325  
EXPENSES:
                             
Management fees
  $ 3,615,988     $ 2,954,259     $ (274,174 )(a)   $ 6,296,073  
Transfer agent fees
                               
Class A
    797,321       493,176               1,290,497  
Class B
    95,758                     95,758  
Class C
    57,654       33,567               91,221  
Class R
    4,302                     4,302  
Class Y
    2,429       3,977               6,406  
Distribution fees
                               
Class A
    1,131,160       904,938               2,036,098  
Class B
    137,464                     137,464  
Class C
    416,202       134,156               550,358  
Class R
    44,169                     44,169  
Shareholder communications expense
    621,577       249,290               870,867  
Administrative reimbursements
    164,468       134,013       (31,068 )(b)     267,413  
Custodian fees
    31,184       16,616       (9,560 )(b)     38,240  
Registration fees
    83,593       126,614       (102,707 )(b)     107,500  
Professional fees
    74,786       67,219       (58,830 )(b)     83,175  
Printing expense
    14,269       40,412       (10,936 )(b)     43,745  
Fees and expenses of nonaffiliated trustees
    20,470       16,006               36,476  
Miscellaneous
    33,463       29,634       (7,643 )(b)     55,454  
Total expenses
  $ 7,346,257     $ 5,203,877     $ (494,918 )   $ 12,055,216  
Net investment income (loss)
  $ (4,526,866 )   $ (2,277,943 )   $ 494,918     $ (6,309,891 )
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
                               
Net realized gain from:
                               
Investments
  $ 26,823,362     $ 36,413,468       11,873,498 (c)   $ 75,110,328  
Class Actions
    256,359       310,365               566,724  
         Otherer assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     (2,598                   (2,598
Written options closed/expired
    759,953                     759,953  
    $ 27,837,076     $ 36,723,833     $ 11,873,498     $ 76,434,407  
Change in net unrealized gain or loss from:
                               
Investments
  $ 12,831,641     $ (1,536,066 )     (11,873,498 )(c)   $ (577,923 )
Written options
    (42,050 )                   (42,050
Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
    6       (264 )             (258 )
    $ 12,789,597     $ (1,536,330 )   $ (11,873,498 )   $ (620,231 )
Net gain on investments and written options
  $ 40,626,673     $ 35,187,503     $     $ 75,814,176  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
  $ 36,099,807     $ 32,909,560     $ 494,918     $ 69,504,285  
 

(a)
Expenses and expense limitations conformed to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's contracts with affiliated parties.
(b)
Reflects reduction in expenses due to elimination of duplicate services.
(c)
Represents realized loss on the sale of certain securities held by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund.
 
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
 
14
 
 

 
 

REORGANIZATION OF PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND WITH PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
Notes to Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements
 
November 30, 2012
(Unaudited)
1. Description of the Fund
 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund is one of three portfolios comprising Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital growth.
 
The Fund will offer five classes of shares designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, and Class Y shares. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except that dividends and/or capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B shares, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other Pioneer funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different rates of class-specific fees and expenses such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends from net investment income earned by each class. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Fund gives the Board the flexibility to specify either per share voting or dollar-weighted voting when submitting matters for shareholder approval. Under per share voting, each share of a class of the Fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareholder’s voting power is determined not by the number of shares owned, but by the dollar value of the shares on the record date. Each share class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. There is no distribution plan for Class Y shares. Class B shares convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after the date of purchase.
 
2. Basis of Combination
 
The accompanying pro forma combined financial statements, and related notes, are presented to show the effect of the proposed Reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with the Fund (the “Reorganization”), as if such Reorganization had taken place as of November 30, 2012. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization and the combined fund will be renamed Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the Fund).
 
Under the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between these two funds, the combination of the Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be treated as a tax-free business combination and accordingly will be accounted for by a method of accounting for tax-free reorganizations of investment companies. The Reorganization will be accomplished by an acquisition of the net assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in exchange for shares of the Fund at Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s net asset values. The accompanying schedules of investments, statements of assets and liabilities and the related statements of operations of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and the Fund have been combined as of and for the most recent fiscal years ended of November 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (PIM), the advisor, has agreed to pay 75% of the expenses associated with the Reorganization, and the Fund will bear the remaining costs of the Reorganization. These costs are reflected in the pro forma financial statements.
 
These pro forma financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund included in their respective annual reports to shareowners dated November 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The schedule of investments and the statement of assets and liabilities have been shown to reflect the liquidation of certain investments held by the Fund and the reallocation of those proceeds into existing investments held by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. The statement of operations reflects the realized gain from the partial sale of the Fund’s holdings and other adjustments made to expenses for Pioneer affiliate contractual rates and duplicate services that would not have been incurred if the Reorganization took place on December 1, 2011.
 
3. Security Valuation
 
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. In computing the net asset value, securities that have traded on an exchange are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less generally are valued at amortized cost. Shares of money market mutual funds are valued at their net asset value.
15
 
 

 
 

Trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are determined as of such times.
 
Securities for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued using fair value methods pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund’s net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund’s securities may differ from exchange prices.
 
At November 30, 2012, there were no securities that were valued using fair value methods (other than securities that were valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services). Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities.
 
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates.
 
4. Capital Shares
 
The pro forma net asset value per share assumes the issuance of shares of the combined Fund that would have been issued at November 30, 2012, in connection with the proposed Reorganization. The number of shares assumed to be issued is equal to the net assets of the Fund, as of November 30, 2012, divided by the net asset value of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s shares as of December 31, 2012. The pro forma number of shares outstanding, by class, for the combined Fund consists of the following at November 30, 2012:
       
  Shares of  
 
Pioneer Growth
Additional Shares
Total Outstanding
 
Opportunities Fund
Assumed Issued
Shares
Class of Shares
Pre-Combination
In Reorganization
Post-Combination
Class A
14,791,791
11,845,505
26,637,296
Class B
433,890
433,890
Class C
1,618,962
532,613
2,151,575
Class R
271,742
271,742
Class Y
1,246,587
3,457,893
4,704,480
 
5. Management Agreement
 
PIM, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, manages the Fund’s portfolio. Management fees are calculated daily at the annual rate of 0.625% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $500 million and 0.60% on assets over $500 million.
 
PIM had contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses to the extent required to reduce Fund expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively. Fees waived and expenses reimbursed during the year ended November 30, 2012 are reflected on the Statement of Operations. These expense limitations were in effect through June 1, 2012 for Class A and Class Y shares, and through April 1, 2012 for Class C shares. There can be no assurance that PIM will extend the expense limitation agreement for a class of shares beyond the dates referred to above.
 
6. Federal Income Taxes
 
Each fund has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code. After the acquisition, it will continue to be the Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
 
The identified cost of investments for these funds is substantially the same for both financial and federal income tax purposes. The cost of investments will remain unchanged for the combined Fund.
26432-00-0213 SAI
16

 
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­
 
 

 
 
PART C

OTHER INFORMATION
PIONEER SERIES TRUST II


ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION

No change from the information set forth in Item 30 of the most recently filed Registration Statement of Pioneer Series Trust II (the "Registrant") on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (File Nos. 333-110037 and 811-21460), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2012 (Accession No. 0001265389-12-000003), which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

(1)(a)
Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust
(6)
(1)(b)
Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (as of May 22, 2010)
(8)
(1)(c)
Certificate of Trust
(1)
(2)(a)
Amended and Restated By-Laws
(6)
(3)
Not applicable
 
(4)
Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
(*)
(5)
Reference is made to Exhibits (1) and (2) hereof
 
(6)(a)
Amended and Restated Management Agreement
(6)
(6)(b)
Expense Limit Agreement, as revised March 28, 2012
(9)
(7)(a)
Underwriting Agreement for Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund (formerly Pioneer Municipal Fund)
(2)
(7)(b)
Dealer Sales Agreement
(4)
(8)
Not applicable
 
(9)(a)
Custodian Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
(3)
(9)(b)
Amended Appendix A to Custodian Agreement (dated as of December 20, 2011)
(9)
(10)(a)
Pioneer Funds Distribution Plan
(5)
(10)(b)
Class R Distribution Plan for Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund
(2)
(10)(c)
Class R Distribution Plan for Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund (formerly Pioneer Municipal Bond Fund)
(2)
(10)(d)
Class R Service Plan for Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund
(2)
(10)(e)
Classs R Service Plan for Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund (formerly Municipal Bond Fund)
(4)
(10)(f)
Multiclass Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund
(2)
(10)(g)
Multiclass Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund (formerly Pioneer Municipal Bond Fund)
(2)
(11)
Opinion of Counsel (legality of securities being offered)
(**)
(12)
Form of opinion as to tax matters and consent
(**)
(13)(a)
Master Investment Company Service Agreement
(3)
(13)(b)
Amended Exhibit A to Investment Company Service Agreement
(4)
(13)(c)
Amendment No. 2 to Master Investment Company Service Agreement (January 16, 2009)
(6)
(13)(d)
Amendment No. 3 to Master Investment Company Service Agreement with Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. (March 5, 2010)
(8)
(13)(e)
Amendment No. 4 to Master Investment Company Service Agreement with Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. (March 8, 2011)
(8)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
(13)(f)
Amendment No. 5 to Master Investment Company Service Agreement (December 1, 2011)
(9)
(13)(g)
Amended and Restated Administration Agreement with Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (November 1, 2009)
(8)
(13)(h)
Appendix A to Amended and Restated Administration Agreement with Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (updated as of December 20, 2011)
(9)
(13)(i)
Administrative Agency Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2012, between Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
(9)
(14)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(**)
(15)
Not applicable
 
(16)
Power of Attorney
(**)
(17)(a)
Code of Ethics of the Pioneer Funds, Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc., and Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
(7)
(17)(b)
Prospectus of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented, and Statement of Additional Information of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented
(**)
(17)(c)
Annual Report of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
(**)
(17)(d)
Prospectus of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented, and Statement of Additional Information of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented
(**)
(17)(e)
Annual Report of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2012
(**)

(1) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on October 28, 2003 (Accession No. 0001265389-03-000007).

(2) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 22, 2005 (Accession No. 0001016964-05-000146).

(3) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2006 (Accession No. 0001265389-06-000020).

(4) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 30, 2007 (Accession No. 0001265389-07-000005).

(5) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2008 (Accession No. 0001265389-08-000009).

(6) Previously filed.  Incorporated  herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 29, 2009 (Accession No. 0001265389-09-000015).
 
 
 
 

 

 
(7) Previously filed.  Incorporated  herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 30, 2010 (Accession No. 0001265389-10-000008).

(8) Previously filed.  Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.19 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 29, 2011 (Accession No. 0001265389-11-000006).

(9) Previously filed.  Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-110037) as filed with the SEC on April 26, 2012 (Accession No.  0001265389-12-000003).

(*)   Attached as Exhibit D to the combined Information Statement/Prospectus

(**)  Filed herewith.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

(1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is part of this Registration Statement by any person or party which is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for the reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.

(3) The undersigned Registrant agrees that it shall file a final executed version of the legal and consent opinion as to tax matters as an exhibit to the subsequent post-effective amendment to its registration statement on Form N-14 filed with the SEC upon the closing of the reorganizations contemplated by this Registration Statement on Form N-14.

(4) Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
 
 
 

 
SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form N-14 has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 6th day of March, 2013.


PIONEER SERIES TRUST II

By:              /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury                                         
Name:  Daniel K. Kingsbury
Title:   Trustee and Executive Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.*
John F. Cogan, Jr
 
President (Principal Executive Officer) and
Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ Mark E. Bradley
Mark E. Bradley
 
Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ David R. Bock*
David R. Bock
 
Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ Benjamin M. Friedman*
Benjamin M. Friedman
 
Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
 
/s/ Margaret B.W. Graham*
Margaret B.W. Graham
 
 
Trustee
 
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury
Daniel K. Kingsbury
 
Executive Vice President and Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ Thomas J. Perna*
Thomas J. Perna
 
Chairman of the Board and Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ Marguerite A. Piret*
Marguerite A. Piret
 
Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
         
/s/ Stephen K West*
Stephen K. West
 
Trustee
 
March 6, 2013
         
 
 
* By:           /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury
Daniel K. Kingsbury, Attorney-in-Fact
 
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:

Exhibit No.
Description
 
(11)
Opinion of Counsel (legality of securities being offered)
 
(12)
Form of opinion as to tax matters and consent
 
(14)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
(16)
Power of Attorney
 
(17)(b)
Prospectus of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented, and Statement of Additional Information of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented
 
(17)(c)
Annual Report of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
 
(17)(d)
Prospectus of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented, and Statement of Additional Information of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented
 
(17)(e)
Annual Report of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2012
 

EX-99.11 3 ex11.htm OPINION OF COUNSEL ex11.htm
[BINGHAM McCUTCHEN LLP LETTERHEAD]

March 6, 2013



Pioneer Series Trust II
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts  02109

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust, in its individual capacity (the “Trust”), and on behalf of its series, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, in
connection with the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 6, 2013 (the “Registration Statement”), with respect to
the Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund’s issuance of Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of beneficial interest (the “Shares”) to be issued in exchange for the assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap
Growth Fund, a series of Pioneer Series Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust, as described in the Registration Statement (the “Reorganization”).  You have requested that we deliver this opinion to you
in connection with the Trust’s filing of the Registration Statement.

In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have examined the following documents:

(a)           A certificate of the Secretary of the State of Delaware, dated as of a recent date, as to the existence of the Trust;

(b)           A copy, certified by the Secretary of the State of Delaware, of the Trust’s Certificate of Trust filed with the Secretary of State (the “Certificate of Trust”);

(c)           A certificate executed by the Secretary of the Trust, certifying as to, and attaching copies of, the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”), the Trust’s
By-Laws (the “By-Laws”), and the resolutions adopted by the Trustees of the Trust authorizing the Reorganization and the issuance of the Shares on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities
Fund (the “Resolutions”);
 
                                (d)             a printer’s proof, received on February 28, 2013, of the Registration Statement; and
 
 
 
 
 

 
Pioneer Series Trust II
March 6, 2013
Page 2


                               (e)           a copy of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization to be entered into by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund in the form included as Exhibit D to the Registration Statement
referred to in paragraph (d) above (the “Agreement and Plan of Reorganization”).

In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies, including conformed copies, the
authenticity and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in original or copy form and the legal competence of each individual executing any document.  We have assumed that the
Registration Statement as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be in substantially the form of the printer’s proof referred to in paragraph (d) above, and that the Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization will be duly completed, executed and delivered by the parties thereto in substantially the form of the copy referred to in paragraph (e) above.  We have also assumed for the
purposes of this opinion that the Declaration, the Certificate of Trust, the Resolutions and the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization will not have been amended, modified or withdrawn and will be
in full force and effect on the date of issuance of such Shares.

This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents listed above and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion and such
investigation of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate.  We have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have assumed, without independent inquiry, the
accuracy of the information set forth in such documents.

This opinion is limited solely to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (which for this purpose includes applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions
interpreting these laws) to the extent that the same may apply to or govern the transactions referred to herein, and we express no opinion with respect to the laws of any other jurisdiction or to any
other laws of the State of Delaware.  Further, we express no opinion as to any state or federal securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Delaware.  No opinion is given herein as to
the choice of law or internal substantive rules of law which any tribunal may apply to such transaction.  In addition, to the extent that the Declaration or the By-Laws refer to, incorporate or require
compliance with, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or any other law or regulation applicable to the Trust, except for the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as aforesaid, we have assumed
compliance by the Trust with such Act and such other laws and regulations.

We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and limitations are acceptable to you.
 
 
 
 
 

 
Pioneer Series Trust II
March 6, 2013
Page 3

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, please be advised that it is our opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Declaration and the Resolutions and for the
consideration described in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

This opinion is given as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update this opinion to reflect any changes in law or any other facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to
our attention.  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Bingham McCutchen LLP

BINGHAM McCUTCHEN LLP
EX-99.12 4 ex12.htm FORM OF OPINION ex12.htm
[FORM OF OPINION OF BINGHAM MCCUTCHEN LLP]
 

 
[               ], 2013

Pioneer Series Trust II
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
 
   
Pioneer Series Trust I
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
 

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Paragraph 8.4 of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Agreement”), dated as of [               ], 2013, by and between Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, a series thereof, and Pioneer Series Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, a series thereof.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.  The Agreement contemplates the acquisition of all of the assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund in exchange for (a) the assumption by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of the liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and (b) the issuance and delivery by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, for distribution, in accordance with Paragraph 1.4 of the Agreement, pro rata to Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders in exchange for their Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares and in complete liquidation of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, of a number of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares having an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of such assets, less the amount of such liabilities, of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund so transferred to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (the “Transaction”).
 
In connection with this opinion we have examined and relied upon the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to us to our satisfaction, of the Agreement and related documents (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”).  In that examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the capacity and authority of each party executing a document to so execute the document, the authenticity and completeness of all documents purporting to be originals (whether reviewed by us in original or copy form) and the conformity to the originals of all documents purporting to be copies.  We have also assumed that each agreement and other instrument reviewed by us is valid and binding on the party or parties thereto and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, and that there are no contracts, agreements, arrangements, or understandings, either written or oral, that are inconsistent with or that would materially alter the terms of the Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.
 
As to certain factual matters, we have relied with your consent upon, and our opinion is limited by, the representations of the various parties set forth in the Transaction Documents and in certificates of Pioneer Series Trust II, on behalf of Pioneer Growth
 
 
 

 
Pioneer Series Trust II
Pioneer Series Trust I
[               ], 2013
Page Two
 

Opportunities Fund, and Pioneer Series Trust I, on behalf of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, each dated as of the date hereof and attached hereto (the “Certificates”).  Our opinion assumes (i) that all representations set forth in the Transaction Documents and in the Certificates will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Transaction, and (ii) that the Agreement is implemented in accordance with its terms and consistent with the representations set forth in the Transaction Documents and Certificates.  Our opinion is limited solely to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and as presently in effect (the “Code”) and the regulations, rulings, and interpretations thereof in force as of this date.  We assume no obligation to update our opinion to reflect any changes in law or in the interpretation thereof that may hereafter occur.
 
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, for United States federal income tax purposes:
 
1.  
The transfer to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of all of the assets of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in exchange solely for the issuance of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund and the assumption by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of all of the liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, followed by the distribution of such Growth Opportunities Fund Shares to the shareholders of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund in complete liquidation of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund and Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.
 
2.  
No gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund upon the transfer of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund solely in exchange for Growth Opportunities Fund Shares and the assumption by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of all of the liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, or upon the distribution of the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund to its shareholders in liquidation, except for (A) any gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) any gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code and (C) any other gain that may be required to be recognized as a result of the closing of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund’s taxable year or upon the transfer of a Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a nonrecognition transaction under the Code.
 
 

 
 
 

 
Pioneer Series Trust II
Pioneer Series Trust I
[               ], 2013
Page Three
 
 
3.  
The tax basis in the hands of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of each asset so transferred will be the same as the tax basis of such asset in the hands of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund immediately prior to the transfer, increased by the amount of gain (or decreased by the amount of loss), if any, recognized by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund upon the transfer.
 
4.  
The holding period of each asset so transferred in the hands of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, other than any asset with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include in each instance the period during which such asset was held by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (except where investment activities of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset).
 
5.  
No gain or loss will be recognized by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund upon receipt of the assets solely in exchange for Growth Opportunities Fund Shares and the assumption by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of the liabilities of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
6.  
No gain or loss will be recognized by Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of all of their Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares solely for Growth Opportunities Fund Shares as part of the Transaction.
 
7.  
The aggregate tax basis of Growth Opportunities Fund Shares that each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder receives in the Transaction will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares exchanged therefor.
 
8.  
Each Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder’s holding period for the Growth Opportunities Fund Shares received in the Transaction will include the holding period of the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares exchanged therefor, provided that the Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shareholder held such Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Shares as capital assets on the date of the exchange.
 
 
 
 

 
Pioneer Series Trust II
Pioneer Series Trust I
[               ], 2013
Page Four
 
 
This opinion is being delivered solely to you for your use in connection with the referenced Transaction, and may not be relied upon by any other person or used for any other purpose.

Very truly yours,



BINGHAM McCUTCHEN LLP

EX-99.14 5 ex14.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ex14.htm


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Financial Highlights” and "Experts" in the Combined Information Statement of Pioneer Research Fund, Pioneer Disciplined Value Trust (a series of Pioneer Series Trust V), Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund (a series of Pioneer Series Trust V), Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (a series of Pioneer Series Trust I) and in the Prospectus for Pioneer Value Fund, Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund , Pioneer Independence Fund, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund. We further consent to the reference to us under the heading "Representations and Warranties" (paragraphs 4.1(f) and 4.2(g)) in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization included as Exhibit A, B, C, and D to the Combined Information Statement and Prospectus included in this Registration Statement on Form N-14 of the Pioneer Series Trust II (comprised of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund).
 
We also consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Financial Statements” in the Statements of Additional Information on Form N-1A for the following funds which are also incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement on Form N-14 of the Pioneer Series Trust II (comprised of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund):
 
Pioneer Research Fund, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2012 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 (File 333-87233);
 
Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund (a series of Pioneer Series Trust V), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2012 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 (File No. 333-129005);
 
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (a series of Pioneer Series Trust I), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File 333-108472)
 
Pioneer Value Fund, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2013 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 (File No. 2-32773);
 
Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund (a series of Pioneer Series Trust III), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 26, 2012 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 (File No. 333-120144);
 
Pioneer Independence Fund, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 (File No. 333-42105);
 
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (a series of Pioneer Series Trust II), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2012 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 21(File No. 333-11037);
 

 
 

 
 
We further consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports on each of the financial statements and financial highlights for the Pioneer Value Fund as of September 30, 2012, dated November 21, 2012; Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund as of June 30, 2012, dated August 24, 2012; Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund and Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund as of August 30, 2012, dated October 24 2012; Pioneer Small and Mid Cap Value Fund as of November 30, 2012, dated January 25 2013; Pioneer Independence Fund, Pioneer Research Fund and Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund as of December 31, 2012, dated February 25, 2013, which are also incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement on Form N-14 of the Pioneer Series Trust II (comprised of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund).
 

 

 
                                                                                      /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 

 
Boston, Massachusetts
 
March 4, 2013
 

 

 

 
EX-99.16 6 ex16.htm POWER OF ATTORNEY ex16.htm
POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, the undersigned Trustee of Pioneer Series Trust II (the “Trust”), hereby constitute and appoint John F. Cogan, Jr., Christopher J. Kelley, Daniel K. Kingsbury and Mark E. Bradley, and each of them acting singly, to be my true, sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them to sign for me, in my name: (i) the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-14, and any and all amendments thereto, with respect to the proposed reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, a series of the Trust, and (ii) any and all other documents and papers relating to such reorganization, and generally to do all such things in my name and on behalf of me in the capacities indicated to enable the Trust to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys or each of them to the Registration Statement and amendments to said Registration Statement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunder set my hand on this 6th day of March, 2013.


/s/ David R. Bock                                                                               /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury
David R. Bock                                                                                   Daniel K. Kingsbury


/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.                                                                        /s/ Thomas J. Perna                               
John F. Cogan, Jr.                                                                            Thomas J. Perna


/s/ Benjamin M. Friedman                                                                /s/ Marguerite A. Piret                                           
Benjamin M. Friedman                                                                   Marguerite A. Piret


/s/ Margaret B.W. Graham                                                               /s/ Stephen K. West                                
Margaret B.W. Graham                                                                  Stephen K. West



EX-99.17B 7 ex9917b.txt PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND PIONEER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND Class A Shares (PGOFX) Class B Shares (GOFBX) Class C Shares (GOFCX) Class R Shares (PGRRX) Class Y Shares (GROYX) Prospectus, May 1, 2012 CONTENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund summary................................. 1 More on the fund's investment objective and strategies............................... 10 More on the risks of investing in the fund 14 Management................................... 19 Pricing of shares............................ 21 Choosing a class of shares................... 23 Distribution and service arrangements........ 26 Sales charges................................ 29 Buying, exchanging and selling shares........ 38 Account options.............................. 48 Shareholder services and policies............ 52 Dividends, capital gains and taxes........... 59 Financial highlights......................... 62
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency has approved or disapproved the fund's shares or determined whether this prospectus is [GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact your investment professional to discuss how the fund may fit into your portfolio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund summary INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE Growth of capital. FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you or your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the Pioneer funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your investment professional and in the "Sales charges" section of the prospectus beginning on page 29 and the "Sales charges" section of the statement of additional information beginning on page 52.
SHAREOWNER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y -------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None None None -------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- --------- --------- -------- Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price or the amount you receive when you sell shares, whichever is less) None 4% 1% None None -------------------------------------------------- ---- --------- --------- --------- --------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R CLASS Y --------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- Management Fees 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% --------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% 0.50% 0.00% --------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Other Expenses 0.36% 0.84% 0.48% 0.42% 0.10% --------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.26% 2.49% 2.13% 1.57% 0.75% --------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
EXAMPLE This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods shown and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. It also assumes that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) the fund's total annual operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: 1 Fund summary
IF YOU REDEEM YOUR SHARES IF YOU DO NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 3 5 10 1 3 5 10 ------- -------- --------- --------- ------- ------- --------- --------- Class A $696 $952 $1,227 $2,010 $696 $952 $1,227 $2,010 --------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ Class B 652 1,076 1,426 2,522 252 776 1,326 2,522 --------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ Class C 316 667 1,144 2,462 216 667 1,144 2,462 --------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ Class R 160 496 855 1,867 160 496 855 1,867 --------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ Class Y 77 240 417 930 77 240 417 930 --------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund's portfolio turnover rate was 112% of the average value of its portfolio. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The fund invests primarily in equity securities of companies that the fund's investment adviser considers to be reasonably priced or undervalued, with above average growth potential. For purposes of the fund's investment policies, equity securities include common stocks, debt convertible to equity securities and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, depositary receipts, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs), warrants, rights and preferred stocks. The fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization, although the fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in equity securities of small companies. The fund defines small companies as those within the market capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (approximately $2.7 million to $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2012). The size of the companies in the index changes constantly with market conditions and the composition of the index. The fund may continue to hold a security if its market capitalization changes after investment. 2 The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities of U.S. issuers. Generally the fund acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds"), and below investment grade convertible debt securities. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including up to 5% of its total assets in securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, for a variety of purposes, including: as a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; and to increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative. The fund also may hold cash or other short-term investments. The fund uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management and seeks to invest in securities of issuers with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, the fund's investment adviser employs fundamental research and an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, utilizing a bottom-up analytic style which focuses on specific securities rather than industries. The adviser may also use quantitative analysis. The adviser focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers and securities. The adviser generally sells a portfolio security when it believes that the issuer no longer offers the potential for growth at a reasonable price or if any of the factors used to select an investment have deteriorated. The adviser makes that determination based upon the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities. PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND You could lose money on your investment in the fund. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. MARKET RISK. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same 3 Fund summary impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities, including securities held by the fund. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. is changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. GROWTH STYLE RISK. The fund's investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market. PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The adviser's judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect. SMALL-SIZE COMPANIES RISK. Compared to large companies, small-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative. 4 RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, less liquid trading markets, extreme price volatility, currency risks, changes in economic, political, regulatory and social conditions, sustained economic downturns, tax burdens, and investment and repatriation restrictions. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters. MARKET SEGMENT RISK. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation than a fund without the same focus. DERIVATIVES RISK. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund's net asset value and may not provide the result intended. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund. Changes in a derivative's value may not correlate well with the referenced asset or metric. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the fund. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. LEVERAGING RISK. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund's underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains. 5 Fund summary EXPENSE RISK. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual fund operating expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its goals. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. THE FUND'S PAST PERFORMANCE The bar chart and table indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the fund by showing how the fund has performed in the past. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the fund's Class A shares from calendar year to calendar year. The table shows the average annual total returns for each class of the fund over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Russell 2000 Growth Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the fund's investment strategies. You can obtain updated performance information by visiting https://us.pioneerinvestments.com/performance or by calling 1-800-225-6292. The fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund (the predecessor fund) on December 10, 2004. The performance of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the fund includes the net asset value performance of the predecessor fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares prior to the reorganization, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). If all the expenses of the Pioneer fund were reflected, the performance would be lower. Prior to August 2, 2004, Safeco Asset Management, Inc. served as the predecessor fund's investment adviser. The fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The bar chart does not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy fund shares. If this amount was reflected, returns would be less than those shown. 6 ANNUAL RETURN CLASS A SHARES (%) (Year ended December 31) [GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE]
'02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 ‘11 -37.05 43.67 22.23 4.56 4.78 -3.90 -35.39 43.01 19.60 -2.53
For the period covered by the bar chart: THE HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS 31.05% (04/01/2003 TO 06/30/2003). THE LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS -26.86% (07/01/2002 TO 09/30/2002). 7 Fund summary AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) (for periods ended December 31, 2011)
SINCE INCEPTION 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION DATE -------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Class A 9/30/96 ------------------------------------- ----- ----- ---- ----- ------- Return before taxes -8.12 -0.49 1.68 6.06 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Return after taxes on distributions -8.12 -0.83 1.33 5.47 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Return after taxes on distributions and sale of shares -5.28 -0.47 1.41 5.15 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Class B -7.56 -0.63 1.18 5.42 9/30/96 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Class C -3.37 -0.42 1.34 2.04 4/30/00 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Class R -2.83 N/A N/A 11.23 8/3/09 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Class Y -2.06 1.21 N/A 2.20 9/23/05 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- ------- Russell 2000 Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) -2.91 2.09 4.48 3.89 9/30/96 ------------------------------------- ----- ------- ---- -------- -------
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares. After-tax returns for Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares shares will vary. 8 MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT ADVISER Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Brian E. Stack, senior vice president of Pioneer (portfolio manager of the fund since 2008).
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES You may purchase, exchange or sell (redeem) shares each day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your financial intermediary or, for accounts held directly with the fund, by contacting the fund's transfer agent in writing or by telephone (Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 55014, Boston, MA 02205-5014, tel. 1-800-225-6292). Your initial investment for Class A or Class C shares must be at least $1,000. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares and $500 for Class C shares. The initial investment for Class Y shares must be at least $5 million. This amount may be invested in one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds that currently offer Class Y shares. There is no minimum additional investment amount for Class Y shares. There is no minimum investment amount for Class R shares. Effective December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except for reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gains distributions and exchanges for Class B shares of other Pioneer funds. TAX INFORMATION You normally will have to pay income taxes on the dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the fund, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson or investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or investment professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information. 9 More on the fund's investment objective and strategies INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE Growth of capital. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval. The fund will provide notice prior to implementing any change to its investment objective. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The fund invests primarily in equity securities of companies that Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (Pioneer), the fund's investment adviser, considers to be reasonably priced or undervalued, with above average growth potential. For purposes of the fund's investment policies, equity securities include common stocks, debt convertible to equity securities and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, depositary receipts, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs), warrants, rights and preferred stocks. The fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization, although the fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in equity securities of small companies. The fund defines small companies as those within the market capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (approximately $2.7 million to $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2012). The size of the companies in the index changes constantly with market conditions and the composition of the index. The fund may continue to hold a security if its market capitalization changes after investment. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities of U.S. issuers. Generally the fund acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds") and below investment grade convertible debt securities. The fund invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the fund's investment objective of capital growth, to diversify the portfolio or for greater liquidity. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including up to 5% of its total assets in securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund does not count securities of Canadian issuers against the limit on investment in securities of non-U.S. issuers. 10 The fund uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management and seeks to invest in securities of issuers with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, Pioneer employs fundamental research and an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, utilizing a bottom-up analytic style which focuses on specific securities rather than industries. Pioneer may also use quantitative analysis. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff and the staff of its affiliates who have access to a wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers and securities, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include: o Strength of the company's balance sheet o Quality of the management team o Rate at which the company's earnings are projected to grow o Whether the company's stock may be trading at a discount relative to its industry peers or the overall market Pioneer generally sells a portfolio security when it believes that the issuer no longer offers the potential for growth at a reasonable price or if any of the above factors have deteriorated. Pioneer makes that determination based upon the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities. NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS The fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. issuers are issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities may be issued by non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational organizations, such as the World Bank and the European Union. DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the fund may acquire debt securities that are investment grade, but the fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds") including below investment grade convertible debt securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the adviser. 11 More on the fund's investment objective and strategies DERIVATIVES The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: o As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates o As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities o To increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative o To manage portfolio characteristics CASH MANAGEMENT AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the adviser believes securities in which the fund normally invests have special or unusual risks or are less attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may also use other techniques, including the following non-principal investment strategies. REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND BORROWING The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the fund transfers securities to a counterparty in return for cash, and the fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings by the fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value of an investment in the fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the fund. The fund also may borrow money from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. The fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. Entering 12 into reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. SHORT-TERM TRADING The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if it no longer meets the fund's investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains. 13 More on the risks of investing in the fund PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS You could lose money on your investment in the fund. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. MARKET RISK. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility in recent years. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that purchase sovereign debt have fallen, credit has become more scarce worldwide and there has been significant uncertainty in the markets. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the adviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. is changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. GROWTH STYLE RISK. The fund's investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market. PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The adviser's judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect. 14 SMALL-SIZE COMPANIES RISK. Compared to large companies, small-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative. RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include: o Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices o Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the fund's securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable o Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the fund's investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars o The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession o Economic, political, regulatory and social developments may adversely affect the securities markets o Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund's return o Some markets in which the fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries 15 More on the risks of investing in the fund o A governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity's debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms MARKET SEGMENT RISK. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation. Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are generally subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions. Industries in the health care segment, such as health care supplies, health care services, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, may be significantly affected by government regulation and reimbursement rates, approval of products by government agencies, and patent expirations and litigation. Industries in the industrials segment, such as companies engaged in the production, distribution or service of products or equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction, can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including such factors as employment and economic growth, interest rate changes, changes in consumer spending, legislative and governmental regulation and spending, import controls, commodity prices, and worldwide competition. Industries in the consumer discretionary segment, such as consumer durables, hotels, restaurants, media, retailing and automobiles, may be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence and spending, and changes in demographics and consumer tastes. 16 DERIVATIVES RISK. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund's net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund, and they can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund's other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund's assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. LEVERAGING RISK. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund's underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains. CASH MANAGEMENT RISK. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. 17 More on the risks of investing in the fund To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objective. EXPENSE RISK. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual fund operating expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. To learn more about the fund's investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional information. Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its goals. DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS The fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the fund's securities are described in the statement of additional information. 18 Management INVESTMENT ADVISER Pioneer, the fund's investment adviser, selects the fund's investments and oversees the fund's operations. Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredit S.p.A., one of the largest banking groups in Italy. Pioneer is part of the global asset management group providing investment management and financial services to mutual funds, institutional and other clients. As of March 31, 2012, assets under management were approximately $203 billion worldwide, including over $64 billion in assets under management by Pioneer (and its U.S. affiliates). Pioneer's main office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The firm's U.S. mutual fund investment history includes creating in 1928 one of the first mutual funds. Pioneer has received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees, to hire and terminate a subadviser that is not affiliated with Pioneer (an "unaffiliated subadviser") or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract with an unaffiliated subadviser for the fund without shareholder approval. Pioneer retains the ultimate responsibility to oversee and recommend the hiring, termination and replacement of any unaffiliated subadviser. To the extent that the Securities and Exchange Commission adopts a rule that would supersede the order, or would provide greater flexibility than the order, Pioneer and the fund intend to rely on such rule to permit Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees and any other applicable conditions of the rule, to hire and terminate an unaffiliated subadviser or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract with an unaffiliated subadviser for the fund without shareholder approval. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Day-to-day management of the fund is the responsibility of Brian E. Stack. Mr. Stack also may draw upon the research and investment management expertise of the global research teams, which provide fundamental and quantitative research on companies and include members from Pioneer's affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited. Mr. Stack, a senior vice president and portfolio manager, joined Pioneer in 2008 and has served as portfolio manager of the fund since 2008. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Stack was a co-founder, portfolio manager and analyst at Long Trail Investment Management, LP from 2005 to 2007. From 2001 to 2004, he was a portfolio 19 Management manager and analyst at Cyllennius Capital Management/BlackRock, Inc. Mr. Stack co-founded Cyllenius Capital Management in 2001, which was acquired by BlackRock in 2002. Mr. Stack was a portfolio manager at MFS Investment Management from 1993 to 2001. The fund's statement of additional information provides additional information about the portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager's ownership of shares of the fund. MANAGEMENT FEE The fund pays Pioneer a fee for managing the fund and to cover the cost of providing certain services to the fund. Pioneer's annual fee is equal to 0.65% of the fund's average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the fund paid management fees (excluding waivers and/or assumption of expenses) equivalent to 0.65% of the fund's average daily net assets. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the management contract is available in the fund's annual report to shareholders for the period ended December 31, 2011. DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. is the fund's distributor. Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. is the fund's transfer agent. The fund compensates the distributor and transfer agent for their services. The distributor and the transfer agent are affiliates of Pioneer. 20 Pricing of shares NET ASSET VALUE The fund's net asset value is the value of its securities plus any other assets minus its accrued operating expenses and other liabilities. The fund calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the New York Stock Exchange closes at another time, the fund will calculate a net asset value for each class of shares as of the actual closing time. The fund generally values its equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange using the last sale price on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Equity securities that are not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which no last sale prices are available, are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale, bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods. The fund may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities. To the extent that the fund invests in shares of other mutual funds that are not traded on an exchange, such shares of other mutual funds are valued at their net asset values as provided by those funds. The prospectuses for those funds explain the circumstances under which those funds will use fair value pricing methods and the effects of using fair value pricing methods. The fund generally values debt securities and certain derivative instruments by using the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services. A pricing service may use market prices or quotations from one or more brokers or other sources, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed income securities and/or other factors. The fund values short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at amortized cost, unless circumstances indicate that using this method would not reflect an investment's value. 21 Pricing of shares The valuations of securities traded in non-U.S. markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Non-U.S. markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund's shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for an investment, or when prices or market quotations are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when they are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value methods to value its securities pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The fund also may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a price is determined and the time at which the fund's net asset value is calculated. Because the fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade - some of which may be thinly traded and for which prices may not be readily available or may be unreliable - the fund may use fair value methods more frequently than funds that primarily invest in securities that are more widely traded. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated only using market prices. The prices used by the fund to value its securities may differ from the amounts that would be realized if these securities were sold and these differences may be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. 22 Choosing a class of shares The fund offers five classes of shares through this prospectus. Each class has different eligibility requirements, sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. Factors you should consider include: o The eligibility requirements that apply to purchases of a particular share class o The expenses paid by each class o The initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), if any, applicable to each class o Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges o How long you expect to own the shares o Any services you may receive from a financial intermediary Your investment professional can help you determine which class meets your goals. Your investment professional or financial intermediary may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are purchasing shares outside the U.S., you may pay different sales charges under local laws and business practices. For information on the fund's expenses, please see "Fund Summary." CLASS A SHARES o You pay a sales charge of up to 5.75% of the offering price, which is reduced or waived for large purchases and certain types of investors. At time of your purchase, your investment firm may receive a commission from the distributor of up to 5%, declining as the size of your investment increases. o There is no contingent deferred sales charge, except in certain circumstances when no initial sales charge is charged. o Distribution and service fees of 0.25% of average daily net assets. CLASS B SHARES o A contingent deferred sales charge of up to 4% is assessed if you sell your shares. The charge is reduced over time and not charged after five years. Your investment firm may receive a commission from the distributor at the time of your purchase of up to 4%. o Distribution and service fees of 1.00% of average daily net assets. o Converts to Class A shares after eight years. o Effective December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except that dividends and/or capital gains distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B shares according 23 Choosing a class of shares to a shareholder's election, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other Pioneer funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Shareholders who owned Class B shares as of December 31, 2009 may continue to hold such shares until they convert to Class A shares eight years after the date of purchase. CLASS C SHARES o A 1% contingent deferred sales charge is assessed if you sell your shares within one year of purchase. Your investment firm may receive a commission from the distributor at the time of your purchase of up to 1%. o Distribution and service fees of 1.00% of average daily net assets. o Does not convert to another share class. o Maximum purchase amount (per transaction) of $499,999. CLASS R SHARES o No initial or contingent deferred sales charge. o Distribution fees of 0.50% of average daily net assets. Separate service plan provides for payment to financial intermediaries of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets. o Generally, available only through certain tax-deferred retirement plans and related accounts. CLASS Y SHARES o No initial or contingent deferred sales charge. o Initial investments are subject to a $5 million investment minimum, which may be waived in some circumstances. SHARE CLASS ELIGIBILITY CLASS R SHARES Class R shares are available to certain tax-deferred retirement plans (including 401(k) plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans) held in plan level or omnibus accounts. Class R shares also are available to IRAs that are rollovers from eligible retirement plans that offered one or more Class R share Pioneer funds as investment options. Class R shares are not available to non-retirement accounts, traditional or Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, 24 SAR-SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, individual 403(b)s and most individual retirement accounts or retirement plans that are not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 25 Distribution and service arrangements DISTRIBUTION PLAN The fund has adopted a distribution plan for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R shares in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and service fees to the distributor. Because these fees are an ongoing expense of the fund, over time they increase the cost of your investment and your shares may cost more than shares that are subject to other types of sales charges. CLASS R SHARES SERVICE PLAN The fund has adopted a separate service plan for Class R shares. Under the service plan, the fund may pay securities dealers, plan administrators or other financial intermediaries who agree to provide certain services to plans or plan participants holding shares of the fund a service fee of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares held by such plan participants. The services provided under the service plan include acting as a shareholder of record, processing purchase and redemption orders, maintaining participant account records and answering participant questions regarding the fund. ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES Your financial intermediary may receive compensation from the fund, Pioneer and its affiliates for the sale of fund shares and related services. Compensation may include sales commissions and distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees, as well as compensation for administrative services and transaction processing. Pioneer and its affiliates may make additional payments to your financial intermediary. These payments may provide your financial intermediary with an incentive to favor the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or assist the distributor in its efforts to promote the sale of the fund's shares. Financial intermediaries include broker-dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators and other types of intermediaries. Pioneer makes these additional payments (sometimes referred to as "revenue sharing") to financial intermediaries out of its own assets, which may include profits derived from services provided to the fund, or from the retention of a portion of sales charges or distribution and service fees. Pioneer may 26 base these payments on a variety of criteria, including the amount of sales or assets of the Pioneer funds attributable to the financial intermediary or as a per transaction fee. Not all financial intermediaries receive additional compensation and the amount of compensation paid varies for each financial intermediary. In certain cases, these payments may be significant. Pioneer determines which firms to support and the extent of the payments it is willing to make, generally choosing firms that have a strong capability to effectively distribute shares of the Pioneer funds and that are willing to cooperate with Pioneer's promotional efforts. Pioneer also may compensate financial intermediaries (in addition to amounts that may be paid by the fund) for providing certain administrative services and transaction processing services. Pioneer may benefit from revenue sharing if the intermediary features the Pioneer funds in its sales system (such as by placing certain Pioneer funds on its preferred fund list or giving access on a preferential basis to members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management). In addition, the financial intermediary may agree to participate in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as by helping to facilitate or provide financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the Pioneer funds to the intermediary's sales force). To the extent intermediaries sell more shares of the Pioneer funds or retain shares of the Pioneer funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer receives greater management and other fees due to the increase in the Pioneer funds' assets. The intermediary may earn a profit on these payments if the amount of the payment to the intermediary exceeds the intermediary's costs. The compensation that Pioneer pays to financial intermediaries is discussed in more detail in the fund's statement of additional information. Your intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than in the discussion above and in the statement of additional information. You can ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from Pioneer or the Pioneer funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. Pioneer and its affiliates may have other relationships with your financial intermediary relating to the provision of services to the Pioneer funds, such as providing omnibus account services or effecting portfolio transactions for the Pioneer funds. If your intermediary provides these services, Pioneer 27 Distribution and service arrangements or the Pioneer funds may compensate the intermediary for these services. In addition, your intermediary may have other relationships with Pioneer or its affiliates that are not related to the Pioneer funds. 28 Sales charges INITIAL SALES CHARGES (CLASS A SHARES ONLY) You pay the offering price (the net asset value per share plus any initial sales charge) when you buy Class A shares unless you qualify to purchase shares at net asset value. You pay a lower sales charge as the size of your investment increases. You do not pay a sales charge when you reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions paid by the fund. SALES CHARGES FOR CLASS A SHARES
SALES CHARGE AS % OF ---------------------- OFFERING NET AMOUNT AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PRICE INVESTED --------------------------------- ---------- ----------- Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $500,000 or more -0- -0- --------------------------------- ---- ----
The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the offering price of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table) and the net asset value of those shares. Since the offering price is calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding methodology, the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and of the net amount invested for any particular purchase of fund shares may be higher or lower due to rounding. REDUCED SALES CHARGES You may qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge if you own or are purchasing shares of Pioneer mutual funds. The investment levels required to obtain a reduced sales charge are commonly referred to as "breakpoints." Pioneer offers two principal means of taking advantage of breakpoints in sales charges for aggregate purchases of Class A shares of the Pioneer funds over time if: o The amount of shares you own of the Pioneer funds plus the amount you are investing now is at least $50,000 (Rights of accumulation) o You plan to invest at least $50,000 over the next 13 months (Letter of intent) 29 Sales charges RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION If you qualify for rights of accumulation, your sales charge will be based on the combined value (at the current offering price) of all your Pioneer mutual fund shares, the shares of your spouse and the shares of any children under the age of 21. LETTER OF INTENT You can use a letter of intent to qualify for reduced sales charges in two situations: o If you plan to invest at least $50,000 (excluding any reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions) in the fund's Class A shares during the next 13 months o If you include in your letter of intent the value (at the current offering price) of all of your Class A shares of the fund and Class A, Class B or Class C shares of all other Pioneer mutual fund shares held of record in the amount used to determine the applicable sales charge for the fund shares you plan to buy Completing a letter of intent does not obligate you to purchase additional shares, but if you do not buy enough shares to qualify for the projected level of sales charges by the end of the 13-month period (or when you sell your shares, if earlier), the distributor will recalculate your sales charge. You must pay the additional sales charge within 20 days after you are notified of the recalculation or it will be deducted from your account (or your sale proceeds). Any share class for which no sales charge is paid cannot be included under the letter of intent. For more information regarding letters of intent, please contact your investment professional or obtain and read the statement of additional information. QUALIFYING FOR A REDUCED CLASS A SALES CHARGE In calculating your total account value in order to determine whether you have net sales charge breakpoints, you can include your Pioneer mutual fund shares, those of your spouse and the shares of any children under the age of 21. Pioneer will use each fund's current offering price to calculate your total account value. Certain trustees and fiduciaries may also qualify for a reduced sales charge. To receive a reduced sales charge, you or your investment professional must, at the time of purchase, notify the distributor of your eligibility. In order to verify your eligibility for a discount, you may need to provide your investment professional or the fund with information or records, such as 30 account numbers or statements, regarding shares of the fund or other Pioneer mutual funds held in all accounts by you, your spouse or children under the age of 21 with that investment professional or with any other financial intermediary. Eligible accounts may include joint accounts, retirement plan accounts, such as IRA and 401k accounts, and custodial accounts, such as ESA, UGMA and UTMA accounts. It is your responsibility to confirm that your investment professional has notified the distributor of your eligibility for a reduced sales charge at the time of sale. If you or your investment professional do not notify the distributor of your eligibility, you will risk losing the benefits of a reduced sales charge. For this purpose, Pioneer mutual funds include any fund for which the distributor is principal underwriter and, at the distributor's discretion, may include funds organized outside the U.S. and managed by Pioneer or an affiliate. You can locate information regarding the reduction or waiver of sales charges, in a clear and prominent format and free of charge, on Pioneer's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com. The website includes hyperlinks that facilitate access to this information. CLASS A PURCHASES AT A REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGE OR NET ASSET VALUE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO: Group plans if the sponsoring organization: o recommends purchases of Pioneer mutual funds to, o permits solicitation of, or o facilitates purchases by its employees, members or participants. CLASS A PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE You may purchase Class A shares at net asset value (without a sales charge) as follows. If you believe you qualify for any of the Class A sales charge waivers discussed below, contact your investment professional or the distributor. You are required to provide written confirmation of your eligibility. You may not resell these shares except to or on behalf of the fund. INVESTMENTS OF $500,000 OR MORE AND CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS You do not pay a sales charge when you purchase Class A shares if you are investing $500,000 or more, are a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan with at least $500,000 in total plan assets or are a participant in certain employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004 with 100 or more eligible employees or at least $500,000 in total plan assets. However, you may pay a contingent 31 Sales charges deferred sales charge if you sell your Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. The sales charge is equal to 1% of your investment or your sale proceeds, whichever is less. CLASS A PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE ARE AVAILABLE TO: o Current or former trustees and officers of the fund; o Partners and employees of legal counsel to the fund (at the time of initial share purchase); o Directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of Pioneer and its affiliates (at the time of initial share purchase); o Directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of any subadviser or a predecessor adviser (or their affiliates) to any investment company for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (at the time of initial share purchase); o Officers, partners, employees or registered representatives of broker-dealers (at the time of initial share purchase) which have entered into sales agreements with the distributor; o Employees of Regions Financial Corporation and its affiliates (at the time of initial share purchase); o Members of the immediate families of any of the persons above; o Any trust, custodian, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan of the foregoing persons; o Insurance company separate accounts; o Certain wrap accounts for the benefit of clients of investment professionals or other financial intermediaries adhering to standards established by the distributor; o Other funds and accounts for which Pioneer or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser or manager; o Investors in connection with certain reorganization, liquidation or acquisition transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding companies; o Certain unit investment trusts; o Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans with at least $500,000 in total plan assets; o Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004 with 100 or more eligible employees or at least $500,000 in total plan assets; o Participants in Optional Retirement Programs if (i) your employer has authorized a limited number of mutual funds to participate in the program, (ii) all participating mutual funds sell shares to program participants at 32 net asset value, (iii) your employer has agreed in writing to facilitate investment in Pioneer mutual funds by program participants and (iv) the program provides for a matching contribution for each participant contribution; o Participants in an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or employer-sponsored 457 plan if (i) your employer has made special arrangements for your plan to operate as a group through a single broker, dealer or financial intermediary and (ii) all participants in the plan who purchase shares of a Pioneer mutual fund do so through a single broker, dealer or other financial intermediary designated by your employer; o Individuals receiving a distribution consisting of Class Y shares of a Pioneer fund from a trust, fiduciary, custodial or other similar account who purchase Class A shares of the same Pioneer fund within 90 days of the date of the distribution; o Investors purchasing shares pursuant to the reinstatement privilege applicable to Class A and Class B shares; and o Shareholders of record (i.e., shareholders whose shares are not held in the name of a broker or an omnibus account) on the date of the reorganization of a predecessor Safeco fund into a corresponding Pioneer fund, shareholders who owned shares in the name of an omnibus account provider on that date that agrees with the fund to distinguish beneficial holders in the same manner, and retirement plans with assets invested in the predecessor Safeco fund on that date. In addition, Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to include the Pioneer funds in their program without the imposition of a sales charge. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs also may offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class. 33 Sales charges CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSCS) CLASS A SHARES Purchases of Class A shares of $500,000 or more, or by participants in a group plan which were not subject to an initial sales charge, may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge is payable to the distributor in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. However, the contingent deferred sales charge is waived for redemptions of Class A shares purchased by an employer-sponsored retirement plan that has at least $500,000 in total plan assets (or that has 1,000 or more eligible employees for plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004). CLASS B SHARES You buy Class B shares at net asset value per share without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you sell your Class B shares within five years of purchase, you will pay the distributor a contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption. The contingent deferred sales charge decreases as the number of years since your purchase increases. Effective December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except for reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gains distributions and exchanges for Class B shares of other Pioneer funds.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ---------------------------------- ON SHARES SOLD AS A % OF DOLLAR BEFORE THE AMOUNT SUBJECT END OF YEAR TO THE SALES CHARGE ---------------------------------- -------------------- 1 4 ---------------------------------- -------------------- 2 4 ---------------------------------- -------------------- 3 3 ---------------------------------- -------------------- 4 2 ---------------------------------- -------------------- 5 1 ---------------------------------- -------------------- 6+ 0 ---------------------------------- --------------------
Shares purchased prior to December 1, 2004 remain subject to the contingent deferred sales charges in effect at the time you purchased those shares. Shares purchased as part of an exchange or acquired as a result of a reorganization of another fund into the fund remain subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that applied to the shares you originally purchased. 34 CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares. This helps you because Class A shares pay lower expenses. Your Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after the date of purchase except that: o Shares purchased by reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions will convert to Class A shares over time in the same proportion as other shares held in the account o Shares purchased by exchanging shares from another fund will convert on the date that the shares originally acquired would have converted into Class A shares Currently, the Internal Revenue Service permits the conversion of shares to take place without imposing a federal income tax. Conversion may not occur if the Internal Revenue Service deems it a taxable event for federal tax purposes. CLASS C SHARES You buy Class C shares at net asset value per share without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you sell your Class C shares within one year of purchase, upon redemption you will pay the distributor a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% of the current market value or the original cost of the shares you are selling, whichever is less. PAYING THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC) Several rules apply for calculating CDSCs so that you pay the lowest possible CDSC. o The CDSC is calculated on the current market value or the original cost of the shares you are selling, whichever is less o You do not pay a CDSC on reinvested dividends or distributions o If you sell only some of your shares, the transfer agent will first sell your shares that are not subject to any CDSC and then the shares that you have owned the longest o You may qualify for a waiver of the CDSC normally charged. See "Waiver or reduction of contingent deferred sales charges" WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES It is your responsibility to confirm that your investment professional has notified the distributor of your eligibility for a reduced sales charge at the time of sale. If you or your investment professional do not notify the distributor of your eligibility, you will risk losing the benefits of a reduced sales charge. 35 Sales charges The distributor may waive or reduce the CDSC for Class A shares that are subject to a CDSC or for Class B or Class C shares if: o The distribution results from the death of all registered account owners or a participant in an employer-sponsored plan. For UGMAs, UTMAs and trust accounts, the waiver applies only upon the death of all beneficial owners; o You become disabled (within the meaning of Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code) after the purchase of the shares being sold. For UGMAs, UTMAs and trust accounts, the waiver only applies upon the disability of all beneficial owners; o The distribution is made in connection with limited automatic redemptions as described in "Systematic withdrawal plans" (limited in any year to 10% of the value of the account in the fund at the time the withdrawal plan is established); o The distribution is from any type of IRA, 403(b) or employer-sponsored plan described under Section 401(a) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code and, in connection with the distribution, one of the following applies: - It is part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over the life expectancy of the participant or the joint life expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary (limited in any year to 10% of the value of the participant's account at the time the distribution amount is established); - It is a required minimum distribution due to the attainment of age 70 1/2, in which case the distribution amount may exceed 10% (based solely on total plan assets held in Pioneer mutual funds); - It is rolled over to or reinvested in another Pioneer mutual fund in the same class of shares, which will be subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held; or - It is in the form of a loan to a participant in a plan that permits loans (each repayment applied to the purchase of shares will be subject to a CDSC as though a new purchase); o The distribution is to a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan described under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or to a participant in an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or employer-sponsored 457 plan if (i) your employer has made special arrangements for your plan to operate as a group through a single broker, dealer or financial intermediary and (ii) all participants in the plan who purchase shares of a Pioneer mutual fund do so through a single broker, dealer or other financial intermediary designated by your employer and is or is in connection with: - A return of excess employee deferrals or contributions; 36 - A qualifying hardship distribution as described in the Internal Revenue Code; For Class B shares, waiver is granted only on payments of up to 10% of total plan assets held by Pioneer for all participants, reduced by the total of any prior distributions made in that calendar year; - Due to retirement or termination of employment; For Class B shares, waiver is granted only on payments of up to 10% of total plan assets held in a Pioneer mutual fund for all participants, reduced by the total of any prior distributions made in that calendar year; - From a qualified defined contribution plan and represents a participant's directed transfer, provided that this privilege has been preauthorized through a prior agreement with the distributor regarding participant directed transfers (not available to Class B shares); o The distribution is made pursuant to the fund's right to liquidate or involuntarily redeem shares in a shareholder's account; o The distribution is made to pay an account's advisory or custodial fees; or o The distributor does not pay the selling broker a commission normally paid at the time of the sale. Please see the fund's statement of additional information for more information regarding reduced sales charges and breakpoints. 37 Buying, exchanging and selling shares OPENING YOUR ACCOUNT You may open an account by completing an account application and sending it to the transfer agent by mail or by fax. Please call the transfer agent to obtain an account application. Certain types of accounts, such as retirement accounts, have separate applications. Use your account application to select options and privileges for your account. You can change your selections at any time by sending a completed account options form to the transfer agent. You may be required to obtain a signature guarantee to make certain changes to an existing account. Call or write to the transfer agent for account applications, account options forms and other account information: PIONEER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, INC. P.O. Box 55014 Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014 Telephone 1-800-225-6292 IDENTITY VERIFICATION To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the fund to identify you. The fund may close your account if we cannot adequately verify your identity. The redemption price will be the net asset value on the date of redemption. INVESTING THROUGH FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES AND RETIREMENT PLANS If you invest in the fund through your financial intermediary or through a retirement plan, the options and services available to you may be different from those discussed in this prospectus. Shareholders investing through financial intermediaries, programs sponsored by financial intermediaries and retirement plans may only purchase funds and classes of shares that are available. When you invest through an account that is not in your name, you generally may buy and sell shares and complete other transactions only through the account. Ask your investment professional or financial intermediary for more information. 38 Additional conditions may apply to your investment in the fund, and the investment professional or intermediary may charge you a transaction-based, administrative or other fee for its services. These conditions and fees are in addition to those imposed by the fund and its affiliates. You should ask your investment professional or financial intermediary about its services and any applicable fees. SHARE PRICES FOR TRANSACTIONS If you place an order to purchase, exchange or sell shares with the transfer agent or an authorized agent by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), the share price for your transaction will be based on the net asset value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on that day (plus or minus any applicable sales charges). If your order is placed with the transfer agent or an authorized agent after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, or your order is not in good order, the share price will be based on the net asset value next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund or authorized agent. The authorized agent is responsible for transmitting your order to the fund in a timely manner. GOOD ORDER MEANS THAT: o You have provided adequate instructions o There are no outstanding claims against your account o There are no transaction limitations on your account o If you have any fund share certificates, you submit them and they are signed by each record owner exactly as the shares are registered o Your request includes a signature guarantee if you: - Are selling over $100,000 or exchanging over $500,000 worth of shares - Changed your account registration or address within the last 30 days - Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account - Want the check paid to someone other than the account's record owner(s) - Are transferring the sale proceeds to a Pioneer mutual fund account with a different registration TRANSACTION LIMITATIONS Your transactions are subject to certain limitations, including the limitation on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of a redemption. See "Excessive trading." 39 Buying, exchanging and selling shares BUYING You may buy fund shares from any financial intermediary that has a sales agreement or other arrangement with the distributor. You can buy shares at net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge. The distributor may reject any order until it has confirmed the order in writing and received payment. Normally, your financial intermediary will send your purchase request to the fund's transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION. Your investment firm receives a commission from the distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your purchase of fund shares. MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS CLASS A AND CLASS C SHARES Your initial investment must be at least $1,000. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares and $500 for Class C shares. You may qualify for lower initial or subsequent investment minimums if you are opening a retirement plan account, establishing an automatic investment plan or placing your trade through your investment firm. The fund may waive the initial or subsequent investment minimums. Minimum investment amounts may be waived for, among other things, share purchases made through certain mutual fund programs (e.g., asset based fee program accounts) sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, that have entered into an agreement with Pioneer. CLASS R SHARES There are no minimum investment amounts for Class R shares, although investments are subject to the fund's policies regarding small accounts. CLASS Y SHARES Your initial investment in Class Y shares must be at least $5 million. This amount may be invested in one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds that currently offer Class Y shares. There is no minimum additional investment amount. The fund may waive the initial investment amount. WAIVERS OF THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNT The fund will accept an initial investment of less than $5 million if: (a) The investment is made by a trust company or bank trust department which is initially investing at least $1 million in any of the Pioneer 40 mutual funds and, at the time of the purchase, such assets are held in a fiduciary, advisory, custodial or similar capacity over which the trust company or bank trust department has full or shared investment discretion; or (b) The investment is at least $1 million in any of the Pioneer mutual funds and the purchaser is an insurance company separate account; or (c) The account is not represented by a broker-dealer and the investment is made by (1) an ERISA-qualified retirement plan that meets the requirements of Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, (2) an employer-sponsored retirement plan that meets the requirements of Sections 403 or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, (3) a private foundation that meets the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or (4) an endowment or other organization that meets the requirements of Section 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (d) The investment is made by an employer-sponsored retirement plan established for the benefit of (1) employees of Pioneer or its affiliates, or (2) employees or the affiliates of broker-dealers who have a Class Y shares sales agreement with the distributor; or (e) The investment is made through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to include Class Y shares of the Pioneer mutual funds in their program. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs may also offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class; or (f) The investment is made by another Pioneer fund 41 Buying, exchanging and selling shares The fund reserves the right to waive the initial investment minimum in other circumstances. MAXIMUM PURCHASE AMOUNTS Purchases of fund shares are limited to $499,999 for Class C shares. This limit is applied on a per transaction basis. Class A, Class R and Class Y shares are not subject to a maximum purchase amount. RETIREMENT PLAN ACCOUNTS You can purchase fund shares through tax-deferred retirement plans for individuals, businesses and tax-exempt organizations. Your initial investment for most types of retirement plan accounts must be at least $250. Additional investments for most types of retirement plans must be at least $100. You may not use the account application accompanying this prospectus to establish a Pioneer retirement plan. You can obtain retirement plan applications from your investment firm or by calling the Retirement Plans Department at 1-800-622-0176. HOW TO BUY SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT FIRM Normally, your investment firm will send your purchase request to the fund's distributor and/or transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION. Your investment firm receives a commission from the distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your purchase of fund shares. BY PHONE OR ONLINE YOU CAN USE THE TELEPHONE OR ONLINE PURCHASE PRIVILEGE IF you have an existing non-retirement account. Certain IRAs can use the telephone purchase privilege. If your account is eligible, you can purchase additional fund shares by phone or online if: o You established your bank account of record at least 30 days ago o Your bank information has not changed for at least 30 days o You are not purchasing more than $100,000 worth of shares per account per day o You can provide the proper account identification information 42 When you request a telephone or online purchase, the transfer agent will electronically debit the amount of the purchase from your bank account of record. The transfer agent will purchase fund shares for the amount of the debit at the offering price determined after the transfer agent receives your telephone or online purchase instruction and good funds. It usually takes three business days for the transfer agent to receive notification from your bank that good funds are available in the amount of your investment. IN WRITING, BY MAIL You can purchase fund shares for an existing fund account by MAILING A CHECK TO THE TRANSFER AGENT. Make your check payable to the fund. Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check, travelers check, or credit card check. Your check must be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Include in your purchase request the fund's name, the account number and the name or names in the account registration. BY WIRE (CLASS Y SHARES ONLY) If you have an existing Class Y account, you may wire funds to purchase shares. Note, however, that: o State Street Bank must receive your wire no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on the business day after the fund receives your request to purchase shares o If State Street Bank does not receive your wire by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next business day, your transaction will be canceled at your expense and risk o Wire transfers normally take two or more hours to complete and a fee may be charged by the sending bank o Wire transfers may be restricted on holidays and at certain other times INSTRUCT YOUR BANK TO WIRE FUNDS TO: Receiving Bank: State Street Bank and Trust Company 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02101 ABA Routing No. 011000028 For further credit to: Shareholder Name Existing Pioneer Account No. Growth Opportunities Fund
The transfer agent must receive your account application before you send your initial check or federal funds wire. In addition, you must provide a bank wire address of record when you establish your account. 43 Buying, exchanging and selling shares EXCHANGING You may, under certain circumstances, exchange your shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer mutual fund. Your exchange request must be for at least $1,000. The fund allows you to exchange your shares at net asset value without charging you either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. Shares you acquire as part of an exchange will continue to be subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the shares you originally purchased. When you ultimately sell your shares, the date of your original purchase will determine your contingent deferred sales charge. Before you request an exchange, consider each fund's investment objective and policies as described in the fund's prospectus. You generally will have to pay income taxes on an exchange. SAME-FUND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE Certain shareholders may be eligible to exchange their shares for the fund's Class Y shares. If eligible, no sales charges or other charges will apply to any such exchange. Generally, shareholders will not recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes upon such an exchange. Investors should contact their financial intermediary to learn more about the details of this privilege. HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT FIRM Normally, your investment firm will send your exchange request to the fund's transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EXCHANGING YOUR SHARES. BY PHONE OR ONLINE After you establish an eligible fund account, YOU CAN EXCHANGE FUND SHARES BY PHONE OR ONLINE IF: o You are exchanging into an existing account or using the exchange to establish a new account, provided the new account has a registration identical to the original account o The fund into which you are exchanging offers the same class of shares o You are not exchanging more than $500,000 worth of shares per account per day o You can provide the proper account identification information 44 IN WRITING, BY MAIL OR BY FAX You can exchange fund shares by MAILING OR FAXING A LETTER OF INSTRUCTION TO THE TRANSFER AGENT. You can exchange fund shares directly through the fund only if your account is registered in your name. However, you may not fax an exchange request for more than $500,000. Include in your letter: o The name and signature of all registered owners o A signature guarantee for each registered owner if the amount of the exchange is more than $500,000 o The name of the fund out of which you are exchanging and the name of the fund into which you are exchanging o The class of shares you are exchanging o The dollar amount or number of shares you are exchanging SELLING Your shares will be sold at the share price (net asset value less any applicable sales charge) next calculated after the fund or its authorized agent, such as a broker-dealer, receives your request in good order. If a signature guarantee is required, you must submit your request in writing. If the shares you are selling are subject to a deferred sales charge, it will be deducted from the sale proceeds. The fund generally will send your sale proceeds by check, bank wire or electronic funds transfer. Normally you will be paid within seven days. If you recently sent a check to purchase the shares being sold, the fund may delay payment of the sale proceeds until your check has cleared. This may take up to 10 calendar days from the purchase date. If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account or certain IRAs, you may use any of the methods described below. If you are selling shares from a retirement account other than an IRA, you must make your request in writing. You generally will have to pay income taxes on a sale. If you must use a written request to exchange or sell your shares and your account is registered in the name of a corporation or other fiduciary you must include the name of an authorized person and a certified copy of a current corporate resolution, certificate of incumbency or similar legal document showing that the named individual is authorized to act on behalf of the record owner. 45 Buying, exchanging and selling shares HOW TO SELL SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT FIRM Normally, your investment firm will send your request to sell shares to the fund's transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION. The fund has authorized the distributor to act as its agent in the repurchase of fund shares from qualified investment firms. The fund reserves the right to terminate this procedure at any time. BY PHONE OR ONLINE IF YOU HAVE AN ELIGIBLE NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, YOU MAY SELL UP TO $100,000 PER ACCOUNT PER DAY BY PHONE OR ONLINE. You may sell fund shares held in a retirement plan account by phone only if your account is an eligible IRA (tax penalties may apply). You may not sell your shares by phone or online if you have changed your address (for checks) or your bank information (for wires and transfers) in the last 30 days. You may receive your sale proceeds: o By check, provided the check is made payable exactly as your account is registered o By bank wire or by electronic funds transfer, provided the sale proceeds are being sent to your bank address of record For Class Y shares, shareholders may sell up to $5 million per account per day if the proceeds are directed to your bank account of record ($100,000 per account per day if the proceeds are not directed to your bank account of record). IN WRITING, BY MAIL OR BY FAX You can sell some or all of your fund shares by WRITING DIRECTLY TO THE FUND only if your account is registered in your name. Include in your request your name, the fund's name, your fund account number, the class of shares to be sold, the dollar amount or number of shares to be sold and any other applicable requirements as described below. The transfer agent will send the sale proceeds to your address of record unless you provide other instructions. Your request must be signed by all registered owners and be in good order. The transfer agent will not process your request until it is received in good order. You may sell up to $100,000 per account per day by fax. 46 HOW TO CONTACT US BY PHONE For information or to request a telephone transaction between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time) by speaking with a shareholder services representative call 1-800-225-6292 To request a transaction using FactFone/SM/ call 1-800-225-4321 BY MAIL Send your written instructions to: PIONEER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, INC. P.O. Box 55014 Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014 PIONEER WEBSITE www.pioneerinvestments.com BY FAX Fax your exchange and sale requests to: 1-800-225-4240 47 Account options See the account application form for more details on each of the following services or call the transfer agent for details and availability. TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES If your account is registered in your name, you can buy, exchange or sell fund shares by telephone. If you do not want your account to have telephone transaction privileges, you must indicate that choice on your account application or by writing to the transfer agent. When you request a telephone transaction the transfer agent will try to confirm that the request is genuine. The transfer agent records the call, requires the caller to provide validating information for the account and sends you a written confirmation. The fund may implement other confirmation procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. If the fund's confirmation procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions. ONLINE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES If your account is registered in your name, you may be able to buy, exchange or sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange or sell your fund shares online. To establish online transaction privileges: o For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application o For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen at www.pioneerinvestments.com To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts. 48 AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS You can make regular periodic investments in the fund by setting up monthly bank drafts, government allotments, payroll deductions, a Pioneer Investomatic Plan and other similar automatic investment plans. Automatic investments may be made only through U.S. banks. You may use an automatic investment plan to establish a Class A share account with a small initial investment. If you have a Class C or Class R share account and your balance is at least $1,000, you may establish an automatic investment plan. PIONEER INVESTOMATIC PLAN If you establish a Pioneer Investomatic Plan, the transfer agent will make a periodic investment in fund shares by means of a preauthorized electronic funds transfer from your bank account. Your plan investments are voluntary. You may discontinue your plan at any time or change the plan's dollar amount, frequency or investment date by calling or writing to the transfer agent. You should allow up to 30 days for the transfer agent to establish your plan. AUTOMATIC EXCHANGES You can automatically exchange your fund shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer mutual fund. The automatic exchange will begin on the day you select when you complete the appropriate section of your account application or an account options form. In order to establish automatic exchange: o You must select exchanges on a monthly or quarterly basis o Both the originating and receiving accounts must have identical registrations o The originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000 You may have to pay income taxes on an exchange. DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS The fund offers three distribution options. Any fund shares you buy by reinvesting distributions will be priced at the applicable net asset value per share. (1) Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by the fund will automatically be invested in additional fund shares. (2) You may elect to have the amount of any dividends paid to you in cash and any capital gain distributions reinvested in additional shares. 49 Account options (3) You may elect to have the full amount of any dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid to you in cash. Options (2) and (3) are not available to retirement plan accounts or accounts with a current value of less than $500. If you are under 59 1/2, taxes and tax penalties may apply. If your distribution check is returned to the transfer agent or you do not cash the check for six months or more, the transfer agent may reinvest the amount of the check in your account and automatically change the distribution option on your account to option (1) until you request a different option in writing. If the amount of a distribution check would be less than $10, the fund may reinvest the amount in additional shares of the fund instead of sending a check. Additional shares of the fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS You can invest the dividends paid by one of your Pioneer mutual fund accounts in a second Pioneer mutual fund account. The value of your second account must be at least $1,000. You may direct the investment of any amount of dividends. There are no fees or charges for directed dividends. If you have a retirement plan account, you may only direct dividends to accounts with identical registrations. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS When you establish a systematic withdrawal plan for your account, the transfer agent will sell the number of fund shares you specify on a periodic basis and the proceeds will be paid to you or to any person you select. You must obtain a signature guarantee to direct payments to another person after you have established your systematic withdrawal plan. Payments can be made either by check or by electronic transfer to a U.S. bank account you designate. To establish a systematic withdrawal plan: o Your account must have a total value of at least $10,000 when you establish your plan o You must request a periodic withdrawal of at least $50 o You may not request a periodic withdrawal of more than 10% of the value of any Class B, Class C or Class R share account (valued at the time the plan is implemented) 50 These requirements do not apply to scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs and certain retirement plans. Systematic sales of fund shares may be taxable transactions for you. While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges. DIRECT DEPOSIT If you elect to take dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions in cash, or if you establish a systematic withdrawal plan, you may choose to have those cash payments deposited directly into your savings, checking or NOW bank account. VOLUNTARY TAX WITHHOLDING You may have the transfer agent withhold 28% of the dividends and capital gain distributions paid from your fund account (before any reinvestment) and forward the amount withheld to the Internal Revenue Service as a credit against your federal income taxes. Voluntary tax withholding is not available for retirement plan accounts or for accounts subject to backup withholding. 51 Shareholder services and policies EXCESSIVE TRADING Frequent trading into and out of the fund can disrupt portfolio management strategies, harm fund performance by forcing the fund to hold excess cash or to liquidate certain portfolio securities prematurely and increase expenses for all investors, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs. An investor may use short-term trading as a strategy, for example, if the investor believes that the valuation of the fund's portfolio securities for purposes of calculating its net asset value does not fully reflect the then-current fair market value of those holdings. The fund discourages, and does not take any intentional action to accommodate, excessive and short-term trading practices, such as market timing. Although there is no generally applied standard in the marketplace as to what level of trading activity is excessive, we may consider trading in the fund's shares to be excessive for a variety of reasons, such as if: o You sell shares within a short period of time after the shares were purchased; o You make two or more purchases and redemptions within a short period of time; o You enter into a series of transactions that indicate a timing pattern or strategy; or o We reasonably believe that you have engaged in such practices in connection with other mutual funds. The fund's Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by fund investors. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, we monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading. If we determine that an investor or a client of a broker or other intermediary has engaged in excessive short-term trading that we believe may be harmful to the fund, we will ask the investor, broker or other intermediary to cease such activity and we will refuse to process purchase orders (including purchases by exchange) of such investor, broker, other intermediary or accounts that we believe are under their control. In determining whether to take such actions, we seek to act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the fund's shareholders. While we use our reasonable efforts to detect excessive trading activity, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that market timers will not employ tactics designed to evade detection. If we are not successful, your return from an investment in the fund may be adversely affected. Frequently, fund shares are held through omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries such as brokers and retirement plan administrators, 52 where the holdings of multiple shareholders, such as all the clients of a particular broker or other intermediary, are aggregated. Our ability to monitor trading practices by investors purchasing shares through omnibus accounts may be limited and dependent upon the cooperation of the broker or other intermediary in taking steps to limit this type of activity. The fund may reject a purchase or exchange order before its acceptance or the issuance of shares. The fund may also restrict additional purchases or exchanges in an account. Each of these steps may be taken for any transaction, for any reason, without prior notice, including transactions that the fund believes are requested on behalf of market timers. The fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange request by any investor or financial institution if the fund believes that any combination of trading activity in the account or related accounts is potentially disruptive to the fund. A prospective investor whose purchase or exchange order is rejected will not achieve the investment results, whether gain or loss, that would have been realized if the order had been accepted and an investment made in the fund. A fund and its shareholders do not incur any gain or loss as a result of a rejected order. The fund may impose further restrictions on trading activities by market timers in the future. To limit the negative effects of excessive trading on the fund, the fund has adopted the following restriction on investor transactions. If an investor redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are a part of an exchange transaction) from the fund, that investor shall be prevented (or "blocked") from purchasing shares of the fund (including purchases that are a part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to systematic purchase or withdrawal plan transactions, transactions made through employer-sponsored retirement plans described under Section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code or employee benefit plans, scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs, rebalancing transactions made through certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs, transactions by insurance company separate accounts or transactions by other funds that invest in the fund. This policy does not apply to purchase or redemption transactions of less than $5,000 or to a Pioneer money market fund. 53 Shareholder services and policies We rely on financial intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts to apply to their customers either the fund's policy described above or their own policies or restrictions designed to limit excessive trading of fund shares. However, we do not impose this policy at the omnibus account level. Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege (for Class A and Class B shares) are subject to this policy. PURCHASES IN KIND You may use securities you own to purchase shares of the fund provided that Pioneer, in its sole discretion, determines that the securities are consistent with the fund's objective and policies and their acquisition is in the best interests of the fund. If the fund accepts your securities, they will be valued for purposes of determining the number of fund shares to be issued to you in the same way the fund will value the securities for purposes of determining its net asset value. For federal income tax purposes, you may be taxed in the same manner as if you sold the securities that you use to purchase fund shares for cash in an amount equal to the value of the fund shares that you purchase. Your broker may also impose a fee in connection with processing your purchase of fund shares with securities. REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE (CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES) If you recently sold all or part of your Class A or Class B shares, you may be able to reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds without a sales charge in Class A shares of any Pioneer mutual fund. To qualify for reinstatement: o You must send a written request to the transfer agent no more than 90 days after selling your shares and o The registration of the account in which you reinvest your sale proceeds must be identical to the registration of the account from which you sold your shares. Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege are subject to limitations on investor transactions, including the limitation on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of redemption. See "Excessive trading." When you elect reinstatement, you are subject to the provisions outlined in the selected fund's prospectus, including the fund's minimum investment requirement. Your sale proceeds will be reinvested in shares of the fund at the Class A net asset value per share determined after the transfer agent receives your written request for reinstatement. You may realize a gain or 54 loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of your sale of fund shares, and special tax rules may apply if you elect reinstatement. Consult your tax adviser for more information. PIONEER WEBSITE WWW.PIONEERINVESTMENTS.COM The website includes a full selection of information on mutual fund investing. You can also use the website to get: o Your current account information o Prices, returns and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds o Prospectuses, statements of additional information and shareowner reports for all the Pioneer mutual funds o A copy of Pioneer's privacy notice If you or your investment firm authorized your account for the online transaction privilege, you may buy, exchange and sell shares online. FACTFONE/SM/ 1-800-225-4321 You can use FactFone/SM/ to: o Obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual fund accounts o Inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds o Make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions for your fund accounts o Request account statements If you plan to use FactFone/SM/ to make telephone purchases and redemptions, first you must activate your personal identification number and establish your bank account of record. If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFone/SM/. If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFone/SM/ to obtain account information. HOUSEHOLD DELIVERY OF FUND DOCUMENTS With your consent, Pioneer may send a single proxy statement, prospectus and shareowner report to your residence for you and any other member of your household who has an account with the fund. If you wish to revoke your consent to this practice, you may do so by notifying Pioneer, by phone 55 Shareholder services and policies or in writing (see "How to contact us"). Pioneer will begin mailing separate proxy statements, prospectuses and shareowner reports to you within 30 days after receiving your notice. CONFIRMATION STATEMENTS The transfer agent maintains an account for each investment firm or individual shareowner and records all account transactions. You will be sent confirmation statements showing the details of your transactions as they occur, except automatic investment plan transactions, which are confirmed quarterly. If you have more than one Pioneer mutual fund account registered in your name, the Pioneer combined account statement will be mailed to you each quarter. TAX INFORMATION Early each year, the fund will mail you information about the tax status of the dividends and distributions paid to you by the fund. TAX INFORMATION FOR IRA ROLLOVERS In January (or by the applicable Internal Revenue Service deadline) following the year in which you take a reportable distribution, the transfer agent will mail you a tax form reflecting the total amount(s) of distribution(s) received by the end of January. PRIVACY The fund has a policy designed to protect the privacy of your personal information. A copy of Pioneer's privacy notice was given to you at the time you opened your account. The fund will send you a copy of the privacy notice each year. You may also obtain the privacy notice by calling the transfer agent or through Pioneer's website. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS You are required to obtain a signature guarantee when: o Requesting certain types of exchanges or sales of fund shares o Redeeming shares for which you hold a share certificate o Requesting certain types of changes for your existing account You can obtain a signature guarantee from most broker-dealers, banks, credit unions (if authorized under state law) and federal savings and loan associations. You cannot obtain a signature guarantee from a notary public. 56 The Pioneer funds generally accept only medallion signature guarantees. A medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association, or other financial institution that is participating in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that are not participating in one of these programs are not accepted as medallion signature guarantees. The fund may accept other forms of guarantee from financial intermediaries in limited circumstances. Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit additional documents to sell fund shares. MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE The fund requires that you maintain a minimum account value of $500. If you hold less than $500 in your account, the fund reserves the right to notify you that it intends to sell your shares and close your account. You will be given 60 days from the date of the notice to make additional investments to avoid having your shares sold. This policy does not apply to certain qualified retirement plan accounts. TELEPHONE AND WEBSITE ACCESS You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing www.pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in telephone or Internet service. On New York Stock Exchange holidays or on days when the exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to access www.pioneerinvestments.com or reach the fund by telephone, you should communicate with the fund in writing. SHARE CERTIFICATES The fund does not offer share certificates. Shares are electronically recorded. Any existing certificated shares can only be sold by returning your certificate to the transfer agent, along with a letter of instruction or a stock power (a separate written authority transferring ownership) and a signature guarantee. OTHER POLICIES The fund and the distributor reserve the right to: o reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason, without prior notice 57 Shareholder services and policies o charge a fee for exchanges or to modify, limit or suspend the exchange privilege at any time without notice. The fund will provide 60 days' notice of material amendments to or termination of the exchange privilege o revise, suspend, limit or terminate the account options or services available to shareowners at any time, except as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission The fund reserves the right to: o suspend transactions in shares when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, or when the Securities and Exchange Commission determines an emergency or other circumstances exist that make it impracticable for the fund to sell or value its portfolio securities, or otherwise as permitted by the rules of or by the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission o redeem in kind by delivering to you portfolio securities owned by the fund rather than cash. Securities you receive this way may increase or decrease in value while you hold them and you may incur brokerage and transaction charges and tax liability when you convert the securities to cash o charge transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent fees, such as an account maintenance fee for small balance accounts, directly to accounts upon at least 30 days' notice. The fund may do this by deducting the fee from your distribution of dividends and/or by redeeming fund shares to the extent necessary to cover the fee o close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state 58 Dividends, capital gains and taxes DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS The fund generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in December. The fund may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. If you invest in the fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, generally you will pay a higher price per share and, unless you are exempt from tax, you will pay taxes on the amount of the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution in additional shares or receive it as cash. TAXES You will normally have to pay federal income taxes, and any state or local taxes, on the dividends and other distributions you receive from the fund, whether you take the distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions from the fund's net capital gains (if any) are considered long-term capital gains and may be taxable to you at reduced rates. Distributions from the fund's net short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Other dividends are taxable either as ordinary income or, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, if paid from the fund's "qualified dividend income" and if certain conditions, including holding period requirements, are met by the fund and the shareholder, as qualified dividend income taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate. "Qualified dividend income" generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. A portion of dividends received from the fund (but none of the fund's capital gain distributions) may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. The fund will report to shareholders annually the U.S. federal income tax status of all fund distributions. 59 Dividends, capital gains and taxes If the fund declares a dividend in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in January of the following year, you will be taxed on the dividend as if you received it in the year in which it was declared. Sales and exchanges generally will be taxable transactions to shareowners. When you sell or exchange fund shares you will generally recognize a capital gain or capital loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net amount of sale proceeds (or, in the case of an exchange, the fair market value of the shares) that you receive and your tax basis for the shares that you sell or exchange. You must provide your social security number or other taxpayer identification number to the fund along with the certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service when you open an account. If you do not or if it is otherwise legally required to do so, the fund will apply "backup withholding" tax on your dividends and other distributions, sale proceeds and any other payments to you that are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. Shareholders that are exempt from U.S. federal income tax, such as retirement plans that are qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on fund dividends or other distributions or on sales or exchanges of fund shares. However, in the case of fund shares held through a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, fund dividends and other distributions received by the plan and sales and exchanges of fund shares by the plan generally will be taxable to the employer sponsoring such plan in accordance with U.S. federal income tax laws that are generally applicable to shareholders receiving such dividends and other distributions from regulated investment companies such as the fund or effecting such sales or exchanges. Plan participants whose retirement plan invests in the fund generally are not subject to federal income tax on fund dividends or other distributions received by the plan or on sales or exchanges of fund shares by the plan. However, distributions to plan participants from a retirement plan generally are taxable to plan participants as ordinary income. 60 You should ask your tax adviser about any federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations relating to an investment in the fund. You may also consult the fund's statement of additional information for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may affect the fund and its shareowners. 61 Financial highlights The financial highlights table helps you understand the fund's financial performance for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned or lost on an investment in Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares of the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information below has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included in the fund's annual report along with the fund's financial statements. The annual report is available upon request. 62 PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND CLASS A SHARES
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 12/31/07 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 27.28 $ 22.81 $ 15.95 $ 25.24 $ 28.81 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.28) $ (0.22) $ (0.07) $ (0.07) $ (0.20) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.41) 4.69 6.93 (8.91) (1.01) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ (0.69) $ 4.47 $ 6.86 $ (8.98) $ (1.21) Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - - (0.31) (2.36) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.69) $ 4.47 $ 6.86 $ (9.29) $ (3.57) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net asset value, end of period $ 26.59 $ 27.28 $ 22.81 $ 15.95 $ 25.24 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total return* (2.53)% 19.60% 43.01% (35.39)% (3.90)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 1.26% 1.29% 1.35% 1.28% 1.17% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (0.95)% (0.86)% (0.53)% (0.29)% (0.65)% Portfolio turnover rate 112% 114% 140% 221% 104% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $442,574 $505,960 $463,880 $171,415 $339,870 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.26% 1.29% 1.35% 1.28% 1.17% Net investment loss (0.95)% (0.86)% (0.53)% (0.29)% (0.65)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.26% 1.29% 1.35% 1.28% 1.16% Net investment loss (0.95)% (0.86)% (0.53)% (0.28)% (0.64)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. 63 Financial highlights PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND CLASS B SHARES
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 12/31/07 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.17 $ 19.60 $ 13.90 $ 22.42 $26.19 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.66) $ (0.55) $ (0.11) $ (0.39) $(0.48) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.20) 4.12 5.81 (7.82) (0.93) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ (0.86) $ 3.57 $ 5.70 $ (8.21) $(1.41) Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - - (0.31) (2.36) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.86) $ 3.57 $ 5.70 $ (8.52) $(3.77) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 22.31 $ 23.17 $ 19.60 $ 13.90 $22.42 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Total return* (3.71)% 18.21% 41.01% (36.41)% (5.06)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.49% 2.45% 2.58% 2.84% 2.40% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (2.19)% (2.03)% (1.54)% (1.86)% (1.88)% Portfolio turnover rate 112% 114% 140% 221% 104% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $16,919 $28,464 $40,989 $ 1,153 $2,385 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.49% 2.45% 2.58% 2.84% 2.40% Net investment loss (2.19)% (2.03)% (1.54)% (1.86)% (1.88)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.49% 2.45% 2.58% 2.82% 2.37% Net investment loss (2.19)% (2.03)% (1.54)% (1.84)% (1.85)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. 64 PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND CLASS C SHARES
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 12/31/07 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.47 $ 19.81 $ 14.02 $ 22.57 $26.32 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.46) $ (0.42) $ (0.09) $ (0.27) $(0.46) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.33) 4.08 5.88 (7.97) (0.93) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ (0.79) $ 3.66 $ 5.79 $ (8.24) $(1.38) Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - - (0.31) (2.36) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.79) $ 3.66 $ 5.79 $ (8.55) $(3.75) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 22.68 $ 23.47 $ 19.81 $ 14.02 $22.57 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Total return* (3.37)% 18.48% 41.30% (36.30)% (4.96)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.13% 2.26% 2.39% 2.65% 2.22% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (1.82)% (1.83)% (1.33)% (1.64)% (1.70)% Portfolio turnover rate 112% 114% 140% 221% 104% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $41,448 $49,239 $49,845 $ 696 $1,042 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.13% 2.26% 2.39% 2.65% 2.22% Net investment loss (1.82)% (1.83)% (1.33)% (1.64)% (1.70)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.13% 2.26% 2.39% 2.64% 2.20% Net investment loss (1.82)% (1.83)% (1.33)% (1.63)% (1.68)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. 65 Financial highlights PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND CLASS R SHARES
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED 8/3/09(A) TO 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 ------------ ------------ ---------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 27.20 $ 22.80 $ 20.45 ------- ------- -------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.37) $ (0.29) $ (0.04) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.40) 4.69 2.39 ------- ------- -------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ (0.77) $ 4.40 $ 2.35 Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.77) $ 4.40 $ 2.35 ------- ------- -------- Net asset value, end of period $ 26.43 $ 27.20 $ 22.80 ------- ------- -------- Total return* (2.83)% 19.30% 11.49%(b) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 1.57% 1.55% 1.58%** Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (1.25)% (1.12)% (0.49)%** Portfolio turnover rate 112% 114% 140%** Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 9,033 $10,677 $ 10,515 Ratios with reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.57% 1.55% 1.58%** Net investment loss (1.25)% (1.12)% (0.49)%**
(a) Class R shares were first publicly offered on August 3, 2009. (b) Not Annualized. * Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at each end of each period. ** Annualized. + Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. 66 PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND CLASS Y SHARES
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 12/31/07 ------------ ------------ -------------- ------------ ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 28.13 $ 23.39 $ 16.26 $ 25.59 $ 29.05 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss) $ (0.14) $ (0.11) $ 0.01(a) $ 0.05 $ (0.06) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.44) 4.85 7.13 (9.07) (1.04) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ (0.58) $ 4.74 $ 7.13 $ (9.02) $ (1.10) Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - - (0.31) (2.36) Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.58) $ 4.74 $ 7.13 $ (9.33) $ (3.46) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 27.55 $ 28.13 $ 23.39 $ 16.26 $ 25.59 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Total return* (2.06)% 20.26% 43.85% (35.06)% (3.48)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 0.75% 0.76% 0.77% 0.79% 0.71% Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets+ (0.44)% (0.34)% (0.04)% 0.23% (0.19)% Portfolio turnover rate 112% 114% 140% 221% 104% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $39,253 $49,527 $82,061 $42,259 $75,001 Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.75% 0.76% 0.77% 0.79% 0.71% Net investment income (loss) (0.44)% (0.34)% 0.04% 0.23% (0.19)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. (a) The amount shown for share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment loss on the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of shares. 67 Notes Notes Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund YOU CAN OBTAIN MORE FREE INFORMATION about the fund from your investment firm or by writing to Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You may also call 1-800-225-6292 for more information about the fund, to request copies of the fund's statement of additional information and shareowner reports, and to make other inquiries. VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.pioneerinvestments.com The fund makes available the statement of additional information and shareowner reports, free of charge, on the fund's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com. You also may find other information and updates about Pioneer and the fund, including fund performance information, on the fund's website. SHAREOWNER REPORTS Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners, and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provide additional information about the fund's investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during its last fiscal year. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The statement of additional information provides more detailed information about the fund. The statement of additional information, and the independent registered public accounting firm's report and financial statements in the fund's annual report to shareowners, are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You can also review and copy the fund's shareowner reports, prospectus and statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. (Investment Company Act file no. 811-21460) [GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. 60 STATE STREET 19267-06-0512 BOSTON, MA 02109 (Copyright)2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. WWW.PIONEERINVESTMENTS.COM Member SIPC
[GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 60 State Street Boston, MA 02109 www.pioneerinvestments.com This is not part of the prospectus. 19267-06-0512 (Copyright)2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Underwriter of Pioneer mutual funds Member SIPC October 10, 2012 SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES, AS IN EFFECT AND AS MAY BE AMENDED, FOR
Fund Date of Prospectus ---- ------------------ Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund August 1, 2012 Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer Bond Fund November 1, 2011 Pioneer Classic Balanced Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Equity Income Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Equity Opportunity Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund August 1, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund November 1, 2011 Pioneer Global Aggregate Bond Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Global Equity Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Global High Yield Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Government Income Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer High Yield Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Ibbotson Conservative Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Independence Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer International Value Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Multi-Asset Income Fund December 21, 2011 Pioneer Multi-Asset Real Return Fund March 1, 2012 (as revised April 27, 2012) Pioneer Multi-Asset Ultrashort Income Fund June 30, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Real Estate Shares May 1, 2012 Pioneer Research Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Short Term Income Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Strategic Income Fund February 1, 2012 Pioneer Value Fund February 1, 2012
December 20, 2012 Supplement to the Prospectuses, as in effect and as may be amended, for
Fund Date of Prospectus ---- ------------------ Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund............. August 1, 2012 Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund................. May 1, 2012 Pioneer Bond Fund............................... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Classic Balanced Fund................... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund................. December 31, 2011 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.................. December 31, 2011 Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund................... April 1, 2012 Pioneer Equity Income Fund...................... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Equity Opportunity Fund................. April 1, 2012 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund...................... March 1, 2012 Pioneer Fund.................................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund................. December 12, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund.................. November 1, 2012 Pioneer Global Aggregate Bond Fund.............. March 1, 2012 Pioneer Global Equity Fund...................... December 31, 2011 Pioneer Global High Yield Fund.................. March 1, 2012 Pioneer Government Income Fund.................. December 1, 2012 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund............... May 1, 2012 Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund.............. December 31, 2011 Pioneer High Yield Fund......................... March 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation Fund..... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Conservative Allocation Fund... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation Fund......... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation Fund....... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Independence Fund....................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer International Value Fund................ April 1, 2012 Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund...................... March 1, 2012 Pioneer Multi-Asset Income Fund................. December 21, 2011 Pioneer Multi-Asset Real Return Fund............ March 1, 2012 (as revised April 27, 2012) Pioneer Multi-Asset Ultrashort Income Fund...... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund......... April 1, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund......... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Real Estate Shares...................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer Research Fund........................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.............. April 1, 2012 Pioneer Short Term Income Fund.................. December 31, 2011 Pioneer Strategic Income Fund................... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Value Fund.............................. February 1, 2012
The following supplements the "Shareholder services and policies" section of the prospectus under the heading "Excessive trading." As part of the fund's efforts to restrict excessive short-term trading, the fund has adopted a policy whereby investors generally are prevented (or "blocked") from purchasing shares of the fund for 30 days (90 days for certain funds) after redeeming $5,000 or more. This policy is temporarily suspended from December 20, 2012 through January 14, 2013. The fund will continue to review transaction activity during this period in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading that may be harmful to the fund. 26236-12-1212 (C) 2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Underwriter of Pioneer mutual funds Member SIPC Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Supplement dated January 22, 2013 to Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information Dated May 1, 2012 The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has approved the reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with and into the Fund (the "Reorganization"). Each fund is managed by Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. The Reorganization is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2013. The Reorganization does not require shareholder approval. Following is a brief description of certain aspects of the Reorganization: . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will reorganize with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, resulting in the "Combined Fund." The Combined Fund will be named "Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund." . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's investment team will manage the Combined Fund. . The Combined Fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. The Combined Fund's investment objective will be to seek long-term capital growth. The Combined Fund normally will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of mid-size companies. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund's investment objective is to seek growth of capital. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund invests primarily in equity securities of companies that the fund's investment adviser considers to be reasonably priced or undervalued, with above average growth potential. Unlike the Combined Fund, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in equity securities of small companies. . The management fee payable by the Combined Fund (0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion) will be lower than management fee payable by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (0.65% of the fund's average daily net assets). . It is currently anticipated that the historical performance of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will become the Combined Fund's historical performance. . The Reorganization is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, which generally means that the Reorganization will result in no income, gain or loss being recognized for federal income tax purposes by either fund or its shareholders as a direct result of the Reorganization. Additional information about the Reorganization and the Combined Fund will be provided to shareholders prior to the consummation of the Reorganization. PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND (PIONEER SERIES TRUST II) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60 State Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109 CLASS A SHARES (PGOFX) CLASS B SHARES (GOFBX) CLASS C SHARES (GOFCX) CLASS R SHARES (PGRRX) CLASS Y SHARES (GROYX) Statement of Additional Information May 1, 2012 This statement of additional information is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the fund's Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares prospectus dated May 1, 2012, as supplemented or revised from time to time. A copy of the prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You can also obtain a copy of the prospectus from our website at: www.pioneerinvestments.com. The fund's financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, including the independent registered public accounting firm's report thereon, are incorporated into this statement of additional information by reference. CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGE 1. Fund history............................................... 1 2. Investment policies, risks and restrictions................ 1 3. Trustees and officers...................................... 29 4. Investment adviser......................................... 38 5. Principal underwriter and distribution plan................ 40 6. Shareholder servicing/transfer agent....................... 44 7. Custodian and sub-administrator............................ 44 8. Independent registered public accounting firm.............. 45 9. Portfolio management....................................... 45 10. Portfolio transactions..................................... 48 11. Description of shares...................................... 49 12. Sales charges.............................................. 52 13. Redeeming shares........................................... 58 14. Telephone and online transactions.......................... 59 15. Pricing of shares.......................................... 61 16. Tax status................................................. 62 17. Financial statements....................................... 69 18. Annual fee, expense and other information.................. 69 19. Appendix A - Description of short-term debt, corporate bond and preferred stock ratings//.............................. 74 20. Appendix B - Proxy voting policies and procedures.......... 78
[GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] 1. FUND HISTORY The fund is a diversified series of Pioneer Series Trust II (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company. The fund originally was established as Safeco Growth Fund, a series of Safeco Common Stock Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, on May 13, 1993. Pursuant to an agreement and plan of reorganization, the fund was reorganized as a series of Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust, on December 10, 2004. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., ("Pioneer") is the fund's investment adviser. 2. INVESTMENT POLICIES, RISKS AND RESTRICTIONS The prospectus presents the investment objective and the principal investment strategies and risks of the fund. This section supplements the disclosure in the fund's prospectus and provides additional information on the fund's investment policies or restrictions. Restrictions or policies stated as a maximum percentage of the fund's assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio investment to which the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing and illiquid securities). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies with the fund's restrictions and policies. EQUITY SECURITIES AND RELATED INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES Equity securities, such as common stock, generally represent an ownership interest in a company. While equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular equity security held by the fund. Also, the prices of equity securities, particularly common stocks, are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of equity securities held by the fund. WARRANTS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS The fund may invest in warrants, which are securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holders to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. The fund may also invest in stock purchase rights. Stock purchase rights are instruments, frequently distributed to an issuer's shareholders as a dividend, that entitle the holder to purchase a specific number of shares of common stock on a specific date or during a specific period of time. The exercise price on the rights is normally at a discount from market value of the common stock at the time of distribution. The rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or to vote and may or may not be transferable. Stock purchase rights are frequently used outside of the United States as a means of raising additional capital from an issuer's current shareholders. As a result, an investment in warrants or stock purchase rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or a stock purchase right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and warrants and stock purchase rights expire worthless if they are not exercised on or prior to their expiration date. PREFERRED SHARES The fund may invest in preferred shares. Preferred shares are equity securities, but they have many characteristics of fixed income securities, such as a fixed dividend payment rate and/or a liquidity preference over the issuer's common shares. However, because preferred shares are equity securities, they may be more susceptible to risks traditionally associated with equity investments than the fund's fixed income securities. 1 Preferred stocks may differ in many of their provisions. Among the features that differentiate preferred stocks from one another are the dividend rights, which may be cumulative or noncumulative and participating or non-participating, redemption provisions, and voting rights. Such features will establish the income return and may affect the prospects for capital appreciation or risks of capital loss. The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in an issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights. INVESTMENTS IN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS To the extent consistent with its investment objective, the fund may invest in initial public offerings ("IPOs") of equity securities. The market for such securities may be more volatile and entail greater risk of loss than investments in more established companies. Investments in initial public offerings may represent a significant portion of the fund's investment performance. The fund cannot assure that investments in initial public offerings will continue to be available to the fund or, if available, will result in positive investment performance. In addition, as the fund's portfolio grows in size, the impact of investments in initial public offerings on the overall performance of the fund is likely to decrease. PRIVATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC EQUITY The fund may purchase equity securities in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class ("private investments in public equity" or "PIPEs"). Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the fund cannot freely trade the securities. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect. NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS EQUITY SECURITIES OF NON-U.S. ISSUERS The fund may invest in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other similar instruments. DEBT OBLIGATIONS OF NON-U.S. GOVERNMENTS The fund may invest in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments. An investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political subdivisions (sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in corporate debt obligations. The non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty (such as the financial crisis that began in 2008), the values of sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that purchase sovereign debt may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the past, certain non-U.S. countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward its principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from non-U.S. governments, multinational agencies and other 2 entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts. EURODOLLAR INSTRUMENTS AND SAMURAI AND YANKEE BONDS. The fund may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds. Eurodollar instruments are bonds of corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars but are issued in markets outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Samurai bonds are yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non-Japanese issuers. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds typically issued in the U.S. by non-U.S. governments and their agencies and non-U.S. banks and corporations. The fund may also invest in Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit ("ECDs"), Eurodollar Time Deposits ("ETDs") and Yankee Certificates of Deposit ("Yankee CDs"). ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of domestic banks; ETDs are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a non-U.S. branch of a U.S. bank or in a non-U.S. bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank and held in the U.S. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, seizure of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. INVESTMENTS IN EMERGING MARKETS. The fund may invest in securities of issuers in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Emerging economies or securities markets will generally include, but not be limited to, countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging & Frontier Markets Index. The fund will generally focus on emerging markets that do not impose unusual trading requirements which tend to restrict the flow of investments. In addition, the fund may invest in unquoted securities of emerging market issuers. RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers involves considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in the securities of issuers in the U.S. These risks are heightened with respect to investments in countries with emerging markets and economies. The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers generally, or in issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets, may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the fund's portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain countries, particularly emerging markets, may undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. NON-U.S. SECURITIES MARKETS AND REGULATIONS. There may be less publicly available information about non-U.S. markets and issuers than is available with respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading markets for most non-U.S. securities are generally less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the U.S. The markets for securities in certain emerging markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in certain non-U.S. markets, including emerging market countries, may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the U.S. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity. The less liquid a market, the more difficult it may be for the fund 3 to accurately price its portfolio securities or to dispose of such securities at the times determined by Pioneer to be appropriate. The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in situations in which the fund's operations require cash, such as in order to meet redemptions and to pay its expenses. ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS. Certain countries, including emerging markets, may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial conflict. Such economic, political and social instability could significantly disrupt the financial markets in such countries and the ability of the issuers in such countries to repay their obligations. Investing in emerging market countries also involves the risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation in any emerging country, the fund could lose its entire investment in that country. Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the fund's investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of the fund. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain markets is subject to restrictions such as the need for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the fund's operation. Economies in individual countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the fund's investments and the availability to the fund of additional investments in such countries. In the past, the economies, securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurance that these economic and market disruptions might not occur again. Economies in emerging market countries generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. CURRENCY RISKS. The value of the securities quoted or denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. The fund's investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the fund's investments are quoted or denominated. Further, the fund's investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. CUSTODIAN SERVICES AND RELATED INVESTMENT COSTS. Custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S. Such markets have settlement and clearance procedures that differ from those in the U.S. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of the fund to make intended securities 4 purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund due to a subsequent decline in value of the portfolio security or could result in possible liability to the fund. In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging countries may not fully protect the fund against loss or theft of its assets. WITHHOLDING AND OTHER TAXES. The fund will be subject to taxes, including withholding taxes, on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) that are or may be imposed by certain countries with respect to the fund's investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by the fund. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. INVESTMENTS IN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS The fund may hold securities of non-U.S. issuers in the form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and other similar instruments. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in U.S. securities markets, and EDRs and GDRs and other similar global instruments in bearer form are designed for use in non-U.S. securities markets. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to receive securities of non-U.S. issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, the fund will avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities which they represent. For purposes of the fund's investment policies, investments in ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and similar instruments will be deemed to be investments in the underlying equity securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund may acquire depositary receipts from banks that do not have a contractual relationship with the issuer of the security underlying the depositary receipt to issue and secure such depositary receipt. To the extent the fund invests in such unsponsored depositary receipts there may be an increased possibility that the fund may not become aware of events affecting the underlying security and thus the value of the related depositary receipt. In addition, certain benefits (i.e., rights offerings) which may be associated with the security underlying the depositary receipt may not inure to the benefit of the holder of such depositary receipt. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS The fund may engage in foreign currency transactions. These transactions may be conducted at the prevailing spot rate for purchasing or selling currency in the foreign exchange market. The fund also may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which are contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date and price set at the time of the contract. The fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which the fund invests as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of the fund, accrued in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities quoted in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that the fund will be engaged in hedging activities when adverse exchange rate movements occur or that its hedging activities will be successful. The fund will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions and will enter into such transactions only to the extent, if any, deemed appropriate by Pioneer. 5 Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency. The fund may use forward currency exchange contracts to reduce or gain exposure to a currency. To the extent the fund gains exposure to a currency through these instruments, the resulting exposure may exceed the value of securities denominated in that currency held by the fund. For example, where the fund's security selection has resulted in an overweight or underweight exposure to a particular currency relative to the fund's benchmark, the fund may seek to adjust currency exposure using forward currency exchange contracts. The cost to the fund of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the size of the contract, the length of the contract period, differences in interest rates between the two currencies and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency and forward contracts are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The fund may close out a forward position in a currency by selling the forward contract or by entering into an offsetting forward contract. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to protect the value of the fund's portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which the fund can achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the fund's foreign assets. While the fund may benefit from foreign currency transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the fund's portfolio holdings of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the fund to sustain losses which will prevent the fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the fund to risk of foreign exchange loss. Over-the-counter markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency instruments on an exchange. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract would deprive the fund of unrealized profits or force the fund to cover its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the current market price. If the fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, the custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets. See "Asset Segregation." OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES The fund may purchase options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that of transactions in forward contracts. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In an attempt to protect against such decreases in the 6 value of portfolio securities, the fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency declines, the fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount of dollars which exceeds the market value of such currency. This would result in a gain that may offset, in whole or in part, the negative effect of currency depreciation on the value of the fund's securities quoted or denominated in that currency. Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency is projected for those securities to be acquired, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the fund may purchase call options on such currency. If the value of such currency increases, the purchase of such call options would enable the fund to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which is less than the market value of such currency. Such a purchase would result in a gain that may offset, at least partially, the effect of any currency-related increase in the price of securities the fund intends to acquire. As in the case of other types of options transactions, however, the benefit the fund derives from purchasing foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates. The fund may also write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes. For example, if the fund anticipated a decline in the dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in a foreign currency because of declining exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a covered call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised, and the decrease in value of portfolio securities will be partially offset by the amount of the premium received by the fund. Similarly, the fund could write a put option on the relevant currency, instead of purchasing a call option, to hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired. If exchange rates move in the manner projected, the put option will expire unexercised and allow the fund to offset such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. However, as in the case of other types of options transactions, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If unanticipated exchange rate fluctuations occur, the option may be exercised and the fund would be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss, which may not be fully offset by the amount of the premium. As a result of writing options on foreign currencies, the fund also may be required to forgo all or a portion of the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in currency exchange rates. A call option written on foreign currency by the fund is "covered" if the fund owns the underlying foreign currency subject to the call, or if it has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash consideration. A call option is also covered if the fund holds a call on the same foreign currency for the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (a) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or (b) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the amount of the difference is maintained by the fund in cash or liquid securities. See "Asset Segregation." The fund may close out its position in a currency option by either selling the option it has purchased or entering into an offsetting option. An exchange-traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that the fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying currencies pursuant to the exercise of put options. If the fund as a covered call option 7 writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency) until the option expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise. The fund may also use options on currencies to cross-hedge, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in exchange rates of a different currency with a pattern of correlation. Cross-hedging may also include using a foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between that currency and the U.S. dollar. The fund may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent consistent with its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by the fund. NATURAL DISASTERS Certain areas of the world, including areas within the United States, historically have been prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, tidal waves, tsunamis, erupting volcanoes, wildfires or droughts. Such disasters, and the resulting damage, could have a significant adverse impact on the economies of those areas and on the ability of issuers in which the fund invests to conduct their businesses, and thus on the investments made by the fund in such geographic areas and/or issuers. Adverse weather conditions could have a significant adverse impact on issuers in the agricultural sector and on insurance companies that insure against the impact of natural disasters. INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES AND REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES The fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under one provision of the 1940 Act, a fund may not acquire the securities of another investment company if such purchase would result in (i) 3% or more of the total outstanding voting securities of any one investment company being held by the fund, (ii) 5% or more of the fund's total assets being invested in any one investment company, or (iii) 10% or more of the fund's total assets being invested in securities of other investment companies. However, there are several provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder that allow more expansive investment in investment companies. In addition, these limitations do not apply to the purchase of shares of any investment company in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of substantially all the assets of another investment company. The fund may also invest without limit in money market funds. Investing in other investment companies subjects the fund to the risks of investing in the underlying securities held by those investment companies. The fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies' expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund's own operations. EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS The fund may invest in exchange traded funds ("ETFs"). ETFs, such as SPDRs, iShares and various country index funds, are funds whose shares are traded on a national exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). ETFs may be based on underlying equity or fixed income securities. SPDRs, for example, seek to provide investment results that generally correspond to the performance of the component common stocks of the S&P 500. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as "creation units." The investor purchasing a creation unit then sells the individual shares on a secondary market. Therefore, the liquidity of ETFs depends on the adequacy of the secondary market. There can be no assurance that an ETF's investment objective will be achieved. ETFs based on an index may not replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weightings of securities in the index. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in 8 the underlying securities. The fund, as a holder of the securities of the ETF, will bear its pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund's own operations. Many ETFs have received exemptive orders issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission that would permit the fund to invest in those ETFs beyond the limitations applicable to other investment companies, subject to certain terms and conditions. Some ETFs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act. Certain ETFs, including leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs, may have embedded leverage. Leveraged ETFs seek to multiply the return of the tracked index (e.g., twice the return) by using various forms of derivative transactions. Inverse ETFs seek to negatively correlate with the performance of a particular index by using various forms of derivative transactions, including by short-selling the underlying index. An investment in an inverse ETF will decrease in value when the value of the underlying index rises. By investing in leveraged ETFs or inverse ETFs, the fund can commit fewer assets to the investment in the securities represented on the index than would otherwise be required. Leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs present all of the risks that regular ETFs present. In addition, leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs determine their return over a specific, pre-set time period, typically daily, and, as a result, there is no guarantee that the ETF's actual long term returns will be equal to the daily return that the fund seeks to achieve. For example, on a long-term basis (e.g., a period of 6 months or a year), the return of a leveraged ETF may in fact be considerably less than two times the long-term return of the tracked index. Furthermore, because leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs achieve their results by using derivative instruments, they are subject to the risks associated with derivative transactions, including the risk that the value of the derivatives may rise or fall more rapidly than other investments, thereby causing the ETF to lose money and, consequently, the value of the fund's investment to decrease. Investing in derivative instruments also involves the risk that other parties to the derivative contract may fail to meet their obligations, which could cause losses to the ETF. Short sales in particular are subject to the risk that, if the price of the security sold short increases, the inverse ETF may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short sale price, resulting in a loss to the inverse ETF and, indirectly, to the fund. An ETF's use of these techniques will make the fund's investment in the ETF more volatile than if the fund were to invest directly in the securities underlying the tracked index, or in an ETF that does not use leverage or derivative instruments. However, by investing in a leveraged ETF or an inverse ETF rather than directly purchasing and/or selling derivative instruments, the fund will limit its potential loss solely to the amount actually invested in the ETF (that is, the fund will not lose more than the principal amount invested in the ETF). REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS") The fund may invest in REITs. REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the fund. Such indirect expenses are not reflected in the fee table or expense example in the fund's prospectus. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part, general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay 9 borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to risks associated with such industry. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans, the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500"). DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS DERIVATIVES The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: as a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; to increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative; and to manage the fund's portfolio characteristics (for example, for funds investing in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, a portfolio's currency exposure, or, for funds investing in fixed income securities, a portfolio's duration or credit quality). Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks and may increase the volatility of the fund's net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund's portfolio. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value in a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have had. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund's other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. The fund may not be able to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or may have to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time or price to maintain cover or to segregate securities in connection with its use of derivatives. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation may not be fully known for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund's assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. 10 OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES The fund may purchase and write put and call options on any security in which it may invest or options on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest. The fund may also be able to enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it has purchased. WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. A call option written by the fund obligates the fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. The exercise price may differ from the market price of an underlying security. The fund has the risk of loss that the price of an underlying security may decline during the call period. The risk may be offset to some extent by the premium the fund receives. If the value of the investment does not rise above the call price, it's likely that the call will lapse without being exercised. In that case, the fund would keep the cash premium and the investment. All call options written by the fund are covered, which means that the fund will own the securities subject to the options as long as the options are outstanding, or the fund will use the other methods described below. The fund's purpose in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, the fund may forgo the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security. A put option written by the fund would obligate the fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. The fund has no control over when it may be required to purchase the underlying securities. All put options written by the fund would be covered, which means that the fund would have segregated assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income for the fund. However, in return for the option premium, the fund accepts the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security at a price in excess of its market value at the time of purchase. Call and put options written by the fund will also be considered to be covered to the extent that the fund's liabilities under such options are wholly or partially offset by its rights under call and put options purchased by the fund. In addition, a written call option or put may be covered by entering into an offsetting forward contract and/or by purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the fund's net exposure on its written option position. WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. The fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security. The fund may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index, or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional consideration if cash in such amount is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. The fund may cover call and put options on a securities index by segregating assets with a value equal to the exercise price. Index options are subject to the timing risk inherent in writing index options. When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder is entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise price and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. If a fund has purchased an index option and exercises it before the closing index value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall "out-of-the-money", the fund will be required to pay cash in an amount of the difference between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option. 11 PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS. The fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle the fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The fund would normally purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the market value of securities in its portfolio ("protective puts") or in securities in which it may invest. The purchase of a put option would entitle the fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of the fund's securities. Put options may also be purchased by the fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. The fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities. The fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are referred to as "closing purchase transactions." RISKS OF TRADING OPTIONS. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option, or at any particular time. If the fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of its segregated assets until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it will have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC") may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although it is expected that outstanding options on that exchange, if any, that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. The fund may purchase and sell both options that are traded on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges and options traded over-the-counter with broker-dealers who make markets in these options. The ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. Until such time as the staff of the SEC changes its position, the fund will treat purchased over-the-counter options and all assets used to cover written over-the-counter options as illiquid securities, except that with respect to options written with primary dealers in U.S. government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing purchase transaction at a formula price, the amount of illiquid securities may be calculated with reference to the formula. 12 Transactions by the fund in options on securities and indices will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert. Thus, the number of options which the fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of Pioneer. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions. The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of protective puts for hedging purposes depends in part on the ability of Pioneer to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between the fund's portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the fund in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of unanticipated movements in the price of the securities comprising the securities index on which the option is based. FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS The fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write (sell) call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The fund may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any futures contracts and options on futures contracts. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices. The fund may invest in futures contracts based on the Chicago Board of Exchange Volatility Index ("VIX Futures"). The VIX is an index of market sentiment derived from S&P 500 Index option prices, and is designed to reflect investors' consensus view of expected stock market volatility over future periods. The fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging and non-hedging purposes as described below. All futures contracts entered into by the fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") or on non-U.S. exchanges. FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract). When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, the fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, the fund can sell futures contracts on a specified currency to protect against a decline in the value of such currency and a decline in the value of its portfolio securities which are denominated in such currency. The fund can purchase futures contracts on a foreign currency to establish the price in U.S. dollars of a security denominated in such currency that the fund has acquired or expects to acquire. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be liquidated in this manner, the fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying 13 securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date. HEDGING STRATEGIES. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty the effective price, rate of return and currency exchange rate on portfolio securities and securities that the fund owns or proposes to acquire. The fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by selling futures contracts in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the value of the fund's portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the fund may sell futures contracts in a foreign currency in which its portfolio securities are denominated or in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion of Pioneer, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for the fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategies. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, Pioneer will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the fund's portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position. On other occasions, the fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures contracts. This may be done, for example, when the fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently available. OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give the fund the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction, but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs. The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset a decline in the value of the fund's assets. By writing a call option, the fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, to sell a futures contract (if the option is exercised), which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that the fund intends to purchase. However, the fund becomes obligated to purchase a futures contract (if the option is exercised) which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by the fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures. The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The fund's ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market. 14 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING FUTURES CONTRACTS. The fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Code for maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Futures contracts and related options involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options obligating the fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options. While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while the fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. When futures contracts and options are used for hedging purposes, perfect correlation between the fund's futures positions and portfolio positions may be impossible to achieve, particularly where futures contracts based on individual securities are currently not available. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the fund may be exposed to risk of loss. It is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of non-U.S. securities because currency movements impact the value of different securities in differing degrees. If the fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. The fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account. EQUITY SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS AND COLLARS The fund may enter into equity swaps, caps, floors and collars to hedge assets or liabilities or to seek to increase total return. Equity swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to make or receive payments based on notional equity securities. The purchase of an equity cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that the market value of a specified equity security or benchmark exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments of a contractually based amount from the party selling the cap. The purchase of an equity floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that the market value of a specified equity security or benchmark falls below a predetermined level, to receive payments of a contractually based amount from the party selling the floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of values. Investments in swaps, caps, floors and collars are highly specialized activities which involve investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio transactions. Investments in equity swaps, caps, floors and collars may be considered speculative because they involve significant risk of loss. If Pioneer is incorrect in its forecast of market values, these investments could negatively impact the fund's performance. These investments also are subject to default risk of the counterparty and may be less liquid than other portfolio securities. Moreover, investments in swaps, caps, floors and collars may involve greater transaction costs than investments in other equity securities. FINANCIAL FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not currently subject to registration or regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act. Recently adopted amendments to Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") rules, upon effectiveness, may affect the ability of the fund to continue to claim this exclusion. The fund would be limited in its ability to enter into futures, options on futures or engage in swaps transactions for non-hedging purposes if it continued to claim the exclusion. 15 If the fund were no longer able to claim the exclusion, Pioneer would likely become subject to registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator. The fund and Pioneer are analyzing the effect of these rule changes on the fund. DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED INVESTMENTS DEBT SECURITIES SELECTION In selecting debt securities for the fund, Pioneer gives primary consideration to the fund's investment objective, the attractiveness of the market for debt securities given the outlook of Pioneer for the equity markets and the fund's liquidity requirements. Once Pioneer determines to allocate a portion of the fund's assets to debt securities, Pioneer generally focuses on short-term instruments to provide liquidity and may invest in a range of fixed income securities if the fund is investing in such instruments for income or capital gains. Pioneer selects individual securities based on broad economic factors and issuer-specific factors including the terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S. Treasuries or comparable issues), liquidity and rating, sector and issuer diversification. DEBT SECURITIES RATING INFORMATION Investment grade debt securities are those rated "BBB" or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Debt securities rated BBB are considered medium grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. Below investment grade debt securities are those rated "BB" and below by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. See "Appendix A" for a description of rating categories. The fund may invest in debt securities rated "C" or better, or comparable unrated securities as determined by Pioneer. Below investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments. Changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal payments and interest payments. The issuers of high yield securities also may be more adversely affected than issuers of higher rated securities by specific corporate or governmental developments or the issuers' inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. The amount of high yield securities outstanding has proliferated as an increasing number of issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing. The recent economic downturn has severely affected the ability of many highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities will have an adverse effect on the fund's net asset value to the extent that it invests in such securities. In addition, the fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings or to take other steps to protect its investment in an issuer. The secondary market for high yield securities is not usually as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the fund's ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet its liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic conditions, such as those recently prevailing, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. As a result, the fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these and other circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the fund's net asset value. 16 Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower quality debt securities of the type in which the fund may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers' creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility. Lower rated and comparable unrated debt securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as strong as that of other issuers. However, lower rated securities generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities. For purposes of the fund's credit quality policies, if a security receives different ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, the fund will use the rating chosen by the portfolio manager as most representative of the security's credit quality. The ratings of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate and may not accurately describe the risk of the security. If a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are appropriate in light of the fund's investment objectives and policies including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional investment grade securities of the appropriate credit quality as soon as it is prudent to do so. U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES U.S. government securities in which the fund invests include debt obligations of varying maturities issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or guaranteed by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, including the Federal Housing Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Farm Service Agency, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), General Services Administration, National Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority and various institutions that previously were or currently are part of the Farm Credit System (which has been undergoing reorganization since 1987). Some U.S. government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others are supported by: (i) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the FHLBs; (ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations, such as securities of FNMA; or (iii) only the credit of the issuer. Although the U.S. government provided financial support to FNMA and FHLMC in the past, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support in the future to these or other U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities include: (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or any of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; (ii) participations in loans made to non-U.S. governments or other entities that are so guaranteed; and (iii) as a result of initiatives introduced in response to the recent financial market difficulties, securities of commercial issuers or financial institutions that qualify for guarantees by U.S. government agencies like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The secondary market for certain loan participations described above is limited and, therefore, the participations may be regarded as illiquid. U.S. government securities may include zero coupon securities that may be purchased when yields are attractive and/or to enhance portfolio liquidity. Zero coupon U.S. government securities are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. 17 Zero coupon U.S. government securities do not require the periodic payment of interest. These investments may experience greater volatility in market value than U.S. government securities that make regular payments of interest. The fund accrues income on these investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the fund's distribution obligations, in which case the fund will forgo the purchase of additional income producing assets with these funds. Zero coupon U.S. government securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on the bonds. CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest in convertible debt securities which are debt obligations convertible at a stated exchange rate or formula into common stock or other equity securities. Convertible securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure and consequently may be of higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common stock. As with all debt securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to increase when interest rates decline and, conversely, tend to decline when interest rates increase. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest that is generally paid or accrued until the convertible security matures, or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics, in that they generally (i) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income characteristics and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instruments. If a convertible security held by the fund is called for redemption, the fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could result in losses to the fund. OTHER INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS For temporary defensive or cash management purposes, the fund may invest in all types of short-term investments including, but not limited to, (a) commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations; (b) obligations (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) of banks; (c) obligations issued or guaranteed by a governmental issuer, including governmental agencies or instrumentalities; (d) fixed income securities of non-governmental issuers; and (e) other cash equivalents or cash. Subject to the fund's restrictions regarding investment in non-U.S. securities, these securities may be denominated in any currency. Although these investments generally are rated investment grade or are determined by Pioneer to be of equivalent credit quality, the fund may also invest in these instruments if they are rated below investment grade in accordance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. ILLIQUID SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid and other securities that are not readily marketable. If due to subsequent fluctuations in value or any other reasons, the value of the fund's illiquid securities exceeds this percentage limitation, the fund will consider what actions, if any, are necessary to maintain adequate liquidity. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will be included for purposes of the foregoing limit. Securities subject to restrictions on resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), are considered illiquid unless they are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or another exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and are determined to be liquid by Pioneer. Pioneer determines the liquidity of Rule 144A and other restricted securities according to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, Pioneer monitors the application of these guidelines and procedures. The inability of the fund to dispose of illiquid investments 18 readily or at reasonable prices could impair the fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. If the fund sold restricted securities other than pursuant to an exception from registration under the 1933 Act such as Rule 144A, it may be deemed to be acting as an underwriter and subject to liability under the 1933 Act. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, member banks of the Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions. Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the fund purchases securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a specific time and at a specific price. The repurchase price is generally higher than the fund's purchase price, with the difference being income to the fund. A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan by the fund collateralized by securities. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, Pioneer reviews and monitors the creditworthiness of any institution which enters into a repurchase agreement with the fund. The counterparty's obligations under the repurchase agreement are collateralized with U.S. Treasury and/or agency obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the obligations, valued daily. Collateral is held by the fund's custodian in a segregated, safekeeping account for the benefit of the fund. Repurchase agreements afford the fund an opportunity to earn income on temporarily available cash. In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, the fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, the fund may be required to return the security to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction. There is no specific limit on the fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans for purposes of the 1940 Act. REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities to a bank or other institution with an agreement that the fund will buy back the securities at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest" which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the fund with proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the fund that it is obligated to repurchase. The fund will also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities upon effecting their repurchase. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a type of borrowing. The 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund's total assets from banks for any purpose and up to 5% of the fund's total assets from banks and other lenders for temporary purposes. The fund will segregate assets in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price of the securities. SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX The fund may sell securities "short against the box." A short sale involves the fund borrowing securities from a broker and selling the borrowed securities. The fund has an obligation to return securities identical to the borrowed securities to the broker. In a short sale against the box, the fund at all times owns an equal amount of the security sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, with or without payment of additional consideration, an equal amount of the security sold short. The fund intends to use short sales against the box to hedge. For example when the fund believes that the price of a current portfolio security may decline, the fund may use a short sale against the box to lock in a sale price for a security rather than selling the security immediately. In such a case, any future losses in the fund's long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The fund may engage in short sales of securities only against the box. 19 If the fund effects a short sale against the box at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the security, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the security (a "constructive sale") on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if the fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale provided that certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the fund may make short sales against the box. DOLLAR ROLLS The fund may enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in which the fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the fund compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. All cash proceeds will be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for the fund. The fund will hold and maintain in a segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to its forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax purposes, the fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale. Dollar rolls involve certain risks including the following: if the broker-dealer to whom the fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the fund's right to purchase or repurchase the securities subject to the dollar roll may be restricted and the instrument which the fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than an instrument which the fund originally held. Successful use of dollar rolls will depend upon Pioneer's ability to manage its interest rate and prepayment exposure. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed. ASSET SEGREGATION The 1940 Act requires that the fund segregate assets in connection with certain types of transactions that may have the effect of leveraging the fund's portfolio. If the fund enters into a transaction requiring segregation, such as a forward commitment or a reverse repurchase agreement, the custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets in an amount required to comply with the 1940 Act. Such segregated assets will be valued at market daily. If the aggregate value of such segregated assets declines below the aggregate value required to satisfy the 1940 Act, additional liquid assets will be segregated. As an alternative to asset segregation, in some instances a fund may "cover" its obligation by holding an offsetting position. PORTFOLIO TURNOVER It is the policy of the fund not to engage in trading for short-term profits, although portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be borne by the fund and its shareholders. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the fund's annual portfolio turnover rate. LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES The fund may lend portfolio securities to registered broker-dealers or other institutional investors deemed by Pioneer to be of good standing under agreements which require that the loans be secured continuously by collateral in the form of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit issued by banks approved by the fund. The value of the collateral is monitored on a daily basis and 20 the borrower is required to maintain the collateral at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The fund continues to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and continues to have all of the other risks associated with owning the securities. Where the collateral received is cash, the cash will be invested and the fund will be entitled to a share of the income earned on the investment, but will also be subject to investment risk on the collateral and will bear the entire amount of any loss in connection with investment of such collateral. The fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with loans of securities and, where the collateral received is cash, the fund may pay a portion of the income earned on the investment of collateral to the borrower, lending agent or other intermediary. Fees and expenses paid by the fund in connection with loans of securities are not reflected in the fee table or expense example in the fund's prospectus. If the income earned on the investment of the cash collateral is insufficient to pay these amounts or if the value of the securities purchased with such cash collateral declines, the fund may take a loss on the loan. Where the fund receives securities as collateral, the fund will earn no income on the collateral, but will earn a fee from the borrower. The fund reserves the right to recall loaned securities so that it may exercise voting rights on loaned securities according to the fund's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consists of the possibility of loss to the fund due to (i) the inability of the borrower to return the securities, (ii) a delay in receiving additional collateral to adequately cover any fluctuations in the value of securities on loan, (iii) a delay in recovery of the securities, or (iv) the loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In addition, as noted above, the fund continues to have market risk and other risks associated with owning the securities on loan. Where the collateral delivered by the borrower is cash, the fund will also have the risk of loss of principal and interest in connection with its investment of collateral. If a borrower defaults, the value of the collateral may decline before the fund can dispose of it. The fund will lend portfolio securities only to firms that have been approved in advance by Pioneer, which will monitor the creditworthiness of any such firms. However, this monitoring may not protect the fund from loss. At no time would the value of the securities loaned exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets. INTERFUND LENDING To satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls, a fund may enter into lending agreements ("Interfund Lending Agreements") under which the fund would lend money and borrow money for temporary purposes directly to and from another Pioneer fund through a credit facility ("Interfund Loan"), subject to meeting the conditions of an SEC exemptive order granted to the funds permitting such interfund lending. All Interfund Loans will consist only of uninvested cash reserves that the fund otherwise would invest in short-term repurchase agreements or other short-term instruments. If a fund has outstanding borrowings, any Interfund Loans to the fund (a) will be at an interest rate equal to or lower than any outstanding bank loan, (b) will be secured at least on an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding bank loan that requires collateral, (c) will have a maturity no longer than any outstanding bank loan (and in any event not over seven days) and (d) will provide that, if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing an outstanding bank loan to the fund, the event of default will automatically (without need for action or notice by the lending fund) constitute an immediate event of default under the Interfund Lending Agreement entitling the lending fund to call the Interfund Loan (and exercise all rights with respect to any collateral) and that such call will be made if the lending bank exercises its right to call its loan under its agreement with the borrowing fund. A fund may make an unsecured borrowing through the credit facility if its outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the interfund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided, that if the fund has a secured loan outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another Pioneer fund, the fund's interfund borrowing will be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding loan that requires collateral. If a fund's total outstanding borrowings immediately after an interfund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its 21 total assets, the fund may borrow through the credit facility on a secured basis only. A fund may not borrow through the credit facility nor from any other source if its total outstanding borrowings immediately after the interfund borrowing would be more than 33 1/3% of its total assets. No fund may lend to another fund through the interfund lending credit facility if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the credit facility to exceed 15% of the lending fund's net assets at the time of the loan. A fund's Interfund Loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund's net assets. The duration of Interfund Loans is limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days. Loans effected within seven days of each other will be treated as separate loan transactions for purposes of this condition. Each Interfund Loan may be called on one business day's notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund. The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day's notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an Interfund Loan were not available from another fund. A delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs. WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES The fund may purchase securities, including U.S. government securities, on a when-issued basis or may purchase or sell securities for delayed delivery. In such transactions, delivery of the securities occurs beyond the normal settlement period, but no payment or delivery is made by the fund prior to the actual delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. The fund will not earn income on these securities until delivered. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis involves the risk that the value of the securities purchased will decline prior to the settlement date. The sale of securities for delayed delivery involves the risk that the prices available in the market on the delivery date may be greater than those obtained in the sale transaction. When the fund enters into when-issued or delayed delivery transactions it will segregate liquid assets with a value equal to the fund's obligations. See "Asset Segregation." DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS The Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Pioneer funds' portfolio securities. These policies and procedures are designed to provide a framework for disclosing information regarding portfolio holdings, portfolio composition or other portfolio characteristics consistent with applicable federal securities laws and regulations and general principles of fiduciary duty relating to fund shareholders. While Pioneer may manage other separate accounts and unregistered products that have substantially similar investment strategies to those of another Pioneer fund, and therefore portfolio holdings that may be substantially similar, and in some cases nearly identical, to such fund, these policies and procedures only relate to the disclosure of portfolio information of the Pioneer funds that are registered management companies. Separate account and unregistered product clients are not subject to these policies and procedures. Separate account and unregistered product clients of Pioneer have access to their portfolio holdings, and prospective clients have access to representative holdings. Generally, Pioneer will make a fund's portfolio information available to the public on a monthly basis with an appropriate delay based upon the nature of the information disclosed. Pioneer normally will publish a fund's full portfolio holdings thirty (30) days after the end of each month (this time period may be different for certain funds). Such information shall be made available on the funds' website (www.pioneerinvestments.com) and may be sent to rating agencies, reporting/news services and financial intermediaries, upon request. In addition, Pioneer generally makes publicly available information regarding a fund's top ten holdings (including the percentage of a fund's assets represented by each security), the percentage breakdown of a fund's investments by country, sector and industry, various volatility measures (such as beta, standard deviation, etc.), market capitalization ranges and other portfolio characteristics (such as alpha, average P/E ratio, etc.) three (3) business days after the end of each month. 22 Pioneer may provide a fund's full portfolio holdings or other information to certain entities prior to the date such information is made public, provided that certain conditions are met. The entities to which such disclosure may be made as of the date of this statement of additional information are rating agencies, plan sponsors, prospective separate account clients and other financial intermediaries (i.e., organizations evaluating a fund for purposes of investment by their clients, such as broker-dealers, investment advisers, banks, insurance companies, financial planning firms, plan sponsors, plan administrators, shareholder servicing organizations and pension consultants). The third party must agree to a limited use of that information which does not conflict with the interests of the fund's shareholders, to use the information only for that authorized purpose, to keep such information confidential, and not to trade on such information. The Board of Trustees considered the disclosure of portfolio holdings information to these categories of entities to be consistent with the best interests of shareholders in light of the agreement to maintain the confidentiality of such information and only to use such information for the limited and approved purposes. Pioneer's compliance department, the local head of investment management and the global chief investment officer may, but only acting jointly, grant exemptions to this policy. Exemptions may be granted only if these persons determine that providing such information is consistent with the interests of shareholders and the third party agrees to limit the use of such information only for the authorized purpose, to keep such information confidential, and not to trade on such information. Although the Board of Trustees will periodically be informed of exemptions granted, granting exemptions entails the risk that portfolio holdings information may be provided to entities that use the information in a manner inconsistent with their obligations and the best interests of a fund. Currently, Pioneer, on behalf of the Pioneer funds, has ongoing arrangements whereby the following entities may receive a fund's full portfolio holdings or other information prior to the date such information is made public: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (within 30 days after month end for board materials and advance preparation of marketing materials, as needed to evaluate Pioneer funds); Roszel Advisors (within 30 days after month end for due diligence and review of certain Pioneer funds included in fund programs); Oppenheimer & Co. (within 30 days after month end for due diligence and review of certain Pioneer funds included in fund programs); UBS (within 15 days after month end for due diligence and review of certain Pioneer funds included in fund programs); Ibbotson Associates Advisors LLC (as needed to select Pioneer funds for the Pioneer-Ibbotson fund of funds products); Beacon Pointe Advisors (as needed for quarterly review of certain Pioneer funds); Commonwealth Financial Network (within 30 days after month end for internal risk analysis); Hartford Retirement Services, LLC (as needed for internal risk analysis); Transamerica Life Insurance Company (as needed for internal performance and risk analysis); TIBCO Software Inc./Spotfire Division (as needed to evaluate and develop portfolio reporting software); Curcio Webb, LLC (as needed for evaluation and research purposes); Fidelity Investments (as needed to evaluate Pioneer funds); Egan Jones Ratings Company (as needed in order to evaluate and select Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs)); DBRS Limited (as needed in order to evaluate and select NRSROs); Wells Fargo Advisors (as needed for internal risk analysis and product review); and Capital Market Consultants (as needed to complete quarterly due diligence research). Compliance with the funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Trustees, including a review of any potential conflicts of interest in the disclosures made by Pioneer in accordance with the policy or the exceptions permitted under the policy. Any change to the policy to expand the categories of entities to which portfolio holdings may be disclosed or an increase in the purposes for which such disclosure may be made would be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees and, reflected, if material, in a supplement to the fund's statement of additional information. The funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy is not intended to prevent the disclosure of any and all portfolio information to the funds' service providers who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities, such as Pioneer, the funds' custodian, fund accounting agent, principal underwriter, investment sub-adviser, if any, independent registered public accounting firm or counsel. In approving the policy, the Board of Trustees considered that the service providers are 23 subject to duties of confidentiality arising under law or contract that provide an adequate safeguard for such information. None of Pioneer, the funds, or any other party receive any compensation or other consideration from any arrangement pertaining to the release of a fund's portfolio holdings information. In addition, the funds make their portfolio holdings available semi-annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and after the first and third fiscal quarters in regulatory filings on Form N-Q. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC, as required by the federal securities laws. Form N-Q is filed with the SEC within sixty (60) days after the end of a fund's first and third fiscal quarters. Form N-CSR is filed with the SEC within ten (10) days after the transmission to shareholders of a fund's annual or semi-annual report, as applicable. INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the fund. For this purpose, a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund means the vote of the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the shares represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The fund's fundamental policies are as follows: (1) The fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (2) The fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (3) The fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (4) The fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (5) The fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (6) The fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (7) Except as permitted by exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, the fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the fund's investments will be concentrated in any one industry. 24 With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund's total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes (the fund's total assets include the amounts being borrowed). To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the fund to maintain at all times an "asset coverage" of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund's total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Borrowing money to increase a fund's investment portfolio is known as "leveraging." Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of a fund's shares to be more volatile than if the fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund's portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate a fund's net investment income in any given period. Currently, the fund does not contemplate borrowing for leverage, but if the fund does so, it will not likely do so to a substantial degree. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to permit the fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a type of borrowing. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy. Such trading practices may include futures, options on futures, forward contracts and other derivative investments. A fund may pledge its assets and guarantee the securities of another company without limitation, subject to the fund's investment policies (including the fund's fundamental policy regarding borrowing) and applicable laws and interpretations. Pledges of assets and guarantees of obligations of others are subject to many of the same risks associated with borrowings and, in addition, are subject to the credit risk of the obligor for the underlying obligations. To the extent that pledging or guaranteeing assets may be considered the issuance of senior securities, the issuance of senior securities is governed by the fund's policies on senior securities. If the fund were to pledge its assets, the fund would take into account any then-applicable legal guidance, including any applicable SEC staff position, would be guided by the judgment of the fund's Board and Pioneer regarding the terms of any credit facility or arrangement, including any collateral required, and would not pledge more collateral than, in their judgment, is necessary for the fund to obtain the credit sought. Shareholders should note that in 1973, the SEC staff took the position in a no-action letter that a mutual fund could not pledge 100% of its assets without a compelling business reason. In more recent no-action letters, including letters that address the same statutory provision of the 1940 Act (Section 17) addressed in the 1973 letter, the SEC staff has not mentioned any limitation on the amount of collateral that may be pledged to support credit obtained. This does not mean that the staff's position on this issue has changed. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (2) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund's underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund's investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer's registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to a fund investing in restricted securities. Although it is not 25 believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause a fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (2) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (3) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) While lending securities may be a source of income to a fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. However, loans would be made only when the fund's manager or a subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. The fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. The fund has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to make short-term loans to other Pioneer funds through a credit facility in order to satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls; as discussed in this Statement of Additional Information under "Interfund Lending". The conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending, however no lending activity is without risk. A delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs. The policy in (3) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (4) above, "senior securities" are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund's shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund's total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the fund's outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of a fund's portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the fund's net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased. Certain widely used investment practices that involve a commitment by a fund to deliver money or securities in the future are not considered by the SEC to be senior securities, provided that a fund segregates cash or liquid securities in an amount necessary to pay the obligation or the fund holds an offsetting commitment from another party. These investment practices include repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, swaps, dollar rolls, options, futures and forward contracts. The policy in (4) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits a fund's purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities. 26 With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits a fund's purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If a fund were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the fund would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There also may be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The policy in (6) above will be interpreted to permit investments in exchange traded funds that invest in physical and/or financial commodities. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (7) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes "concentration" in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund's total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; with respect to tax-exempt funds that invest 80% of their assets in tax-exempt securities, securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries. When identifying industries for purposes of its concentration policy, the fund may rely upon available industry classifications. As of the date of the SAI, the fund relies on the MSCI Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) classifications, or with respect to certain securities, another third-party classification system. Exchange-traded funds may be classified based on the underlying securities. The fund's fundamental policies are written and will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice. NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICY The following policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders. The fund may not invest in any investment company in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, which would allow the fund to invest in other investment companies, or in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, which would allow the fund to invest in other Pioneer funds, in each case without being subject to the limitations discussed above under "Other Investment Companies" so long as another investment company invests in the fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G). The fund has adopted this non-fundamental policy in order that the fund may be a permitted investment of the series of Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series and Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series VCT Portfolios, which invest all of their assets in other investment companies. If the series of Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series or Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series VCT Portfolios do not invest in the fund, then this non-fundamental restriction will not apply. 27 In addition, the fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders. DIVERSIFICATION The fund is currently classified as a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. A diversified fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the fund cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval. 28 3. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS The fund's Trustees and officers are listed below, together with their principal occupations during at least the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees, except Mr. West, serves as a Trustee of each of the 56 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (the "Pioneer Funds"). Mr. West serves as a Trustee of 44 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser. The address for all Trustees and all officers of the fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------- JOHN F. COGAN, JR. (85)* Trustee since 2004. Non-Executive Chairman and a None -------------------- Chairman of the Board, Serves until a successor Director of Pioneer Investment Trustee and President trustee is elected or Management USA Inc. ("PIM-USA"); ----------------------------- earlier retirement or Chairman and a Director of Pioneer; removal. Chairman and Director of Pioneer -------------------------- Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (since 2006); Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management Limited (Dublin) (until October 2011); President and a Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited and affiliated funds; Deputy Chairman and a Director of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. ("PGAM") (until April 2010); Director of PIOGLOBAL Real Estate Investment Fund (Russia) (until June 2006); Director of Nano-C, Inc. (since 2003); Director of Cole Management Inc. (2004 - 2011); Director of Fiduciary Counseling, Inc.(until December 2001); President and Director of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") (until May 2006); President of all of the Pioneer Funds; and Retired Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP --------------------------------------- DANIEL K. KINGSBURY (53)* Trustee since 2007. Director, CEO and President of None -------------------- Trustee and Executive Vice Serves until a successor PIM-USA (since February 2007); President trustee is elected or Director and President of Pioneer ----------------------------- earlier retirement or and Pioneer Institutional Asset removal. Management, Inc. (since February -------------------------- 2007); Executive Vice President of all of the Pioneer Funds (since March 2007); Director of PGAM (2007 - 2010); Head of New Europe Division, PGAM (2000 - 2005); Head of New Markets Division, PGAM (2005 - 2007) ---------------------------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES: ----------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------- DAVID R. BOCK (68) Trustee since 2005. Managing Partner, Federal City Director of Enterprise Trustee Serves until a successor Capital Advisors (corporate advisory Community ----------------------------- trustee is elected or services company) (1997 - 2004 Investment, Inc. earlier retirement or and 2008 - present); Interim Chief (privately-held removal. Executive Officer, Oxford Analytica, affordable housing -------------------------- Inc. (privately held research and finance company) consulting company) (2010); (1985 - 2010); Executive Vice President and Chief Director of Oxford Financial Officer, I-trax, Inc. (publicly Analytica, Inc. (2008 traded health care services - present); Director company) (2004 - 2007); and of The Swiss Executive Vice President and Chief Helvetia Fund, Inc. Financial Officer, Pedestal Inc. (closed-end fund) (internet-based mortgage trading (2010 - present); company) (2000 - 2002) Director of New York ------------------------------------------- Mortgage Trust (publicly-traded mortgage REIT) (2004 - 2009, 2012 - present) -----------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------ MARY K. BUSH (64) Trustee since 2004. Chairman, Bush International, LLC Director of Marriott Trustee Serves until a successor (international financial advisory firm) International, Inc. ----------------------------- trustee is elected or (1991 - present); Senior Managing (2008 - present); earlier retirement or Director, Brock Capital Group, LLC Director of Discover removal. (strategic business advisors) 2010 Financial Services -------------------------- - present); Managing Director, (credit card issuer Federal Housing Finance Board and electronic (oversight of Federal Home Loan payment services) Bank system) (1989 - 1991); Vice (2007 - present); President and Head of International Former Director of Finance, Federal National Mortgage Briggs & Stratton Co. Association (1988 - 1989); U.S. (engine Alternate Executive Director, manufacturer) (2004 International Monetary Fund (1984 - 2009); Former - 1988); Executive Assistant to Director of UAL Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Corporation (airline Treasury, U.S. Treasury Department holding company) (1982 - 1984); Vice President and (2006 - 2010); Team Leader in Corporate Banking, Director of ManTech Bankers Trust Co. (1976 - 1982) International ----------------------------------------- Corporation (national security, defense, and intelligence technology firm) (2006 - present); Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2007 - present); Member, Board of Governors, Independent Directors Council (2007 - present); Former Director of Brady Corporation (2000 - 2007); Former Director of Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (1991 - 2006); Former Director of Millennium Chemicals, Inc. (commodity chemicals) (2002 - 2005); Former Director, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. (tobacco) (1999-2005); Former Director of Texaco, Inc. (1997 - 2001) ------------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------- BENJAMIN M. FRIEDMAN Trustee since 2008. William Joseph Maier Professor of Trustee, Mellon (67) Serves until a successor Political Economy, Harvard Institutional Funds Trustee trustee is elected or University (1972 - present) Investment Trust and --- --------------------------------------- earlier retirement or Mellon Institutional removal. Funds Master -------------------------- Portfolio (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund complex) (1989-2008) ---------- MARGARET B.W. GRAHAM Trustee since 2004. Founding Director, Vice-President None ---------- (64) Serves until a successor and Corporate Secretary, The Trustee trustee is elected or Winthrop Group, Inc. (consulting --- earlier retirement or firm); and Desautels Faculty of removal. Management, McGill University -------------------------- (1999 - present); and Manager of Research Operations and Organizational Learning, Xerox PARC, Xerox's Advance Research Center (1990-1994) --------------------------------------- THOMAS J. PERNA (61) Trustee since 2006. Chairman and Chief Executive Director, Broadridge Trustee Serves until a successor Officer, Quadriserv, Inc. (technology Financial Solutions, --- trustee is elected or products for securities lending Inc. (investor earlier retirement or industry) (2008 - present); Private communications and removal. investor (2004 - 2008); and Senior securities processing -------------------------- Executive Vice President, The Bank provider for financial of New York (financial and securities services industry) services) (1986 - 2004) (2009 - present); --------------------------------------- Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 - present); Commissioner, New Jersey State Civil Service Commission (2011 - present) ---------------------- MARGUERITE A. PIRET (63) Trustee since 2004. President and Chief Executive Director of New Trustee Serves until a successor Officer, Newbury, Piret & Company, America High Income --- trustee is elected or Inc. (investment banking firm) Fund, Inc. earlier retirement or (1981 - present) (closed-end --------------------------------------- removal. investment company) -------------------------- (2004 - present); Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2000 - 2006) ---------- STEPHEN K. WEST (83) Trustee since 2008. Senior Counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell Director, The Swiss Trustee Serves until a successor LLP (law firm) (1998 - present); Helvetia Fund, Inc. --- trustee is elected or Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (closed-end earlier retirement or (prior to 1998) investment --------------------------------------- removal. company); Director, -------------------------- Invesco, Ltd. (formerly AMVESCAP, PLC) (investment manager) (1997-2005) ----------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------- FUND OFFICERS: ----------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------- CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY (47) Since 2010. Serves at Vice President and Associate None --------------------- Secretary the discretion of the General Counsel of Pioneer since ----------------------------- Board January 2008 and Secretary of all ----------------------- of the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September 2003 to May 2010; Vice President and Senior Counsel of Pioneer from July 2002 to December 2007 -------------------------------------- CAROL B. HANNIGAN (51) Since 2010. Serves at Fund Governance Director of None --------------------- Assistant Secretary the discretion of the Pioneer since December 2006 and ----------------------------- Board Assistant Secretary of all the ----------------------- Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Manager - Fund Governance of Pioneer from December 2003 to November 2006; Senior Paralegal of Pioneer from January 2000 to November 2003. -------------------------------------- THOMAS REYES (49) Since 2010. Serves at Counsel of Pioneer since June 2007 None --------------------- Assistant Secretary the discretion of the and Assistant Secretary of all the ----------------------------- Board Pioneer Funds since June 2010; ----------------------- Vice President and Counsel at State Street Bank from October 2004 to June 2007 -------------------------------------- MARK E. BRADLEY (52) Since 2008. Serves at Vice President - Fund Accounting, None --------------------- Treasurer the discretion of the Administration and Controllership ----------------------------- Board Services of Pioneer; and Treasurer ----------------------- of all of the Pioneer Funds since March 2008; Deputy Treasurer of Pioneer from March 2004 to February 2008; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds from March 2004 to February 2008 -------------------------------------- LUIS I. PRESUTTI (47) Since 2004. Serves at Assistant Vice President - Fund None --------------------- Assistant Treasurer the discretion of the Accounting, Administration and ----------------------------- Board Controllership Services of Pioneer; ----------------------- and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------- GARY SULLIVAN (54) Since 2004. Serves at Fund Accounting Manager - Fund None --------------------- Assistant Treasurer the discretion of the Accounting, Administration and ----------------------------- Board Controllership Services of Pioneer; ----------------------- and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------- DAVID F. JOHNSON (32) Since 2009. Serves at Fund Administration Manager - Fund None --------------------- Assistant Treasurer the discretion of the Accounting, Administration and ----------------------------- Board Controllership Services since ----------------------- November 2008 and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since January 2009; Client Service Manager - Institutional Investor Services at State Street Bank from March 2003 to March 2007 --------------------------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------------------- --------------------- JEAN M. BRADLEY (59) Since 2010. Serves at Chief Compliance Officer of Pioneer None --------------------- Chief Compliance Officer the discretion of the and of all the Pioneer Funds since ----------------------------- Board March 2010; Director of Adviser and ----------------------- Portfolio Compliance at Pioneer since October 2005; Senior Compliance Officer for Columbia Management Advisers, Inc. from October 2003 to October 2005 -------------------------------------
* Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the fund's investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. BOARD COMMITTEES The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the fund's management and operations. The Chairman of the Board is the principal executive officer of the fund and an Interested Trustee. Independent Trustees constitute more than 75% of the Board. During the most recent fiscal year, the Board of Trustees held 6 meetings. Each Trustee attended at least 75% of such meetings. The Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following as to each Board member: such person's character and integrity; such person's willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; as to each Independent Trustee, his or her status as not being an "interested person" as defined under the 1940 Act; and, as to each of Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury, his association with Pioneer. Each of the Independent Trustees also was selected to join the Board based on the criteria and principles set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter. In evaluating a Trustee's prospective service on the Board, the Trustee's experience in, and ongoing contributions toward, overseeing the fund's business as a Trustee also are considered. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Trustee: Mr. Bock, accounting, financial, business and public company experience as a chief financial officer and an executive officer and experience as a board member of other organizations; Ms. Bush, banking, financial, governmental, international and entrepreneurial experience as an executive and experience as a board member of other organizations; Mr. Friedman, academic leadership, economic and finance experience and investment company board experience; Ms. Graham, academic leadership, experience in business, finance and management consulting; Mr. Perna, accounting, financial, and business experience as an executive officer and experience as a board member of other organizations; Ms. Piret, accounting, financial and entrepreneurial experience as an executive, valuation experience and investment company board experience; Mr. West, legal experience and securities and board experience; and each of Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury, investment management experience as an executive and leadership roles with Pioneer and its affiliates. However, in its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary skills and experience of individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board's overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the fund. The Trust's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the appointment, designation (including in any proxy or registration statement or other document) of a Trustee as an expert on any topic or in any area, or as having experience, attributes or skills in any area, or any other appointment, designation or identification, shall not impose on that person any standard of care or liability that is greater than that imposed on that person as a Trustee in the absence of the appointment, designation or identification, and no Trustee who has special attributes, skills, experience or expertise, or is appointed, designated, or identified as aforesaid, shall be held to a higher standard of care by virtue thereof. 34 The Board of Trustees has five standing committees: the Governance Committee, the Audit Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Policy Administration Committee and the Valuation Committee. Each committee is chaired by an Independent Trustee and all members of each committee are Independent Trustees. The Board currently does not have a lead Independent Trustee. The Chairs of the committees work with the Chairman of the Board and fund management in setting the agendas for Board meetings. The Chairs of the committees set the agendas for committee meetings with input from fund management. As noted below, through the committees, the Independent Trustees consider and address important matters involving the fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet without the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that delegation to the committees of specified oversight responsibilities helps ensure that the fund has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board further has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate given Pioneer's role with respect to the fund's investment and business operations. The Board also believes that its leadership structure, as aided by the Chairman's experience and capabilities, serves to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from management and otherwise enhance the Board's oversight role. During the most recent fiscal year, the Governance, Audit, Nominating, Policy Administration, and Valuation Committees held 9, 6, 1, 5 and 5 meetings, respectively. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE David R. Bock, Mary K. Bush, Benjamin M. Friedman, Margaret B.W. Graham, Thomas J. Perna, Marguerite A. Piret and Stephen K. West (Chair). The Governance Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. The Governance Committee serves as the forum for consideration of a number of issues required to be considered separately by the Independent Trustees under the 1940 Act, including the assessment and review of the fund's advisory agreement and other related party contracts. The Governance Committee also considers issues that the Independent Trustees believe it is advisable for them to consider separately from the Interested Trustees. From time to time, the Governance Committee considers the composition and number of Trustees appropriate to be carrying out their responsibilities. When the Governance Committee determines that the Board should consider an additional Trustee or Trustees, the Nominating Committee is charged with identifying and evaluating potential Independent Trustee candidates with experience, qualifications, attributes and skills contemplated by the Nominating Committee Charter. From time to time, the Governance Committee also has added as specific criteria experience or skills that the Governance Committee believed, based on the then current composition and skills of the Independent Trustees and experience or skills that may be appropriate in light of anticipated retirements, changing business conditions and regulatory or other developments, would maintain or enhance the effectiveness of the Independent Trustees' oversight of the fund's affairs. AUDIT COMMITTEE David R. Bock (Chair), Benjamin M. Friedman and Marguerite A. Piret. The Audit Committee, among other things, oversees the accounting and financial reporting policies and practices of the fund, oversees the quality and integrity of the fund's financial statements, approves, and recommends to the Independent Trustees for their ratification, the engagement of the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and evaluates the accounting firm's qualifications, independence and performance, and approves the compensation of the accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the fund by the fund's accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by the fund's accounting firm to Pioneer and any affiliated service providers of the fund if the engagement relates directly to the fund's operations and financial reporting. 35 NOMINATING COMMITTEE Mary K. Bush (Chair), Benjamin M. Friedman, Margaret B.W. Graham and Marguerite A. Piret. The Nominating Committee screens potential candidates for Independent Trustees. The Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy for considering trustee nominees submitted by the fund's shareholders. Nonetheless, the Nominating Committee may, on an informal basis, consider any shareholder recommendations of nominees that it receives. The Nominating Committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees, nor has it established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for one or more of the Independent Trustees to possess (other than qualities or skills that may be required by applicable law or regulation). However, in evaluating a person as a potential nominee to serve as an Independent Trustee, the Nominating Committee will consider the following factors, among any others that it may deem relevant: o whether the person has a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards; o whether the person has demonstrated business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment in matters that relate to the objectives of the fund and whether the person is willing and able to contribute positively to the decision-making process of the fund; o whether the person has a commitment and ability to devote the necessary time and energy to be an effective Independent Trustee, to understand the fund and the responsibilities of a trustee of an investment company; o whether the person has the ability to understand the sometimes conflicting interests of the various constituencies of the fund and to act in the interests of all shareholders; and o whether the person has a conflict of interest that would impair his or her ability to represent the interests of all shareholders and to fulfill the responsibilities of a trustee. POLICY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Mary K. Bush, Margaret B.W. Graham, Thomas J. Perna (Chair) and Stephen K. West. The Policy Administration Committee, among other things, oversees and monitors the fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that are not directly related to financial reporting, internal financial controls, independent audits or the performance of the fund's internal audit function. The Policy Administration Committee also oversees the adoption and implementation of certain of the fund's policies and procedures. VALUATION COMMITTEE David R. Bock, Benjamin M. Friedman and Marguerite A. Piret (Chair). The Valuation Committee, among other things, determines with Pioneer the value of securities under certain circumstances and considers other matters with respect to the valuation of securities, in each case in accordance with the fund's valuation procedures. OVERSIGHT OF RISK MANAGEMENT Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the fund in the interests of shareholders, the Board of Trustees oversees risk management of the fund's investment management and business operations. In performing this oversight function, the Board considers various risks and risk management practices relating to the fund. The Board has delegated certain aspects of its risk oversight responsibilities to the committees. The fund faces a number of risks, such as investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, enterprise risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. The goal of risk management is to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the fund. 36 Most of the fund's investment management and business operations are carried out by or through Pioneer, its affiliates, and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the fund's and each other's in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. Under the overall supervision of the Board or the applicable committee of the Board, the fund, or Pioneer and the affiliates of Pioneer or other service providers to the fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls in an effort to identify, address and mitigate risks. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the fund's and Pioneer's chief compliance officer and Pioneer's chief risk officer and director of internal audit, as well as various personnel of Pioneer, and of other service providers such as the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the applicable committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The reports received by the Trustees related to risks typically are summaries of relevant information. During the course of the most recent fiscal year, the Trustees oversaw the development of portfolio risk metrics designed to evaluate the relative attribution risks in the funds versus those in an appropriate index. These metrics are intended as a basis for risk assessment and may be used by the portfolio manager of a fund in determining investment strategies for the fund. These metrics will not, however, be effective in identifying all known or unanticipated risks which could result in a decline in value of a fund. The Trustees recognize that not all risks that may affect the fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the fund's goals, that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and that some risks are simply beyond the control of the fund or Pioneer and its affiliates or other service providers. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations. In addition, it is important to note that the fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future. COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES The fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers. The Pioneer Funds, including the fund, compensate their Trustees. The Independent Trustees review and set their compensation annually, taking into consideration the committee and other responsibilities assigned to specific Trustees. The table under "Annual Fees, Expense and Other Information - Compensation of Officers and Trustees" sets forth the compensation paid to each of the Trustees. The compensation paid to the Trustees is then allocated among the funds as follows: o each fund with assets less than $250 million pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $1,000. o the remaining compensation of the Independent Trustees is allocated to each fund with assets greater than $250 million based on the fund's net assets. o the Interested Trustees receive an annual fee of $500 from each fund, except in the case of funds with net assets of $50 million or less, which pay each Interested Trustee an annual fee of $200. Pioneer reimburses these funds for the fees paid to the Interested Trustees. See "Compensation of Officers and Trustees" in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information." SALES LOADS The fund offers its shares to Trustees and officers of the fund and employees of Pioneer and its affiliates without a sales charge in order to encourage investment in the fund by individuals who are responsible for its management and because the sales to such persons do not entail any sales effort by the fund, brokers or other intermediaries. 37 OTHER INFORMATION The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee, officer or employee of the fund shall be liable to the fund or any shareholder for any action, failure to act, error or mistake except in cases of bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the fund to indemnify each Trustee, director, officer, employee and authorized agent to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee, or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. The 1940 Act currently provides that no officer or director shall be protected from liability to the fund or shareholders for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of office. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust extends to Trustees, officers and employees of the fund the full protection from liability that the law allows. MATERIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES Mr. West, an Independent Trustee, is Senior Counsel to Sullivan & Cromwell, which acts as counsel to the Independent Trustees and the Independent Trustees of the other Pioneer Funds. The aggregate compensation paid to Sullivan & Cromwell by the fund and the other Pioneer Funds was approximately $313,129 and $447,665 in each of 2010 and 2011. SHARE OWNERSHIP See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for information on the ownership of fund shares by the Trustees, the fund's officers and owners in excess of 5% of any class of shares of the fund and a table indicating the value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owns in the fund and in all the Pioneer Funds. PROXY VOTING POLICIES Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners without charge at http://www.pioneerinvestments.com and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are attached as "Appendix B" 4. INVESTMENT ADVISER The fund has entered into an amended and restated management agreement (hereinafter, the "management contract") with Pioneer, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to which Pioneer acts as the fund's investment adviser. Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredit. Certain Trustees or officers of the fund are also directors and/or officers of certain of UniCredit's subsidiaries (see management biographies above). Pioneer has entered into an agreement with its affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited ("PIML"), pursuant to which PIML provides certain services and personnel to Pioneer. As the fund's investment adviser, Pioneer provides the fund with investment research, advice and supervision and furnishes an investment program for the fund consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies, subject to the supervision of the fund's Trustees. Pioneer determines what portfolio securities will be purchased or sold, arranges for the placing of orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place those orders, maintains books and records with respect to the fund's securities transactions, and reports to the Trustees on the fund's investments and performance. The management contract will continue in effect from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Trustees of the fund or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (ii) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund, with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. 38 The management contract may be terminated without penalty by the Trustees of the fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to Pioneer, or by Pioneer on not less than 90 days' written notice to the fund, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by Pioneer. The management contract is not assignable by the fund except with the consent of Pioneer. The Trustees' approval of and the terms, continuance and termination of the management contract are governed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the management contract, Pioneer assumes no responsibility other than to render the services called for under the management contract, in good faith, and Pioneer will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities or other transactions for the fund. Pioneer, however, is not protected against liability by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the management contract. The management contract requires Pioneer to furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel in connection with the performance of its services under the management contract, and except as specifically stated therein, Pioneer is not responsible for any of the fund's ordinary and extraordinary expenses. ADVISORY FEE As compensation for its management services and expenses incurred, the fund pays Pioneer a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the fund's average daily net assets. This fee is computed and accrued daily and paid monthly. See the table in Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information for management fees paid to Pioneer during recently completed fiscal years. ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT The fund has entered into an amended and restated administration agreement with Pioneer, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to which Pioneer acts as the fund's administrator, performing certain accounting, administration and legal services for the fund. Pioneer is reimbursed for its cost of providing such services. The cost of providing these services is based on direct costs and costs of overhead, subject to review by the Board of Trustees. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for fees the fund paid to Pioneer for administration and related services. In addition, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. performs certain sub-administration services to the fund pursuant to an agreement with Pioneer and the fund. Under the terms of the amended and restated administration agreement with the fund, Pioneer pays or reimburses the fund for expenses relating to its services for the fund, with the exception of the following, which are to be paid by the fund: (a) charges and expenses for fund accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related overhead, including, to the extent such services are performed by personnel of Pioneer, or its affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (b) the charges and expenses of auditors; (c) the charges and expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar appointed by the fund; (d) issue and transfer taxes, chargeable to the fund in connection with securities transactions to which the fund is a party; (e) insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and corporate fees payable by the fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies; (f) fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registrations of the fund and/or its shares with federal regulatory agencies, state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign jurisdictions, including the preparation of prospectuses and statements of additional information for filing with such regulatory authorities; (g) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (h) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the fund and the Trustees; (i) any distribution fees paid by the fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act; (j) compensation of those Trustees of the fund who are not affiliated with or interested persons of Pioneer, the fund (other than as Trustees), PIM-USA 39 or PFD; (k) the cost of preparing and printing share certificates; (l) interest on borrowed money, if any; (m) fees payable by the fund under management agreements and the administration agreement; and (n) extraordinary expenses. The fund shall also assume and pay any other expense that the fund, Pioneer or any other agent of the fund may incur not listed above that is approved by the Board of Trustees (including a majority of the Independent Trustees) as being an appropriate expense of the fund. The fund shall pay all fees and expenses to be paid by the fund under the sub-administration agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. In addition, the fund shall pay all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the fund in connection with securities transactions to which the fund is a party. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The fund is managed by Pioneer, which also serves as investment adviser to other Pioneer mutual funds and other accounts (including separate accounts and unregistered products) with investment objectives identical or similar to those of the fund. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of the fund, the other Pioneer mutual funds and such other accounts. In such cases, the decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors. The determining factors in most cases are the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those securities and the market for them. Other factors considered in the investment recommendations include other investments which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry and the availability of investment funds in each fund or account. It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund and/or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the Pioneer mutual funds or a private account managed by Pioneer seeks to acquire the same security at about the same time, the fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, the fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio security if Pioneer decides to sell on behalf of another account the same portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the fund. In the event more than one account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchases and sales will normally be made as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis in proportion to the amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each account. Although the other Pioneer mutual funds may have the same or similar investment objectives and policies as the fund, their portfolios do not generally consist of the same investments as the fund or each other, and their performance results are likely to differ from those of the fund. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS The fund, Pioneer, and PFD have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act which is applicable to officers, trustees/directors and designated employees of Pioneer and certain of Pioneer's affiliates. The code permits such persons to engage in personal securities transactions for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund, and is designed to prescribe means reasonably necessary to prevent conflicts of interest from arising in connection with personal securities transactions. The code is on public file with and available from the SEC. 5. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER PFD, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the principal underwriter for the fund in connection with the continuous offering of its shares. PFD is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PIM-USA. 40 The fund entered into an underwriting agreement with PFD which provides that PFD will bear expenses for the distribution of the fund's shares, except for expenses incurred by PFD for which it is reimbursed or compensated by the fund under the distribution plan (discussed below). PFD bears all expenses it incurs in providing services under the underwriting agreement. Such expenses include compensation to its employees and representatives and to securities dealers for distribution-related services performed for the fund. PFD also pays certain expenses in connection with the distribution of the fund's shares, including the cost of preparing, printing and distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the cost of printing and distributing prospectuses and supplements to prospective shareholders. The fund bears the cost of registering its shares under federal and state securities law and the laws of certain non-U.S. countries. Under the underwriting agreement, PFD will use its best efforts in rendering services to the fund. See "Sales Charges" for the schedule of initial sales charge reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of the fund's Class A shares. See the tables under "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for commissions retained by PFD and reallowed to dealers in connection with PFD's offering of the fund's Class A and Class C shares during recently completed fiscal years. The fund will not generally issue fund shares for consideration other than cash. At the fund's sole discretion, however, it may issue fund shares for consideration other than cash in connection with a bona fide reorganization, statutory merger or other acquisition of portfolio securities. It is the fund's general practice to repurchase its shares of beneficial interest for cash consideration in any amount; however, the redemption price of shares of the fund may, at Pioneer's discretion, be paid in portfolio securities. The fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net asset value during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should the amount of redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or portfolio securities. In the latter case, the securities are taken at their value employed in determining the fund's net asset value. You may incur additional costs, such as brokerage fees and taxes, and risks, including a decline in the value of the securities you receive, if the fund makes an in-kind distribution. DISTRIBUTION PLAN The fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R shares. The fund has not adopted a Distribution Plan with respect to its Class Y shares. For each Class that has adopted a Distribution Plan, fees under the Distribution Plan may be used to make payments to one or more principal underwriters, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries (which may include banks) and other parties that enter into a distribution, selling or service agreement with respect to the shares of such Class (each of the foregoing, a "Service Party"). The fund, its principal underwriter or other parties also may incur expenses in connection with the distribution or marketing and sales of the fund's shares that may be paid or reimbursed by the fund. The aggregate amount in respect of such fees and expenses with respect to each Class shall be the amount calculated at a percentage per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to such Class as set forth below:
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE CLASS PER ANNUM --------- ---------------------- Class A 0.25% --------- ---- Class B 1.00% --------- ---- Class C 1.00% --------- ---- Class R 0.50% --------- ----
41 Payments are made under the Distribution Plan for distribution services and other activities in respect of the sale of shares of the fund and to make payments for advertising, marketing or other promotional activity, and for preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than regulators and existing shareholders. The fund also may make payments to Service Parties under the Distribution Plan for providing personal service or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The amounts paid to each recipient may vary based upon certain factors, including, among other things, the levels of sales of fund shares and/or shareholder services provided; provided, however, that the fees paid to a recipient with respect to a particular Class that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of that Class, or that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended for personal service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts, may not exceed the maximum amounts, if any, as may from time to time be permitted for such services under the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") Conduct Rule 2830 or any successor rule, in each case as amended or interpreted by FINRA. The Distribution Plan also provides that the Service Parties may receive all or a portion of any sales charges paid by investors. The Distribution Plan permits the fund to pay fees to the Service Parties as compensation for their services, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. Thus, even if their expenses exceed the fees provided for by the Distribution Plan, the fund will not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if their expenses are less than the fees paid to them, they will realize a profit. The fund may pay the fees to the Service Parties until the Distribution Plan or any related distribution agreement is terminated or not renewed. In that event, a Service Party's expenses in excess of fees received or accrued through the termination date will be such Service Party's sole responsibility and not obligations of the fund. In their annual consideration of the continuation of the Distribution Plan for the fund, the Trustees will review the Distribution Plan and the expenses for each Class within the fund separately. The fund may participate in joint distribution activities with other Pioneer funds. The costs associated with such joint distribution activities are allocated to a fund based on the number of shares sold. The Distribution Plan also recognizes that Pioneer, PFD or any other Service Party may make payments for distribution-related expenses out of its own resources, including past profits, or payments received from the fund for other purposes, such as management fees, and that the Service Parties may from time to time use their own resources for distribution-related services, in addition to the fees paid under the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan specifically provides that, to the extent that such payments might be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund within the context of Rule 12b-1, then the payments are deemed to be authorized by the Distribution Plan but not subject to the maximum amounts set forth above. Under its terms, the Distribution Plan continues in effect for one year and thereafter for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the service and distribution fees without shareholder approval, and all material amendments of the Distribution Plan also must be approved by the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, in the manner described above. The Distribution Plan may be terminated with respect to a Class of the fund at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Class of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for fund expenses under the Distribution Plan paid to PFD for the most recently completed fiscal year. 42 CLASS B SHARES PFD pays the selling broker-dealer a commission on the sale of Class B shares equal to 3.75% of the amount invested. This commission is paid at the time of sale of the Class B shares. In order to be entitled to a commission, the selling broker-dealer must have entered into a sales agreement with PFD. Since PFD pays commissions to broker-dealers at the time of the sale of Class B shares but only receives compensation for such expenses over time through the distribution fee and CDSC, PFD may finance the payment of commissions to broker-dealers. In order to facilitate such financing, the fund has agreed that the distribution fee attributable to the Class B shares will not be terminated or modified (including a modification in the rules relating to the conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares) with respect to Class B shares (or the assets attributable to the Class B shares): o issued prior to the date of any termination or modification; o attributable to Class B shares issued through one or a series of exchanges of shares of another investment company for which PFD acts as principal underwriter which were initially issued prior to the date of such termination or modification; or o issued as a dividend or distribution upon Class B shares initially issued or attributable to Class B shares issued prior to the date of any such termination or modification. The foregoing limitation does not apply to Class B shares issued after the termination or modification. The foregoing limitation on terminating or modifying the distribution fee attributable to the Class B shares also does not apply to a termination or modification: o to the extent required by a change in the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations under the 1940 Act, the Conduct Rules of FINRA or an order of any court or governmental agency, in each case enacted, issued or promulgated after September 30, 1998; o if the fund (or any successor) terminates the Distribution Plan and all payments under the Distribution Plan and neither the fund (nor any successor) establishes another class of shares which has substantially similar characteristics to the Class B shares of the fund; or o at any time by the Board of Trustees. However, the Board of Trustees may terminate or modify the Class B Plan only if the fund and Pioneer agree that none of the fund, PFD or any of their affiliates will pay, after the date of termination or modification, a service fee with respect to the fund's Class B shares and the termination or modification of the distribution fee applies equally to all Class B shares outstanding from time to time. In the underwriting agreement, the fund agrees that subsequent to the issuance of a Class B share, the fund will not waive or change any CDSC (including a change in the rules applicable to conversion of Class B shares into another class) in respect of such Class B share, except: o as provided in the fund's prospectus or statement of additional information; or o as required by a change in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the Conduct Rules of FINRA or any order of any court or governmental agency. PFD pays a service fee to broker-dealers at a rate of up to 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares owned by shareholders for whom that broker-dealer is the holder or dealer of record. This service fee compensates the broker-dealer for providing personal services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the broker-dealer with respect to Class B shares. PFD may from time to time require that dealers, in addition to providing these services, meet certain criteria in order to receive service fees. 43 At the time of the sale of a Class B share, PFD also may advance to the broker-dealer, from PFD's own assets, the first-year service fee payable under the Class B Plan at a rate up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares. If such an advance is made, the broker-dealer would not receive any further service fee until the 13th month following the purchase of Class B shares. As compensation for advancing the service fee, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase. CLASS C SHARES PFD will advance to dealers the first-year service fee at a rate equal to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional annual distribution fees and service fees of up to 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively, of the net asset value of such shares. Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other criteria in order to receive service fees. SERVICE PLAN FOR CLASS R SHARES The fund has adopted a service plan (the "Service Plan") with respect to its Class R shares under which the fund is authorized to pay securities dealers, plan administrators or other service organizations who agree to provide certain services to plans or plan participants holding shares of the fund a service fee of up to 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares held by such plan participants. These services may include (a) acting, directly or through an agent, as the shareholder of record and nominee for all plan participants, (b) maintaining account records for each plan participant that beneficially owns Class R shares, (c) processing orders to purchase, redeem and exchange Class R shares on behalf of plan participants, and handling the transmission of funds representing the purchase price or redemption proceeds, and (d) addressing plan participant questions regarding their accounts and the fund. 6. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING/TRANSFER AGENT The fund has contracted with PIMSS, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, to act as shareholder servicing and transfer agent for the fund. Under the terms of its contract with the fund, PIMSS services shareholder accounts, and its duties include: (i) processing sales, redemptions and exchanges of shares of the fund; (ii) distributing dividends and capital gains associated with the fund's portfolio; and (iii) maintaining account records and responding to shareholder inquiries. PIMSS receives an annual fee of $24.75 for each shareholder account from the fund as compensation for the services described above. PIMSS is also reimbursed by the fund for its cash out-of-pocket expenditures. The fund may compensate entities which have agreed to provide certain sub-accounting services such as specific transaction processing and recordkeeping services. Any such payments by the fund would be in lieu of the per account fee which would otherwise be paid by the fund to PIMSS. 7. CUSTODIAN AND SUB-ADMINISTRATOR Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("BBH"), 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the custodian of the fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safekeeping and controlling the fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the fund's investments. 44 Effective March 5, 2012, BBH also performs certain fund accounting and fund administration services for the Pioneer Fund complex, including the fund. For performing such services, BBH receives fees based on complex-wide assets. No sub-administration fees were paid by the fund during recently completed fiscal years. 8. INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5072, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, provides audit services, tax return review services, and assistance and consultation with respect to filings with the SEC. 9. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER The table below indicates, for the portfolio manager of the fund, information about the accounts other than the fund over which the portfolio manager has day-to-day investment responsibility. All information on the number of accounts and total assets in the table is as of December 31, 2011. For purposes of the table, "Other Pooled Investment Vehicles" may include investment partnerships, undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities ("UCITS") and other non-U.S. investment funds and group trusts, and "Other Accounts" may include separate accounts for institutions or individuals, insurance company general or separate accounts, pension funds and other similar institutional accounts but generally do not include the portfolio manager's personal investment accounts or those which the manager may be deemed to own beneficially under the code of ethics. Certain funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager may have substantially similar investment strategies.
NUMBER OF ASSETS ACCOUNTS MANAGED MANAGED FOR FOR WHICH WHICH ADVISORY ADVISORY NAME OF NUMBER OF FEE IS FEE IS PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTS TOTAL ASSETS PERFORMANCE- PERFORMANCE- MANAGER TYPE OF ACCOUNT MANAGED MANAGED BASED BASED ------------- ---------------------- ----------- -------------- ---------------- ------------- Brian Stack Other Registered Investment Companies 1 $121,884,000 N/A N/A Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 1 $ 9,491,000 N/A N/A Other Accounts 0 $ 0 N/A N/A ------------- ---------------------- ----------- ------------ ---------------- -------------
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST When a portfolio manager is responsible for the management of more than one account, the potential arises for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The principal types of potential conflicts of interest that may arise are discussed below. For the reasons outlined below, Pioneer does not believe that any material conflicts are likely to arise out of a portfolio manager's responsibility for the management of the fund as well as one or more other accounts. Although Pioneer has adopted procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws and to mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest to affect its portfolio management decisions, there can be no assurance that all conflicts will be identified or that all procedures will be effective in mitigating the potential for such risks. Generally, the risks of such conflicts of interest are increased to the extent that a portfolio manager has a financial incentive to favor one account over another. Pioneer has structured its compensation arrangements in a manner that is intended to limit such potential for conflicts of interest. See "Compensation of Portfolio Managers" below. 45 o A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in allocating new investment opportunities that have limited supply, such as initial public offerings and private placements. If, for example, an initial public offering that was expected to appreciate in value significantly shortly after the offering was allocated to a single account, that account may be expected to have better investment performance than other accounts that did not receive an allocation of the initial public offering. Generally, investments for which there is limited availability are allocated based upon a range of factors including available cash and consistency with the accounts' investment objectives and policies. This allocation methodology necessarily involves some subjective elements but is intended over time to treat each client in an equitable and fair manner. Generally, the investment opportunity is allocated among participating accounts on a pro rata basis. Although Pioneer believes that its practices are reasonably designed to treat each client in an equitable and fair manner, there may be instances where a fund may not participate, or may participate to a lesser degree than other clients, in the allocation of an investment opportunity. o A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in the order in which trades for the accounts are placed. If a portfolio manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The less liquid the market for the security or the greater the percentage that the proposed aggregate purchases or sales represent of average daily trading volume, the greater the potential for accounts that make subsequent purchases or sales to receive a less favorable price. When a portfolio manager intends to trade the same security on the same day for more than one account, the trades typically are "bunched," which means that the trades for the individual accounts are aggregated and each account receives the same price. There are some types of accounts as to which bunching may not be possible for contractual reasons (such as directed brokerage arrangements). Circumstances may also arise where the trader believes that bunching the orders may not result in the best possible price. Where those accounts or circumstances are involved, Pioneer will place the order in a manner intended to result in as favorable a price as possible for such client. o A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager's compensation is tied to the performance of that account to a greater degree than other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. If, for example, the portfolio manager receives a bonus based upon the performance of certain accounts relative to a benchmark while other accounts are disregarded for this purpose, the portfolio manager will have a financial incentive to seek to have the accounts that determine the portfolio manager's bonus achieve the best possible performance to the possible detriment of other accounts. Similarly, if Pioneer receives a performance-based advisory fee, the portfolio manager may favor that account, whether or not the performance of that account directly determines the portfolio manager's compensation. o A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager has a beneficial interest in the account, in order to benefit a large client or to compensate a client that had poor returns. For example, if the portfolio manager held an interest in an investment partnership that was one of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the portfolio manager would have an economic incentive to favor the account in which the portfolio manager held an interest. o If the different accounts have materially and potentially conflicting investment objectives or strategies, a conflict of interest could arise. For example, if a portfolio manager purchases a security for one account and sells the same security for another account, such trading pattern may disadvantage either the account that is long or short. In making portfolio manager assignments, Pioneer seeks to avoid such potentially conflicting situations. However, where a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts with differing investment objectives and policies, it is possible that the portfolio manager will conclude that it is in the best interest of one account to sell a portfolio security while another account continues to hold or increase the holding in such security. 46 COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGER Pioneer has adopted a system of compensation for portfolio managers that seeks to align the financial interests of the portfolio managers with those of shareholders of the accounts (including Pioneer funds) the portfolio managers manage, as well as with the financial performance of Pioneer. The compensation program for all Pioneer portfolio managers includes a base salary (determined by the rank and tenure of the employee) and an annual bonus program, as well as customary benefits that are offered generally to all full-time employees. Base compensation is fixed and normally reevaluated on an annual basis. Pioneer seeks to set base compensation at market rates, taking into account the experience and responsibilities of the portfolio manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the portfolio manager achieving superior investment performance and align the interests of the investment professional with those of shareholders, as well as with the financial performance of Pioneer. Any bonus under the plan is completely discretionary, with a maximum annual bonus that may be in excess of base salary. The annual bonus is based upon a combination of the following factors: o QUANTITATIVE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The quantitative investment performance calculation is based on pre-tax investment performance of all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which includes the fund and any other accounts managed by the portfolio manager) over a one-year period (20% weighting) and four-year period (80% weighting), measured for periods ending on December 31. The accounts, which include the fund, are ranked against a group of mutual funds with similar investment objectives and investment focus (60%) and a broad-based securities market index measuring the performance of the same type of securities in which the accounts invest (40%), which, in the case of the fund, is the Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 2000 Growth Index. As a result of these two benchmarks, the performance of the portfolio manager for compensation purposes is measured against the criteria that are relevant to the portfolio manager's competitive universe. o QUALITATIVE PERFORMANCE. The qualitative performance component with respect to all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager includes objectives, such as effectiveness in the areas of teamwork, leadership, communications and marketing, that are mutually established and evaluated by each portfolio manager and management. o PIONEER RESULTS AND BUSINESS LINE RESULTS. Pioneer's financial performance, as well as the investment performance of its investment management group, affect a portfolio manager's actual bonus by a leverage factor of plus or minus (+/-) a predetermined percentage. The quantitative and qualitative performance components comprise 80% and 20%, respectively, of the overall bonus calculation (on a pre-adjustment basis). A portion of the annual bonus is deferred for a specified period and may be invested in one or more Pioneer funds. Certain portfolio managers may participate in other programs designed to reward and retain key contributors. Senior executives or other key employees may be granted performance units based on the stock price performance of UniCredit and the financial performance of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A., which are affiliates of Pioneer. Portfolio managers also may participate in a deferred compensation program, whereby deferred amounts are invested in one or more Pioneer funds. 47 SHARE OWNERSHIP BY PORTFOLIO MANAGER The following table indicates as of December 31, 2011 the value, within the indicated range, of shares beneficially owned by the portfolio manager of the fund.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP NAME OF PORTFOLIO MANAGER OF THE FUND* --------------------------- --------------------- Brian Stack E --------------------------- --------------------- --------------------------- --------------------- Variable Not Found Variable Not Found --------------------------- --------------------- Variable Not Found Variable Not Found --------------------------- ---------------------
* Key to Dollar Ranges A. None B. $1 - $10,000 C. $10,001 - $50,000 D. $50,001 - $100,000 E. $100,001 - $500,000 F. $500,001 - $1,000,000 G. Over $1,000,000
10. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by Pioneer pursuant to authority contained in the fund's management contract. Pioneer seeks to obtain overall best execution on portfolio trades. The price of securities and any commission rate paid are always factors, but frequently not the only factors, in judging best execution. In selecting brokers or dealers, Pioneer considers various relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the size and type of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability and financial condition of the dealer; the dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the reasonableness of any dealer spreads. Transactions in non-U.S. equity securities are executed by broker-dealers in non-U.S. countries in which commission rates may not be negotiable (as such rates are in the U.S.). Pioneer may select broker-dealers that provide brokerage and/or research services to the fund and/or other investment companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer over which it or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. In addition, consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if Pioneer determines in good faith that the amount of commissions charged by a broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker, the fund may pay commissions to such broker-dealer in an amount greater than the amount another firm may charge. Such services may include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities; the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; providing stock quotation services, credit rating service information and comparative fund statistics; furnishing analyses, electronic information services, manuals and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and performance of accounts and particular investment decisions; and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Pioneer maintains a listing of broker-dealers who provide such services on a regular basis. However, because many transactions on behalf of the fund and other investment companies or accounts managed by Pioneer are placed with broker-dealers (including broker-dealers on the listing) without regard to the furnishing of such services, it is not possible to estimate the proportion of such transactions directed to such dealers solely because such services were provided. Pioneer believes that no exact dollar value can be calculated for such services. 48 The research received from broker-dealers may be useful to Pioneer in rendering investment management services to the fund as well as other investment companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer, although not all such research may be useful to the fund. Conversely, such information provided by brokers or dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other accounts may be useful to Pioneer in carrying out its obligations to the fund. The receipt of such research enables Pioneer to avoid the additional expenses which might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff. The fund may participate in third-party brokerage and/or expense offset arrangements to reduce the fund's total operating expenses. Pursuant to third-party brokerage arrangements, the fund may incur lower expenses by directing brokerage to third-party broker-dealers which have agreed to use part of their commission to pay the fund's fees to service providers unaffiliated with Pioneer or other expenses. Since the commissions paid to the third party brokers reflect a commission cost that the fund would generally expect to incur on its brokerage transactions but not necessarily the lowest possible commission, this arrangement is intended to reduce the fund's operating expenses without increasing the cost of its brokerage commissions. Since use of such directed brokerage is subject to the requirement to achieve best execution in connection with the fund's brokerage transactions, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be utilized. Pursuant to expense offset arrangements, the fund may incur lower transfer agency expenses due to interest earned on cash held with the transfer agent. See "Financial highlights" in the prospectus. See the table in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for aggregate brokerage and underwriting commissions paid by the fund in connection with its portfolio transactions during recently completed fiscal years. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews Pioneer's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund. 11. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES As an open-end management investment company, the fund continuously offers its shares to the public and under normal conditions must redeem its shares upon the demand of any shareholder at the next determined net asset value per share less any applicable CDSC. See "Sales Charges." When issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the prospectus and statement of additional information, shares of the fund are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares will remain on deposit with the fund's transfer agent and certificates will not normally be issued. The fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust. The Trustees have authorized the issuance of the following classes of shares of the fund, designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares. Each share of a class of the fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the fund allocable to that class. Upon liquidation of the fund, shareholders of each class of the fund are entitled to share pro rata in the fund's net assets allocable to such class available for distribution to shareholders. The Trust reserves the right to create and issue additional series or classes of shares, in which case the shares of each class of a series would participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets allocable to that class of the particular series. The shares of each class represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the fund. Each class has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different class-specific fees and expenses such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends by each class. Share classes have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. 49 THE TRUST The Trust's operations are governed by the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of July 1, 2008 (referred to in this section as the declaration). A copy of the Trust's Certificate of Trust dated as of September 2, 2003, as amended, is on file with the office of the Secretary of State of Delaware. Delaware law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the board (referred to in this section as the trustees) and shareholders of the Delaware statutory trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the trustees and the shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in the declaration. Some of the more significant provisions of the declaration are described below. SHAREHOLDER VOTING The declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Delaware law, actions by the trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. The trustees may, without shareholder approval, where approval of shareholders is not otherwise required under the 1940 Act, merge or consolidate the Trust into other entities, reorganize the Trust or any series or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell the assets of the Trust or any series or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, or terminate the Trust or any series or class. The fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the declaration. The declaration gives the board the flexibility to specify either per share voting or dollar-weighted voting. Under per share voting, each share of the fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareholder's voting power is determined, not by the number of shares the shareholder owns, but by the dollar value of those shares determined on the record date. All shareholders of all series and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares. ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES The declaration provides that the trustees may establish the number of trustees and that vacancies on the board may be filled by the remaining trustees, except when election of trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the trustees and that trustees may be removed at any time or for any reason by a majority of the board or by a majority of the outstanding shareholders of the Trust. AMENDMENTS TO THE DECLARATION The trustees are authorized to amend the declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, trustees, officers or, employees of the trust or that limit the rights to indemnification or insurance provided in the declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification under the declaration prior to the amendment. ISSUANCE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES The fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the trustees may determine. The fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder's shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the trustees, including, for 50 example, if the shareholder fails to provide the fund with identification required by law, or if the fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts. DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDER HOLDINGS The declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the fund information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and the fund may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation. SMALL ACCOUNTS The declaration provides that the fund may close out a shareholder's account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the trustees from time to time. Alternately, the declaration permits the fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts. SERIES AND CLASSES The declaration provides that the trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into another class. Each share of the fund, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust. SHAREHOLDER, TRUSTEE AND OFFICER LIABILITY The declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the fund and requires a fund to indemnify a shareholder against liability arising solely from the shareholder's ownership of shares in the fund. In addition, the fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. The declaration further provides that no trustee, officer or employee of the fund shall be liable to the fund or any shareholder for any action, failure to act, error or mistake except in cases of bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The declaration requires the fund to indemnify each trustee, director, officer, employee and authorized agent to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a trustee, director, officer, employee, or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. The 1940 Act currently provides that no officer or director shall be protected from liability to the fund or shareholders for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of office. The declaration extends to trustees, officers and employees of the fund the full protection from liability that the law allows. The declaration provides that the appointment, designation or identification of a trustee as chairperson, a member of a committee, an expert, lead independent trustee, or any other special appointment, designation or identification shall not impose any heightened standard of care or liability on such trustee. 51 DERIVATIVE ACTIONS The declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the fund's trustees. The declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the fund, the trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the fund. The declaration further provides that shareholders owning shares representing at least 10% of the voting power of the affected fund must join in bringing the derivative action. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the fund in connection with the consideration of the demand, if in the judgment of the independent trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the fund's costs, including attorneys' fees. The declaration further provides that the fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys' fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys' fees that the fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the fund be brought only in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in state court in Boston, Massachusetts, and that shareholders have no right to jury trial for such actions. 12. SALES CHARGES The fund continuously offers the following classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares, as described in the prospectus. The fund offers its shares at a reduced sales charge to investors who meet certain criteria that permit the fund's shares to be sold with low distribution costs. These criteria are described below or in the prospectus. CLASS A SHARE SALES CHARGES You may buy Class A shares at the public offering price, including a sales charge, as follows:
SALES CHARGE AS A % OF -------------------------------------- OFFERING NET AMOUNT DEALER AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PRICE INVESTED REALLOWANCE --------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 5.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $500,000 or more 0.00 0.00 see below --------------------------------- ---- ---- ------------
The schedule of sales charges above is applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the fund by (i) an individual, (ii) an individual and his or her spouse and children under the age of 21 and (iii) a trustee or other fiduciary of a trust estate or fiduciary account or related trusts or accounts including pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts qualified under Sections 401 or 408 of the Code although more than one beneficiary is involved; however, pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts 52 qualified under Sections 401 or 408 of the Code which are eligible to purchase Class R shares may aggregate purchases by beneficiaries of such plans only if the pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit trust has determined that it does not require the services provided under the Class R Service Plan. The sales charges applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of the fund by a person listed above is determined by adding the value of shares to be purchased to the aggregate value (at the then current offering price) of shares of any of the other Pioneer mutual funds previously purchased and then owned, provided PFD is notified by such person or his or her broker-dealer each time a purchase is made which would qualify. Pioneer mutual funds include all mutual funds for which PFD serves as principal underwriter. At the sole discretion of PFD, holdings of funds domiciled outside the U.S., but which are managed by affiliates of Pioneer, may be included for this purpose. No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $500,000 or more, or for purchases by participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans described below subject to a CDSC of 1% which may be imposed in the event of a redemption of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. PFD may, in its discretion, pay a commission to broker-dealers who initiate and are responsible for such purchases as follows: 1.00% Up to $4 million ---- --------------------------------- Greater than $4 million and less 0.50% than or equal to $50 million ---- --------------------------------- 0.25% Over $50 million ---- ---------------------------------
Commissions are based on cumulative investments in Class A shares of the Pioneer funds. These commissions shall not be payable if the purchaser is affiliated with the broker-dealer or if the purchase represents the reinvestment of a redemption made during the previous 12 calendar months. Broker-dealers who receive a commission in connection with Class A share purchases at net asset value by employer-sponsored retirement plans with at least $500,000 in total plan assets (or that has 1,000 or more eligible participants for employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004) will be required to return any commissions paid or a pro rata portion thereof if the retirement plan redeems its shares within 12 months of purchase. If an investor eligible to purchase Class R shares is otherwise qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value or at a reduced sales charge, Class A shares may be selected where the investor does not require the distribution and account services needs typically required by Class R share investors and/or the broker-dealer has elected to forgo the level of compensation that Class R shares provides. LETTER OF INTENT ("LOI") Reduced sales charges are available for purchases of $50,000 or more of Class A shares (excluding any reinvestments of dividends and capital gain distributions) made within a 13-month period pursuant to an LOI which may be established by completing the Letter of Intent section of the Account Application. The reduced sales charge will be the charge that would be applicable to the purchase of the specified amount of Class A shares as if the shares had all been purchased at the same time. A purchase not made pursuant to an LOI may be included if the LOI is submitted to PIMSS within 90 days of such purchase. You may also obtain the reduced sales charge by including the value (at current offering price) of all your Class A shares in the fund and all other Pioneer mutual funds held of record as of the date of your LOI in the amount used to determine the applicable sales charge for the Class A shares to be purchased under the LOI. Five percent of your total intended purchase amount will be held in escrow by PIMSS, registered in your name, until the terms of the LOI are fulfilled. When you sign the Account Application, you agree to irrevocably appoint PIMSS your attorney-in-fact to surrender for redemption any or all shares held in escrow with full power of substitution. An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase, or the fund to sell, the amount specified in the LOI. Any share class for which no sales charge is paid cannot be included under the LOI. 53 If the total purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified under the LOI and are in an amount that would qualify for a further quantity discount, all transactions will be recomputed on the expiration date of the LOI to effect the lower sales charge. Any difference in the sales charge resulting from such recomputation will be either delivered to you in cash or invested in additional shares at the lower sales charge. The dealer, by signing the Account Application, agrees to return to PFD, as part of such retroactive adjustment, the excess of the commission previously reallowed or paid to the dealer over that which is applicable to the actual amount of the total purchases under the LOI. If the total purchases, less redemptions, are less than the amount specified under the LOI, you must remit to PFD any difference between the sales charge on the amount actually purchased and the amount originally specified in the LOI. When the difference is paid, the shares held in escrow will be deposited to your account. If you do not pay the difference in sales charge within 20 days after written request from PFD or your dealer, PIMSS, after receiving instructions from PFD, will redeem the appropriate number of shares held in escrow to realize the difference and release any excess. CLASS B SHARES Effective December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except for reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gains distributions and exchanges for Class B shares of other Pioneer funds. You may buy Class B shares at the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales charge; however, Class B shares redeemed within five years of purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below. The charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions. The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of purchase until the time of redemption of Class B shares. In processing redemptions of Class B shares, the fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC and then shares held longest during the five-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible CDSC. The CDSC for Class B shares subject to a CDSC upon redemption will be determined as follows:
CDSC AS A % OF DOLLAR YEAR SINCE PURCHASE AMOUNT SUBJECT TO CDSC ---------------------- ----------------------- First 4.0 ---------------------- --- Second 4.0 ---------------------- --- Third 3.0 ---------------------- --- Fourth 2.0 ---------------------- --- Fifth 1.0 ---------------------- --- Sixth and thereafter 0.0 ---------------------- ---
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the fund in connection with the sale of Class B shares, including the payment of compensation to broker-dealers. Class B shares will automatically convert into Class A shares eight years after the purchase date, except as noted below. Class B shares acquired by exchange from Class B shares of another Pioneer mutual fund will convert into Class A shares based on the date of the initial purchase and the applicable CDSC. Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions will convert into Class A shares over time in the same proportion as other shares held in the account. For this purpose, Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be attributed to particular purchases of Class B shares in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees may determine from time to time. The conversion of Class B shares 54 to Class A shares is subject to the continuing availability of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or an opinion of counsel that such conversions will not constitute taxable events for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will not occur if such ruling or opinion is not available and, therefore, Class B shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for an indeterminate period. CLASS C SHARES You may buy Class C shares at the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales charge; however, Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC of 1%. The charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions. Class C shares do not convert to any other class of fund shares. In processing redemptions of Class C shares, the fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC and then shares held for the longest period of time during the one-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible CDSC. Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares, including the payment of compensation to broker-dealers. CLASS R SHARES You may buy Class R shares at the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales charge or CDSC. Class R shares are available to certain tax-deferred retirement plans (including 401(k) plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans) held in plan level or omnibus accounts. Class R shares also are available to individual retirement account rollovers from eligible retirement plans that offered one or more Pioneer funds as investment options. Class R shares generally are not available to non-retirement accounts, traditional and Roth IRA's, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEP's, SAR-SEP's, Simple IRA's, individual 403(b)'s or retirement plans that are not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Investors that are eligible to purchase Class R shares may also be eligible to purchase other share classes. Your investment professional can help you determine which class is appropriate. You should ask your investment professional if you qualify for a waiver of sales charges on another class and take that into consideration when selecting a class of shares. Your investment firm may receive different compensation depending upon which class is chosen. CLASS Y SHARES No front-end, deferred or asset based sales charges are applicable to Class Y shares. ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES The financial intermediaries through which shares are purchased may receive all or a portion of the sales charges and Rule 12b-1 fees discussed above. In addition to those payments, Pioneer or one or more of its affiliates (collectively, "Pioneer Affiliates") may make additional payments to financial intermediaries in connection with the promotion and sale of shares of Pioneer funds. Pioneer Affiliates make these payments from their own resources, which include resources that derive from compensation for providing services to the Pioneer funds. These additional payments are described below. The categories described 55 below are not mutually exclusive. The same financial intermediary may receive payments under more than one or all categories. Many financial intermediaries that sell shares of Pioneer funds receive one or more types of these payments. The financial intermediary typically initiates requests for additional compensation. Pioneer negotiates these arrangements individually with financial intermediaries and the amount of payments and the specific arrangements may differ significantly. A financial intermediary also may receive different levels of compensation with respect to sales or assets attributable to different types of clients of the same intermediary or different Pioneer funds. Where services are provided, the costs of providing the services and the overall array of services provided may vary from one financial intermediary to another. Pioneer Affiliates do not make an independent assessment of the cost of providing such services. While the financial intermediaries may request additional compensation from Pioneer to offset costs incurred by the financial intermediary in servicing its clients, the financial intermediary may earn a profit on these payments, since the amount of the payment may exceed the financial intermediary's costs. In this context, "financial intermediary" includes any broker, dealer, bank (including bank trust departments), insurance company, transfer agent, registered investment adviser, financial planner, retirement plan administrator and any other financial intermediary having a selling, administrative and shareholder servicing or similar agreement with a Pioneer Affiliate. A financial intermediary's receipt of additional compensation may create conflicts of interest between the financial intermediary and its clients. Each type of payment discussed below may provide your financial intermediary with an economic incentive to actively promote the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or cooperate with the distributor's promotional efforts. The receipt of additional compensation for Pioneer Affiliates may be an important consideration in a financial intermediary's willingness to support the sale of the Pioneer funds through the financial intermediary's distribution system. Pioneer Affiliates are motivated to make the payments described above since they promote the sale of Pioneer fund shares and the retention of those investments by clients of financial intermediaries. In certain cases these payments could be significant to the financial intermediary. The financial intermediary may charge additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in the prospectus. Financial intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than Pioneer Affiliates do. To the extent financial intermediaries sell more shares of the funds or retain shares of the funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer Affiliates benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to Pioneer Affiliates by the funds with respect to those assets. REVENUE SHARING PAYMENTS Pioneer Affiliates make revenue sharing payments as incentives to certain financial intermediaries to promote and sell shares of Pioneer funds. The benefits Pioneer Affiliates receive when they make these payments include, among other things, entry into or increased visibility in the financial intermediary's sales system, participation by the intermediary in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as helping facilitate or providing financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the funds to the intermediary's sales force), placement on the financial intermediary's preferred fund list, and access (in some cases, on a preferential basis over other competitors) to individual members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management. Revenue sharing payments are sometimes referred to as "shelf space" payments because the payments compensate the financial intermediary for including Pioneer funds in its fund sales system (on its "shelf space"). Pioneer Affiliates compensate financial intermediaries differently depending typically on the level and/or type of considerations provided by the financial intermediary. The revenue sharing payments Pioneer Affiliates make may be calculated on sales of shares of Pioneer funds ("Sales-Based Payments"); although there is no policy limiting the amount of Sales-Based Payments any one financial intermediary may receive, the total amount of such payments normally does not exceed 0.25% per annum of those assets. Such payments also may be calculated on the average daily net assets of the applicable Pioneer funds attributable to that particular financial intermediary ("Asset-Based Payments"); although there is no policy limiting the amount of Asset-Based Payments any one financial 56 intermediary may receive, the total amount of such payments normally does not exceed 0.16% per annum of those assets. Sales-Based Payments primarily create incentives to make new sales of shares of Pioneer funds and Asset-Based Payments primarily create incentives to retain previously sold shares of Pioneer funds in investor accounts. Pioneer Affiliates may pay a financial intermediary either or both Sales-Based Payments and Asset-Based Payments. ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCESSING SUPPORT PAYMENTS Pioneer Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Pioneer fund shares for certain administrative services, including record keeping and sub-accounting shareholder accounts, to the extent that the funds do not pay for these costs directly. Pioneer Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Pioneer fund shares in connection with client account maintenance support, statement preparation and transaction processing. The types of payments that Pioneer Affiliates may make under this category include, among others, payment of ticket charges per purchase or exchange order placed by a financial intermediary, payment of networking fees in connection with certain mutual fund trading systems, or one-time payments for ancillary services such as setting up funds on a financial intermediary's mutual fund trading system. OTHER PAYMENTS From time to time, Pioneer Affiliates, at their expense, may provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries which sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Pioneer funds. Such compensation provided by Pioneer Affiliates may include financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable Pioneer Affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client entertainment, client and investor events, and other financial intermediary-sponsored events, and travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with client prospecting, retention and due diligence trips. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by federal or state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Pioneer Affiliates make payments for entertainment events they deem appropriate, subject to Pioneer Affiliates' guidelines and applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event or the relationship. As of January 1, 2012, Pioneer anticipates that the following broker-dealers or their affiliates will receive additional payments as described in the fund's prospectus and statement of additional information: AIG VALIC ADP Retirement Services Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. AXA Advisors, LLC Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Chevy Chase Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Commonwealth Financial Network D.A. Davidson & Co. Edward Jones Ferris, Baker Watts Inc. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC First Clearing, LLC First Command Financial Planning, Inc. GWFS Equities, Inc. H.D. Investment Services Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc. Hewitt Financial Services LLC ING 57 J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L Lyons, Inc. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Jefferson National Securities Corporation Legend Equities Corporation Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. LPL Financial Corp. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. MetLife Securities Inc. Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Mutual Service Corporation N.I.S. Financial Services, Inc. National Financial Services LLC Nationwide Securities, Inc. Northwestern Investment Services, LLC NYLife Securities, LLC OneAmerica Securities, Inc. Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Penson Financial Services, Inc. Pershing LLC PFS Investments Inc. PNC Investments Prudential Financial Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. Scott and Stringfellow, Inc. Securities America, Inc. Southwest Securities, Inc. Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc. Stifel Nicholas & Company, Inc. Symetra Investment Services, Inc. TD Ameritrade, Inc. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. UBS Financial Services Inc. Upromise Investments, Inc. Wells Fargo Investments, LLC Please contact your financial intermediary for details about any payments it receives from Pioneer Affiliates or the funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. 13. REDEEMING SHARES Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed during any period in which any of the following conditions exist: the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is closed or trading on the Exchange is restricted; an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the fund to fairly determine the value of the net assets of its portfolio; or otherwise as permitted by the rules of or by the order of the SEC. 58 Redemptions and repurchases are taxable transactions for shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax. The net asset value per share received upon redemption or repurchase may be more or less than the cost of shares to an investor, depending on the market value of the portfolio at the time of redemption or repurchase. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN(S) ("SWP") (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS R SHARES) A SWP is designed to provide a convenient method of receiving fixed payments at regular intervals from fund share accounts having a total value of not less than $10,000. You must also be reinvesting all dividends and capital gain distributions to use the SWP option. Periodic payments of $50 or more will be deposited monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually directly into a bank account designated by the applicant or will be sent by check to the applicant, or any person designated by the applicant. Payments can be made either by check or electronic funds transfer to a bank account designated by you. Withdrawals from Class B, Class C and Class R share accounts are limited to 10% of the value of the account at the time the SWP is established. See "Qualifying for a reduced sales charge" in the prospectus. If you direct that withdrawal payments be paid to another person, want to change the bank where payments are sent or designate an address that is different from the account's address of record after you have opened your account, a medallion signature guarantee must accompany your instructions. Withdrawals under the SWP are redemptions that may have tax consequences for you. While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges. SWP redemptions reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of shares in your account. In addition, the amounts received by a shareholder cannot be considered as yield or income on his or her investment because part of such payments may be a return of his or her investment. A SWP may be terminated at any time (1) by written notice to PIMSS or from PIMSS to the shareholder; (2) upon receipt by PIMSS of appropriate evidence of the shareholder's death; or (3) when all shares in the shareholder's account have been redeemed. You may obtain additional information by calling PIMSS at 1-800-225-6292. REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE (CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES) Subject to the provisions outlined in the prospectus, you may reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds from Class A and Class B shares without a sales charge into Class A shares of a Pioneer mutual fund. However, the distributor will not pay your investment firm a commission on any reinvested amount. 14. TELEPHONE AND ONLINE TRANSACTIONS You may purchase, exchange or sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares by telephone or online. Class R and Class Y shares may not be purchased by telephone, and Class R and Class Y shareowners are not eligible for online transaction privileges. See the prospectus for more information. For personal assistance, call 1-800-225-6292 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. (Class Y account holders should contact Pioneer's Group Plans Department at 1-800-665-8839 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.) Eastern time on weekdays. Computer-assisted telephone transactions may be available to shareholders who have prerecorded certain bank information (see "FactFone/SM/"). YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO REQUESTING ANY TELEPHONE OR ONLINE TRANSACTION. 59 TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES To confirm that each transaction instruction received by telephone is genuine, the fund will record each telephone transaction, require the caller to provide validating information for the account and send you a written confirmation of each telephone transaction. Different procedures may apply to accounts that are registered to non-U.S. citizens or that are held in the name of an institution or in the name of an investment broker-dealer or other third party. If reasonable procedures, such as those described above, are not followed, the fund may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. In all other cases, neither the fund, PIMSS nor PFD will be responsible for the authenticity of instructions received by telephone; therefore, you bear the risk of loss for unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transactions. ONLINE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES If your account is registered in your name, you may be able buy, exchange or sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange or sell your fund shares online. To establish online transaction privileges: o For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application o For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen on www.pioneerinvestments.com To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts. TELEPHONE AND WEBSITE ONLINE ACCESS You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing www.pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in telephone or Internet services. On Exchange holidays or on days when the Exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to access www.pioneerinvestments.com or to reach the fund by telephone, you should communicate with the fund in writing. FACTFONE/SM/ FactFone/SM/ is an automated inquiry and telephone transaction system available to Pioneer mutual fund shareholders by dialing 1-800-225-4321. FactFone/SM/ allows shareholder access to current information on Pioneer mutual fund accounts and to the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds. In addition, you may use FactFone/SM/ to make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges or redemptions from your Pioneer mutual fund accounts, access your account balances and last three transactions and order a duplicate statement if you have activated your PIN. Telephone purchases or redemptions require the establishment of a bank account of record. Computer-assisted Class Y share telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions and certain other FactFone/SM/ features for Class Y shareholders are not currently available through FactFone/SM/. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO REQUESTING ANY TELEPHONE TRANSACTION. Shareholders whose accounts are registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party may not be able to use FactFone/SM/. Call PIMSS for assistance. FactFone/SM/ allows shareholders to hear the following recorded fund information: o net asset value prices for all Pioneer mutual funds; 60 o annualized 30-day yields on Pioneer's fixed income funds; o annualized 7-day yields and 7-day effective (compound) yields for Pioneer's money market funds; and o dividends and capital gain distributions on all Pioneer mutual funds. Yields are calculated in accordance with SEC mandated standard formulas. All performance numbers communicated through FactFone/SM/ represent past performance, and figures include the maximum applicable sales charge. A shareholder's actual yield and total return will vary with changing market conditions. The value of each class of shares (except for Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund, which seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 share price) will also vary, and such shares may be worth more or less at redemption than their original cost. 15. PRICING OF SHARES The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is determined as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day on which the Exchange is open for trading. As of the date of this statement of additional information, the Exchange is open for trading every weekday except for the days the following holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is also determined on any other day on which the level of trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high that the current net asset value per share might be materially affected by changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The fund is not required to determine its net asset value per share on any day on which no purchase orders in good order for fund shares are received and no shares are tendered and accepted for redemption. The fund generally values its portfolio securities using closing market prices or readily available market quotations, or, when closing market prices or market quotations are not available or are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value methods to value its securities in accordance with procedures approved by the fund's Trustees. Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange rates employed by the fund's independent pricing services. Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The fund also may use fair value pricing methods to value its securities, including a non-U.S. security, when Pioneer determines that the closing market price on the primary exchange where the security is traded no longer accurately reflects the value of the security due to factors affecting one or more relevant securities markets or the specific issuer. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated using closing market prices. International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are closed. For this reason, the value of any international securities owned by the fund could change on a day you cannot buy or sell shares of the fund. In connection with making fair value determinations of the value of fixed income securities, the fund's Trustees may use a pricing matrix. The prices used for these securities may differ from the amounts received by the fund upon sale of the securities, and these differences may be substantial. Cash equivalent securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which is a method of determining a security's fair value. The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is computed by taking the value of all of the fund's assets attributable to a class, less the fund's liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing the result by the number of outstanding shares of that class. For purposes of determining net asset value, expenses of the classes of the fund are accrued daily and taken into account. The fund's maximum offering price 61 per Class A share is determined by adding the maximum sales charge to the net asset value per Class A share. Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares are offered at net asset value without the imposition of an initial sales charge (Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC). 16. TAX STATUS The fund is treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The fund has elected to be treated, and has qualified and intends to continue to qualify each year, as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so that it will not pay U.S. federal income tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (as defined in Section 851(h) of the Code) (the "90% income test") and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year: (a) at least 50% of the value of the fund's total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund's total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (3) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. For purposes of the 90% income test, the character of income earned by certain entities in which the fund invests that are not treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes (e.g., partnerships other than certain publicly traded partnerships or trusts that have not elected to be classified as corporations under the "check-the-box" regulations) will generally pass through to the fund. Consequently, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the fund may be required to limit its equity investments in such entities that earn fee income, rental income or other nonqualifying income. If the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company and properly distributes to its shareholders each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (i) 90% of its "investment company taxable income" as that term is defined in the Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) 90% of the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income, if any, over certain disallowed deductions, the fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any income of the fund, including "net capital gain" (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), distributed to shareholders. However, if the fund meets such distribution requirements, but chooses to retain some portion of its taxable income or gains, it generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. The fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of 62 undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits. The fund intends to distribute at least annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction), net tax-exempt interest income, and net capital gain. If, for any taxable year, the fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company or does not satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, it will be treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, thereby subjecting any income earned by the fund to tax at the corporate level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. Under certain circumstances, the fund may be able to cure a failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, but in order to do so, the fund may incur significant fund-level taxes and may be forced to dispose of certain assets. Under the Code, the fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on a portion of its undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to each calendar year and year ending October 31, respectively. The fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner and accordingly does not expect to be subject to the excise tax. The fund generally distributes any net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in December. Dividends from income and/or capital gains may also be paid at such other times as may be necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. Unless a shareholder specifies otherwise, all distributions from the fund to that shareholder will be automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the fund. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, all dividends generally are taxable whether a shareholder takes them in cash or reinvests them in additional shares of the fund. In general, assuming that the fund has sufficient earnings and profits, dividends from net investment income and net short-term capital gains are taxable either as ordinary income or, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, if certain conditions are met, as "qualified dividend income," taxable to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate. For taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, dividend income distributed to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders will qualify for the maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate on dividends to the extent that such dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from the fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the fund and the shareholders. If 95% or more of the fund's gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, dividend income will be taxable at ordinary income tax rates. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose. Dividends received by the fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income. 63 A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of the fund that is paid by the fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The "ex-dividend" date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter. Distributions by the fund in excess of the fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in its shares and any such amount in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below. Certain dividends received by the fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the fund may be eligible for the 70% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to the fund from other regulated investment companies are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those shares. The entire dividend, including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining the excess, if any, of a corporation's adjusted current earnings over its alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase a corporation's alternative minimum tax liability. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required. Distributions from net capital gains, if any, that are reported as capital gain dividends by the fund are taxable as long-term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes without regard to the length of time the shareholder has held shares of the fund. Capital gain dividends distributed by the fund to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders generally will qualify for reduced U.S. federal income tax rates (for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, a maximum rate of 15%, with a 0% rate applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets) on long-term capital gains, subject to certain limited exceptions. A shareholder should also be aware that the benefits of the favorable tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, qualified dividend income may be affected by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders. Under current law, the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate on long-term capital gains will be 20% in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. The U.S. federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders annually. 64 For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will generally apply to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a "surviving spouse" for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax will also apply to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest and certain capital gains will generally be taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income. Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the fund may be "spilled back" and treated for certain purposes as paid by the fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a regulated investment company's undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such "spilled back" dividends are treated as paid by the regulated investment company when they are actually paid. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable year that began on or before December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, for up to eight years following the year of the loss. The fund is permitted to carry forward indefinitely a net capital loss from any taxable year that began after December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the fund and may not be distributed as such to shareholders. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the fund's available capital loss carryforwards. Generally, the fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, the fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred. At the time of an investor's purchase of fund shares, a portion of the purchase price may be attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the fund's portfolio or to undistributed taxable income of the fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions by the fund with respect to these shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares and the distributions economically represent a return of a portion of the investment. Redemptions and exchanges generally are taxable events for shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. In general, if fund shares are sold, the shareholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the shareholder's adjusted basis in the shares. Such gain or loss generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and otherwise generally will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss recognized by a shareholder upon the redemption, exchange or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains). 65 The fund will report to the IRS the amount of sale proceeds that a shareholder receives from a sale or exchange of fund shares. For sales or exchanges of shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the fund will also report the shareholder's basis in those shares and whether any gain or loss that the shareholder realizes on the sale or exchange is short-term or long-term gain or loss. For purposes of calculating and reporting basis, shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 will be treated as held in separate accounts. If a shareholder has a different basis for different shares of the fund, acquired on or after January 1, 2012, in the same account (e.g., if a shareholder purchased fund shares in the same account at different times for different prices), the fund will calculate the basis of the shares sold using its default method unless the shareholder has properly elected to use a different method. The fund's default method for calculating basis will be the average basis method, under which the basis per share is reported as the average of the bases of all of the shareholder's fund shares in the account. A shareholder may elect, on an account-by-account basis, to use a method other than average basis by following procedures established by the fund. If such an election is made on or prior to the date of the first exchange or redemption of shares in the account and on or prior to the date that is one year after the shareholder receives notice of the fund's default method, the new election will generally apply as if the average basis method had never been in effect for such account. If such an election is not made on or prior to such dates, the shares in the account at the time of the election will retain their averaged bases. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of applying the average basis method or electing another method of basis calculation. Losses on redemptions or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules in the event of other investments in the fund (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a redemption or other disposition of shares. In such a case, the disallowed portion of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal tax basis of the shares acquired in the other investments. Gain may be increased (or loss reduced) upon a redemption of Class A shares of the fund within 90 days after their purchase followed by any purchase (including purchases by exchange or by reinvestment), without payment of an additional sales charge, of Class A shares of the fund or of another Pioneer fund (or any other shares of a Pioneer fund generally sold subject to a sales charge) before February 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the original Class A shares were redeemed. Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to fund shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder, or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, in any single taxable year (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of regulated investment companies are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances. Shareholders that are exempt from U.S. federal income tax, such as retirement plans that are qualified under Section 401 of the Code, generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on fund dividends or distributions, or on sales or exchanges of fund shares unless the fund shares are "debt-financed property" within the meaning of the Code. However, in the case of fund shares held through a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, fund dividends and distributions received by the plan and gains from sales and exchanges of fund shares by the plan generally are taxable to the employer sponsoring such plan in accordance with the U.S. federal income tax laws that are generally applicable to shareholders receiving such dividends or distributions from regulated investment companies such as the fund. 66 A plan participant whose retirement plan invests in the fund, whether such plan is qualified or not, generally is not taxed on fund dividends or distributions received by the plan or on gains from sales or exchanges of fund shares by the plan for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, distributions to plan participants from a retirement plan account generally are taxable as ordinary income, and different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more information. Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain options and futures contracts relating to foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. Under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, any gains from such transactions that are not directly related to the fund's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may have to be limited in order to enable the fund to satisfy the 90% income test. If the fund acquires any equity interest (under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations (i) that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or (ii) where at least 50% of the corporation's assets (computed based on average fair market value) either produce or are held for the production of passive income ("passive foreign investment companies"), the fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. A "qualified electing fund" election or a "mark to market" election may generally be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require the fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Gains from the sale of stock of passive foreign investment companies may also be treated as ordinary income. In order for the fund to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to a passive foreign investment company, the passive foreign investment company would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to limit its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments. The fund may invest in or hold debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the fund. Federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest and whether certain exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the fund, in the event it invests in or holds such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax. If the fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the fund generally must accrue income on such investments 67 for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the fund must distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such accrued income, to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities, potentially under disadvantageous circumstances, to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by the fund on certain securities, indices and foreign currencies, as well as certain forward foreign currency contracts, may cause the fund to recognize gains or losses from marking-to-market even though such options may not have lapsed or been closed out or exercised, or such futures or forward contracts may not have been performed or closed out. The tax rules applicable to these contracts may affect the characterization of some capital gains and losses realized by the fund as long-term or short-term. Certain options, futures and forward contracts relating to foreign currency may be subject to Section 988 of the Code, as described above, and accordingly may produce ordinary income or loss. Additionally, the fund may be required to recognize gain if an option, futures contract, forward contract, short sale or other transaction that is not subject to the mark-to-market rules is treated as a "constructive sale" of an "appreciated financial position" held by the fund under Section 1259 of the Code. Any net mark-to-market gains and/or gains from constructive sales may also have to be distributed to satisfy the distribution requirements referred to above even though the fund may receive no corresponding cash amounts, possibly requiring the disposition of portfolio securities or borrowing to obtain the necessary cash. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Losses on certain options, futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting positions (portfolio securities or other positions with respect to which the fund's risk of loss is substantially diminished by one or more options, futures or forward contracts) may also be deferred under the tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also affect the characterization of capital gains or losses from straddle positions and certain successor positions as long-term or short-term. Certain tax elections may be available that would enable the fund to ameliorate some adverse effects of the tax rules described in this paragraph. The tax rules applicable to options, futures, forward contracts and straddles may affect the amount, timing and character of the fund's income and gains or losses and hence of its distributions to shareholders. The fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to its investments in those countries. Any such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The fund does not expect to satisfy the requirements for passing through to its shareholders any share of foreign taxes paid by the fund, with the result that shareholders will not include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own tax returns. The fund is required to withhold (as "backup withholding") a portion of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges or repurchases of fund shares, paid to shareholders who have not complied with certain IRS regulations. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must certify on their Account Applications, or on separate IRS Forms W-9, that the Social Security Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number they provide is their correct number and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. The fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend income. 68 The description of certain federal tax provisions above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., generally, U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and who are subject to U.S. federal income tax and hold their shares as capital assets. Except as otherwise provided, this description does not address the special tax rules that may be applicable to particular types of investors, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, securities dealers, other regulated investment companies, or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts or entities. Investors other than U.S. persons may be subject to different U.S. federal income tax treatment, including a non-resident alien U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% or any lower applicable treaty rate on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the fund or, in certain circumstances, unless an effective IRS Form W-8BEN or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, to backup withholding on certain other payments from the fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions payable to such entities after December 31, 2013 and redemptions payable to such entities after December 31, 2014. The fund does not expect to be a "United States real property holding corporation" as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. If the fund were to be classified as a United States real property holding corporation (or if it would be so classified, were it not for certain exceptions), then distributions made by the fund to non-U.S. shareholders might be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, and non-U.S. shareholders might be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns to report distributions received from the fund. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on these matters and on state, local, foreign and other applicable tax laws. If, as anticipated, the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company under the Code, it will not be required to pay any Massachusetts income, corporate excise or franchise taxes or any Delaware corporation income tax. 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 appearing in the fund's annual report, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012 (Accession No. 0000078713-12-000016) are incorporated by reference into this statement of additional information. Those financial statements and financial highlights have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as indicated in their report thereon, and are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report, given on the authority of Ernst & Young LLP as experts in accounting and auditing. The fund's annual report includes the financial statements referenced above and is available without charge upon request by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292. 18. ANNUAL FEE, EXPENSE AND OTHER INFORMATION PORTFOLIO TURNOVER The fund's annual portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2011 2010 ------ ----- 112% 114% --- ---
69 SHARE OWNERSHIP As of April 1, 2012, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned beneficially in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The following is a list of the holders of 5% or more of any class of the fund's outstanding shares as of April 1, 2012:
MBER OF NU % O SHARE ---- RECORD HOLDER CLASS SHARES F CLASS ------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ------ Charles Schwab & Co Inc 5.93 ----- Clas 963,595.24 ---- ---------- A ---- Exclusive benefit of its Customers Attn: Mutual Fund Dept. 101 Montgomery Street San Francisco CA 94104-4151 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pershing LLC 37,798.370 5.78 ---------- ----- Clas ---- B ---- 1 Pershing Plz Jersey City NJ 07399 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BNY Mellon Distributors Inc 36,494.674 5.58 ---------- ----- Clas ---- B ---- Primerica Financial Services 760 Moore Rd King of Prussia PA 19406-1212 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Custody Acct for the exclusive benefit of Customer 5.88 ----- Clas 102,790.53 ---- ---------- C ---- 2801 Market St Saint Louis MO 63103-2523 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MLPF&S for the sole benefit of its Customers 44.75 ----- Clas 782,852.63 ---- ---------- C ---- Mutual Fund Administration 4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2 Jacksonville FL 32246-6484 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hartford Life Insurance Company 83,048.759 25.61 ---------- ----- Clas ---- R ---- Separate Account Attn: UIT Operations PO Box 2999 Hartford CT 06104 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Attn NPIO Trade Desk 22,993.206 7.09 ---------- ----- Clas ---- R ---- DCGT as TTEE FBO Principal Financial Group Qualified FIA Omnibus 711 High St ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MLPF&S for the sole benefit of its Customers 20,997.216 6.48 ---------- ----- Clas ---- R ---- Mutual Fund Administration 4800 Deer Lake Dr E Fl 2 Jacksonville FL 32246-6484 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MCB Trust Services Cust FBO 18,029.046 5.56 ---------- ----- Clas ---- R ---- Temple Inc 401k Plan 700 17th St Ste 300 Denver CO 80202-3531 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hartford Securities Distribution as Agent for Reliance Trust Co 21,046.199 6.49 ---------- ----- Clas ---- R ---- FBO Agents' Plan Customers Attn: UIT Operations PO Box 2999 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brown Brothers Harriman & Co 15.23 ----- Clas 210,779.98 ---- ---------- Y ---- as Custodian Attn: Investment Funds Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310- 1606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
70
MBER OF NU % O SHARE ---- RECORD HOLDER CLASS SHARES F CLASS ------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ------ Brown Brothers Harriman & Co 7.72 ----- Clas 106,897.28 ---- ---------- Y ---- as Custodian Attn: Investment Funds Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310- 1606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brown Brothers Harriman & Co 9.16 ----- Clas 126,865.23 ---- ---------- Y ---- as Custodian Attn: Investment Funds Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310- 1606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brown Brothers Harriman & Co 20.96 ----- Clas 290,107.54 ---- ---------- Y ---- as Custodian Attn: Investment Funds Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310- 1606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Charles Schwab & Co Inc 9.41 ----- Clas 130,205.34 ---- ---------- Y ---- Exclusive Benefit of Its Cust Attn: Mutual Fund Dept 101 Montgomery St San Francisco CA 94104-4151 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF THE FUND AND OTHER PIONEER FUNDS The following table indicates the value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owned in the fund and Pioneer Funds in the aggregate as of December 31, 2011. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. The share value of any closed-end fund is based on its closing market price on December 31, 2011. The share value of any open-end Pioneer Fund is based on the net asset value of the class of shares on December 31, 2011. The dollar ranges in this table are in accordance with SEC requirements.
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED EQUITY SECURITIES INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY NAME OF TRUSTEE IN THE FUND TRUSTEE IN THE PIONEER FAMILY OF FUNDS ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- John F. Cogan, Jr. Over $100,000 Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Daniel K. Kingsbury $50,001 - $100,000 Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES: ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- David R. Bock None Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Mary K. Bush None Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Benjamin M. Friedman None Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Margaret B.W. Graham $1 - $10,000 Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Thomas J. Perna None Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Marguerite A. Piret None Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------------- Stephen K. West None Over $100,000 ----------------------- -------------------- ---------------------------------------
71 COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of each Trustee of the fund.
PENSION OR RETIREMENT AGGREGATE BENEFITS ACCRUED TOTAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION AS PART OF FUND FROM THE FUND AND NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM FUND** EXPENSES OTHER PIONEER FUNDS** ----------------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- John F. Cogan, Jr.* $ 500.00 $0.00 $ 25,100.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Daniel K. Kingsbury $ 0.00 $0.00 $ 0.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES: ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- David R. Bock $ 2,777.99 $0.00 $ 200,200.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Mary K. Bush $ 2,253.34 $0.00 $ 157,200.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Benjamin M. Friedman $ 2,512.46 $0.00 $ 178,500.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Margaret B.W. Graham $ 2,272.68 $0.00 $ 158,700.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Thomas J. Perna $ 3,657.34 $0.00 $ 237,300.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Marguerite A. Piret $ 3,838.44 $0.00 $ 252,300.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Stephen K. West $ 2,353.71 $0.00 $ 98,857.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- TOTAL $20,165.96 $0.00 $1,308,157.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- -------------
* Under the management contract, Pioneer reimburses the fund for any Interested Trustee fees paid by the fund. ** For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, there were 56 U.S. registered investment portfolios in the Pioneer Family of Funds. APPROXIMATE MANAGEMENT FEES THE FUND PAID OR OWED PIONEER The following table shows the dollar amount of gross investment management fees incurred by the fund, along with the net amount of fees that were paid after applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any. The data is for the past three fiscal years or shorter period if the fund has been in operation for a shorter period.
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 2010 2009 ----------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Gross Fee Incurred $4,004,733 $3,991,421 $2,394,713 ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Fee Paid $4,004,733 $3,991,421 $2,394,713 ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
FEES THE FUND PAID TO PIONEER UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------- 2011 2010 2009 -------------------- ----------- ----------- $179,965 $191,704 $126,756 ---------- -------- --------
UNDERWRITING EXPENSES AND COMMISSIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 2010 2009 --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Approximate Net Underwriting Expenses Retained by PFD $ 21,932 $ 24,351 $ 13,321 --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Approximate Commissions Reallowed to Dealers (Class A shares) $ 117,845 $ 133,214 $ 67,992 --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Approximate Commissions Reallowed to Dealers (Class C shares) N/A N/A N/A --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Approximate Brokerage and Underwriting Commissions (Portfolio Transactions) $1,688,534 $2,315,953 $1,896,263 --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
72 FUND EXPENSES UNDER THE DISTRIBUTION PLAN
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMBINED PLAN CLASS A PLAN CLASS B PLAN CLASS C PLAN CLASS R PLAN ----------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- $1,972,203 $1,226,570 $228,903 $465,970 $50,760 ------------ ---------- -------- -------- -------
ALLOCATION OF FUND EXPENSES UNDER THE DISTRIBUTION PLAN An estimate by category of the allocation of fees paid by each class of shares of the fund during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 is set forth in the following table:
PAYMENTS TO SERVICING SALES PRINTING PARTIES/1/ ADVERTISING MEETINGS AND MAILING TOTAL -------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Class A $1,238,713 $4,833 $16,692 $16,135 $1,276,373 --------- ---------- ------ ------- ------- ---------- Class B 57,306 0 0 0 57,306 --------- ---------- ------ ------- ------- ---------- Class C 464,921 1,146 3,861 3,842 473,770 --------- ---------- ------ ------- ------- ---------- Class R 50,463 1,265 4,266 4,230 60,224 --------- ---------- ------ ------- ------- ----------
1 Payments to Servicing Parties include Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and other parties that enter into a distribution, selling or service agreement with respect to one or more classes of the fund (annualized for the period ending December 31, 2011). SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS As of December 31, 2011, the fund held the following securities of its regular broker-dealers (or affiliates of such broker-dealers): None ------ -- --
CDSCS During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the following CDSCs were paid to PFD: $28,512 CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011 At December 31, 2011, the fund had the following net capital loss carryforward: $109,863,857 Of this, the following amounts will expire as indicated below, if not utilized: 2016 $82,466,417 ---- ----------- 2017 $27,397,440 ---- -----------
73 19. APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM DEBT, CORPORATE BOND AND PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS/1/ DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S ("MOODY'S") SHORT-TERM RATINGS: Moody's short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted. Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers: P-1: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. P-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. P-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. NP: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. NOTE: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider. DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S LONG-TERM CORPORATE RATINGS: Moody's long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings use Moody's Global Scale and reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default. AAA: Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. AA: Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. A: Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. BAA: Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. BA: Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. B: Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. CAA: Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. CA: Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. ------------------------ /1/ The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this statement of additional information for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which will be given to these securities on the date of the fund's fiscal year-end. 74 C: Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. NOTE: Moody's appends numerical modifiers "1", "2", and "3" to each generic rating classification from "Aa" through "Caa". The modifier "1" indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier "2" indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier "3" indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S MEDIUM-TERM NOTE RATINGS: Moody's assigns long-term ratings to individual debt securities issued from medium-term note (MTN) programs, in addition to indicating ratings to MTN programs themselves. These long-term ratings are expressed on Moody's general long-term scale. Notes issued under MTN programs with such indicated ratings are rated at issuance at the rating applicable to all pari passu notes issued under the same program, at the program's relevant indicated rating, provided such notes do not exhibit any of the characteristics listed below: o Notes containing features that link interest or principal to the credit performance of any third party or parties (i.e., credit-linked notes); o Notes allowing for negative coupons, or negative principal; o Notes containing any provision that could obligate the investor to make any additional payments; o Notes containing provisions that subordinate the claim. For notes with any of these characteristics, the rating of the individual note may differ from the indicated rating of the program. STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP'S LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS: Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on Standard & Poor's analysis of the following considerations: o Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; o Nature of and provisions of the obligation; o Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights. Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) AAA: An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. AA: An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. A: An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. 75 BBB: An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. BB, B, CCC, CC, AND C: Obligations rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC", and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. BB: An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. B: An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. CCC: An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. CC: An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. C: A "C" rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the "C" rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument's terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. D: An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation's rating is lowered to "D" upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. NR: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. STANDARD & POOR'S SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS: Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity date of no more than 365 days - including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. 76 A-1: A short-term obligation rated "A-1" is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A-2: A short-term obligation rated "A-2" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A-3: A short-term obligation rated "A-3" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. B: A short-term obligation rated "B" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of "B-1", "B-2", and "B-3" may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the "B" category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. B-1: A short-term obligation rated "B-1" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. B-2: A short-term obligation rated "B-2" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. B-3: A short-term obligation rated "B-3" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. C: A short-term obligation rated "C" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. D: A short-term obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. LOCAL CURRENCY AND FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor's analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor's capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government's own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer. 77 20. APPENDIX B - PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES POLICY Each of Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. and Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (collectively, "Pioneer") is a fiduciary that owes each of its client's duties of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client's behalf, including proxy voting. When Pioneer has been delegated proxy-voting authority for a client, the duty of care requires Pioneer to monitor corporate events and to vote the proxies. To satisfy its duty of loyalty, Pioneer must place its client's interests ahead of its own and must cast proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interest of its clients. Pioneer will seek to vote all proxies in accordance with this policy, which are presented in a timely manner. Pioneer's sole concern in voting proxies is the economic effect of the proposal on the value of portfolio holdings, considering both the short- and long-term impact. In many instances, Pioneer believes that supporting the company's strategy and voting "for" management's proposals builds portfolio value. In other cases, however, proposals set forth by management may have a negative effect on that value, while some shareholder proposals may hold the best prospects for enhancing it. Pioneer monitors developments in the proxy-voting arena and will revise this policy as needed. All proxies that are received in a timely manner will be voted in accordance with the specific policies listed below. All shares in a company held by Pioneer-managed accounts will be voted alike, unless a client has given us specific voting instructions on an issue or has not delegated authority to us. Proxy voting issues will be reviewed by Pioneer's Proxy Voting Oversight Group. Pioneer has established Proxy Voting Procedures for identifying and reviewing conflicts of interest that may arise in the voting of proxies. Clients may request, at any time, a report on proxy votes for securities held in their portfolios and Pioneer is happy to discuss our proxy votes with company management. Pioneer retains a proxy voting service to provide research on proxy issues and to process proxy votes. APPLICABILITY Pioneer's Proxy Voting policy and related procedures are designed to complement Pioneer's investment policies and procedures regarding its general responsibility to monitor the performance and/or corporate events of companies that are issuers of securities held in accounts managed by Pioneer. The Proxy Voting policies and procedures summarize Pioneer's position on a number of issues for which proxies may be solicited. The policies are guidelines that provide a general indication on how Pioneer would vote but do not include all potential voting scenarios or proxy events involving closed-end Funds. Because of the special issues associated with proxy solicitations by closed-end Funds, shares of closed-end Funds will be voted by Pioneer on a case-by-case basis. PURPOSE The overriding goal of Pioneer's Proxy Voting Procedure is that proxies for all United States ("US") and non-US companies that are received in a timely manner will be voted in accordance with Pioneer's policies or specific client instructions. All shares in a company held by Pioneer-managed accounts will be voted alike, unless a client has given us specific voting instructions on an issue or has not delegated authority to us, or the Proxy Voting Oversight Group determines that the circumstances justify a different approach. Pioneer does not delegate the authority to vote proxies relating to its clients to any of its affiliates, which include other subsidiaries of UniCredit S.p.A. ("UniCredit"). Any questions about these policies and procedures should be directed to Pioneer's Director of Investment Operations (the "Proxy Coordinator"). 78 PROCEDURES PROXY VOTING SERVICE Pioneer has engaged an independent proxy voting service to assist in the voting of proxies. The proxy voting service works with custodians to ensure that all proxy materials are received by the custodians and are processed in a timely fashion. To the extent applicable, the proxy voting service votes all proxies in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines established by Pioneer and set forth herein. The proxy voting service will refer proxy questions to the Proxy Coordinator (described below) for instructions under circumstances where: (1) the application of the proxy voting guidelines is unclear; (2) a particular proxy question is not covered by the guidelines; or (3) the guidelines call for specific instructions on a case-by-case basis. The proxy voting service is also requested to call to the Proxy Coordinator's attention specific proxy questions that, while governed by a guideline, appear to involve unusual or controversial issues. Pioneer reserves the right to attend a meeting in person and may do so when it determines that the company or the matters to be voted on at the meeting are strategically important to its clients. PROXY COORDINATOR The Proxy Coordinator coordinates the voting, procedures and reporting of proxies on behalf of Pioneer's clients. The Proxy Coordinator will deal directly with the proxy voting service and, in the case of proxy questions referred by the proxy voting service, will solicit voting recommendations and instructions from the Portfolio Management or, to the extent applicable, investment sub-advisers. The Proxy Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that these questions and referrals are responded to in a timely fashion and for transmitting appropriate voting instructions to the proxy voting service. The Proxy Coordinator is responsible for verifying with the Chief Legal Officer or his or her designee whether Pioneer's voting power is subject to any limitations or guidelines issued by the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries). REFERRAL ITEMS The proxy voting service will refer proxy questions to the Proxy Coordinator or his or her designee that are described by Pioneer's proxy voting guidelines as to be voted on a case-by-case basis, that are not covered by Pioneer's guidelines or where Pioneer's guidelines may be unclear with respect to the matter to be voted on. Under such circumstances, the Proxy Coordinator will seek a written voting recommendation from the Head of Portfolio Management U.S. or his or her designated equity portfolio-management representative. Any such recommendation will include: (i) the manner in which the proxies should be voted; (ii) the rationale underlying any such decision; and (iii) the disclosure of any contacts or communications made between Pioneer and any outside parties concerning the proxy proposal prior to the time that the voting instructions are provided. SECURITIES LENDING In accordance with industry standards proxies are not available to be voted when the shares are out on loan through either Pioneer's lending program or a client's managed security lending program. However, Pioneer will reserve the right to recall lent securities so that they may be voted according to the Pioneer's instructions. If a portfolio manager would like to vote a block of previously lent shares, the Proxy Coordinator will work with the portfolio manager and Investment Operations to recall the security, to the extent possible, to facilitate the vote on the entire block of shares. Certain clients participate in securities lending programs. Although such programs allow for the recall of securities for any reason, Pioneer may determine not to vote securities on loan and it may not always be possible for securities on loan to be recalled in time to be voted. 79 SHARE-BLOCKING "Share-blocking" is a market practice whereby shares are sent to a custodian (which may be different than the account custodian) for record keeping and voting at the general meeting. The shares are unavailable for sale or delivery until the end of the blocking period (typically the day after general meeting date). Pioneer will vote in those countries with "share-blocking." In the event a manager would like to sell a security with "share-blocking", the Proxy Coordinator will work with the Portfolio Manager and Investment Operations Department to recall the shares (as allowable within the market time-frame and practices) and/or communicate with executing brokerage firm. A list of countries with "share-blocking" is available from the Investment Operations Department upon request. DISCLOSURE Pioneer shall take reasonable measures to inform its clients of the process or procedures clients must follow to obtain information regarding how Pioneer voted with respect to assets held in their accounts. In addition, Pioneer shall describe to clients its proxy voting policies and procedures and will furnish a copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures upon request. This information may be provided to clients through Pioneer's Form ADV (Part II) disclosure, by separate notice to the client, or through Pioneer's website. PROXY VOTING OVERSIGHT GROUP The members of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group include Pioneer's: Head of Portfolio Management U.S. or his or her designated equity portfolio management representative, the Director of Investment Operations, and the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and Funds. Other members of Pioneer will be invited to attend meetings and otherwise participate as necessary. The Director of Investment Operations will chair the Proxy Voting Oversight Group. The Proxy Voting Oversight Group is responsible for developing, evaluating, and changing (when necessary) Pioneer's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The group meets at least annually to evaluate and review these policies and procedures and the services of its third-party proxy voting service. In addition, the Proxy Voting Oversight Group will meet as necessary to vote on referral items and address other business as necessary. AMENDMENTS Pioneer may not amend its Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures without the prior approval of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group and its corporate parent, Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. ("PGAM"). FILING FORM N-PX The Proxy Coordinator and the Regulatory Compliance Manager are responsible for ensuring that Form N-PX documents receive the proper review by a member of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group prior to a Fund officer signing the forms. The Investment Operations department will provide the Compliance department with a copy of each Form N-PX filing prepared by the proxy voting service. COMPLIANCE FILES N-PX. The Compliance department will ensure that a corresponding Form N-PX exists for each Pioneer registered investment company. Following this review, each Form N-PX is formatted for public dissemination via the EDGAR system. Prior to submission, each Form N-PX is to be presented to the Fund officer for a final review and signature. Copies of the Form N-PX filings and their submission receipts are maintained according to Pioneer record keeping policies. 80 PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES ADMINISTRATIVE While administrative items appear infrequently in U.S. issuer proxies, they are quite common in non-U.S. proxies. We will generally support these and similar management proposals: o Corporate name change. o A change of corporate headquarters. o Stock exchange listing. o Establishment of time and place of annual meeting. o Adjournment or postponement of annual meeting. o Acceptance/approval of financial statements. o Approval of dividend payments, dividend reinvestment plans and other dividend-related proposals. o Approval of minutes and other formalities. o Authorization of the transferring of reserves and allocation of income. o Amendments to authorized signatories. o Approval of accounting method changes or change in fiscal year-end. o Acceptance of labor agreements. o Appointment of internal auditors. Pioneer will vote on a case-by-case basis on other routine business; however, Pioneer will oppose any routine business proposal if insufficient information is presented in advance to allow Pioneer to judge the merit of the proposal. Pioneer has also instructed its proxy voting service to inform Pioneer of its analysis of any administrative items that maybe inconsistent, in its view, with Pioneer's goal of supporting the value of client's portfolio holdings so that Pioneer may consider and vote on those items on a case-by-case basis. AUDITORS We normally vote for proposals to: o Ratify the auditors. We will consider a vote against if we are concerned about the auditors' independence or their past work for the company. Specifically, we will oppose the ratification of auditors and withhold votes from audit committee members if non-audit fees paid by the company to the auditing firm exceed the sum of audit fees plus audit-related fees plus permissible tax fees according to the disclosure categories proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. o Restore shareholder rights to ratify the auditors. We will normally oppose proposals that require companies to: o Seek bids from other auditors. o Rotate auditing firms, except where the rotation is statutorily required or where rotation would demonstrably strengthen financial disclosure. o Indemnify auditors. o Prohibit auditors from engaging in non-audit services for the company. 81 BOARD OF DIRECTORS On issues related to the board of directors, Pioneer normally supports management. We will, however, consider a vote against management in instances where corporate performance has been very poor or where the board appears to lack independence. GENERAL BOARD ISSUES Pioneer will vote for: o Audit, compensation and nominating committees composed of independent directors exclusively. o Indemnification for directors for actions taken in good faith in accordance with the business judgment rule. We will vote against proposals for broader indemnification. o Changes in board size that appear to have a legitimate business purpose and are not primarily for anti-takeover reasons. o Election of an honorary director. We will vote against: o Minimum stock ownership by directors. o Term limits for directors. Companies benefit from experienced directors, and shareholder control is better achieved through annual votes. o Requirements for union or special interest representation on the board. o Requirements to provide two candidates for each board seat. We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues: o Separate chairman and CEO positions. We will consider voting with shareholders on these issues in cases of poor corporate performance. ELECTIONS OF DIRECTORS In uncontested elections of directors we will vote against: o Individual directors with absenteeism above 25% without valid reason. We support proposals that require disclosure of director attendance. o Insider directors and affiliated outsiders who sit on the audit, compensation, stock option or nominating committees. For the purposes of our policy, we accept the definition of affiliated directors provided by our proxy voting service. We will also vote against: o Directors who have failed to act on a takeover offer where the majority of shareholders have tendered their shares. o Directors who appear to lack independence or are associated with very poor corporate performance. We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues: o Re-election of directors who have implemented or renewed a dead-hand or modified dead-hand poison pill (a "dead-hand poison pill" is a shareholder rights plan that may be altered only by incumbent or "dead" directors. These plans prevent a potential acquirer from disabling a poison pill by obtaining control of the board through a proxy vote). o Contested election of directors. o Prior to phase-in required by SEC, we would consider supporting election of a majority of independent directors in cases of poor performance. o Mandatory retirement policies. 82 o Directors who have ignored a shareholder proposal that has been approved by shareholders for two consecutive years. We will vote for: o Precatory and binding resolutions requesting that the board change the company's bylaws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with affirmative majority of votes cast, provided that the resolutions allow for plurality voting in cases of contested elections. TAKEOVER-RELATED MEASURES Pioneer is generally opposed to proposals that may discourage takeover attempts. We believe that the potential for a takeover helps ensure that corporate performance remains high. Pioneer will vote for: o Cumulative voting. o Increase ability for shareholders to call special meetings. o Increase ability for shareholders to act by written consent. o Restrictions on the ability to make greenmail payments. o Submitting rights plans to shareholder vote. o Rescinding shareholder rights plans ("poison pills"). o Opting out of the following state takeover statutes: - Control share acquisition statutes, which deny large holders voting rights on holdings over a specified threshold. - Control share cash-out provisions, which require large holders to acquire shares from other holders - Freeze-out provisions, which impose a waiting period on large holders before they can attempt to gain control - Stakeholder laws, which permit directors to consider interests of non-shareholder constituencies. - Disgorgement provisions, which require acquirers to disgorge profits on purchases made before gaining control. - Fair price provisions. - Authorization of shareholder rights plans. - Labor protection provisions. - Mandatory classified boards. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Fair price provisions. We will vote against provisions requiring supermajority votes to approve takeovers. We will also consider voting against proposals that require a supermajority vote to repeal or amend the provision. Finally, we will consider the mechanism used to determine the fair price; we are generally opposed to complicated formulas or requirements to pay a premium. o Opting out of state takeover statutes regarding fair price provisions. We will use the criteria used for fair price provisions in general to determine our vote on this issue. o Proposals that allow shareholders to nominate directors. We will vote against: o Classified boards, except in the case of closed-end funds, where we shall vote on a case-by-case basis. o Limiting shareholder ability to remove or appoint directors. We will support proposals to restore shareholder authority in this area. We will review on case-by-case basis proposals that authorize the board to make interim appointments. 83 o Classes of shares with unequal voting rights. o Supermajority vote requirements. o Severance packages ("golden" and "tin" parachutes). We will support proposals to put these packages to shareholder vote. o Reimbursement of dissident proxy solicitation expenses. While we ordinarily support measures that encourage takeover bids, we believe that management should have full control over corporate funds. o Extension of advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals. o Granting board authority normally retained by shareholders (e.g., amend charter, set board size). o Shareholder rights plans ("poison pills"). These plans generally allow shareholders to buy additional shares at a below-market price in the event of a change in control and may deter some bids. CAPITAL STRUCTURE Managements need considerable flexibility in determining the company's financial structure, and Pioneer normally supports managements' proposals in this area. We will, however, reject proposals that impose high barriers to potential takeovers. Pioneer will vote for: o Changes in par value. o Reverse splits, if accompanied by a reduction in number of shares. o Shares repurchase programs, if all shareholders may participate on equal terms. o Bond issuance. o Increases in "ordinary" preferred stock. o Proposals to have blank-check common stock placements (other than shares issued in the normal course of business) submitted for shareholder approval. o Cancellation of company treasury shares. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Reverse splits not accompanied by a reduction in number of shares, considering the risk of delisting. o Increase in authorized common stock. We will make a determination considering, among other factors: - Number of shares currently available for issuance; - Size of requested increase (we would normally approve increases of up to 100% or current authorization); - Proposed use of the proceeds from the issuance of additional shares, and - Potential consequences of a failure to increase the number of shares outstanding (e.g., delisting or bankruptcy). o Blank-check preferred. We will normally oppose issuance of a new class of blank-check preferred, but may approve an increase in a class already outstanding if the company has demonstrated that it uses this flexibility appropriately. o Proposals to submit private placements to shareholder vote. o Other financing plans. We will vote against preemptive rights that we believe limit a company's financing flexibility. 84 COMPENSATION Pioneer supports compensation plans that link pay to shareholder returns and believes that management has the best understanding of the level of compensation needed to attract and retain qualified people. At the same time, stock-related compensation plans have a significant economic impact and a direct effect on the balance sheet. Therefore, while we do not want to micromanage a company's compensation programs, we will place limits on the potential dilution these plans may impose. Pioneer will vote for: o 401(k) benefit plans. o Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), as long as shares allocated to ESOPs are less than 5% of outstanding shares. Larger blocks of stock in ESOPs can serve as a takeover defense. We will support proposals to submit ESOPs to shareholder vote. o Various issues related to the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA), including: - Amendments to performance plans to conform with OBRA; - Caps on annual grants or amendments of administrative features; - Adding performance goals, and - Cash or cash and stock bonus plans. o Establish a process to link pay, including stock-option grants, to performance, leaving specifics of implementation to the company. o Require that option repricing be submitted to shareholders. o Require the expensing of stock-option awards. o Require reporting of executive retirement benefits (deferred compensation, split-dollar life insurance, SERPs, and pension benefits). o Employee stock purchase plans where the purchase price is equal to at least 85% of the market price, where the offering period is no greater than 27 months and where potential dilution (as defined below) is no greater than 10%. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Shareholder proposals seeking additional disclosure of executive and director pay information. o Executive and director stock-related compensation plans. We will consider the following factors when reviewing these plans: - The program must be of a reasonable size. We will approve plans where the combined employee and director plans together would generate less than 15% dilution. We will reject plans with 15% or more potential dilution. Dilution = (A + B + C) / (A + B + C + D), where A = Shares reserved for plan/amendment, B = Shares available under continuing plans, C = Shares granted but unexercised and D = Shares outstanding. - The plan must not: - Explicitly permit unlimited option repricing authority or that have repriced in the past without shareholder approval - Be a self-replenishing "evergreen" plan, plans that grant discount options and tax offset payments - We are generally in favor of proposals that increase participation beyond executives. 85 - We generally support proposals asking companies to adopt rigorous vesting provisions for stock option plans such as those that vest incrementally over, at least, a three or four-year period with a pro rata portion of the shares becoming exercisable on an annual basis following grant date. - We generally support proposals asking companies to disclose their window period policies for stock transactions. Window period policies ensure that employees do not exercise options based on insider information contemporaneous with quarterly earnings releases and other material corporate announcements. - We generally support proposals asking companies to adopt stock holding periods for their executives. o All other employee stock purchase plans. o All other compensation-related proposals, including deferred compensation plans, employment agreements, loan guarantee programs and retirement plans. o All other proposals regarding stock compensation plans, including extending the life of a plan, changing vesting restrictions, repricing options, lengthening exercise periods or accelerating distribution of awards and pyramiding and cashless exercise programs. We will vote against: o Pensions for non-employee directors. We believe these retirement plans reduce director objectivity. o Elimination of stock option plans. We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues: o Limits on executive and director pay. o Stock in lieu of cash compensation for directors. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Pioneer will vote for: o Confidential Voting. o Equal access provisions, which allow shareholders to contribute their opinion to proxy materials. o Proposals requiring directors to disclose their ownership of shares in the company. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Change in the state of incorporation. We will support reincorporations supported by valid business reasons. We will oppose those that appear to be solely for the purpose of strengthening takeover defenses. o Bundled proposals. We will evaluate the overall impact of the proposal. o Adopting or amending the charter, bylaws or articles of association. o Shareholder appraisal rights, which allow shareholders to demand judicial review of an acquisition price. We will vote against: o Shareholder advisory committees. While management should solicit shareholder input, we prefer to leave the method of doing so to management's discretion. o Limitations on stock ownership or voting rights. o Reduction in share ownership disclosure guidelines. 86 MERGERS AND RESTRUCTURINGS Pioneer will vote on the following and similar issues on a case-by-case basis: o Mergers and acquisitions. o Corporate restructurings, including spin-offs, liquidations, asset sales, joint ventures, conversions to holding company and conversions to self-managed REIT structure. o Debt restructurings. o Conversion of securities. o Issuance of shares to facilitate a merger. o Private placements, warrants, convertible debentures. o Proposals requiring management to inform shareholders of merger opportunities. We will normally vote against shareholder proposals requiring that the company be put up for sale. MUTUAL FUNDS Many of our portfolios may invest in shares of closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds. The non-corporate structure of these investments raises several unique proxy voting issues. Pioneer will vote for: o Establishment of new classes or series of shares. o Establishment of a master-feeder structure. Pioneer will vote on a case-by-case on: o Changes in investment policy. We will normally support changes that do not affect the investment objective or overall risk level of the fund. We will examine more fundamental changes on a case-by-case basis. o Approval of new or amended advisory contracts. o Changes from closed-end to open-end format. o Authorization for, or increase in, preferred shares. o Disposition of assets, termination, liquidation, or mergers. o Classified boards of closed-end funds, but will typically support such proposals. SOCIAL ISSUES Pioneer will abstain on stockholder proposals calling for greater disclosure of corporate activities with regard to social issues. "Social Issues" may generally be described as shareholder proposals for a company to: o Conduct studies regarding certain issues of public concern and interest; o Study the feasibility of the company taking certain actions with regard to such issues; or o Take specific action, including ceasing certain behavior and adopting company standards and principles, in relation to issues of public concern and interest. We believe these issues are important and should receive management attention. Pioneer will vote against proposals calling for substantial changes in the company's business or activities. We will also normally vote against proposals with regard to contributions, believing that management should control the routine disbursement of funds. 87 AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Pioneer addresses potential material conflicts of interest by having a predetermined proxy voting policy. The Proxy Voting Oversight Group is responsible for monitoring potential conflicts of interest in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of the Pioneer Funds and other clients. For those proposals that are determined to present a material conflict of interest, the Proxy Voting Oversight Group will follow additional procedures, which may include consulting with the Board of Trustees in matters concerning the Pioneer Funds. A conflict of interest occurs when Pioneer's interests interfere, or appear to interfere with the interests of Pioneer's clients. Occasionally, Pioneer may have a conflict that can affect how it votes proxies. The conflict may be actual or perceived and may exist when the matter to be voted on concerns: o An affiliate of Pioneer, such as another company belonging to the UniCredit S.p.A. banking group (a "UniCredit Affiliate"); o An issuer of a security for which Pioneer acts as a sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker, or other similar capacity (including those securities specifically declared by PGAM to present a conflict of interest for Pioneer); o An issuer of a security for which UniCredit has informed Pioneer that a UniCredit Affiliate acts as a sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker, or other similar capacity; or o A person with whom Pioneer (or any of its affiliates) has an existing, material contract or business relationship that was not entered into in the ordinary course of Pioneer's business. Pioneer will abstain from voting shares of UniCredit Group, unless otherwise directed by a client. In addition, the Proxy Coordinator will inform PGAM Global Compliance and the PGAM Independent Directors before exercising such rights. Any associate involved in the proxy voting process with knowledge of any apparent or actual conflict of interest must disclose such conflict to the Proxy Coordinator and the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and Funds. The Proxy Voting Oversight Group will review each item referred to Pioneer by the proxy voting service to determine whether an actual or potential conflict of interest with Pioneer exists in connection with the proposal(s) to be voted upon. The review will be conducted by comparing the apparent parties affected by the proxy proposal being voted upon against the Controller's and Compliance Department's internal list of interested persons and, for any matches found, evaluating the anticipated magnitude and possible probability of any conflict of interest being present. For each referral item, the determination regarding the presence or absence of any actual or potential conflict of interest will be documented in a Conflicts of Interest Report prepared by the Proxy Coordinator. SUPERVISION ESCALATION It is each associate's responsibility to contact his or her business unit head, the Proxy Coordinator, a member of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group or Chief Compliance Officer of the Advisor and the Funds if he or she becomes aware of any possible deviation from this policy and procedure that may disadvantage a client or Fund. TRAINING Pioneer conducts periodic training on the Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure. It is the responsibility of the business line policy owner and the applicable Compliance Department to coordinate and conduct such training. 88 RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Pioneer's Investment Management, Inc. Books and Records Policy and the Books and Records of the Pioneer Funds' Policy. RECORD KEEPING The Proxy Coordinator shall ensure that Pioneer's proxy voting service: o Retains a copy of the proxy statement received (unless the proxy statement is available from the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system); o Retains a record of the vote cast; o Prepares Form N-PX for filing on behalf of each client that is a registered investment company; and o Is able to promptly provide Pioneer with a copy of the voting record upon its request. The Proxy Coordinator shall ensure that for those votes that may require additional documentation (i.e. conflicts of interest, exception votes and case-by-case votes) the following records are maintained: o A record memorializing the basis for each referral vote cast; o A copy of any document created by Pioneer that was material in making the decision on how to vote the subject proxy; and o A copy of any conflict notice, conflict consent or any other written communication (including emails or other electronic communications) to or from the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries) regarding the subject proxy vote cast by, or the vote recommendation of, Pioneer. Pioneer shall maintain the above records in the client's file in accordance with applicable regulations. RELATED REGULATIONS Form N-1A, ICA Rule 30b1-4, Rule 31a 1-3, Rule 38a-1 & IAA 206(4)-6, 204-2 ADOPTED BY THE PIONEER FUNDS' BOARD OF TRUSTEES October 5, 2004 EFFECTIVE DATE: October 5, 2004 REVISION DATE: March 2008 22105-04-0512 89 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Supplement dated January 22, 2013 to Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information Dated May 1, 2012 The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has approved the reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund with and into the Fund (the "Reorganization"). Each fund is managed by Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. The Reorganization is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2013. The Reorganization does not require shareholder approval. Following is a brief description of certain aspects of the Reorganization: . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will reorganize with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, resulting in the "Combined Fund." The Combined Fund will be named "Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund." . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's investment team will manage the Combined Fund. . The Combined Fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. The Combined Fund's investment objective will be to seek long-term capital growth. The Combined Fund normally will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of mid-size companies. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund's investment objective is to seek growth of capital. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund invests primarily in equity securities of companies that the fund's investment adviser considers to be reasonably priced or undervalued, with above average growth potential. Unlike the Combined Fund, Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in equity securities of small companies. . The management fee payable by the Combined Fund (0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion) will be lower than management fee payable by Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (0.65% of the fund's average daily net assets). . It is currently anticipated that the historical performance of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will become the Combined Fund's historical performance. . The Reorganization is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, which generally means that the Reorganization will result in no income, gain or loss being recognized for federal income tax purposes by either fund or its shareholders as a direct result of the Reorganization. Additional information about the Reorganization and the Combined Fund will be provided to shareholders prior to the consummation of the Reorganization.
EX-99.17C 8 ex9917c.txt PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Report | December 31, 2012 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ticker Symbols: Class A PGOFX Class B GOFBX Class C GOFCX Class R PGRRX Class Y GROYX [LOGO] PIONEER Investments(R) visit us: us.pioneerinvestments.com Table of Contents Letter to Shareowners 2 Portfolio Management Discussion 4 Portfolio Summary 8 Prices and Distributions 9 Performance Update 10 Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses 15 Schedule of Investments 17 Financial Statements 24 Notes to Financial Statements 33 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 42 Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 44 Trustees, Officers and Service Providers 48
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 1 President's Letter Dear Shareowner, Pioneer has been cautiously optimistic about the U.S. economy from the start of the year, and the data continues to be encouraging. Employment continues to rise, albeit slowly, and we believe it should continue to do so in 2013, barring a negative shock to the system. The housing and auto sectors continue to recover, benefiting from record-low interest rates. Banks' willingness to lend to consumers and businesses also continues to rise, broad measures of inflation remain subdued, and, if the weather improves in 2013, that should help to bring food prices back down. While corporate profit growth has slowed, many U.S. companies still have strong balance sheets and continue to display the ability to both pay and increase dividends*. While the so-called "fiscal cliff" scheduled to take effect at year-end dominated the media in December--and while no deal was struck before markets closed for the year--investors who owned financial assets like equities and high-yield corporate bonds generally enjoyed good returns in 2012. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index returned 16% in 2012, and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch High Yield Master II Index returned 15.6%. Meanwhile, the higher-quality Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index gained 4.2% for the year, the safer-still Barclays Capital Intermediate Treasuries Index returned 3.9%, and 3-month Treasury bills, generally regarded as essentially "risk free" by the markets, returned just 0.1% in 2012. Despite generally improving economic conditions and positive market returns in 2012, investors still face daunting challenges in the year ahead, although we remain optimistic that the underlying economic trends are moving in the right direction. The year-end "fiscal cliff" deal did not eliminate the risk of further tax increases or spending cuts, nor did it eliminate the risk that the U.S. could face further downgrades to its credit rating from one or more of the major ratings agencies. The Federal Reserve Board continues to provide extraordinary support to the U.S. economy and the bond market, but will not do so indefinitely. Europe has made progress towards dampening its sovereign-debt crisis, but has not resolved the problem as yet; the region also was mired in a recession as 2012 drew to a close. In Asia, Japan continues to struggle with low economic growth, * Dividends are not guaranteed. 2 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 deflation, high levels of debt, and an aging population. In the emerging markets, China and other developing economies, while generally in better shape than most "developed" markets, also face a range of ongoing challenges. While most of the risks outlined above are widely recognized and may already be "priced in" to the market, we believe investors should continue to expect market volatility tied to these factors. At Pioneer, we have long advocated the benefits of staying diversified and investing for the long term. And while diversification alone does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market, we believe there are still opportunities for prudent investors to earn attractive returns. Our advice, as always, is to work closely with a trusted financial advisor to discuss your goals and work together to develop an investment strategy that meets your individual needs, keeping in mind that there is no single best strategy that works for every investor. In 2013, Pioneer proudly celebrates its 85th anniversary. Since 1928, our investment teams have sought out attractive opportunities in global equity and bond markets, using in-depth research to identify undervalued individual securities, and using thoughtful risk management to construct portfolios which balance potential risks and reward in an ever-changing world. We encourage you to learn more about Pioneer and our time-tested approach to investing by consulting with your financial advisor or visiting us online at us.pioneerinvestments.com. We greatly appreciate your trust in us, and we thank you for investing with Pioneer. Sincerely, /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury Daniel K. Kingsbury President and CEO Pioneer Investment Management USA, Inc. Any information in this shareowner report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund's historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These statements should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts discussed will be realized. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 3 Portfolio Management Discussion | 12/31/12 In the following interview, Brian Stack discusses the factors that influenced the performance of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2012. Mr. Stack, senior vice president and portfolio manager at Pioneer, is responsible for the daily management of the Fund. Q How did the Fund perform during the 12 months ended December 31, 2012? A Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund's Class A shares returned 6.58% at net asset value during the 12 months ended December 31, 2012, while the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Russell Index), returned 14.59%. During the same period, the average return of the 526 mutual funds in Lipper's Small Cap Growth Funds category was 13.09%. Q What were the primary reasons for the Fund's underperformance of the Russell Index during the 12 months ended December 31, 2012? A The past fiscal year was a challenging time for us in managing the Fund, as the stock selection process we employ turned out to be not very well-suited to the broader market environment which prevailed during the 12-month period. We employ a "growth at a reasonable price" (GARP) discipline in managing the Fund. GARP targets what we believe to be attractively priced companies with above-average growth potential, defensible business models, solid competitive positions, and innovative products or other growth drivers that can prevail even in an uncertain economic environment. The GARP approach did not work out particularly well for the Fund over the past year, but we still believe it to be an effective investment approach over the long term. Within the small-cap space in particular, the 12-month period was characterized by the outperformance of slower-growing firms with higher levels of leverage on their balance sheets, while companies with faster- growing earnings and what we believed to be better overall fundamentals lagged the overall small-cap market. Our GARP stock selection process for the Fund was least effective in the information technology sector during the 12-month period, but the portfolio's underweight in real estate investment trusts (REITs) also weighed on benchmark-relative performance, as did not owning some early-stage biotechnology stocks that benefited from either the release of positive clinical data or new drug approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Historically, the portfolio has not had significant exposure to REITs or to early-stage biotechnology stocks, and that long-standing practice hurt relative performance over the 12-month period. 4 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Q What specific portfolio holdings had the biggest negative effects on the Fund's performance during the 12 months ended December 31, 2012? A The individual Fund holding that detracted the most from performance during the period was Spirit AeroSystems, a manufacturer of commercial fuselages and wing systems. We purchased the stock based on a vibrant commercial aerospace cycle and the company's ongoing effort to diversify its customer base beyond its former parent company, Boeing. During the period, however, Spirit encountered cost overruns in multiple manufacturing programs, shaking our confidence in management's control systems. Another underperformer during the 12-month period was the Fund's position in the mall-based retailer Express. We liked the company's management and its "test-and-react" strategy aimed at helping Express stay ahead of fashion trends with its young-adult customers. Two quarterly earnings disappointments, however, shook our confidence in the company's strategy. We eliminated both Spirit AeroSystems and Express from the portfolio before the end of the period. A position in Questcor Pharmaceuticals likewise detracted from the Fund's performance during the 12-month period. Questcor is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a single, fast-growing product (Acthar Gel) that is used to treat three separate diseases of the central nervous system. Late in the third quarter of 2012, health insurer Aetna announced that new prescriptions for Acthar Gel would require explicit prior approval - potentially restricting future sales growth. We had already sold a large portion of the Fund's position in Questcor, but the sharp decline in the stock's price after Aetna's announcement caused the portfolio's remaining weighting in Questcor to detract meaningfully from performance. We chose to sell the balance of the Fund's Questcor position, as we believe uncertainty will continue to have an effect on the company's stock for the foreseeable future. Q What sector allocations or individual securities aided the Fund's performance during the 12 months ended December 31, 2012? A Health care was home to a number of the Fund's leading performance contributors during the past year. The top performer in the portfolio within health care was Catalyst Health Solutions, which was acquired by SXC Health Solutions. We held on to the Fund's shares in the combined company, which is now called Catamaran Corporation, and that decision further helped performance as the stock continued to gain ground following the merger. We sold the Fund's position in Catamaran late in the fiscal year after the stock reached our price target. The portfolio's position in professional staffing provider On Assignment also posted strong gains during 2012. With so much uncertainty lingering regarding the general economic outlook, many employers have been Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 5 choosing to hire temporary information technology and health care professionals rather than staffing open positions with full-time employees, and that practice has boosted On Assignment's performance. The Fund also benefited from exceptionally strong stock selection in the energy sector during the period. One reason for the Fund's strong showing in the sector was a position in Cabot Oil & Gas. Cabot, a low-cost producer of natural gas, features the best production growth profile in the industry. The company has shown the ability to grow, even with the currently depressed price of natural gas, and we believe it can continue to do so as natural gas prices slowly improve due to increased demand and limited production growth. Cabot remains a top holding in the Fund as of year-end. Q Broadly speaking, how was the Fund positioned as of December 31, 2012? A Keeping in mind that the Fund's sector weights are a residual effect of our bottom-up security selection process, energy represented the portfolio's largest sector overweight relative to the benchmark as of year-end, followed by health care and materials. The Fund's overweight to energy stemmed mainly from positions in natural gas stocks. The natural gas industry as a whole has delivered weak performance in recent years as an unfavorable balance of supply and demand has weighed on the commodity. If the price of natural gas begins to recover, however, those companies stand to benefit. We expect that the longer-term demand for natural gas will be boosted by the development of an export market for the commodity, and by increased domestic demand from utilities and U.S. manufacturers. Consumer stocks, financials, and industrials represented the Fund's largest sector underweights relative to the Russell Index as of December 31, 2012. Consumer stocks generally performed very well in 2012, and many stocks in the group entered 2013 with what we feel are elevated valuations, even as higher tax rates and continued uncertainty in the job market continue to threaten future consumer spending levels. During the second half of the Fund's fiscal year, we reduced the portfolio's weighting to information technology and also reduced the number of holdings in companies whose growth potential, in our opinion, may be poorly understood by investors at the present time. We also reduced the portfolio's positions in companies that are facing short-term challenges. While the Fund has, in the past, realized strong performance from ownership of such an eclectic array of stocks, those types of holdings found little favor in the market environment that characterized the 12-month period ended December 31, 2012. Q How would you characterize your outlook as we head into 2013? A Despite the potential short-term economic and political challenges still facing the markets, we hold a positive view on the outlook for stocks in 2013. Both home prices and homebuilding activity appear to have found a bottom, which should contribute to improved consumer sentiment. Our 6 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 optimism about the longer-term outlook for equities is supported by what we believe are attractive stock valuations relative to other asset classes. We note that small-cap valuations, while above average, remain well below recent highs, and that the rate of profit growth for small-cap companies appears to be accelerating. We are maintaining our focus on adding value to the Fund through individual stock selection. While 2012 was a difficult year for the Fund in terms of benchmark-relative performance, we believe investors will begin looking past broad, macroeconomic factors and return their focus to individual stock fundamentals in the year ahead. While it can be difficult to outperform in a momentum-driven market, we believe, ultimately, that stocks of companies with consistent earnings and reasonable valuations will be rewarded. We believe the portfolio is well-positioned to build on its long-term track record in the months and years ahead. Note to shareholders: Pioneer's Board of Trustees has approved the reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund. It is expected that the reorganization will be completed in April or May 2013. The combined fund will have the same investment strategies and policies as, and be managed by the management team of, Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (led by Ken Winston, vice president and portfolio manager at Pioneer). It is anticipated that the performance history of the combined fund will be that of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. The combined fund will be named Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 17-23 for a full listing of Fund securities. Investments in small companies may offer the potential for higher returns, but are also subject to greater short-term price fluctuations than larger, more established companies. Investing in foreign and/or emerging markets securities involves risks relating to interest rates, currency exchange rates, economic, and political conditions. At times, the Fund's investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making it more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. These risks may increase share price volatility. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts discussed will be realized. Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund's historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These opinions should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 7 Portfolio Summary | 12/31/12 Portfolio Diversification -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (As a percentage of total investment portfolio) [THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
U.S. Common Stocks 95.1% International Common Stocks 3.9% Depository Receipts for International Stocks 1.0%
Sector Distribution -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (As a percentage of equity holdings) [THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Health Care 23.1% Information Technology 20.5% Industrials 16.4% Consumer Discretionary 14.5% Energy 10.8% Materials 5.9% Financials 5.2% Consumer Staples 3.6%
10 Largest Holdings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (As a percentage of equity holdings)*
1. Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. 2.50% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc 2.11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. WR Grace & Co. 1.78 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Quidel Corp. 1.76 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. 1.70 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Gartner, Inc. 1.56 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. On Assignment, Inc. 1.54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Cinemark Holdings, Inc. 1.51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Joy Global, Inc. 1.42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. ViroPharma, Inc. 1.42 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This list excludes temporary cash investments and derivative instruments. The portfolio is actively managed, and current holdings may be different. The holdings listed should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security listed. 8 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Prices and Distributions | 12/31/12 Net Asset Value per Share --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class 12/31/12 12/31/11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A $28.34 $26.59 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B $23.44 $22.31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C $23.96 $22.68 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- R $28.07 $26.43 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Y $29.51 $27.55 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions per Share: 1/1/12-12/31/12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Investment Short-Term Long-Term Class Income Capital Gains Capital Gains -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A $ -- $ -- $ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B $ -- $ -- $ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C $ -- $ -- $ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- R $ -- $ -- $ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Y $ -- $ -- $ -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index Definition -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Russell 2000 Growth Index measures the performance of U.S. small-cap growth stocks. Index returns are calculated monthly, assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. The index defined here pertains to the "Value of $10,000 Investment" and "Value of $5 Million Investment" charts on pages 10-14. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 9 Performance Update | 12/31/12 Class A Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund at public offering price, compared to that of the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of December 31, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Public Offering Period Value (NAV) Price (POP) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 7.82% 7.18% 5 Years 2.80 1.59 1 Year 6.58 0.46 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated May 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.26% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Russell 2000 Growth Index 12/31/2002 $ 9,425 $ 10,000 12/31/2003 $ 13,537 $ 14,854 12/31/2004 $ 16,546 $ 16,979 12/31/2005 $ 17,301 $ 17,685 12/31/2006 $ 18,128 $ 20,045 12/31/2007 $ 17,422 $ 21,457 12/31/2008 $ 11,256 $ 13,188 12/31/2009 $ 16,097 $ 17,733 12/31/2010 $ 19,252 $ 22,891 12/31/2011 $ 18,765 $ 22,226 12/31/2012 $ 20,000 $ 25,468
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. NAV results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. Returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. POP returns reflect deduction of maximum 5.75% sales charge. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of predecessor Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund on December 10, 2004. The performance shown for Class A shares of the Fund for periods prior to December 10, 2004, is based on the performance of the predecessor fund's Class A shares, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). If all the expenses of the Fund were reflected, the performance shown would be lower. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds and can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. 10 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Performance Update | 12/31/12 Class B Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, compared to that of the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of December 31, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If If Period Held Redeemed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 6.58% 6.58% 5 Years 1.41 1.41 1 Year 5.07 1.07 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated May 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.49% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Russell 2000 Growth Index 12/31/2002 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 12/31/2003 $ 14,264 $ 14,854 12/31/2004 $ 17,290 $ 16,979 12/31/2005 $ 17,908 $ 17,685 12/31/2006 $ 18,579 $ 20,045 12/31/2007 $ 17,639 $ 21,457 12/31/2008 $ 11,217 $ 13,188 12/31/2009 $ 15,816 $ 17,733 12/31/2010 $ 18,697 $ 22,891 12/31/2011 $ 18,003 $ 22,226 12/31/2012 $ 18,915 $ 25,468
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. "If Held" results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. Returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. "If Redeemed" returns reflect the deduction of applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). The maximum CDSC is 4% and declines over five years. For more complete information, please see the prospectus. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of predecessor Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund on December 10, 2004. The performance shown for Class B shares of the Fund for periods prior to December 10, 2004, is based on the performance of the predecessor fund's Class B shares, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). If all the expenses of the Fund were reflected, the performance shown would be lower. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds and can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 11 Performance Update | 12/31/12 Class C Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, compared to that of the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of December 31, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If If Period Held Redeemed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 6.80% 6.80% 5 Years 1.71 1.71 1 Year 5.64 5.64 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated May 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.13% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Russell 2000 Growth Index 12/31/2002 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 12/31/2003 $ 14,264 $ 14,854 12/31/2004 $ 17,290 $ 16,979 12/31/2005 $ 17,952 $ 17,685 12/31/2006 $ 18,658 $ 20,045 12/31/2007 $ 17,733 $ 21,457 12/31/2008 $ 11,295 $ 13,188 12/31/2009 $ 15,960 $ 17,733 12/31/2010 $ 18,909 $ 22,891 12/31/2011 $ 18,273 $ 22,226 12/31/2012 $ 19,304 $ 25,468
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Class C shares held for less than one year are also subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). "If Held" results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. Returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of predecessor Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund on December 10, 2004. The performance shown for Class C shares of the Fund for periods prior to December 10, 2004, is based on the performance of the predecessor fund's Class C shares, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). This adjustment has the effect of reducing the previously reported performance of the predecessor fund. If all the expenses of the Fund were reflected, the performance shown would be lower. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers, Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds and can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. 12 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Performance Update | 12/31/12 Class R Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, compared to that of the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of December 31, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If If Period Held Redeemed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 7.71% 7.71% 5 Years 2.60 2.60 1 Year 6.21 6.21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated May 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.57% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Russell 2000 Growth Index 12/31/2002 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 12/31/2003 $ 14,367 $ 14,854 12/31/2004 $ 17,560 $ 16,979 12/31/2005 $ 18,362 $ 17,685 12/31/2006 $ 19,239 $ 20,045 12/31/2007 $ 18,489 $ 21,457 12/31/2008 $ 11,946 $ 13,188 12/31/2009 $ 17,076 $ 17,733 12/31/2010 $ 20,372 $ 22,891 12/31/2011 $ 19,795 $ 22,226 12/31/2012 $ 21,023 $ 25,468
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of predecessor Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund on December 10, 2004. The performance shown for Class R shares for periods prior to December 10, 2004, is based on the performance of the predecessor fund's Class A shares, which has been restated to reflect any differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). This adjustment has the effect of reducing the previously reported performance of the predecessor fund. If all the expenses of the Fund were reflected, the performance would be lower than the performance shown. Performance shown for periods from December 10, 2004, to the inception of Class R shares on August 3, 2009, is based on the performance of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund's Class A shares, reduced to reflect the higher distribution and service fees for Class R shares. Class R shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers, Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds and can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 13 Performance Update | 12/31/12 Class Y Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million investment made in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, compared to that of the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of December 31, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If If Period Held Redeemed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 8.23% 8.23% 5 Years 3.34 3.34 1 Year 7.12 7.12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated May 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.75% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $5 Million Investment
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Russell 2000 Growth Index 12/31/2002 $ 5,000,000 $ 5,000,000 12/31/2003 $ 7,183,265 $ 7,427,171 12/31/2004 $ 8,780,200 $ 8,489,733 12/31/2005 $ 9,189,747 $ 8,842,304 12/31/2006 $ 9,691,337 $ 10,022,351 12/31/2007 $ 9,353,769 $ 10,728,558 12/31/2008 $ 6,074,148 $ 6,593,783 12/31/2009 $ 8,737,658 $ 8,866,571 12/31/2010 $ 10,508,351 $ 11,445,643 12/31/2011 $ 10,291,684 $ 11,112,831 12/31/2012 $ 11,023,869 $ 12,733,924
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of predecessor Safeco Growth Opportunities Fund on December 10, 2004. The performance for Class Y shares for periods prior to December 10, 2004, is based on the performance of the predecessor fund's Class A shares, which has been restated to reflect any differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). This adjustment has the effect of reducing the previously reported performance of the predecessor fund. If all the expenses of the Fund were reflected, the performance shown would be lower. Performance shown for periods from December 10, 2004, to the inception of Class Y shares on September 23, 2005, reflects the NAV performance of the Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund's Class A shares. The performance does not reflect differences in expenses, including the Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class A shares. Since fees for Class A shares are generally higher than those of Class Y shares, the performance for Class Y shares prior to their inception would have been higher than that shown. Class Y shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers, Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds and can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. 14 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses As a shareowner in the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and (2) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 at the beginning of the Fund's latest six-month period and held throughout the six months. Using the Tables -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual Expenses The first table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses.You may use the information in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period as follows: (1) Divide your account value by $1,000 Example: an $8,600 account value (divided by) $1,000 = 8.6 (2) Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class's number in the third row under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Based on actual returns from July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share Class A B C R Y -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning Account $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Value on 7/1/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Account Value $ 990.89 $ 983.71 $ 986.74 $ 989.47 $ 993.32 (after expenses) on 12/31/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses Paid $ 6.26 $ 13.36 $ 10.54 $ 8.00 $ 3.81 During Period* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.25%, 2.68%, 2.11%, 1.60% and 0.76% for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 15 Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) that are charged at the time of the transaction. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher. Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Based on a hypothetical 5% return per year before expenses, reflecting the period from July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share Class A B C R Y -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning Account $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Value on 7/1/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Account Value $1,018.85 $1,011.66 $1,014.53 $1,017.09 $1,021.32 (after expenses) on 12/31/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses Paid $ 6.34 $ 13.55 $ 10.68 $ 8.11 $ 3.86 During Period* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.25%, 2.68%, 2.11%, 1.60% and 0.76% for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). 16 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Schedule of Investments | 12/31/12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMON STOCKS -- 99.7% ENERGY -- 10.9% Oil & Gas Equipment & Services -- 1.4% 233,384 Basic Energy Services, Inc.* $ 2,662,911 78,900 Dresser-Rand Group, Inc.* 4,429,446 -------------- $ 7,092,357 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas Exploration & Production -- 8.4% 76,700 Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.* $ 2,131,493 256,543 Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. 12,760,449 104,300 Cobalt International Energy, Inc.* 2,561,608 329,070 Comstock Resources, Inc.* 4,978,829 541,100 EXCO Resources, Inc.* 3,663,247 158,900 Gulfport Energy Corp.* 6,073,158 251,000 McMoRan Exploration Co.* 4,028,550 123,100 Oasis Petroleum, Inc.* 3,914,580 100,900 Trilogy Energy Corp. 2,957,904 -------------- $ 43,069,818 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation -- 0.5% 69,100 SemGroup Corp.* $ 2,700,428 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coal & Consumable Fuels -- 0.6% 372,177 Arch Coal, Inc. $ 2,724,336 -------------- Total Energy $ 55,586,939 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MATERIALS -- 6.0% Commodity Chemicals -- 0.8% 50,000 Westlake Chemical Corp. $ 3,965,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specialty Chemicals -- 3.1% 543,000 Flotek Industries, Inc.* $ 6,624,600 135,300 WR Grace & Co.* 9,096,219 -------------- $ 15,720,819 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Construction Materials -- 2.1% 105,400 Eagle Materials, Inc. $ 6,165,900 91,500 Vulcan Materials Co. 4,762,575 -------------- $ 10,928,475 -------------- Total Materials $ 30,614,294 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPITAL GOODS -- 6.5% Construction & Engineering -- 1.7% 582,600 Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. $ 5,202,618 112,200 KBR, Inc. 3,357,024 -------------- $ 8,559,642 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 17 Schedule of Investments | 12/31/12 (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks -- 2.4% 114,000 Joy Global, Inc. $ 7,270,920 329,700 The Manitowoc Co., Inc. 5,169,696 -------------- $ 12,440,616 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Industrial Machinery -- 2.4% 105,800 Chart Industries, Inc.* $ 7,053,686 136,280 Kennametal, Inc. 5,451,200 -------------- $ 12,504,886 -------------- Total Capital Goods $ 33,505,144 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES -- 5.0% Diversified Support Services -- 1.5% 235,600 Mobile Mini, Inc.* $ 4,907,548 283,700 Performant Financial Corp.* 2,865,370 -------------- $ 7,772,918 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Human Resource & Employment Services -- 2.8% 388,485 On Assignment, Inc.* $ 7,878,476 357,200 WageWorks, Inc.* 6,358,160 -------------- $ 14,236,636 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research & Consulting Services -- 0.7% 42,111 CoStar Group, Inc.* $ 3,763,460 -------------- Total Commercial Services & Supplies $ 25,773,014 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION -- 4.9% Air Freight & Logistics -- 1.1% 303,300 XPO Logistics, Inc.* $ 5,271,354 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Airlines -- 2.6% 108,100 Alaska Air Group, Inc.* $ 4,658,029 48,820 Allegiant Travel Co. 3,583,876 384,200 US Airways Group, Inc.* 5,186,700 -------------- $ 13,428,605 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trucking -- 1.2% 676,200 Swift Transportation Co.* $ 6,166,944 -------------- Total Transportation $ 24,866,903 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER DURABLES & APPAREL -- 6.4% Home Furnishings -- 0.8% 152,800 Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. $ 3,928,488 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Homebuilding -- 0.8% 99,400 Lennar Corp. $ 3,843,798 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Housewares & Specialties -- 0.7% 57,000 Tupperware Brands Corp. $ 3,653,700 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 18 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods -- 2.9% 53,601 Carter's, Inc.* $ 2,982,896 166,700 G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.* 5,706,141 179,500 Hanesbrands, Inc.* 6,429,690 -------------- $ 15,118,727 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Footwear -- 1.2% 415,956 Crocs, Inc.* $ 5,985,607 -------------- Total Consumer Durables & Apparel $ 32,530,320 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER SERVICES -- 2.9% Casinos & Gaming -- 0.7% 426,600 Scientific Games Corp.* $ 3,698,622 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leisure Facilities -- 0.8% 63,000 Six Flags Entertainment Corp. $ 3,855,600 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restaurants -- 0.5% 35,800 Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.* $ 2,606,956 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Education Services -- 0.9% 204,463 Grand Canyon Education, Inc.* $ 4,798,747 -------------- Total Consumer Services $ 14,959,925 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDIA -- 1.5% Movies & Entertainment -- 1.5% 297,619 Cinemark Holdings, Inc. $ 7,732,142 -------------- Total Media $ 7,732,142 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RETAILING -- 3.7% Internet Retail -- 0.8% 189,375 HomeAway, Inc.* $ 4,166,250 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apparel Retail -- 1.4% 94,000 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. $ 4,509,180 106,800 Francesca's Holdings Corp.* 2,772,528 -------------- $ 7,281,708 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer & Electronics Retail -- 0.7% 146,900 GameStop Corp. $ 3,685,721 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specialty Stores -- 0.8% 67,500 Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.* $ 3,871,800 -------------- Total Retailing $ 19,005,479 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING -- 0.5% Food Retail -- 0.5% 145,798 Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.* $ 2,783,284 -------------- Total Food & Staples Retailing $ 2,783,284 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 19 Schedule of Investments | 12/31/12 (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOD, BEVERAGE & TOBACCO -- 2.6% Packaged Foods & Meats -- 2.6% 139,000 B&G Foods, Inc. $ 3,935,090 144,200 Flowers Foods, Inc. 3,355,534 149,300 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.* 6,175,048 -------------- $ 13,465,672 -------------- Total Food, Beverage & Tobacco $ 13,465,672 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES -- 11.8% Health Care Equipment -- 5.2% 385,053 ABIOMED, Inc.* $ 5,182,813 229,225 Conceptus, Inc.* 4,816,017 271,800 DexCom, Inc.* 3,699,198 44,134 HeartWare International, Inc.* 3,705,049 210,300 Insulet Corp.* 4,462,566 237,300 Masimo Corp. 4,985,673 -------------- $ 26,851,316 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Care Supplies -- 4.3% 167,500 Align Technology, Inc.* $ 4,648,125 287,400 Endologix, Inc.* 4,092,576 108,500 Haemonetics Corp.* 4,431,140 480,300 Quidel Corp.* 8,967,201 -------------- $ 22,139,042 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Care Facilities -- 1.7% 277,100 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.* $ 7,016,172 497,452 LCA-Vision, Inc.* 1,417,738 -------------- $ 8,433,910 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Managed Health Care -- 0.6% 57,800 WellCare Health Plans, Inc.* $ 2,814,282 -------------- Total Health Care Equipment & Services $ 60,238,550 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHARMACEUTICALS, BIOTECHNOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCES -- 11.3% Biotechnology -- 5.1% 348,249 Alkermes Plc* $ 6,449,571 121,900 Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 5,127,114 382,500 Exact Sciences Corp.* 4,050,675 714,200 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.* 5,342,216 566,800 NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 5,157,880 -------------- $ 26,127,456 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharmaceuticals -- 6.2% 374,300 Akorn, Inc.* $ 5,000,648 202,805 Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc* 10,789,226 214,900 Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.* 8,699,152
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 20 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharmaceuticals -- (continued) 318,100 ViroPharma, Inc.* $ 7,239,956 -------------- $ 31,728,982 -------------- Total Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences $ 57,856,438 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BANKS -- 1.0% Regional Banks -- 1.0% 73,600 Signature Bank* $ 5,250,624 -------------- Total Banks $ 5,250,624 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVERSIFIED FINANCIALS -- 3.7% Consumer Finance -- 0.7% 69,884 First Cash Financial Services, Inc.* $ 3,467,644 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asset Management & Custody Banks -- 1.4% 71,100 Financial Engines, Inc.* $ 1,973,025 125,600 Walter Investment Management Corp.* 5,403,312 -------------- $ 7,376,337 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment Banking & Brokerage -- 1.6% 520,900 E*TRADE Financial Corp.* $ 4,662,055 111,600 Evercore Partners, Inc. 3,369,204 -------------- $ 8,031,259 -------------- Total Diversified Financials $ 18,875,240 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REAL ESTATE -- 0.5% Residential REIT -- 0.5% 57,200 American Campus Communities, Inc. $ 2,638,636 -------------- Total Real Estate $ 2,638,636 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOFTWARE & SERVICES -- 15.6% Internet Software & Services -- 3.6% 288,200 Brightcove, Inc.* $ 2,605,328 256,300 ExactTarget, Inc.* 5,126,000 415,900 SciQuest, Inc.* 6,596,174 244,018 Vocus, Inc.* 4,241,033 -------------- $ 18,568,535 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT Consulting & Other Services -- 1.6% 172,800 Gartner, Inc.* $ 7,952,256 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Processing & Outsourced Services -- 2.0% 73,600 WEX, Inc.* $ 5,547,232 433,200 WNS Holdings, Ltd. (A.D.R.)* 4,513,944 -------------- $ 10,061,176 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 21 Schedule of Investments | 12/31/12 (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Application Software -- 7.0% 148,533 Aspen Technology, Inc.* $ 4,105,452 106,500 Guidewire Software, Inc.* 3,165,180 205,900 Nuance Communications, Inc.* 4,595,688 180,400 QLIK Technologies, Inc.* 3,918,288 77,700 Solera Holdings, Inc.* 4,154,619 422,540 Tangoe, Inc.* 5,015,550 200,500 TIBCO Software, Inc.* 4,413,005 292,500 TiVo, Inc.* 3,603,600 30,233 Ultimate Software Group, Inc.* 2,854,298 -------------- $ 35,825,680 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Systems Software -- 1.4% 29,300 CommVault Systems, Inc.* $ 2,042,503 179,340 Fortinet, Inc.* 3,778,694 50,000 Imperva, Inc.* 1,576,500 -------------- $ 7,397,697 -------------- Total Software & Services $ 79,805,344 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT -- 1.5% Communications Equipment -- 1.5% 250,300 Aruba Networks, Inc.* $ 5,193,725 143,500 Procera Networks, Inc.* 2,661,925 -------------- $ 7,855,650 -------------- Total Technology Hardware & Equipment $ 7,855,650 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT -- 3.4% Semiconductors -- 3.4% 487,000 Entropic Communications, Inc.* $ 2,576,230 210,000 Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. 4,678,800 185,300 Semtech Corp.* 5,364,435 243,900 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.* 4,951,170 -------------- $ 17,570,635 -------------- Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment $ 17,570,635 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 22 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principal Amount ($) Value --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $442,266,381) $ 510,914,233 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES -- 99.7% (Cost $442,266,381) (a) $ 510,914,233 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER ASSETS & LIABILITIES -- 0.3% $ 1,612,215 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.0% $ 512,526,448 =======================================================================================
* Non-income producing security. (A.D.R.) American Depositary Receipt. REIT Real Estate Investment Trust. (a) At December 31, 2012, the net unrealized gain on investments based on cost for federal income tax purposes of $447,494,033 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized gain for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost $ 76,577,918 Aggregate gross unrealized loss for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value (13,157,718) -------------- Net unrealized gain $ 63,420,200 ==============
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for the year ended December 31, 2012 aggregated $754,625,993 and $827,470,752, respectively. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below. Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A. Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining fair value of investments) See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A. Generally, equity securities are categorized as Level 1, fixed income securities and senior loans as Level 2 and securities valued using fair value methods (other than prices supplied by independent pricing services) are categorized as Level 3. See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A. The following is a summary of the inputs used as of December 31, 2012, in valuing the Fund's investments:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level 1 Level Level 3 Total -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stocks $510,914,233 $-- $-- $510,914,233 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $510,914,233 $-- $-- $510,914,233 ================================================================================
During the year ended December 31, 2012, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 23 Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 12/31/12
ASSETS: Investment in securities (cost $442,266,381) $510,914,233 Receivables -- Investment securities sold 11,108,684 Fund shares sold 224,265 Dividends 54,683 Prepaid expenses 41,804 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $522,343,669 ================================================================================ LIABILITIES: Payables -- Investment securities purchased $ 8,361,323 Fund shares repurchased 1,126,247 Due to custodian 49,034 Due to affiliates 224,287 Accrued expenses 56,330 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities $ 9,817,221 ================================================================================ NET ASSETS: Paid-in capital $538,185,336 Accumulated net realized loss on investments and options contracts (94,306,746) Net unrealized gain on investments 68,647,852 Net unrealized gain on other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total net assets $512,526,448 ================================================================================ NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: (No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) Class A (based on $419,159,021/14,791,791 shares) $ 28.34 Class B (based on $10,172,422/433,890 shares) $ 23.44 Class C (based on $38,786,084/1,618,962 shares) $ 23.96 Class R (based on $7,626,954/271,742 shares) $ 28.07 Class Y (based on $36,781,967/1,246,587 shares) $ 29.51 MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE: Class A (28.34 (divided by) 94.25%) $ 30.07 ================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 24 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Statement of Operations For the Year Ended 12/31/12
INVESTMENT INCOME: Dividends (Net of foreign taxes withheld of $532) $ 2,799,714 Interest 19,508 Income from securities loaned, net 169 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total investment income $ 2,819,391 ================================================================================================ EXPENSES: Management fees $ 3,615,988 Transfer agent fees and expenses Class A 797,321 Class B 95,758 Class C 57,654 Class R 4,302 Class Y 2,429 Distribution fees Class A 1,131,160 Class B 137,464 Class C 416,202 Class R 44,169 Shareholder communications expense 621,577 Administrative reimbursements 164,468 Custodian fees 31,184 Registration fees 83,593 Professional fees 74,786 Printing expense 14,269 Fees and expenses of nonaffiliated trustees 20,470 Miscellaneous 33,463 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total expenses $ 7,346,257 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net expenses $ 7,346,257 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net investment loss $ (4,526,866) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, CLASS ACTIONS AND OPTIONS CONTRACTS: Net realized gain (loss) on: Investments $ 26,823,362 Class actions 256,359 Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (2,598) Written options closed/expired 759,953 $ 27,837,076 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Change in net unrealized gain on: Investments $ 12,831,641 Written options (42,050) Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 6 $ 12,789,597 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net gain on investments and written options $ 40,626,673 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 36,099,807 ================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 25 Statements of Changes in Net Assets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended Year Ended 12/30/12 12/30/11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM OPERATIONS: Net investment loss $ (4,526,866) $ (6,342,457) Net realized gain on investments and written options 27,837,076 78,782,849 Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments 12,789,597 (86,311,577) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 36,099,807 $ (13,871,185) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Net proceeds from sale or exchange of shares $ 31,712,071 $ 52,812,803 Cost of shares repurchased (104,513,213) (133,580,761) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease in net assets resulting from Fund share transactions $ (72,801,142) $ (80,767,958) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease in net assets (36,701,335) (94,639,143) NET ASSETS: Beginning of year 549,227,783 643,866,926 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of year $ 512,526,448 $ 549,227,783 =====================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 26 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Statements of Changes in Net Assets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- '12 Shares '12 Amount '11 Shares '11 Amount ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares sold 708,741 $ 20,783,882 1,257,632 $ 35,074,021 Less shares repurchased (2,560,512) (73,259,010) (3,157,647) (87,102,644) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (1,851,771) $ (52,475,128) (1,900,015) $ (52,028,623) ===================================================================================== Class B Shares exchanged 39,683 $ 960,965 74,049 $ 1,734,440 Less shares repurchased (364,133) (8,904,041) (543,924) (12,672,154) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (324,450) $ (7,943,076) (469,875) $ (10,937,714) ===================================================================================== Class C Shares sold 205,091 $ 4,986,075 260,737 $ 6,040,826 Less shares repurchased (414,065) (10,424,788) (530,537) (12,590,565) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (208,974) $ (5,438,714) (269,800) $ (6,549,739) ===================================================================================== Class R Shares sold 77,120 $ 2,190,658 211,063 $ 5,754,560 Less shares repurchased (147,185) (4,192,388) (261,747) (7,128,539) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (70,065) $ (2,001,730) (50,684) $ (1,373,979) ===================================================================================== Class Y Shares sold 83,947 $ 2,790,491 148,487 $ 4,208,956 Less shares repurchased (262,055) (7,732,986) (484,567) (14,086,859) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (178,108) $ (4,942,495) (336,080) $ (9,877,903) =====================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 27 Financial Highlights
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 12/31/12 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Net asset value, beginning of period $ 26.59 $ 27.28 $ 22.81 $ 15.95 $ 25.24 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.23) $ (0.28) $ (0.22) $ (0.07) $ (0.07) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.98 (0.41) 4.69 6.93 (8.91) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.75 $ (0.69) $ 4.47 $ 6.86 $ (8.98) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- -- (0.31) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.75 $ (0.69) $ 4.47 $ 6.86 $ (9.29) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 28.34 $ 26.59 $ 27.28 $ 22.81 $ 15.95 ============================================================================================================================= Total return* 6.58%(a) (2.53)% 19.60% 43.01% (35.39)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 1.25% 1.26% 1.29% 1.35% 1.28% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (0.74)% (0.95)% (0.86)% (0.53)% (0.29)% Portfolio turnover rate 137% 112% 114% 140% 221% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $419,159 $442,574 $505,960 $463,880 $171,415 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.25% 1.26% 1.29% 1.35% 1.28% Net investment loss (0.74)% (0.95)% (0.86)% (0.53)% (0.29)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.25% 1.26% 1.29% 1.35% 1.28% Net investment loss (0.74)% (0.95)% (0.86)% (0.53)% (0.28)% =============================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. (a) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 6.54%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 28 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 12/31/12 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class B Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.31 $ 23.17 $ 19.60 $ 13.90 $ 22.42 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.70) $ (0.66) $ (0.55) $ (0.11) $ (0.39) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.83 (0.20) 4.12 5.81 (7.82) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.13 $ (0.86) $ 3.57 $ 5.70 $ (8.21) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- -- (0.31) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.13 $ (0.86) $ 3.57 $ 5.70 $ (8.52) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, end of period $ 23.44 $ 22.31 $ 23.17 $ 19.60 $ 13.90 ======================================================================================================================== Total return* 5.07%(a) (3.71)% 18.21% 41.01% (36.41)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.68% 2.49% 2.45% 2.58% 2.84% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (2.21)% (2.19)% (2.03)% (1.54)% (1.86)% Portfolio turnover rate 137% 112% 114% 140% 221% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $10,172 $16,919 $28,464 $40,989 $ 1,153 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.68% 2.49% 2.45% 2.58% 2.84% Net investment loss (2.21)% (2.19)% (2.03)% (1.54)% (1.86)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.68% 2.49% 2.45% 2.58% 2.82% Net investment loss (2.21)% (2.19)% (2.03)% (1.54)% (1.84)% ========================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. (a) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 5.00%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 29 Financial Highlights (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 12/31/12 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.68 $ 23.47 $ 19.81 $ 14.02 $ 22.57 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.41) $ (0.46) $ (0.42) $ (0.09) $ (0.27) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.69 (0.33) 4.08 5.88 (7.97) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.28 $ (0.79) $ 3.66 $ 5.79 $ (8.24) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- -- (0.31) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.28 $ (0.79) $ 3.66 $ 5.79 $ (8.55) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 23.96 $ 22.68 $ 23.47 $ 19.81 $ 14.02 ===================================================================================================================== Total return* 5.64%(a) (3.37)% 18.48% 41.30% (36.30)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.11% 2.13% 2.26% 2.39% 2.65% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (1.60)% (1.82)% (1.83)% (1.33)% (1.64)% Portfolio turnover rate 137% 112% 114% 140% 221% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $38,786 $41,448 $49,239 $49,845 $ 696 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.11% 2.13% 2.26% 2.39% 2.65% Net investment loss (1.60)% (1.82)% (1.83)% (1.33)% (1.64)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.11% 2.13% 2.26% 2.39% 2.64% Net investment loss (1.60)% (1.82)% (1.83)% (1.33)% (1.63)% =====================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. (a) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 5.60%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 30 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year 8/3/09 Ended Ended Ended to 12/31/12 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 (a) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class R Net asset value, beginning of period $ 26.43 $ 27.20 $ 22.80 $ 20.45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.36) $ (0.37) $ (0.29) $ (0.04) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.00 (0.40) 4.69 2.39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.64 $ (0.77) $ 4.40 $ 2.35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.64 $ (0.77) $ 4.40 $ 2.35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 28.07 $ 26.43 $ 27.20 $ 22.80 ========================================================================================================== Total return* 6.21%(c) (2.83)% 19.30% 11.49%(b) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 1.60% 1.57% 1.55% 1.58%** Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets+ (1.10)% (1.25)% (1.12)% (0.49)%** Portfolio turnover rate 137% 112% 114% 140%** Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 7,627 $ 9,033 $10,677 $10,515 Ratios with reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.60% 1.57% 1.55% 1.58%** Net investment loss (1.10)% (1.25)% (1.12)% (0.49)%** ==========================================================================================================
(a) Class R shares were first publicly offered on August 3, 2009. (b) Not annualized. (c) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 6.16%. * Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at each end of each period. ** Annualized. + Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 31 Financial Highlights (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 12/31/12 12/31/11 12/31/10 12/31/09 12/31/08 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class Y Net asset value, beginning of period $ 27.55 $ 28.13 $ 23.39 $ 16.26 $ 25.59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss) $ (0.08) $ (0.14) $ (0.11) $ 0.01(a) $ 0.05 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.04 (0.44) 4.85 7.13 (9.07) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.96 $ (0.58) $ 4.74 $ 7.13 $ (9.02) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- -- (0.31) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.96 $ (0.58) $ 4.74 $ 7.13 $ (9.33) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 29.51 $ 27.55 $ 28.13 $ 23.39 $ 16.26 ===================================================================================================================== Total return* 7.12%(b) (2.06)% 20.26% 43.85% (35.06)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 0.76% 0.75% 0.76% 0.77% 0.79% Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets+ (0.25)% (0.44)% (0.34)% (0.04)% 0.23% Portfolio turnover rate 137% 112% 114% 140% 221% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $36,782 $39,253 $49,527 $82,061 $42,259 Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.76% 0.75% 0.76% 0.77% 0.79% Net investment income (loss) (0.25)% (0.44)% (0.34)% 0.04% 0.23% =====================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. + Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly. (a) The amount shown for share outstanding does not correspond with the net investment loss on the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of shares. (b) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended December 31, 2012, the total return would have been 7.07%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 32 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Notes to Financial Statements | 12/31/12 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is one of two series comprising Pioneer Series Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The investment objective of the Fund is growth of capital. The Fund offers five classes of shares designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, and Class Y shares. Class R shares were first publicly offered on August 3, 2009. Class Y shares were first publicly offered on September 23, 2005. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2009, Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except that dividends and/or capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B shares, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other Pioneer funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different rates of class-specific fees and expenses such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends from net investment income earned by each class. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Fund gives the Board the flexibility to specify either per share voting or dollar-weighted voting when submitting matters for shareholder approval. Under per share voting, each share of a class of the Fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareholder's voting power is determined not by the number of shares owned, but by the dollar value of the shares on the record date. Each share class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. There is no distribution plan for Class Y shares. Class B shares convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after the date of purchase. The Fund's financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles that require the management of the Fund to, among other things, make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income, expenses, and gain or loss on investments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements, which are consistent with those policies generally accepted in the investment company industry: Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 33 A. Security Valuation Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. In computing the net asset value, securities that have traded on an exchange are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less generally are valued at amortized cost. Money market mutual funds are valued at net asset value. Trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Securities for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by or at the direction or with the approval of the Valuation Committee using fair value methods pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of the Board of Trustees. The Fund may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund's net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund's securities may differ significantly from exchange prices and such differences could be material. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities and for discussing and assessing fair values on an ongoing basis, and at least quarterly, with the Valuation Committee. At December 31, 2012, there were no securities that were valued using fair value methods (other than prices supplied by independent pricing services). Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence. Interest income, including interest on income bearing cash accounts, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates. 34 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes. B. Foreign Currency Translation The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, if any, represent, among other things, the net realized gains and losses on foreign currency contracts, disposition of foreign currencies and the difference between the amount of income accrued and the U.S. dollars actually received. Further, the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market price of those securities but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments. C. Federal Income Taxes It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal taxes is required. As of December 31, 2012, the Fund did not have any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. Tax years for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities. The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences. At December 31, 2012, the Fund reclassified $4,529,464 to decrease paid-in capital, $4,526,866 to decrease net investment loss, and $2,598 to decrease accumulated net realized loss on investments to reflect permanent book/tax differences. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. At December 31, 2012, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $89,079,094, of which, the following amounts will expire between 2016 and 2017 if not utilized: $61,681,654 in 2016 and $27,397,440 in 2017. There were no distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 35 The following shows the components of accumulated losses on a federal income tax basis at December 31, 2012:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2012 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated losses: Capital loss carryforward $(89,079,094) Unrealized appreciation 63,420,206 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $(25,658,888) ============================================================================
The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. D. Fund Shares The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD), the principal underwriter for the Fund and a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit S.p.A. (UniCredit), earned $16,950 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the year ended December 31, 2012. E. Class Allocations Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day. During the year ended December 31, 2012. The Fund recognized gains of $256,359 in settlement of class action lawsuits from several different companies, as reflected on the Statement of Operations. Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R shares of the Fund, respectively (see Note 4). Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the transfer agent, Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. (PIMSS), for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 3). Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates. 36 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 F. Risks At times, the Fund's investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. The Fund's prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund's principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund's principal risks. G. Securities Lending The Fund may lend securities in its portfolio to certain broker-dealers or other institutional investors. When entering into a securities loan transaction, the Fund typically receives cash collateral from the borrower equal to at least the value of the securities loaned, which is invested in temporary investments. Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch, as the Fund's securities lending agent, manages the Fund's securities lending collateral. The income earned on the investment of collateral is shared with the borrower and the lending agent in payment of any rebate due to the borrower with respect to the securities loan, and in compensation for the lending agent's services to the Fund. The Fund also continues to receive payments in lieu of dividends or interest on the securities loaned. Gain or loss on the value of the loaned securities that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Fund. The amount of the collateral is required to be adjusted daily to reflect any price fluctuation in the value of the loaned securities. If the required market value of the collateral is less than the value of the loaned securities, the borrower is required to deliver additional collateral for the account of the Fund prior to the close of business on that day. The Fund has the right, under the lending agreement, to terminate the loan and recover the securities from the borrower with prior notice. The Fund is required to return the cash collateral to the borrower and could suffer a loss if the value of the collateral, as invested, has declined. As of May 8, 2012 the Fund has ended its involvement with the securities lending program. H. Repurchase Agreements With respect to repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the value of the underlying securities (collateral), including accrued interest, is required to be equal to or in excess of the repurchase price. The collateral for all repurchase agreements is held in safekeeping in the customer-only account of the Fund's custodian or a subcustodian of the Fund. PIM is responsible for determining that the value of the collateral remains at least equal to the repurchase price. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 37 I. Option Writing The Fund may buy and sell put and call options, or write put and covered call options on portfolio securities in order to produce incremental earning or protect against changes in the value of portfolio securities. The Fund generally purchases put options or writes covered call options to hedge against adverse movements in the value of portfolio holdings. When an option is written, the Fund receives a premium and becomes obligated to sell or purchase the underlying security at a fixed price, upon the exercise of the option. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The Fund as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. Transactions in written call options for the year ended December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Premiums Contracts Received ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options outstanding at beginning of year 829 $ 131,222 Options opened 7,347 957,791 Options exercised (2,695) (535,964) Options closed (416) (57,562) Options expired (5,065) (495,487) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options outstanding at end of year -- $ -- ============================================================================
2. Management Agreement PIM, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, manages the Fund's portfolio. Management fees are calculated daily at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In addition, under the management and administration agreements, certain other services and costs, including accounting, regulatory reporting and insurance premiums, are paid by the Fund as administrative reimbursements. 38 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $48,336 in management fees, administrative costs and certain other reimbursements payable to PIM at December 31, 2012. Effective March 5, 2012, PIM has retained Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. to provide certain sub-administration and accounting services to the Fund. 3. Transfer Agent PIMSS, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, provides substantially all transfer agent and shareowner services to the Fund at negotiated rates. In addition, the Fund reimburses PIMSS for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by PIMSS related to shareholder communications activities such as proxy and statement mailings, outgoing phone calls and omnibus relationship contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2012 such out-of-pocket expenses by class of shares were as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholder Communications: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $447,336 Class B 34,957 Class C 101,038 Class R 28,719 Class Y 9,527 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $621,577 ================================================================================
Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $159,016 in transfer agent fees and out-of-pocket reimbursements payable to PIMSS at December 31, 2012. 4. Distribution and Service Plans The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays PFD 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class A shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund also pays PFD 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares. The fee for Class B and Class C shares consists of a 0.25% service fee and a 0.75% distribution fee paid as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class B Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 39 and Class C shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund further pays PFD 0.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares for distribution services. Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $16,935 in distribution fees payable to PFD at December 31, 2012. The Fund also has adopted a separate service plan for Class R shares (Service Plan). The Service Plan authorizes the Fund to pay securities dealers, plan administrators or other service organizations that agree to provide certain services to retirement plans or plan participants holding shares of the Fund a service fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares held by such plans. In addition, redemptions of each class of shares (except Class R and Class Y shares) may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions of certain net asset value purchases of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. Class B shares that are redeemed within five years of purchase are subject to a CDSC at declining rates beginning at 4.00%, based on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Redemptions of Class C shares within one year of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00%, based on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Shares purchased as part of an exchange remain subject to any CDSC that applied to the original purchase of those shares. There is no CDSC for Class R or Class Y shares. Proceeds from the CDSCs are paid to PFD. For the year ended December 31, 2012, CDSCs in the amount of $11,025 were paid to PFD. 5. Expense Offset Arrangements The Fund has entered into certain expense offset arrangements with PIMSS which may result in a reduction in the Fund's total expenses, due to interest earned on cash held by PIMSS. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Fund's expenses were not reduced under such arrangements. 6. Line of Credit Facility The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Pioneer Family of Funds (the Funds), participates in a committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility. Borrowings are used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may borrow up to the lesser of the amount available under the facility or the limits set for borrowing by the Fund's prospectus and the 1940 Act. The credit facility in effect until January 20, 2012 was in the amount of $165 million. Under such facility, interest on borrowings was payable at the higher of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on the borrowing date plus 1.25% on an annualized basis or the Federal Funds Rate on the borrowing date plus 1.25% on an annualized basis. The credit facility in effect as of February 15, 2012 is in the amount of $215 million. Under such facility, depending on the type of loan, interest on borrowings is payable at LIBOR plus 0.90% on an 40 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 annualized basis, or the Alternate Base Rate, which is the greater of (a) the facility's administrative agent's daily announced prime rate on the borrowing date, (b) 2% plus the Federal Funds Rate on the borrowing date and (c) 2% plus the overnight Euro dollar rate on the borrowing date. The Funds pay an annual commitment fee to participate in a credit facility. The commitment fee is allocated among participating Funds based on an allocation schedule set forth in the credit agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Fund had no borrowings under a credit facility. 7. Additional Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derivatives Not Change in Accounted for as Realized Unrealized Hedging Instruments Gain on Gain or (Loss) Under Accounting Location of Gain or (Loss) Derivatives on Derivatives Standards Codification on Derivatives Recognized Recognized Recognized (ASC) 815 in Income in Income in Income --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity Contracts -- Options Net realized gain on written options closed/expired $759,953 Equity Contracts -- Options Change in net unrealized gain on written options $(42,050)
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 41 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust II and Shareowners of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (one of the series comprising Pioneer Series Trust II (the "Trust")) as of December 31, 2012, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Trust's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2012, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund of Pioneer Series Trust II at December 31, 2012, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Boston, Massachusetts February 25, 2013 42 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Additional Information (unaudited) Subsequent Event The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund has approved certain changes to the Fund's investment objective, strategies and portfolio management. The changes are effective as of May 1, 2013. The Portfolio will be renamed Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 43 Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) serves as the investment adviser to Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (the Fund) pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between PIM and the Fund. In order for PIM to remain the investment adviser of the Fund, the Trustees of the Fund must determine annually whether to renew the investment advisory agreement for the Fund. The contract review process began in March 2012 as the Trustees of the Fund agreed on, among other things, an overall approach and timeline for the process. In July 2012, the Trustees approved the format of the contract review materials and submitted their formal request to PIM to furnish information necessary to evaluate the terms of the investment advisory agreement. The contract review materials were provided to the Trustees in July 2012 and September 2012. After reviewing and discussing the materials, the Trustees submitted a request for additional information to PIM, and materials were provided in response to this request. Meetings of the Independent Trustees of the Fund were held in July, September, October, and November, 2012 to review and discuss the contract review materials. In addition, the Trustees took into account the information related to the Fund provided to the Trustees at each regularly scheduled meeting. At a meeting held on November 13, 2012, based on their evaluation of the information provided by PIM and third parties, the Trustees of the Fund, including the Independent Trustees voting separately, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment advisory agreement for another year. In considering the renewal of the investment advisory agreement, the Trustees considered various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors described below. The Trustees did not identify any single factor as the controlling factor in determining to approve the renewal of the agreement. Nature, Extent and Quality of Services The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services that had been provided by PIM to the Fund, taking into account the investment objective and strategy of the Fund. The Trustees reviewed the terms of the investment advisory agreement. The Trustees also reviewed PIM's investment approach for the Fund, its research process and its process for trade execution. The Trustees considered the resources of PIM and the personnel of PIM who provide investment management services to the Fund. The Trustees considered the non-investment resources and personnel of PIM involved in PIM's services to the Fund, including PIM's compliance and legal resources and personnel. 44 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 The Trustees also considered the substantial attention and high priority given by PIM's senior management to the Pioneer fund complex. In addition, the Trustees considered PIM's plans to increase resources in its investment management function and other enhancements to PIM's advisory capabilities. The Trustees considered that PIM supervises and monitors the performance of the Fund's service providers and provides the Fund with personnel (including Fund officers) and other resources that are necessary for the Fund's business management and operations. The Trustees also considered that, as administrator, PIM is responsible for the administration of the Fund's business and other affairs. The Trustees considered the fees paid to PIM for the provision of administration services. Based on these considerations, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services that had been provided by PIM to the Fund were satisfactory and consistent with the terms of the investment advisory agreement. Performance of the Fund The Trustees considered the performance results of the Fund over various time periods. They reviewed information comparing the Fund's performance with the performance of its peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (Morningstar), an independent provider of investment company data, and with the performance of the Fund's benchmark index. The Trustees considered that the Fund's annualized total return was in the third quintile of its Morningstar category for the one and five year periods ended June 30, 2012, and in the fifth quintile of its Morningstar category for the three year period ended June 30, 2012. (In all quintile rankings referred to throughout this disclosure, first quintile is most favorable to the Fund's shareowners. Thus, highest relative performance would be first quintile and lowest relative expenses would also be first quintile.) The Trustees considered reasons for the underperformance of the Fund relative to its peer group and the steps recently taken by PIM in an effort to improve the performance of the Fund. The Trustees agreed that they would continue to closely monitor the Fund's performance. Management Fee and Expenses The Trustees considered information showing the fees and expenses of the Fund in comparison to the management fees and expense ratios of its peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar and also to the expense ratios of a peer group of funds selected on the basis of criteria determined by the Independent Trustees for this purpose using data provided by Strategic Insight Mutual Trust Research and Consulting, LLC (Strategic Insight), an independent third party. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 45 The Trustees considered that the Fund's management fee for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012 was in the first quintile relative to the management fees paid by other funds in its Morningstar peer group for the comparable period. The Trustees noted that there were no breakpoints in the Fund's management fee schedule and considered information that showed that the current fee for the Fund would remain competitive at higher asset levels. The Trustees also considered that the Fund's expense ratio for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012 was in the first quintile relative to its Strategic Insight peer group for the comparable period. The Trustees reviewed gross and net management fees charged by PIM to its institutional and other clients, including publicly offered European funds, U.S. registered investment companies (in a sub-advisory capacity), and unaffiliated foreign and domestic separate accounts. The Trustees also considered PIM's costs in providing services to the Fund and to its other clients and considered the differences in management fees and profit margins for PIM's Fund and non-Fund services. In evaluating the fees associated with PIM's client accounts, the Trustees took into account the respective demands, resources and complexity associated with the Fund and client accounts. The Trustees noted that in some instances the fee rates for those clients were lower than the management fee for the Fund and considered that, under the investment advisory agreement with the Fund, PIM performs additional services for the Fund that it does not provide to those other clients or services that are broader in scope, including oversight of the Fund's other service providers and activities related to compliance and the extensive regulatory and tax regimes to which the Fund is subject. The Trustees also considered the different entrepreneurial risks associated with PIM's management of the Fund and the other client accounts. The Trustees concluded that the management fee payable by the Fund to PIM was reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by PIM. Profitability The Trustees considered information provided by PIM regarding the profitability of PIM with respect to the advisory services provided by PIM to the Fund, including the methodology used by PIM in allocating certain of its costs to the management of the Fund. The Trustees also considered PIM's profit margin in connection with the overall operation of the Fund. They further reviewed the financial results realized by PIM and its affiliates from non-fund businesses. The Trustees considered PIM's profit margins with respect to the Fund in comparison to the limited industry data available and noted that the profitability of any adviser was affected by numerous factors, 46 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 including its organizational structure and method for allocating expenses. The Trustees concluded that PIM's profitability with respect to the management of the Fund was not unreasonable. Economies of Scale The Trustees considered PIM's views relating to economies of scale in connection with the Pioneer Funds as fund assets grow and the extent to which any such economies of scale are shared with funds and fund shareholders. The Trustees recognize that economies of scale are difficult to identify and quantify, rarely identifiable on a Fund-by-Fund basis, and that, among other factors that may be relevant, are the following: fee levels, expense subsidization, investment by PIM in research and analytical capabilities and PIM's commitment and resource allocation to the Funds. The Trustees noted that profitability also may be an indicator of the availability of any economies of scale, although profitability may vary for other reasons particularly, for example during the recent difficult periods for financial markets, as the level of services was maintained notwithstanding a significant decline in PIM's fee revenues from the Funds. Accordingly, the Trustees concluded that economies of scale, if any, were being appropriately shared with the Fund. Other Benefits The Trustees considered the other benefits to PIM from its relationship with the Fund. The Trustees considered the character and amount of fees paid by the Fund, other than under the investment advisory agreement, for services provided by PIM and its affiliates. The Trustees further considered the revenues and profitability of PIM's businesses other than the fund business. The Trustees also considered the benefits to the Fund and to PIM and its affiliates from the use of "soft" commission dollars generated by the Fund to pay for research and brokerage services. The Trustees considered the intangible benefits to PIM by virtue of its relationship with the Fund and the other Pioneer funds. The Trustees concluded that the receipt of these benefits was reasonable in the context of the overall relationship between PIM and the Fund. Conclusion After consideration of the factors described above as well as other factors, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the investment advisory agreement between PIM and the Fund, including the fees payable thereunder, was fair and reasonable and voted to approve the proposed renewal of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 47 Trustees, Officers and Service Providers Investment Adviser Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. Custodian and Sub-Administrator Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP Principal Underwriter Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Legal Counsel Bingham McCutchen LLP Shareowner Services and Transfer Agent Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Fund are available without charge, upon request, by calling our toll free number (1-800-225-6292). Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners at us.pioneerinvestments.com. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at www.sec.gov. Trustees and Officers The Fund's Trustees and Officers are listed on the following pages, together with their principal occupations during at least the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees serves as a trustee of each of the 56 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (the "Pioneer Funds"). The address for all Trustees and all officers of the Fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The Statement of Additional Information of the Fund includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-6292. 48 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Independent Trustees
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Trustee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas J. Perna (62) Trustee since 2006. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Director, Broadridge Chairman of the Board and Serves until a successor Quadriserv, Inc. (technology products Financial Solutions, Inc. Trustee trustee is elected or for securities lending industry) (2008 - (investor communications and earlier retirement or present); private investor (2004 - securities processing removal. 2008); and Senior Executive Vice provider for financial President, The Bank of New York services industry) (2009 - (financial and securities services) present); Director, (1986 - 2004) Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 - present); and Commissioner, New Jersey State Civil Service Commission (2011 - present) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ David R. Bock (69) Trustee since 2005. Managing Partner, Federal City Capital Director of Enterprise Trustee Serves until a successor Advisors (corporate advisory services Community Investment, Inc. trustee is elected or company) (1997 - 2004 and 2008 - (privately-held affordable earlier retirement or present); Interim Chief Executive housing finance company) removal. Officer, Oxford Analytica, Inc. (1985 - 2010); Director of (privately held research and consulting Oxford Analytica, Inc. (2008 company) (2010); Executive Vice - present); Director of The President and Chief Financial Officer, Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. I-trax, Inc. (publicly traded health (closed-end fund) (2010 - care services company) (2004 - 2007); present); and Director of and Executive Vice President and Chief New York Mortgage Trust Financial Officer, Pedestal Inc. (publicly traded mortgage (internet-based mortgage trading REIT) (2004 - 2009, 2012 - company) (2000 - 2002) present) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Benjamin M. Friedman (68) Trustee since 2008. William Joseph Maier Professor of Trustee, Mellon Trustee Serves until a successor Political Economy, Harvard University Institutional Funds trustee is elected or (1972 - present) Investment Trust and Mellon earlier retirement or Institutional Funds Master removal. Portfolio (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund complex) (1989-2008) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 49 Independent Trustees (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Trustee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Margaret B.W. Graham (65) Trustee since 2004. Founding Director, Vice President and None Trustee Serves until a successor Corporate Secretary, The Winthrop Group, trustee is elected or Inc. (consulting firm) (1982-present); earlier retirement or Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill removal. University (1999 - present); and Manager of Research Operations and Organizational Learning, Xerox PARC, Xerox's advance research center (1990-1994) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Marguerite A. Piret (64) Trustee since 2004. President and Chief Executive Officer, Director of New America High Trustee Serves until a successor Newbury, Piret & Company, Inc. Income Fund, Inc. trustee is elected or (investment banking firm) (1981 - (closed-end investment earlier retirement or present) company) (2004 - present); removal. and member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2000 - 2006) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen K. West (84) Trustee since 2008. Senior Counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Director, The Swiss Helvetia Trustee Serves until a successor (law firm) (1998 - present); and Fund, Inc. (closed-end trustee is elected or Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (prior investment company); and earlier retirement or to 1998) Director, Invesco, Ltd. removal. (formerly AMVESCAP, PLC) (investment manager) (1997-2005) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 Interested Trustees
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Trustee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ John F. Cogan, Jr. (86)* Trustee since 2004. Non-Executive Chairman and a director of None Trustee, President and Serves until a successor Pioneer Investment Management USA Inc. Chief Executive Officer of trustee is elected or ("PIM-USA"); Chairman and a director of the Fund earlier retirement or Pioneer; Chairman and Director of removal. Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (since 2006); Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management Limited (Dublin) (until October 2011); President and a director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited and affiliated funds; Deputy Chairman and a director of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. ("PGAM") (until April 2010); Director of Nano-C, Inc. (since 2003); Director of Cole Management Inc. (2004 - 2011); Director of Fiduciary Counseling, Inc. (until December 2011); President of all of the Pioneer Funds; and Retired Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Daniel K. Kingsbury (54)* Trustee since 2007. Director, CEO and President of PIM-USA None Trustee and Executive Vice Serves until a successor (since February 2007); Director and President trustee is elected or President of Pioneer and Pioneer earlier retirement or Institutional Asset Management, Inc. removal. (since February 2007); Executive Vice President of all of the Pioneer Funds (since March 2007); Director of PGAM (2007 - 2010); Head of New Europe Division, PGAM (2000 - 2005); Head of New Markets Division, PGAM (2005 - 2007) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the Fund's investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 51 Fund Officers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Officer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christopher J. Kelley (48) Since 2004. Serves at the Vice President and Associate General None Secretary discretion of the Board. Counsel of Pioneer since January 2008 and Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September 2003 to May 2010; and Vice President and Senior Counsel of Pioneer from July 2002 to December 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Carol B. Hannigan (51) Since 2010. Serves at the Fund Governance Director of Pioneer None Assistant Secretary discretion of the Board. since December 2006 and Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Manager - Fund Governance of Pioneer from December 2003 to November 2006; and Senior Paralegal of Pioneer from January 2000 to November 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas Reyes (50) Since 2010. Serves at the Counsel of Pioneer since June 2007 and None Assistant Secretary discretion of the Board. Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; and Vice President and Counsel at State Street Bank from October 2004 to June 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mark E. Bradley (53) Since 2008. Serves at the Vice President - Fund Treasury of None Treasurer and Chief discretion of the Board. Pioneer; Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Financial and Accounting Funds since March 2008; Deputy Treasurer Officer of the Fund of Pioneer from March 2004 to February 2008; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds from March 2004 to February 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Luis I. Presutti (47) Since 2004. Serves at the Assistant Vice President - Fund Treasury None Assistant Treasurer discretion of the Board. of Pioneer; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gary Sullivan (54) Since 2004. Serves at the Fund Accounting Manager - Fund Treasury None Assistant Treasurer discretion of the Board. of Pioneer; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Officer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ David F. Johnson (33) Since 2009. Serves at the Fund Administration Manager - Fund None Assistant Treasurer discretion of the Board. Treasury of Pioneer since November 2008; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since January 2009; and Client Service Manager - Institutional Investor Services at State Street Bank from March 2003 to March 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jean M. Bradley (60) Since 2010. Serves at the Chief Compliance Officer of Pioneer and None Chief Compliance Officer discretion of the Board. of all the Pioneer Funds since March 2010; Director of Adviser and Portfolio Compliance at Pioneer since October 2005; and Senior Compliance Officer for Columbia Management Advisers, Inc. from October 2003 to October 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kelley O'Donnell (41) Since 2006. Serves at the Director--Transfer Agency Compliance of None Anti-Money Laundering discretion of the Board. Pioneer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer Officer of all the Pioneer Funds since 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 53 This page for your notes. 54 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 This page for your notes. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 55 This page for your notes. 56 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 This page for your notes. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 57 This page for your notes. 58 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 This page for your notes. Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 59 This page for your notes. 60 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 12/31/12 How to Contact Pioneer We are pleased to offer a variety of convenient ways for you to contact us for assistance or information. Call us for: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Account Information, including existing accounts, new accounts, prospectuses, applications and service forms 1-800-225-6292 FactFone(SM) for automated fund yields, prices, account information and transactions 1-800-225-4321 Retirement plans information 1-800-622-0176 Write to us: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PIMSS, Inc. P.O. Box 55014 Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014 Our toll-free fax 1-800-225-4240 Our internet e-mail address ask.pioneer@pioneerinvestments.com (for general questions about Pioneer only) Visit our web site: us.pioneerinvestments.com This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. The Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
EX-99.17D 9 ex9917d.txt PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND PIONEER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND Class A Shares (PMCTX) Class C Shares (PMTCX) Class Y Shares (PMTYX) Prospectus, April 1, 2012 CONTENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund summary................................. 1 More on the fund's investment objective and strategies............................... 10 More on the risks of investing in the fund 14 Management................................... 20 Pricing of shares............................ 22 Choosing a class of shares................... 24 Distribution and service arrangements........ 25 Sales charges................................ 27 Buying, exchanging and selling shares........ 34 Account options.............................. 44 Shareholder services and policies............ 48 Dividends, capital gains and taxes........... 55 Financial highlights......................... 57
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency has approved or disapproved the fund's shares or determined whether this prospectus is [GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a crime. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact your investment professional to discuss how the fund may fit into your portfolio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund summary INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE Long-term capital growth. FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you or your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the Pioneer funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your investment professional and in the "Sales charges" section of the prospectus beginning on page 27 and the "Sales charges" section of the statement of additional information beginning on page 49.
SHAREOWNER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) CLASS A CLASS C CLASS Y ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- --------- -------- Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None ------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- --------- -------- Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price or the amount you receive when you sell shares, whichever is less) None 1% None ------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) CLASS A CLASS C CLASS Y ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- -------- Management Fees 0.625% 0.625% 0.625% ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----- ----- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% 0.00% ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----- ----- Other Expenses 0.27% 0.44% 0.08% ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----- ----- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.15% 2.07% 0.71% ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----- -----
EXAMPLE This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods shown and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. It also assumes that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) the fund's total annual operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: 1 Fund summary
IF YOU REDEEM YOUR SHARES IF YOU DO NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 3 5 10 1 3 5 10 ------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- --------- --------- Class A $685 $918 $1,169 $1,887 $685 $918 $1,169 $1,887 --------- ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ Class C 310 647 1,111 2,395 210 647 1,111 2,395 --------- ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ Class Y 72 225 392 877 72 225 392 877 --------- ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund's portfolio turnover rate was 81% of the average value of its portfolio. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in equity securities of mid-size companies. Mid-size companies are those with market values, at the time of investment, that do not exceed the greater of the market capitalization of the largest company within the Russell Midcap Growth Index ($20.4 billion as of December 31, 2011) or the 3-year rolling average of the market capitalization of the largest company within the Russell Midcap Growth Index ($17.8 billion as of December 31, 2011) as measured at the end of the preceding month, and are not less than the smallest company within the index. The Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of U.S. mid-cap growth stocks. The size of the companies in the index changes constantly as a result of market conditions and the composition of the index. The fund's investments will not be confined to securities issued by companies included in the index. For purposes of the fund's investment policies, equity securities include common stocks, debt convertible to equity securities and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, depositary receipts, warrants, rights, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks. 2 The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities. The fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds"), including below investment grade convertible debt securities, issued by both U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in REITs. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including as a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; and to increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative. The fund also may hold cash or other short-term instruments. The fund uses a "growth" style of management and seeks to invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select growth stocks the fund's investment adviser employs quantitative analysis, fundamental research and an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations. The adviser relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff and the staff of its affiliates who have access to a wide variety of research. The adviser focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers and economic sector analysis, not on market-timing strategies. The adviser generally sells a portfolio security when it believes that the issuer no longer offers the potential for above average earnings and revenue growth. The adviser makes that determination based upon the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities. PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND You could lose money on your investment in the fund. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. MARKET RISK. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to 3 Fund summary factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities, including securities held by the fund. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. is changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. MID-SIZE COMPANIES RISK. Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. GROWTH STYLE RISK. The fund's investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market. PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The adviser's judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect. DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative. 4 RISKS OF INVESTMENTS IN REITS. Investing in REITs involves unique risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are dependent upon management skills and cash flow. REITs may have lower trading volumes and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. In addition to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests. Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage. RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, less liquid trading markets, extreme price volatility, currency risks, changes in economic, political, regulatory and social conditions, sustained economic downturns, tax burdens, and investment and repatriation restrictions. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters. MARKET SEGMENT RISK. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation than a fund without the same focus. DERIVATIVES RISK. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund's net asset value and may not provide the result intended. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund. Changes in a derivative's value may not correlate well with the referenced asset or metric. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the fund. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. LEVERAGING RISK. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of 5 Fund summary the fund's underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. EXPENSE RISK. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual fund operating expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its goals. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. THE FUND'S PAST PERFORMANCE The bar chart and table indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the fund by showing how the fund has performed in the past. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the fund's Class A shares from calendar year to calendar year. The table shows the average annual total returns for each class of the fund over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Russell Midcap Growth Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the fund's investment strategies. You can obtain updated performance information by visiting https://us.pioneerinvestments.com/performance or by calling 1-800-225-6292. The fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the predecessor fund) on May 15, 2009. As a result of the reorganization, the fund is the accounting successor of the predecessor fund. In the reorganization, the predecessor fund exchanged its assets for shares of the fund. The performance of Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of the fund includes the performance of the predecessor fund's Class A, Class C and Class I shares prior to the reorganization. The performance of the predecessor fund's Class A and Class C shares prior to the reorganization has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges 6 (but not differences in expenses). The performance of the predecessor fund's Class I shares prior to the reorganization has not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses. Morgan Asset Management, Inc. served as the investment adviser to the predecessor fund. The predecessor fund began operations on March 12, 1999 as the successor to a collective trust fund for which Regions Bank was the trustee. The performance shown below relating to the predecessor fund prior to March 12, 1999 is that of the predecessor fund's predecessor, the inception date of which was June 30, 1993. The collective trust fund was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and therefore was not subject to certain investment restrictions that are imposed by the 1940 Act. If the collective trust fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been adversely affected. The fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. The bar chart does not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy fund shares. If this amount was reflected, returns would be less than those shown. ANNUAL RETURN CLASS A SHARES (%) (Year ended December 31) [GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE]
'02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 ‘11 -20.00 39.62 8.40 18.48 6.20 18.98 -39.76 46.81 21.01 -2.36
For the period covered by the bar chart: THE HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS 23.93% (04/01/2003 TO 06/30/2003). THE LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS -23.43% (10/01/2008 TO 12/31/2008). 7 Fund summary AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) (for periods ended December 31, 2011)
SINCE INCEPTION 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION DATE -------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Class A 6/30/93 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- ----- ------- Return before taxes -7.99 3.22 5.97 11.51 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- -------- ------- Return after taxes on distributions -7.99 2.84 5.33 10.46 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- -------- ------- Return after taxes on distributions and sale of shares -5.20 2.74 5.12 10.03 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- -------- ------- Class C -3.26 3.68 N/A 5.89 1/7/02 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- -------- ------- Class Y -1.93 4.81 N/A 6.97 6/23/04 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- -------- ------- Russell Midcap Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) -1.65 2.44 5.29 8.30 6/30/93 -------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- -------- -------
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares. After-tax returns for Class C and Class Y shares will vary. 8 MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT ADVISER Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Ken Winston, vice president of Pioneer (portfolio manager of the fund since 2009).
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES You may purchase, exchange or sell (redeem) shares each day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your financial intermediary or, for accounts held directly with the fund, by contacting the fund's transfer agent in writing or by telephone (Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 55014, Boston, MA 02205-5014, tel. 1-800-225-6292). Your initial investment for Class A or Class C shares must be at least $1,000. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares and $500 for Class C shares. The initial investment for Class Y shares must be at least $5 million. This amount may be invested in one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds that currently offer Class Y shares. There is no minimum additional investment amount for Class Y shares. TAX INFORMATION You normally will have to pay income taxes on the dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the fund, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson or investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or investment professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information. 9 More on the fund's investment objective and strategies INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE Long-term capital growth. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval. The fund will provide notice prior to implementing any change to its investment objective. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in equity securities of mid-size companies. Mid-size companies are those with market values, at the time of investment, that do not exceed the greater of the market capitalization of the largest company within the Russell Midcap Growth Index ($20.4 billion as of December 31, 2011) or the 3-year rolling average of the market capitalization of the largest company within the Russell Midcap Growth Index ($17.8 billion as of December 31, 2011) as measured at the end of the preceding month, and are not less than the smallest company within the index. The Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of U.S. mid-cap growth stocks. The size of the companies in the index changes constantly as a result of market conditions and the composition of the index. The fund's investments will not be confined to securities issued by companies included in the index. For purposes of the fund's investment policies, equity securities include common stocks, debt convertible to equity securities and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, depositary receipts, warrants, rights, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks. The fund will provide notice to shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change to its policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of mid-size companies. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities. The fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds"), including below investment grade convertible debt securities, issued by both U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The fund invests in debt securities when Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., (Pioneer) the fund's investment adviser, believes they are consistent with the fund's investment objective of capital growth, to diversify the fund's portfolio or for greater liquidity. 10 The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in REITs. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in equity and debt securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund does not count securities of Canadian issuers against the limit on investment in securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund uses a "growth" style of management and seeks to invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select growth stocks, Pioneer employs quantitative analysis, fundamental research and an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff and the staff of its affiliates who have access to a wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers and economic sector analysis, not on market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include: o Market leadership in a company's primary products and services o Companies expected to benefit from long-term trends in the economy and society o Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash flow and sales compared to historic standards o Increasing earnings forecast Pioneer generally sells a portfolio security when it believes that the issuer no longer offers the potential for above average earnings and revenue growth. Pioneer makes that determination based upon the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities. DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. Generally the fund may acquire debt securities that are investment grade, but the fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds") including below investment grade convertible debt securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the adviser. The fund may invest in debt securities rated "D" or better, or comparable unrated securities. Debt securities rated "D" are in default. 11 More on the fund's investment objective and strategies INVESTMENTS IN REITS REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Some REITs invest directly in real estate and derive their income from the collection of rents and capital gains on the sale of properties. Other REITs invest primarily in mortgages, including "sub-prime" mortgages, secured by real estate and derive their income from collection of interest. NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS The fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including securities of emerging markets issuers. Non-U.S. issuers are issuers that are organized and have their principal offices outside of the United States. Non-U.S. securities may be issued by non-U.S. governments, banks or corporations, or private issuers, and certain supranational organizations, such as the World Bank and the European Union. DERIVATIVES The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: o As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates o As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities o To increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative o To manage portfolio characteristics CASH MANAGEMENT AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. The fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the adviser believes securities in which the fund normally invests have special or unusual risks or are less attractive due to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. 12 ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may also use other techniques, including the following non-principal investment strategies. REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND BORROWING The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements pursuant to which the fund transfers securities to a counterparty in return for cash, and the fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price. Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings by the fund, are a form of leverage and may make the value of an investment in the fund more volatile and increase the risks of investing in the fund. The fund also may borrow money from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. The fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. Entering into reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowing transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. SHORT-TERM TRADING The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if it no longer meets the fund's investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital gains. 13 More on the risks of investing in the fund PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS You could lose money on your investment in the fund. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. MARKET RISK. The values of securities held by the fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility in recent years. The stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). The financial crisis that began in 2008 has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that purchase sovereign debt have fallen, credit has become more scarce worldwide and there has been significant uncertainty in the markets. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the adviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. is changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. MID-SIZE COMPANIES RISK. Compared to large companies, mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. 14 GROWTH STYLE RISK. The fund's investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market. PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The adviser's judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect. DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the fund fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative. RISKS OF INVESTMENTS IN REITS. The fund has risks associated with the real estate industry. Although the fund does not invest directly in real estate, it may invest in REITs and other equity securities of real estate industry issuers. These risks may include: o The U.S. or a local real estate market declines due to adverse economic conditions, foreclosures, overbuilding and high vacancy rates, reduced or regulated rents or other causes o Interest rates go up. Rising interest rates can adversely affect the availability and cost of financing for property acquisitions and other purposes and reduce the value of a REIT's fixed income investments o The values of properties owned by a REIT or the prospects of other real estate industry issuers may be hurt by property tax increases, zoning changes, other governmental actions, environmental liabilities, natural disasters or increased operating expenses o A REIT in the fund's portfolio is, or is perceived by the market to be, poorly managed Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. REITs are dependent on management skills, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for certain tax and regulatory exemptions. REITs may have limited financial resources and may experience sharper swings in market values and trade less frequently 15 More on the risks of investing in the fund and in a more limited volume than securities of larger issuers. In addition to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests. Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a real estate company's operations and market value. In addition, capital to pay or refinance a REIT's debt may not be available or reasonably priced. Financial covenants related to real estate company leveraging may affect the company's ability to operate effectively. RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include: o Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices o Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the fund's securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable o Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the fund's investments, or its ability to convert non-U.S. currencies to U.S. dollars o The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession o Economic, political, regulatory and social developments may adversely affect the securities markets o Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund's return o Some markets in which the fund may invest are located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters that could result in a significant adverse impact on the economies of those countries and investments made in those countries o A governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or principal on its sovereign debt due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity's debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms MARKET SEGMENT RISK. To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater 16 market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation. Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are generally subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions. Industries in the consumer discretionary segment, such as consumer durables, hotels, restaurants, media, retailing and automobiles, may be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence and spending, and changes in demographics and consumer tastes. Industries in the industrials segment, such as companies engaged in the production, distribution or service of products or equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction, can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including such factors as employment and economic growth, interest rate changes, changes in consumer spending, legislative and governmental regulation and spending, import controls, commodity prices, and worldwide competition. Industries in the health care segment, such as health care supplies, health care services, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, may be significantly affected by government regulation and reimbursement rates, approval of products by government agencies, and patent expirations and litigation. Industries in the energy segment, such as those engaged in the development, production and distribution of energy resources, can be significantly affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil, gas and other consumable fuels, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions likewise will affect the performance of companies in these industries. DERIVATIVES RISK. Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks, may increase the volatility of the fund's net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund, 17 More on the risks of investing in the fund and they can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund's other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund's assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. LEVERAGING RISK. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the fund borrows or uses derivatives or other investments, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund's underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements. CASH MANAGEMENT RISK. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or temporary defensive purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash. During such periods, it may be more difficult for the fund to achieve its investment objective. 18 EXPENSE RISK. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual fund operating expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. To learn more about the fund's investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional information. Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its goals. DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS The fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the fund's securities are described in the statement of additional information. 19 Management INVESTMENT ADVISER Pioneer, the fund's investment adviser, selects the fund's investments and oversees the fund's operations. Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredit S.p.A., one of the largest banking groups in Italy. Pioneer is part of the global asset management group providing investment management and financial services to mutual funds, institutional and other clients. As of December 31, 2011, assets under management were approximately $210 billion worldwide, including over $60 billion in assets under management by Pioneer (and its U.S. affiliates). Pioneer's main office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The firm's U.S. mutual fund investment history includes creating in 1928 one of the first mutual funds. Pioneer has received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees, to hire and terminate a subadviser that is not affiliated with Pioneer (an "unaffiliated subadviser") or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract with an unaffiliated subadviser for the fund without shareholder approval. Pioneer retains the ultimate responsibility to oversee and recommend the hiring, termination and replacement of any unaffiliated subadviser. To the extent that the Securities and Exchange Commission adopts a rule that would supersede the order, or would provide greater flexibility than the order, Pioneer and the fund intend to rely on such rule to permit Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees and any other applicable conditions of the rule, to hire and terminate an unaffiliated subadviser or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract with an unaffiliated subadviser for the fund without shareholder approval. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio is the responsibility of Ken Winston. Mr. Winston is supported by the domestic equity team. Members of this team manage other Pioneer funds investing primarily in U.S. equity securities. The portfolio manager and the team also may draw upon the research and investment management expertise of the global research teams, which provide fundamental and quantitative research on companies and include members from Pioneer's affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited. Mr. Winston, a vice president, joined Pioneer in 2007 from Hartford Investment Management Company where he was senior vice president with 20 portfolio management and analyst responsibilities for small and mid cap growth portfolios. From 2000 to 2006 he worked at Lee Munder Capital Group as partner and portfolio manager for small and mid cap growth portfolios. Mr. Winston has served as portfolio manager of the fund since 2009. The fund's statement of additional information provides additional information about the portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager's ownership of shares of the fund. MANAGEMENT FEE The fund pays Pioneer a fee for managing the fund and to cover the cost of providing certain services to the fund. Pioneer's annual fee is equal to 0.625% of the fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011, the fund paid management fees (excluding waivers and/or assumption of expenses) equivalent to 0.62% of the fund's average daily net assets. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the management contract will be available in the fund's annual report to shareholders, for the period ended November 30, 2011. DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. is the fund's distributor. Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. is the fund's transfer agent. The fund compensates the distributor and transfer agent for their services. The distributor and the transfer agent are affiliates of Pioneer. 21 Pricing of shares NET ASSET VALUE The fund's net asset value is the value of its securities plus any other assets minus its accrued operating expenses and other liabilities. The fund calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the New York Stock Exchange closes at another time, the fund will calculate a net asset value for each class of shares as of the actual closing time. The fund generally values its equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange using the last sale price on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Equity securities that are not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which no last sale prices are available, are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale, bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods. The fund may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities. To the extent that the fund invests in shares of other mutual funds that are not traded on an exchange, such shares of other mutual funds are valued at their net asset values as provided by those funds. The prospectuses for those funds explain the circumstances under which those funds will use fair value pricing methods and the effects of using fair value pricing methods. The fund generally values debt securities and certain derivative instruments by using the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services. A pricing service may use market prices or quotations from one or more brokers or other sources, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed income securities and/or other factors. The fund values short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at amortized cost, unless circumstances indicate that using this method would not reflect an investment's value. 22 The valuations of securities traded in non-U.S. markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Non-U.S. markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund's shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for an investment, or when prices or market quotations are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when they are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value methods to value its securities pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The fund also may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a price is determined and the time at which the fund's net asset value is calculated. Because the fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade - some of which may be thinly traded and for which prices may not be readily available or may be unreliable - the fund may use fair value methods more frequently than funds that primarily invest in securities that are more widely traded. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated only using market prices. The prices used by the fund to value its securities may differ from the amounts that would be realized if these securities were sold and these differences may be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. 23 Choosing a class of shares The fund offers three classes of shares through this prospectus. Each class has different eligibility requirements, sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. Factors you should consider include: o The eligibility requirements that apply to purchases of a particular share class o The expenses paid by each class o The initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), if any, applicable to each class o Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges o How long you expect to own the shares o Any services you may receive from a financial intermediary Your investment professional can help you determine which class meets your goals. Your investment professional or financial intermediary may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are purchasing shares outside the U.S., you may pay different sales charges under local laws and business practices. For information on the fund's expenses, please see "Fund Summary." CLASS A SHARES o You pay a sales charge of up to 5.75% of the offering price, which is reduced or waived for large purchases and certain types of investors. At time of your purchase, your investment firm may receive a commission from the distributor of up to 5%, declining as the size of your investment increases. o There is no contingent deferred sales charge, except in certain circumstances when no initial sales charge is charged. o Distribution and service fees of 0.25% of average daily net assets. CLASS C SHARES o A 1% contingent deferred sales charge is assessed if you sell your shares within one year of purchase. Your investment firm may receive a commission from the distributor at the time of your purchase of up to 1%. o Distribution and service fees of 1.00% of average daily net assets. o Does not convert to another share class. o Maximum purchase amount (per transaction) of $499,999. CLASS Y SHARES o No initial or contingent deferred sales charge. o Initial investments are subject to a $5 million investment minimum, which may be waived in some circumstances. 24 Distribution and service arrangements DISTRIBUTION PLAN The fund has adopted a distribution plan for Class A and Class C shares in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and service fees to the distributor. Because these fees are an ongoing expense of the fund, over time they increase the cost of your investment and your shares may cost more than shares that are subject to other types of sales charges. ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES Your financial intermediary may receive compensation from the fund, Pioneer and its affiliates for the sale of fund shares and related services. Compensation may include sales commissions and distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees, as well as compensation for administrative services and transaction processing. Pioneer and its affiliates may make additional payments to your financial intermediary. These payments may provide your financial intermediary with an incentive to favor the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or assist the distributor in its efforts to promote the sale of the fund's shares. Financial intermediaries include broker-dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators and other types of intermediaries. Pioneer makes these additional payments (sometimes referred to as "revenue sharing") to financial intermediaries out of its own assets, which may include profits derived from services provided to the fund, or from the retention of a portion of sales charges or distribution and service fees. Pioneer may base these payments on a variety of criteria, including the amount of sales or assets of the Pioneer funds attributable to the financial intermediary or as a per transaction fee. Not all financial intermediaries receive additional compensation and the amount of compensation paid varies for each financial intermediary. In certain cases, these payments may be significant. Pioneer determines which firms to support and the extent of the payments it is willing to make, generally choosing firms that have a strong capability to effectively distribute shares of the Pioneer funds and that are willing to cooperate with Pioneer's promotional efforts. Pioneer also may compensate financial intermediaries (in addition to amounts that may be paid by the fund) for providing certain administrative services and transaction processing services. 25 Distribution and service arrangements Pioneer may benefit from revenue sharing if the intermediary features the Pioneer funds in its sales system (such as by placing certain Pioneer funds on its preferred fund list or giving access on a preferential basis to members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management). In addition, the financial intermediary may agree to participate in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as by helping to facilitate or provide financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the Pioneer funds to the intermediary's sales force). To the extent intermediaries sell more shares of the Pioneer funds or retain shares of the Pioneer funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer receives greater management and other fees due to the increase in the Pioneer funds' assets. The intermediary may earn a profit on these payments if the amount of the payment to the intermediary exceeds the intermediary's costs. The compensation that Pioneer pays to financial intermediaries is discussed in more detail in the fund's statement of additional information. Your intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than in the discussion above and in the statement of additional information. You can ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from Pioneer or the Pioneer funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. Pioneer and its affiliates may have other relationships with your financial intermediary relating to the provision of services to the Pioneer funds, such as providing omnibus account services or effecting portfolio transactions for the Pioneer funds. If your intermediary provides these services, Pioneer or the Pioneer funds may compensate the intermediary for these services. In addition, your intermediary may have other relationships with Pioneer or its affiliates that are not related to the Pioneer funds. 26 Sales charges INITIAL SALES CHARGES (CLASS A SHARES ONLY) You pay the offering price (the net asset value per share plus any initial sales charge) when you buy Class A shares unless you qualify to purchase shares at net asset value. You pay a lower sales charge as the size of your investment increases. You do not pay a sales charge when you reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions paid by the fund. SALES CHARGES FOR CLASS A SHARES
SALES CHARGE AS % OF ---------------------- OFFERING NET AMOUNT AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PRICE INVESTED --------------------------------- ---------- ----------- Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 --------------------------------- ---- ---- $500,000 or more -0- -0- --------------------------------- ---- ----
The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the offering price of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table) and the net asset value of those shares. Since the offering price is calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding methodology, the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and of the net amount invested for any particular purchase of fund shares may be higher or lower due to rounding. REDUCED SALES CHARGES You may qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge if you own or are purchasing shares of Pioneer mutual funds. The investment levels required to obtain a reduced sales charge are commonly referred to as "breakpoints." Pioneer offers two principal means of taking advantage of breakpoints in sales charges for aggregate purchases of Class A shares of the Pioneer funds over time if: o The amount of shares you own of the Pioneer funds plus the amount you are investing now is at least $50,000 (Rights of accumulation) o You plan to invest at least $50,000 over the next 13 months (Letter of intent) RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION If you qualify for rights of accumulation, your sales charge will be based on the combined value (at the current offering price) of all your Pioneer mutual fund shares, the shares of your spouse and the shares of any children under the age of 21. 27 Sales charges LETTER OF INTENT You can use a letter of intent to qualify for reduced sales charges in two situations: o If you plan to invest at least $50,000 (excluding any reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions) in the fund's Class A shares during the next 13 months o If you include in your letter of intent the value (at the current offering price) of all of your Class A shares of the fund and Class A, Class B or Class C shares of all other Pioneer mutual fund shares held of record in the amount used to determine the applicable sales charge for the fund shares you plan to buy Completing a letter of intent does not obligate you to purchase additional shares, but if you do not buy enough shares to qualify for the projected level of sales charges by the end of the 13-month period (or when you sell your shares, if earlier), the distributor will recalculate your sales charge. You must pay the additional sales charge within 20 days after you are notified of the recalculation or it will be deducted from your account (or your sale proceeds). Any share class for which no sales charge is paid cannot be included under the letter of intent. For more information regarding letters of intent, please contact your investment professional or obtain and read the statement of additional information. QUALIFYING FOR A REDUCED CLASS A SALES CHARGE In calculating your total account value in order to determine whether you have net sales charge breakpoints, you can include your Pioneer mutual fund shares, those of your spouse and the shares of any children under the age of 21. Pioneer will use each fund's current offering price to calculate your total account value. Certain trustees and fiduciaries may also qualify for a reduced sales charge. To receive a reduced sales charge, you or your investment professional must, at the time of purchase, notify the distributor of your eligibility. In order to verify your eligibility for a discount, you may need to provide your investment professional or the fund with information or records, such as account numbers or statements, regarding shares of the fund or other Pioneer mutual funds held in all accounts by you, your spouse or children under the age of 21 with that investment professional or with any other financial intermediary. Eligible accounts may include joint accounts, retirement plan accounts, such as IRA and 401k accounts, and custodial accounts, such as ESA, UGMA and UTMA accounts. 28 It is your responsibility to confirm that your investment professional has notified the distributor of your eligibility for a reduced sales charge at the time of sale. If you or your investment professional do not notify the distributor of your eligibility, you will risk losing the benefits of a reduced sales charge. For this purpose, Pioneer mutual funds include any fund for which the distributor is principal underwriter and, at the distributor's discretion, may include funds organized outside the U.S. and managed by Pioneer or an affiliate. You can locate information regarding the reduction or waiver of sales charges, in a clear and prominent format and free of charge, on Pioneer's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com. The website includes hyperlinks that facilitate access to this information. CLASS A PURCHASES AT A REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGE OR NET ASSET VALUE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO: Group plans if the sponsoring organization: o recommends purchases of Pioneer mutual funds to, o permits solicitation of, or o facilitates purchases by its employees, members or participants. CLASS A PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE You may purchase Class A shares at net asset value (without a sales charge) as follows. If you believe you qualify for any of the Class A sales charge waivers discussed below, contact your investment professional or the distributor. You are required to provide written confirmation of your eligibility. You may not resell these shares except to or on behalf of the fund. INVESTMENTS OF $500,000 OR MORE AND CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS You do not pay a sales charge when you purchase Class A shares if you are investing $500,000 or more, are a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan with at least $500,000 in total plan assets or are a participant in certain employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004 with 100 or more eligible employees or at least $500,000 in total plan assets. However, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge if you sell your Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. The sales charge is equal to 1% of your investment or your sale proceeds, whichever is less. CLASS A PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE ARE AVAILABLE TO: o Current or former trustees and officers of the fund; o Partners and employees of legal counsel to the fund (at the time of initial share purchase); 29 Sales charges o Directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of Pioneer and its affiliates (at the time of initial share purchase); o Directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of any subadviser or a predecessor adviser (or their affiliates) to any investment company for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (at the time of initial share purchase); o Officers, partners, employees or registered representatives of broker-dealers (at the time of initial share purchase) which have entered into sales agreements with the distributor; o Employees of Regions Financial Corporation and its affiliates (at the time of initial share purchase); o Members of the immediate families of any of the persons above; o Any trust, custodian, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan of the foregoing persons; o Insurance company separate accounts; o Certain wrap accounts for the benefit of clients of investment professionals or other financial intermediaries adhering to standards established by the distributor; o Other funds and accounts for which Pioneer or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser or manager; o Investors in connection with certain reorganization, liquidation or acquisition transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding companies; o Certain unit investment trusts; o Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans with at least $500,000 in total plan assets; o Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004 with 100 or more eligible employees or at least $500,000 in total plan assets; o Participants in Optional Retirement Programs if (i) your employer has authorized a limited number of mutual funds to participate in the program, (ii) all participating mutual funds sell shares to program participants at net asset value, (iii) your employer has agreed in writing to facilitate investment in Pioneer mutual funds by program participants and (iv) the program provides for a matching contribution for each participant contribution; o Participants in an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or employer-sponsored 457 plan if (i) your employer has made special arrangements for your plan to operate as a group through a single broker, dealer or financial intermediary and (ii) all participants in the plan who purchase shares of a Pioneer mutual fund do so through a single broker, dealer or other financial intermediary designated by your employer; 30 o Individuals receiving a distribution consisting of Class Y shares of a Pioneer fund from a trust, fiduciary, custodial or other similar account who purchase Class A shares of the same Pioneer fund within 90 days of the date of the distribution; o Investors purchasing shares pursuant to the reinstatement privilege applicable to Class A shares; and o Shareholders of record (i.e., shareholders whose shares are not held in the name of a broker or an omnibus account) on the date of the reorganization of a predecessor Safeco fund into a corresponding Pioneer fund, shareholders who owned shares in the name of an omnibus account provider on that date that agrees with the fund to distinguish beneficial holders in the same manner, and retirement plans with assets invested in the predecessor Safeco fund on that date. In addition, Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to include the Pioneer funds in their program without the imposition of a sales charge. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs also may offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class. CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSCS) CLASS A SHARES Purchases of Class A shares of $500,000 or more, or by participants in a group plan which were not subject to an initial sales charge, may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge is payable to the distributor in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. However, the contingent deferred sales charge is waived for redemptions of Class A 31 Sales charges shares purchased by an employer-sponsored retirement plan that has at least $500,000 in total plan assets (or that has 1,000 or more eligible employees for plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004). CLASS C SHARES You buy Class C shares at net asset value per share without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you sell your Class C shares within one year of purchase, upon redemption you will pay the distributor a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% of the current market value or the original cost of the shares you are selling, whichever is less. PAYING THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC) Several rules apply for calculating CDSCs so that you pay the lowest possible CDSC. o The CDSC is calculated on the current market value or the original cost of the shares you are selling, whichever is less o You do not pay a CDSC on reinvested dividends or distributions o If you sell only some of your shares, the transfer agent will first sell your shares that are not subject to any CDSC and then the shares that you have owned the longest o You may qualify for a waiver of the CDSC normally charged. See "Waiver or reduction of contingent deferred sales charges" WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES It is your responsibility to confirm that your investment professional has notified the distributor of your eligibility for a reduced sales charge at the time of sale. If you or your investment professional do not notify the distributor of your eligibility, you will risk losing the benefits of a reduced sales charge. The distributor may waive or reduce the CDSC for Class A shares that are subject to a CDSC or for Class C shares if: o The distribution results from the death of all registered account owners or a participant in an employer-sponsored plan. For UGMAs, UTMAs and trust accounts, the waiver applies only upon the death of all beneficial owners; o You become disabled (within the meaning of Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code) after the purchase of the shares being sold. For UGMAs, UTMAs and trust accounts, the waiver only applies upon the disability of all beneficial owners; o The distribution is made in connection with limited automatic redemptions as described in "Systematic withdrawal plans" (limited in any year to 10% of the value of the account in the fund at the time the withdrawal plan is established); 32 o The distribution is from any type of IRA, 403(b) or employer-sponsored plan described under Section 401(a) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code and, in connection with the distribution, one of the following applies: - It is part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over the life expectancy of the participant or the joint life expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary (limited in any year to 10% of the value of the participant's account at the time the distribution amount is established); - It is a required minimum distribution due to the attainment of age 70 1/2, in which case the distribution amount may exceed 10% (based solely on total plan assets held in Pioneer mutual funds); - It is rolled over to or reinvested in another Pioneer mutual fund in the same class of shares, which will be subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held; or - It is in the form of a loan to a participant in a plan that permits loans (each repayment applied to the purchase of shares will be subject to a CDSC as though a new purchase); o The distribution is to a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan described under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or to a participant in an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or employer-sponsored 457 plan if (i) your employer has made special arrangements for your plan to operate as a group through a single broker, dealer or financial intermediary and (ii) all participants in the plan who purchase shares of a Pioneer mutual fund do so through a single broker, dealer or other financial intermediary designated by your employer and is or is in connection with: - A return of excess employee deferrals or contributions; - A qualifying hardship distribution as described in the Internal Revenue Code; - Due to retirement or termination of employment; or - From a qualified defined contribution plan and represents a participant's directed transfer, provided that this privilege has been preauthorized through a prior agreement with the distributor regarding participant directed transfers; o The distribution is made pursuant to the fund's right to liquidate or involuntarily redeem shares in a shareholder's account; o The distribution is made to pay an account's advisory or custodial fees; or o The selling broker elects, with the distributor's approval, to waive receipt of the commission normally paid at the time of the sale. Please see the fund's statement of additional information for more information regarding reduced sales charges and breakpoints. 33 Buying, exchanging and selling shares OPENING YOUR ACCOUNT You may open an account by completing an account application and sending it to the transfer agent by mail or by fax. Please call the transfer agent to obtain an account application. Certain types of accounts, such as retirement accounts, have separate applications. Use your account application to select options and privileges for your account. You can change your selections at any time by sending a completed account options form to the transfer agent. You may be required to obtain a signature guarantee to make certain changes to an existing account. Call or write to the transfer agent for account applications, account options forms and other account information: PIONEER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, INC. P.O. Box 55014 Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014 Telephone 1-800-225-6292 IDENTITY VERIFICATION To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the fund to identify you. The fund may close your account if we cannot adequately verify your identity. The redemption price will be the net asset value on the date of redemption. INVESTING THROUGH FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES AND RETIREMENT PLANS If you invest in the fund through your financial intermediary or through a retirement plan, the options and services available to you may be different from those discussed in this prospectus. Shareholders investing through financial intermediaries, programs sponsored by financial intermediaries and retirement plans may only purchase funds and classes of shares that are available. When you invest through an account that is not in your name, you generally may buy and sell shares and complete other transactions only through the account. Ask your investment professional or financial intermediary for more information. Additional conditions may apply to your investment in the fund, and the investment professional or intermediary may charge you a transaction-based, administrative or other fee for its services. These conditions and fees are 34 in addition to those imposed by the fund and its affiliates. You should ask your investment professional or financial intermediary about its services and any applicable fees. SHARE PRICES FOR TRANSACTIONS If you place an order to purchase, exchange or sell shares with the transfer agent or an authorized agent by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), the share price for your transaction will be based on the net asset value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on that day (plus or minus any applicable sales charges). If your order is placed with the transfer agent or an authorized agent after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, or your order is not in good order, the share price will be based on the net asset value next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund or authorized agent. The authorized agent is responsible for transmitting your order to the fund in a timely manner. GOOD ORDER MEANS THAT: o You have provided adequate instructions o There are no outstanding claims against your account o There are no transaction limitations on your account o If you have any fund share certificates, you submit them and they are signed by each record owner exactly as the shares are registered o Your request includes a signature guarantee if you: - Are selling over $100,000 or exchanging over $500,000 worth of shares - Changed your account registration or address within the last 30 days - Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account - Want the check paid to someone other than the account's record owner(s) - Are transferring the sale proceeds to a Pioneer mutual fund account with a different registration TRANSACTION LIMITATIONS Your transactions are subject to certain limitations, including the limitation on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of a redemption. See "Excessive trading." BUYING You may buy fund shares from any financial intermediary that has a sales agreement or other arrangement with the distributor. 35 Buying, exchanging and selling shares You can buy shares at net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge. The distributor may reject any order until it has confirmed the order in writing and received payment. Normally, your financial intermediary will send your purchase request to the fund's transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION. Your investment firm receives a commission from the distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your purchase of fund shares. MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS CLASS A AND CLASS C SHARES Your initial investment must be at least $1,000. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares and $500 for Class C shares. You may qualify for lower initial or subsequent investment minimums if you are opening a retirement plan account, establishing an automatic investment plan or placing your trade through your investment firm. The fund may waive the initial or subsequent investment minimums. Minimum investment amounts may be waived for, among other things, share purchases made through certain mutual fund programs (e.g., asset based fee program accounts) sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, that have entered into an agreement with Pioneer. CLASS Y SHARES Your initial investment in Class Y shares must be at least $5 million. This amount may be invested in one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds that currently offer Class Y shares. There is no minimum additional investment amount. The fund may waive the initial investment amount. WAIVERS OF THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNT The fund will accept an initial investment of less than $5 million if: (a) The investment is made by a trust company or bank trust department which is initially investing at least $1 million in any of the Pioneer mutual funds and, at the time of the purchase, such assets are held in a fiduciary, advisory, custodial or similar capacity over which the trust company or bank trust department has full or shared investment discretion; or (b) The investment is at least $1 million in any of the Pioneer mutual funds and the purchaser is an insurance company separate account; or (c) The account is not represented by a broker-dealer and the investment is made by (1) an ERISA-qualified retirement plan that meets the 36 requirements of Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, (2) an employer-sponsored retirement plan that meets the requirements of Sections 403 or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, (3) a private foundation that meets the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or (4) an endowment or other organization that meets the requirements of Section 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (d) The investment is made by an employer-sponsored retirement plan established for the benefit of (1) employees of Pioneer or its affiliates, or (2) employees or the affiliates of broker-dealers who have a Class Y shares sales agreement with the distributor; or (e) The investment is made through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to include Class Y shares of the Pioneer mutual funds in their program. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs may also offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class; or (f) The investment is made by another Pioneer fund The fund reserves the right to waive the initial investment minimum in other circumstances. MAXIMUM PURCHASE AMOUNTS Purchases of fund shares are limited to $499,999 for Class C shares. This limit is applied on a per transaction basis. Class A and Class Y shares are not subject to a maximum purchase amount. RETIREMENT PLAN ACCOUNTS You can purchase fund shares through tax-deferred retirement plans for individuals, businesses and tax-exempt organizations. 37 Buying, exchanging and selling shares Your initial investment for most types of retirement plan accounts must be at least $250. Additional investments for most types of retirement plans must be at least $100. You may not use the account application accompanying this prospectus to establish a Pioneer retirement plan. You can obtain retirement plan applications from your investment firm or by calling the Retirement Plans Department at 1-800-622-0176. HOW TO BUY SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT FIRM Normally, your investment firm will send your purchase request to the fund's distributor and/or transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION. Your investment firm receives a commission from the distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your purchase of fund shares. BY PHONE OR ONLINE YOU CAN USE THE TELEPHONE OR ONLINE PURCHASE PRIVILEGE IF you have an existing non-retirement account. Certain IRAs can use the telephone purchase privilege. If your account is eligible, you can purchase additional fund shares by phone or online if: o You established your bank account of record at least 30 days ago o Your bank information has not changed for at least 30 days o You are not purchasing more than $100,000 worth of shares per account per day o You can provide the proper account identification information When you request a telephone or online purchase, the transfer agent will electronically debit the amount of the purchase from your bank account of record. The transfer agent will purchase fund shares for the amount of the debit at the offering price determined after the transfer agent receives your telephone or online purchase instruction and good funds. It usually takes three business days for the transfer agent to receive notification from your bank that good funds are available in the amount of your investment. IN WRITING, BY MAIL You can purchase fund shares for an existing fund account by MAILING A CHECK TO THE TRANSFER AGENT. Make your check payable to the fund. Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check, 38 travelers check, or credit card check. Your check must be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Include in your purchase request the fund's name, the account number and the name or names in the account registration. BY WIRE (CLASS Y SHARES ONLY) If you have an existing Class Y account, you may wire funds to purchase shares. Note, however, that: o State Street Bank must receive your wire no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on the business day after the fund receives your request to purchase shares o If State Street Bank does not receive your wire by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next business day, your transaction will be canceled at your expense and risk o Wire transfers normally take two or more hours to complete and a fee may be charged by the sending bank o Wire transfers may be restricted on holidays and at certain other times INSTRUCT YOUR BANK TO WIRE FUNDS TO: Receiving Bank: State Street Bank and Trust Company 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02101 ABA Routing No. 011000028 For further credit to: Shareholder Name Existing Pioneer Account No. Select Mid Cap Growth Fund
The transfer agent must receive your account application before you send your initial check or federal funds wire. In addition, you must provide a bank wire address of record when you establish your account. EXCHANGING You may, under certain circumstances, exchange your shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer mutual fund. Your exchange request must be for at least $1,000. The fund allows you to exchange your shares at net asset value without charging you either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. Shares you acquire as part of an exchange will continue to be subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the shares you originally purchased. When you ultimately sell your shares, the date of your original purchase will determine your contingent deferred sales charge. 39 Buying, exchanging and selling shares Before you request an exchange, consider each fund's investment objective and policies as described in the fund's prospectus. You generally will have to pay income taxes on an exchange. SAME-FUND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE Certain shareholders may be eligible to exchange their shares for the fund's Class Y shares. If eligible, no sales charges or other charges will apply to any such exchange. Generally, shareholders will not recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes upon such an exchange. Investors should contact their financial intermediary to learn more about the details of this privilege. HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT FIRM Normally, your investment firm will send your exchange request to the fund's transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EXCHANGING YOUR SHARES. BY PHONE OR ONLINE After you establish an eligible fund account, YOU CAN EXCHANGE FUND SHARES BY PHONE OR ONLINE IF: o You are exchanging into an existing account or using the exchange to establish a new account, provided the new account has a registration identical to the original account o The fund into which you are exchanging offers the same class of shares o You are not exchanging more than $500,000 worth of shares per account per day o You can provide the proper account identification information IN WRITING, BY MAIL OR BY FAX You can exchange fund shares by MAILING OR FAXING A LETTER OF INSTRUCTION TO THE TRANSFER AGENT. You can exchange fund shares directly through the fund only if your account is registered in your name. However, you may not fax an exchange request for more than $500,000. Include in your letter: o The name and signature of all registered owners o A signature guarantee for each registered owner if the amount of the exchange is more than $500,000 o The name of the fund out of which you are exchanging and the name of the fund into which you are exchanging o The class of shares you are exchanging o The dollar amount or number of shares you are exchanging 40 SELLING Your shares will be sold at the share price (net asset value less any applicable sales charge) next calculated after the fund or its authorized agent, such as a broker-dealer, receives your request in good order. If a signature guarantee is required, you must submit your request in writing. If the shares you are selling are subject to a deferred sales charge, it will be deducted from the sale proceeds. The fund generally will send your sale proceeds by check, bank wire or electronic funds transfer. Normally you will be paid within seven days. If you recently sent a check to purchase the shares being sold, the fund may delay payment of the sale proceeds until your check has cleared. This may take up to 10 calendar days from the purchase date. If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account or certain IRAs, you may use any of the methods described below. If you are selling shares from a retirement account other than an IRA, you must make your request in writing. You generally will have to pay income taxes on a sale. If you must use a written request to exchange or sell your shares and your account is registered in the name of a corporation or other fiduciary you must include the name of an authorized person and a certified copy of a current corporate resolution, certificate of incumbency or similar legal document showing that the named individual is authorized to act on behalf of the record owner. HOW TO SELL SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT FIRM Normally, your investment firm will send your request to sell shares to the fund's transfer agent. CONSULT YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION. The fund has authorized the distributor to act as its agent in the repurchase of fund shares from qualified investment firms. The fund reserves the right to terminate this procedure at any time. BY PHONE OR ONLINE IF YOU HAVE AN ELIGIBLE NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, YOU MAY SELL UP TO $100,000 PER ACCOUNT PER DAY BY PHONE OR ONLINE. You may sell fund shares held in a retirement plan account by phone only if your account is an eligible IRA (tax penalties may apply). You may not sell your shares by phone or online if you have changed your address (for checks) or your bank information (for wires and transfers) in the last 30 days. 41 Buying, exchanging and selling shares You may receive your sale proceeds: o By check, provided the check is made payable exactly as your account is registered o By bank wire or by electronic funds transfer, provided the sale proceeds are being sent to your bank address of record For Class Y shares, shareholders may sell up to $5 million per account per day if the proceeds are directed to your bank account of record ($100,000 per account per day if the proceeds are not directed to your bank account of record). IN WRITING, BY MAIL OR BY FAX You can sell some or all of your fund shares by WRITING DIRECTLY TO THE FUND only if your account is registered in your name. Include in your request your name, the fund's name, your fund account number, the class of shares to be sold, the dollar amount or number of shares to be sold and any other applicable requirements as described below. The transfer agent will send the sale proceeds to your address of record unless you provide other instructions. Your request must be signed by all registered owners and be in good order. The transfer agent will not process your request until it is received in good order. You may sell up to $100,000 per account per day by fax. HOW TO CONTACT US BY PHONE For information or to request a telephone transaction between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time) by speaking with a shareholder services representative call 1-800-225-6292 To request a transaction using FactFone/SM/ call 1-800-225-4321 BY MAIL Send your written instructions to: PIONEER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, INC. P.O. Box 55014 Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014 42 PIONEER WEBSITE www.pioneerinvestments.com BY FAX Fax your exchange and sale requests to: 1-800-225-4240 43 Account options See the account application form for more details on each of the following services or call the transfer agent for details and availability. TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES If your account is registered in your name, you can buy, exchange or sell fund shares by telephone. If you do not want your account to have telephone transaction privileges, you must indicate that choice on your account application or by writing to the transfer agent. When you request a telephone transaction the transfer agent will try to confirm that the request is genuine. The transfer agent records the call, requires the caller to provide validating information for the account and sends you a written confirmation. The fund may implement other confirmation procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. If the fund's confirmation procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions. ONLINE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES If your account is registered in your name, you may be able to buy, exchange or sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange or sell your fund shares online. To establish online transaction privileges: o For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application o For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen at www.pioneerinvestments.com To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts. 44 AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS You can make regular periodic investments in the fund by setting up monthly bank drafts, government allotments, payroll deductions, a Pioneer Investomatic Plan and other similar automatic investment plans. Automatic investments may be made only through U.S. banks. You may use an automatic investment plan to establish a Class A share account with a small initial investment. If you have a Class C share account and your balance is at least $1,000, you may establish an automatic investment plan. PIONEER INVESTOMATIC PLAN If you establish a Pioneer Investomatic Plan, the transfer agent will make a periodic investment in fund shares by means of a preauthorized electronic funds transfer from your bank account. Your plan investments are voluntary. You may discontinue your plan at any time or change the plan's dollar amount, frequency or investment date by calling or writing to the transfer agent. You should allow up to 30 days for the transfer agent to establish your plan. AUTOMATIC EXCHANGES You can automatically exchange your fund shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer mutual fund. The automatic exchange will begin on the day you select when you complete the appropriate section of your account application or an account options form. In order to establish automatic exchange: o You must select exchanges on a monthly or quarterly basis o Both the originating and receiving accounts must have identical registrations o The originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000 You may have to pay income taxes on an exchange. DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS The fund offers three distribution options. Any fund shares you buy by reinvesting distributions will be priced at the applicable net asset value per share. (1) Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by the fund will automatically be invested in additional fund shares. (2) You may elect to have the amount of any dividends paid to you in cash and any capital gain distributions reinvested in additional shares. 45 Account options (3) You may elect to have the full amount of any dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid to you in cash. Options (2) and (3) are not available to retirement plan accounts or accounts with a current value of less than $500. If you are under 59 1/2, taxes and tax penalties may apply. If your distribution check is returned to the transfer agent or you do not cash the check for six months or more, the transfer agent may reinvest the amount of the check in your account and automatically change the distribution option on your account to option (1) until you request a different option in writing. If the amount of a distribution check would be less than $10, the fund may reinvest the amount in additional shares of the fund instead of sending a check. Additional shares of the fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS You can invest the dividends paid by one of your Pioneer mutual fund accounts in a second Pioneer mutual fund account. The value of your second account must be at least $1,000. You may direct the investment of any amount of dividends. There are no fees or charges for directed dividends. If you have a retirement plan account, you may only direct dividends to accounts with identical registrations. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS When you establish a systematic withdrawal plan for your account, the transfer agent will sell the number of fund shares you specify on a periodic basis and the proceeds will be paid to you or to any person you select. You must obtain a signature guarantee to direct payments to another person after you have established your systematic withdrawal plan. Payments can be made either by check or by electronic transfer to a U.S. bank account you designate. To establish a systematic withdrawal plan: o Your account must have a total value of at least $10,000 when you establish your plan o You must request a periodic withdrawal of at least $50 o You may not request a periodic withdrawal of more than 10% of the value of any Class C share account (valued at the time the plan is implemented) These requirements do not apply to scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs and certain retirement plans. 46 Systematic sales of fund shares may be taxable transactions for you. While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges. DIRECT DEPOSIT If you elect to take dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions in cash, or if you establish a systematic withdrawal plan, you may choose to have those cash payments deposited directly into your savings, checking or NOW bank account. VOLUNTARY TAX WITHHOLDING You may have the transfer agent withhold 28% of the dividends and capital gain distributions paid from your fund account (before any reinvestment) and forward the amount withheld to the Internal Revenue Service as a credit against your federal income taxes. Voluntary tax withholding is not available for retirement plan accounts or for accounts subject to backup withholding. 47 Shareholder services and policies EXCESSIVE TRADING Frequent trading into and out of the fund can disrupt portfolio management strategies, harm fund performance by forcing the fund to hold excess cash or to liquidate certain portfolio securities prematurely and increase expenses for all investors, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs. An investor may use short-term trading as a strategy, for example, if the investor believes that the valuation of the fund's portfolio securities for purposes of calculating its net asset value does not fully reflect the then-current fair market value of those holdings. The fund discourages, and does not take any intentional action to accommodate, excessive and short-term trading practices, such as market timing. Although there is no generally applied standard in the marketplace as to what level of trading activity is excessive, we may consider trading in the fund's shares to be excessive for a variety of reasons, such as if: o You sell shares within a short period of time after the shares were purchased; o You make two or more purchases and redemptions within a short period of time; o You enter into a series of transactions that indicate a timing pattern or strategy; or o We reasonably believe that you have engaged in such practices in connection with other mutual funds. The fund's Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by fund investors. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, we monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading. If we determine that an investor or a client of a broker or other intermediary has engaged in excessive short-term trading that we believe may be harmful to the fund, we will ask the investor, broker or other intermediary to cease such activity and we will refuse to process purchase orders (including purchases by exchange) of such investor, broker, other intermediary or accounts that we believe are under their control. In determining whether to take such actions, we seek to act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the fund's shareholders. While we use our reasonable efforts to detect excessive trading activity, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that market timers will not employ tactics designed to evade detection. If we are not successful, your return from an investment in the fund may be adversely affected. Frequently, fund shares are held through omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries such as brokers and retirement plan administrators, where the holdings of multiple shareholders, such as all the clients of a particular broker or other intermediary, are aggregated. Our ability to monitor 48 trading practices by investors purchasing shares through omnibus accounts may be limited and dependent upon the cooperation of the broker or other intermediary in taking steps to limit this type of activity. The fund may reject a purchase or exchange order before its acceptance or the issuance of shares. The fund may also restrict additional purchases or exchanges in an account. Each of these steps may be taken for any transaction, for any reason, without prior notice, including transactions that the fund believes are requested on behalf of market timers. The fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange request by any investor or financial institution if the fund believes that any combination of trading activity in the account or related accounts is potentially disruptive to the fund. A prospective investor whose purchase or exchange order is rejected will not achieve the investment results, whether gain or loss, that would have been realized if the order had been accepted and an investment made in the fund. A fund and its shareholders do not incur any gain or loss as a result of a rejected order. The fund may impose further restrictions on trading activities by market timers in the future. To limit the negative effects of excessive trading on the fund, the fund has adopted the following restriction on investor transactions. If an investor redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are a part of an exchange transaction) from the fund, that investor shall be prevented (or "blocked") from purchasing shares of the fund (including purchases that are a part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to systematic purchase or withdrawal plan transactions, transactions made through employer-sponsored retirement plans described under Section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code or employee benefit plans, scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs, rebalancing transactions made through certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs, transactions by insurance company separate accounts or transactions by other funds that invest in the fund. This policy does not apply to purchase or redemption transactions of less than $5,000 or to a Pioneer money market fund. We rely on financial intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts to apply to their customers either the fund's policy described above or their own policies or restrictions designed to limit excessive trading of fund shares. However, we do not impose this policy at the omnibus account level. Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege (for Class A shares) are subject to this policy. 49 Shareholder services and policies PURCHASES IN KIND You may use securities you own to purchase shares of the fund provided that Pioneer, in its sole discretion, determines that the securities are consistent with the fund's objective and policies and their acquisition is in the best interests of the fund. If the fund accepts your securities, they will be valued for purposes of determining the number of fund shares to be issued to you in the same way the fund will value the securities for purposes of determining its net asset value. For federal income tax purposes, you may be taxed in the same manner as if you sold the securities that you use to purchase fund shares for cash in an amount equal to the value of the fund shares that you purchase. Your broker may also impose a fee in connection with processing your purchase of fund shares with securities. REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE (CLASS A SHARES) If you recently sold all or part of your Class A shares, you may be able to reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds without a sales charge in Class A shares of any Pioneer mutual fund. To qualify for reinstatement: o You must send a written request to the transfer agent no more than 90 days after selling your shares and o The registration of the account in which you reinvest your sale proceeds must be identical to the registration of the account from which you sold your shares. Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege are subject to limitations on investor transactions, including the limitation on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of redemption. See "Excessive trading." When you elect reinstatement, you are subject to the provisions outlined in the selected fund's prospectus, including the fund's minimum investment requirement. Your sale proceeds will be reinvested in shares of the fund at the Class A net asset value per share determined after the transfer agent receives your written request for reinstatement. You may realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of your sale of fund shares, and special tax rules may apply if you elect reinstatement. Consult your tax adviser for more information. PIONEER WEBSITE WWW.PIONEERINVESTMENTS.COM The website includes a full selection of information on mutual fund investing. You can also use the website to get: o Your current account information o Prices, returns and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds 50 o Prospectuses, statements of additional information and shareowner reports for all the Pioneer mutual funds o A copy of Pioneer's privacy notice If you or your investment firm authorized your account for the online transaction privilege, you may buy, exchange and sell shares online. FACTFONE/SM/ 1-800-225-4321 You can use FactFone/SM/ to: o Obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual fund accounts o Inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds o Make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions for your fund accounts o Request account statements If you plan to use FactFone/SM/ to make telephone purchases and redemptions, first you must activate your personal identification number and establish your bank account of record. If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFone/SM/. If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFone/SM/ to obtain account information. HOUSEHOLD DELIVERY OF FUND DOCUMENTS With your consent, Pioneer may send a single proxy statement, prospectus and shareowner report to your residence for you and any other member of your household who has an account with the fund. If you wish to revoke your consent to this practice, you may do so by notifying Pioneer, by phone or in writing (see "How to contact us"). Pioneer will begin mailing separate proxy statements, prospectuses and shareowner reports to you within 30 days after receiving your notice. CONFIRMATION STATEMENTS The transfer agent maintains an account for each investment firm or individual shareowner and records all account transactions. You will be sent confirmation statements showing the details of your transactions as they occur, except automatic investment plan transactions, which are confirmed quarterly. If you have more than one Pioneer mutual fund account registered in your name, the Pioneer combined account statement will be mailed to you each quarter. 51 Shareholder services and policies TAX INFORMATION Early each year, the fund will mail you information about the tax status of the dividends and distributions paid to you by the fund. TAX INFORMATION FOR IRA ROLLOVERS In January (or by the applicable Internal Revenue Service deadline) following the year in which you take a reportable distribution, the transfer agent will mail you a tax form reflecting the total amount(s) of distribution(s) received by the end of January. PRIVACY The fund has a policy designed to protect the privacy of your personal information. A copy of Pioneer's privacy notice was given to you at the time you opened your account. The fund will send you a copy of the privacy notice each year. You may also obtain the privacy notice by calling the transfer agent or through Pioneer's website. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS You are required to obtain a signature guarantee when: o Requesting certain types of exchanges or sales of fund shares o Redeeming shares for which you hold a share certificate o Requesting certain types of changes for your existing account You can obtain a signature guarantee from most broker-dealers, banks, credit unions (if authorized under state law) and federal savings and loan associations. You cannot obtain a signature guarantee from a notary public. The Pioneer funds generally accept only medallion signature guarantees. A medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association, or other financial institution that is participating in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that are not participating in one of these programs are not accepted as medallion signature guarantees. The fund may accept other forms of guarantee from financial intermediaries in limited circumstances. Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit additional documents to sell fund shares. 52 MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE The fund requires that you maintain a minimum account value of $500. If you hold less than $500 in your account, the fund reserves the right to notify you that it intends to sell your shares and close your account. You will be given 60 days from the date of the notice to make additional investments to avoid having your shares sold. This policy does not apply to certain qualified retirement plan accounts. TELEPHONE AND WEBSITE ACCESS You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing www.pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in telephone or Internet service. On New York Stock Exchange holidays or on days when the exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to access www.pioneerinvestments.com or reach the fund by telephone, you should communicate with the fund in writing. SHARE CERTIFICATES The fund does not offer share certificates. Shares are electronically recorded. Any existing certificated shares can only be sold by returning your certificate to the transfer agent, along with a letter of instruction or a stock power (a separate written authority transferring ownership) and a signature guarantee. OTHER POLICIES The fund and the distributor reserve the right to: o reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason, without prior notice o charge a fee for exchanges or to modify, limit or suspend the exchange privilege at any time without notice. The fund will provide 60 days' notice of material amendments to or termination of the exchange privilege o revise, suspend, limit or terminate the account options or services available to shareowners at any time, except as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission The fund reserves the right to: o suspend transactions in shares when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, or when the Securities and Exchange Commission determines an emergency or other circumstances exist that make it impracticable for the fund to sell or value its portfolio securities, or otherwise as permitted by the rules of or by the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission 53 Shareholder services and policies o redeem in kind by delivering to you portfolio securities owned by the fund rather than cash. Securities you receive this way may increase or decrease in value while you hold them and you may incur brokerage and transaction charges and tax liability when you convert the securities to cash o charge transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent fees, such as an account maintenance fee for small balance accounts, directly to accounts upon at least 30 days' notice. The fund may do this by deducting the fee from your distribution of dividends and/or by redeeming fund shares to the extent necessary to cover the fee o close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state 54 Dividends, capital gains and taxes DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS The fund generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in December. The fund may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. If you invest in the fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, generally you will pay a higher price per share and, unless you are exempt from tax, you will pay taxes on the amount of the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution in additional shares or receive it as cash. TAXES You will normally have to pay federal income taxes, and any state or local taxes, on the dividends and other distributions you receive from the fund, whether you take the distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions from the fund's net capital gains (if any) are considered long-term capital gains and may be taxable to you at reduced rates. Distributions from the fund's net short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Other dividends are taxable either as ordinary income or, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, if paid from the fund's "qualified dividend income" and if certain conditions, including holding period requirements, are met by the fund and the shareholder, as qualified dividend income taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate. "Qualified dividend income" generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. A portion of dividends received from the fund (but none of the fund's capital gain distributions) may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. The fund will report to shareholders annually the U.S. federal income tax status of all fund distributions. 55 Dividends, capital gains and taxes If the fund declares a dividend in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in January of the following year, you will be taxed on the dividend as if you received it in the year in which it was declared. Sales and exchanges generally will be taxable transactions to shareowners. When you sell or exchange fund shares you will generally recognize a capital gain or capital loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net amount of sale proceeds (or, in the case of an exchange, the fair market value of the shares) that you receive and your tax basis for the shares that you sell or exchange. You must provide your social security number or other taxpayer identification number to the fund along with the certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service when you open an account. If you do not or if it is otherwise legally required to do so, the fund will apply "backup withholding" tax on your dividends and other distributions, sale proceeds and any other payments to you that are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. You should ask your tax adviser about any federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations relating to an investment in the fund. You may also consult the fund's statement of additional information for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may affect the fund and its shareowners. 56 Financial highlights The financial highlights table helps you understand the fund's financial performance for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned or lost on an investment in Class A, Class C and Class Y shares of the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the predecessor fund) on May 15, 2009. For periods prior to May 15, 2009, the financial information is that of the predecessor fund. The information below for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2009, 2010 and 2011 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included in the fund's annual report along with the fund's financial statements. The information below for fiscal years ended November 30, 2007 and 2008 was audited by another independent registered public accounting firm. The annual report is available upon request. 57 Financial highlights PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND CLASS A SHARES
YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED 11/30/11 11/30/10 11/30/09(A) 11/30/08 11/30/07 ---------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 16.76 $ 13.86 $ 9.59 $ 18.63 $ 18.82 -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.09) $ (0.08) $ (0.06) $ (0.05) $ (0.06) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 1.06 2.98 4.39 (6.84) 2.27 -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 0.97 $ 2.90 $ 4.33 $ (6.89) $ 2.21 Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - (0.06) (2.15) (2.40) -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 0.97 $ 2.90 $ 4.27 $ (9.04) $ (0.19) -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Net asset value, end of period $ 17.73 $ 16.76 $ 13.86 $ 9.59 $ 18.63 -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Total return* 5.79%(b) 20.92% 45.46% (41.79)% 13.72% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 1.15% 1.21% 1.29% 1.25% 1.23% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.44)% (0.61)% (0.39)% (0.25)% (0.34)% Portfolio turnover rate 81% 88% 91% 38% 52% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $362,504 $387,037 $73,077 $97,154 $308,921 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.15% 1.21% 1.29% 1.25% 1.23% Net investment loss (0.44)% (0.61)% (0.39)% (0.25)% (0.34)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.15% 1.21% 1.29% 1.25% 1.23% Net investment loss (0.44)% (0.61)% (0.39)% (0.25)% (0.34)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. (a) Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund. (b) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 5.61%. 58 PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND CLASS C SHARES
YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED 11/30/11 11/30/10 11/30/09(A) 11/30/08 11/30/07 --------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 15.62 $ 13.04 $ 9.09 $ 17.93 $ 18.24 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.24) $ (0.20) $ (0.17) $ (0.17) $ (0.18) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 0.99 2.78 4.18 (6.52) 2.27 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 0.75 $ 2.58 $ 4.01 $ (6.69) $ 2.09 Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - (0.06) (2.15) (2.40) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 0.75 $ 2.58 $ 3.95 $ (8.84) $ (0.31) ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 16.37 $ 15.62 $ 13.04 $ 9.09 $ 17.93 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Total return* 4.80%(b) 19.79% 44.43% (42.37)% 13.48% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 2.07% 2.14% 2.31% 2.00% 1.98% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (1.37)% (1.54)% (1.44)% (1.00)% (1.09)% Portfolio turnover rate 81% 88% 91% 38% 52% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $13,090 $13,565 $ 5,017 $ 4,457 $10,345 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.07% 2.25% 2.31% 2.00% 1.98% Net investment loss (1.37)% (1.64)% (1.44)% (1.00)% (1.09)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.07% 2.14% 2.31% 2.00% 1.98% Net investment loss (1.37)% (1.54)% (1.44)% (1.00)% (1.09)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. (a) Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund. (b) If the Fund had not recognized gains in the settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 4.67%. 59 Financial highlights PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND CLASS Y SHARES
YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED 11/30/11 11/30/10 11/30/09(A) 11/30/08 11/30/07 ----------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 17.10 $ 14.08 $ 9.70 $ 18.77 $ 18.92 --------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.00)(b) $ (0.02) $ (0.01) $ - $ (0.02) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 1.06 3.04 4.45 (6.92) 2.27 --------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.06 $ 3.02 $ 4.44 $ (6.92) $ 2.25 Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain - - (0.06) (2.15) (2.40) --------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.06 $ 3.02 $ 4.38 $ (9.07) $ (0.15) --------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 18.16 $ 17.10 $ 14.08 $ 9.70 $ 18.77 --------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Total return* 6.20%(d) 21.45% 46.08% (41.62)% 13.87% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.71% 0.74% 0.97% 1.00% 0.98% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.00)%(c) (0.14)% (0.05)% - (0.09)% Portfolio turnover rate 81% 88% 91% 38% 52% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 83,460 $107,870 $81,580 $115,533 $66,510 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.71% 0.74% 0.97% 1.00% 0.98% Net investment loss (0.00)%(c) (0.14)% (0.05)% - (0.09)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.71% 0.74% 0.97% 1.00% 0.98% Net investment loss (0.00)%(c) (0.14)% (0.05)% - (0.09)%
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. (a) Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund. (b) Rounds to less than $0.01 or $(0.01) per share. (c) Rounds to less than 0.01% or (0.01)%. (d) If the Fund had not recognized gains in the settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 6.08%. 60 Notes Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund YOU CAN OBTAIN MORE FREE INFORMATION about the fund from your investment firm or by writing to Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You may also call 1-800-225-6292 for more information about the fund, to request copies of the fund's statement of additional information and shareowner reports, and to make other inquiries. VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.pioneerinvestments.com The fund makes available the statement of additional information and shareowner reports, free of charge, on the fund's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com. You also may find other information and updates about Pioneer and the fund, including fund performance information, on the fund's website. SHAREOWNER REPORTS Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners, and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provide additional information about the fund's investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during its last fiscal year. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The statement of additional information provides more detailed information about the fund. The statement of additional information, and the independent registered public accounting firm's report and financial statements in the fund's annual report to shareowners, are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You can also review and copy the fund's shareowner reports, prospectus and statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. (Investment Company Act file no. 811-03564) [GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. 60 STATE STREET 23136-03-0412 BOSTON, MA 02109 (Copyright)2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. WWW.PIONEERINVESTMENTS.COM Member SIPC
[GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 60 State Street Boston, MA 02109 www.pioneerinvestments.com This is not part of the prospectus. 23136-03-0412 (Copyright)2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Underwriter of Pioneer mutual funds Member SIPC October 10, 2012 SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES, AS IN EFFECT AND AS MAY BE AMENDED, FOR
Fund Date of Prospectus ---- ------------------ Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund August 1, 2012 Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer Bond Fund November 1, 2011 Pioneer Classic Balanced Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Equity Income Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Equity Opportunity Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund August 1, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund November 1, 2011 Pioneer Global Aggregate Bond Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Global Equity Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Global High Yield Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Government Income Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer High Yield Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Ibbotson Conservative Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation Fund December 1, 2011 Pioneer Independence Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer International Value Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund March 1, 2012 Pioneer Multi-Asset Income Fund December 21, 2011 Pioneer Multi-Asset Real Return Fund March 1, 2012 (as revised April 27, 2012) Pioneer Multi-Asset Ultrashort Income Fund June 30, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Real Estate Shares May 1, 2012 Pioneer Research Fund May 1, 2012 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund April 1, 2012 Pioneer Short Term Income Fund December 31, 2011 Pioneer Strategic Income Fund February 1, 2012 Pioneer Value Fund February 1, 2012
The following replaces the last paragraph listed under "Class A purchases at net asset value are available to:" in the "Sales Charges" section of the prospectus for the above listed funds. In addition, Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to include the Pioneer funds in their program without the imposition of a sales charge. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs also may offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class. Such mutual fund programs include certain self-directed brokerage services accounts held through qualified intermediaries that may or may not charge participating investors transaction fees. 26043-00-1012 (C) 2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Underwriter of Pioneer mutual funds December 20, 2012 Supplement to the Prospectuses, as in effect and as may be amended, for
Fund Date of Prospectus ---- ------------------ Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund............. August 1, 2012 Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund................. May 1, 2012 Pioneer Bond Fund............................... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Classic Balanced Fund................... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Disciplined Growth Fund................. December 31, 2011 Pioneer Disciplined Value Fund.................. December 31, 2011 Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund................... April 1, 2012 Pioneer Equity Income Fund...................... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Equity Opportunity Fund................. April 1, 2012 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund...................... March 1, 2012 Pioneer Fund.................................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund................. December 12, 2012 Pioneer Fundamental Value Fund.................. November 1, 2012 Pioneer Global Aggregate Bond Fund.............. March 1, 2012 Pioneer Global Equity Fund...................... December 31, 2011 Pioneer Global High Yield Fund.................. March 1, 2012 Pioneer Government Income Fund.................. December 1, 2012 Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund............... May 1, 2012 Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund.............. December 31, 2011 Pioneer High Yield Fund......................... March 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation Fund..... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Conservative Allocation Fund... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation Fund......... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation Fund....... December 1, 2012 Pioneer Independence Fund....................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer International Value Fund................ April 1, 2012 Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund...................... March 1, 2012 Pioneer Multi-Asset Income Fund................. December 21, 2011 Pioneer Multi-Asset Real Return Fund............ March 1, 2012 (as revised April 27, 2012) Pioneer Multi-Asset Ultrashort Income Fund...... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund......... April 1, 2012 Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund......... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Real Estate Shares...................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer Research Fund........................... May 1, 2012 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund.............. April 1, 2012 Pioneer Short Term Income Fund.................. December 31, 2011 Pioneer Strategic Income Fund................... December 15, 2012 Pioneer Value Fund.............................. February 1, 2012
The following supplements the "Shareholder services and policies" section of the prospectus under the heading "Excessive trading." As part of the fund's efforts to restrict excessive short-term trading, the fund has adopted a policy whereby investors generally are prevented (or "blocked") from purchasing shares of the fund for 30 days (90 days for certain funds) after redeeming $5,000 or more. This policy is temporarily suspended from December 20, 2012 through January 14, 2013. The fund will continue to review transaction activity during this period in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading that may be harmful to the fund. 26236-12-1212 (C) 2012 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Underwriter of Pioneer mutual funds Member SIPC Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Supplement dated January 22, 2013 to Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information Dated April 1, 2012 The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has approved the reorganization of the Fund with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (the "Reorganization"). Each fund is managed by Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. The Reorganization is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2013. The Reorganization does not require shareholder approval. Following is a brief description of certain aspects of the Reorganization: . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will reorganize with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, resulting in the "Combined Fund." The Combined Fund will be named "Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund." . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's investment team will manage the Combined Fund. . The Combined Fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. . The management fee payable by the Combined Fund (0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion) will be the same as the management fee payable by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. . It is currently anticipated that the historical performance of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will become the Combined Fund's historical performance. . The Reorganization is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, which generally means that the Reorganization will result in no income, gain or loss being recognized for federal income tax purposes by either fund or its shareholders as a direct result of the Reorganization. Prior to consummation of the Reorganization, the shareholders of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be sent an Information Statement containing important information about the Reorganization and the Combined Fund. PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND (PIONEER SERIES TRUST I) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60 State Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109 CLASS A SHARES (PMCTX) CLASS C SHARES (PMTCX) CLASS Y SHARES (PMTYX) Statement of Additional Information April 1, 2012 This statement of additional information is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the fund's Class A, Class C and Class Y shares prospectus dated April 1, 2012, as supplemented or revised from time to time. A copy of the prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You can also obtain a copy of the prospectus from our website at: www.pioneerinvestments.com. The fund's financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011, including the independent registered public accounting firm's report thereon, are incorporated into this statement of additional information by reference. CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGE 1. Fund history............................................... 1 2. Investment policies, risks and restrictions................ 1 3. Trustees and officers...................................... 28 4. Investment adviser......................................... 37 5. Principal underwriter and distribution plan................ 39 6. Shareholder servicing/transfer agent....................... 41 7. Custodian and sub-administrator............................ 42 8. Independent registered public accounting firm.............. 42 9. Portfolio management....................................... 42 10. Portfolio transactions..................................... 45 11. Description of shares...................................... 46 12. Sales charges.............................................. 49 13. Redeeming shares........................................... 54 14. Telephone and online transactions.......................... 55 15. Pricing of shares.......................................... 56 16. Tax status................................................. 57 17. Financial statements....................................... 65 18. Annual fee, expense and other information.................. 65 19. Appendix A - Description of short-term debt, corporate bond and preferred stock ratings//.............................. 69 20. Appendix B - Proxy voting policies and procedures.......... 73
[GRAPHIC APPEARS HERE] 1. FUND HISTORY The fund is a diversified open-end management investment company. The fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust I (the "Trust"), a Delaware statutory trust. The fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund on May 15, 2009. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer") is the fund's investment adviser. 2. INVESTMENT POLICIES, RISKS AND RESTRICTIONS The prospectus presents the investment objective and the principal investment strategies and risks of the fund. This section supplements the disclosure in the fund's prospectus and provides additional information on the fund's investment policies or restrictions. Restrictions or policies stated as a maximum percentage of the fund's assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio investment to which the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing and illiquid securities). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies with the fund's restrictions and policies. EQUITY SECURITIES AND RELATED INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES Equity securities, such as common stock, generally represent an ownership interest in a company. While equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular equity security held by the fund. Also, the prices of equity securities, particularly common stocks, are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of equity securities held by the fund. WARRANTS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS The fund may invest in warrants, which are securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holders to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. The fund may also invest in stock purchase rights. Stock purchase rights are instruments, frequently distributed to an issuer's shareholders as a dividend, that entitle the holder to purchase a specific number of shares of common stock on a specific date or during a specific period of time. The exercise price on the rights is normally at a discount from market value of the common stock at the time of distribution. The rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or to vote and may or may not be transferable. Stock purchase rights are frequently used outside of the United States as a means of raising additional capital from an issuer's current shareholders. As a result, an investment in warrants or stock purchase rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or a stock purchase right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and warrants and stock purchase rights expire worthless if they are not exercised on or prior to their expiration date. PREFERRED SHARES The fund may invest in preferred shares. Preferred shares are equity securities, but they have many characteristics of fixed income securities, such as a fixed dividend payment rate and/or a liquidity preference over the issuer's common shares. However, because preferred shares are equity securities, they may be more susceptible to risks traditionally associated with equity investments than the fund's fixed income securities. 1 Preferred stocks may differ in many of their provisions. Among the features that differentiate preferred stocks from one another are the dividend rights, which may be cumulative or noncumulative and participating or non-participating, redemption provisions, and voting rights. Such features will establish the income return and may affect the prospects for capital appreciation or risks of capital loss. The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in an issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights. INVESTMENTS IN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS To the extent consistent with its investment objective, the fund may invest in initial public offerings ("IPOs") of equity securities. The market for such securities may be more volatile and entail greater risk of loss than investments in more established companies. Investments in initial public offerings may represent a significant portion of the fund's investment performance. The fund cannot assure that investments in initial public offerings will continue to be available to the fund or, if available, will result in positive investment performance. In addition, as the fund's portfolio grows in size, the impact of investments in initial public offerings on the overall performance of the fund is likely to decrease. NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS EQUITY SECURITIES OF NON-U.S. ISSUERS The fund may invest in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other similar instruments. DEBT OBLIGATIONS OF NON-U.S. GOVERNMENTS The fund may invest in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments. An investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political subdivisions (sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in corporate debt obligations. The non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty (such as the financial crisis that began in 2008), the values of sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that purchase sovereign debt may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the past, certain non-U.S. countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward its principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from non-U.S. governments, multinational agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts. EURODOLLAR INSTRUMENTS AND SAMURAI AND YANKEE BONDS. The fund may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds. Eurodollar instruments are bonds of corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars but are issued in markets outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Samurai bonds are yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non-Japanese issuers. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds typically issued in the U.S. by non-U.S. governments and their agencies and non-U.S. banks and corporations. The fund may also invest in Eurodollar Certificates of 2 Deposit ("ECDs"), Eurodollar Time Deposits ("ETDs") and Yankee Certificates of Deposit ("Yankee CDs"). ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of domestic banks; ETDs are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a non-U.S. branch of a U.S. bank or in a non-U.S. bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank and held in the U.S. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, seizure of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. INVESTMENTS IN EMERGING MARKETS. The fund may invest in securities of issuers in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Emerging economies or securities markets will generally include, but not be limited to, countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging & Frontier Markets Index. The fund will generally focus on emerging markets that do not impose unusual trading requirements which tend to restrict the flow of investments. In addition, the fund may invest in unquoted securities of emerging market issuers. RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers involves considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in the securities of issuers in the U.S. These risks are heightened with respect to investments in countries with emerging markets and economies. The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers generally, or in issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets, may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the fund's portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain countries, particularly emerging markets, may undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. NON-U.S. SECURITIES MARKETS AND REGULATIONS. There may be less publicly available information about non-U.S. markets and issuers than is available with respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading markets for most non-U.S. securities are generally less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the U.S. The markets for securities in certain emerging markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in certain non-U.S. markets, including emerging market countries, may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the U.S. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity. The less liquid a market, the more difficult it may be for the fund to accurately price its portfolio securities or to dispose of such securities at the times determined by Pioneer to be appropriate. The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in situations in which the fund's operations require cash, such as in order to meet redemptions and to pay its expenses. ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS. Certain countries, including emerging markets, may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial conflict. Such economic, political and social instability could significantly disrupt the financial markets in such countries and the ability of the issuers in such countries to repay their obligations. Investing in emerging market countries also involves the risk of 3 expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation in any emerging country, the fund could lose its entire investment in that country. Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the fund's investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of the fund. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain markets is subject to restrictions such as the need for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the fund's operation. Economies in individual countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the fund's investments and the availability to the fund of additional investments in such countries. In the past, the economies, securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurance that these economic and market disruptions might not occur again. Economies in emerging market countries generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. CURRENCY RISKS. The value of the securities quoted or denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. The fund's investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the fund's investments are quoted or denominated. Further, the fund's investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. CUSTODIAN SERVICES AND RELATED INVESTMENT COSTS. Custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S. Such markets have settlement and clearance procedures that differ from those in the U.S. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of the fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund due to a subsequent decline in value of the portfolio security or could result in possible liability to the fund. In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging countries may not fully protect the fund against loss or theft of its assets. WITHHOLDING AND OTHER TAXES. The fund will be subject to taxes, including withholding taxes, on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) that are or may be imposed by certain countries with respect to the fund's investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by the fund. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. 4 INVESTMENTS IN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS The fund may hold securities of non-U.S. issuers in the form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and other similar instruments. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in U.S. securities markets, and EDRs and GDRs and other similar global instruments in bearer form are designed for use in non-U.S. securities markets. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to receive securities of non-U.S. issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, the fund will avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities which they represent. For purposes of the fund's investment policies, investments in ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and similar instruments will be deemed to be investments in the underlying equity securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund may acquire depositary receipts from banks that do not have a contractual relationship with the issuer of the security underlying the depositary receipt to issue and secure such depositary receipt. To the extent the fund invests in such unsponsored depositary receipts there may be an increased possibility that the fund may not become aware of events affecting the underlying security and thus the value of the related depositary receipt. In addition, certain benefits (i.e., rights offerings) which may be associated with the security underlying the depositary receipt may not inure to the benefit of the holder of such depositary receipt. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS The fund may engage in foreign currency transactions. These transactions may be conducted at the prevailing spot rate for purchasing or selling currency in the foreign exchange market. The fund also may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which are contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date and price set at the time of the contract. The fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which the fund invests as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of the fund, accrued in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities quoted in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that the fund will be engaged in hedging activities when adverse exchange rate movements occur or that its hedging activities will be successful. The fund will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions and will enter into such transactions only to the extent, if any, deemed appropriate by Pioneer. Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency. 5 The fund may use forward currency exchange contracts to reduce or gain exposure to a currency. To the extent the fund gains exposure to a currency through these instruments, the resulting exposure may exceed the value of securities denominated in that currency held by the fund. For example, where the fund's security selection has resulted in an overweight or underweight exposure to a particular currency relative to the fund's benchmark, the fund may seek to adjust currency exposure using forward currency exchange contracts. The cost to the fund of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the size of the contract, the length of the contract period, differences in interest rates between the two currencies and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency and forward contracts are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The fund may close out a forward position in a currency by selling the forward contract or by entering into an offsetting forward contract. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to protect the value of the fund's portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which the fund can achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the fund's foreign assets. While the fund may benefit from foreign currency transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the fund's portfolio holdings of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the fund to sustain losses which will prevent the fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the fund to risk of foreign exchange loss. Over-the-counter markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency instruments on an exchange. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract would deprive the fund of unrealized profits or force the fund to cover its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the current market price. If the fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, the custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets. See "Asset Segregation." OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES The fund may purchase options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that of transactions in forward contracts. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In an attempt to protect against such decreases in the value of portfolio securities, the fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency declines, the fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount of dollars which exceeds the market value of such currency. This would result in a gain that may offset, in whole or in part, the negative effect of currency depreciation on the value of the fund's securities quoted or denominated in that currency. Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency is projected for those securities to be acquired, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the fund may purchase call options on such currency. If the value of such currency increases, the purchase of such call options would enable the fund to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which is less than the market value of such currency. Such a purchase would result in a gain that may offset, at least partially, the effect of any currency-related increase in the price of 6 securities the fund intends to acquire. As in the case of other types of options transactions, however, the benefit the fund derives from purchasing foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates. The fund may also write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes. For example, if the fund anticipated a decline in the dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in a foreign currency because of declining exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a covered call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised, and the decrease in value of portfolio securities will be partially offset by the amount of the premium received by the fund. Similarly, the fund could write a put option on the relevant currency, instead of purchasing a call option, to hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired. If exchange rates move in the manner projected, the put option will expire unexercised and allow the fund to offset such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. However, as in the case of other types of options transactions, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If unanticipated exchange rate fluctuations occur, the option may be exercised and the fund would be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss, which may not be fully offset by the amount of the premium. As a result of writing options on foreign currencies, the fund also may be required to forgo all or a portion of the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in currency exchange rates. A call option written on foreign currency by the fund is "covered" if the fund owns the underlying foreign currency subject to the call, or if it has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash consideration. A call option is also covered if the fund holds a call on the same foreign currency for the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (a) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or (b) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the amount of the difference is maintained by the fund in cash or liquid securities. See "Asset Segregation." The fund may close out its position in a currency option by either selling the option it has purchased or entering into an offsetting option. An exchange-traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that the fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying currencies pursuant to the exercise of put options. If the fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency) until the option expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise. The fund may also use options on currencies to cross-hedge, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in exchange rates of a different currency with a pattern of correlation. Cross-hedging may also include using a foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between that currency and the U.S. dollar. The fund may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent consistent with its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by the fund. 7 NATURAL DISASTERS Certain areas of the world, including areas within the United States, historically have been prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, tidal waves, tsunamis, erupting volcanoes, wildfires or droughts. Such disasters, and the resulting damage, could have a significant adverse impact on the economies of those areas and on the ability of issuers in which the fund invests to conduct their businesses, and thus on the investments made by the fund in such geographic areas and/or issuers. Adverse weather conditions could have a significant adverse impact on issuers in the agricultural sector and on insurance companies that insure against the impact of natural disasters. INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES AND REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES The fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under one provision of the 1940 Act, a fund may not acquire the securities of another investment company if such purchase would result in (i) 3% or more of the total outstanding voting securities of any one investment company being held by the fund, (ii) 5% or more of the fund's total assets being invested in any one investment company, or (iii) 10% or more of the fund's total assets being invested in securities of other investment companies. However, there are several provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder that allow more expansive investment in investment companies. In addition, these limitations do not apply to the purchase of shares of any investment company in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of substantially all the assets of another investment company. The fund may also invest without limit in money market funds. Investing in other investment companies subjects the fund to the risks of investing in the underlying securities held by those investment companies. The fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies' expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund's own operations. EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS The fund may invest in exchange traded funds ("ETFs"). ETFs, such as SPDRs, iShares and various country index funds, are funds whose shares are traded on a national exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). ETFs may be based on underlying equity or fixed income securities. SPDRs, for example, seek to provide investment results that generally correspond to the performance of the component common stocks of the S&P 500. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as "creation units." The investor purchasing a creation unit then sells the individual shares on a secondary market. Therefore, the liquidity of ETFs depends on the adequacy of the secondary market. There can be no assurance that an ETF's investment objective will be achieved. ETFs based on an index may not replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weightings of securities in the index. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities. The fund, as a holder of the securities of the ETF, will bear its pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund's own operations. Many ETFs have received exemptive orders issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission that would permit the fund to invest in those ETFs beyond the limitations applicable to other investment companies, subject to certain terms and conditions. Some ETFs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act. Certain ETFs, including leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs, may have embedded leverage. Leveraged ETFs seek to multiply the return of the tracked index (e.g., twice the return) by using various forms of derivative transactions. Inverse ETFs seek to negatively correlate with the performance of a particular index by using various forms of derivative transactions, including by short-selling the underlying index. An investment in an 8 inverse ETF will decrease in value when the value of the underlying index rises. By investing in leveraged ETFs or inverse ETFs, the fund can commit fewer assets to the investment in the securities represented on the index than would otherwise be required. Leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs present all of the risks that regular ETFs present. In addition, leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs determine their return over a specific, pre-set time period, typically daily, and, as a result, there is no guarantee that the ETF's actual long term returns will be equal to the daily return that the fund seeks to achieve. For example, on a long-term basis (e.g., a period of 6 months or a year), the return of a leveraged ETF may in fact be considerably less than two times the long-term return of the tracked index. Furthermore, because leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs achieve their results by using derivative instruments, they are subject to the risks associated with derivative transactions, including the risk that the value of the derivatives may rise or fall more rapidly than other investments, thereby causing the ETF to lose money and, consequently, the value of the fund's investment to decrease. Investing in derivative instruments also involves the risk that other parties to the derivative contract may fail to meet their obligations, which could cause losses to the ETF. Short sales in particular are subject to the risk that, if the price of the security sold short increases, the inverse ETF may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short sale price, resulting in a loss to the inverse ETF and, indirectly, to the fund. An ETF's use of these techniques will make the fund's investment in the ETF more volatile than if the fund were to invest directly in the securities underlying the tracked index, or in an ETF that does not use leverage or derivative instruments. However, by investing in a leveraged ETF or an inverse ETF rather than directly purchasing and/or selling derivative instruments, the fund will limit its potential loss solely to the amount actually invested in the ETF (that is, the fund will not lose more than the principal amount invested in the ETF). REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS") The fund may invest in REITs. REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the fund. Such indirect expenses are not reflected in the fee table or expense example in the fund's prospectus. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part, general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to risks associated with such industry. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans, the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. 9 REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500"). DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS DERIVATIVES The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities, indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities, currencies, indices or other financial instruments. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including: as a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; to increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative; and to manage the fund's portfolio characteristics (for example, for funds investing in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, a portfolio's currency exposure, or, for funds investing in fixed income securities, a portfolio's duration or credit quality). Using derivatives exposes the fund to additional risks and may increase the volatility of the fund's net asset value and may not provide the expected result. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the fund's portfolio. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value in a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have had. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund's other investments or do not correlate well with the underlying assets, rate or index, the fund may not fully benefit from, or could lose money on, or could experience unusually high expenses as a result of, the derivative position. Derivatives involve the risk of loss if the counterparty defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid, which may reduce the returns of the fund if it cannot sell or terminate the derivative at an advantageous time or price. The fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. The fund may not be able to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or may have to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time or price to maintain cover or to segregate securities in connection with its use of derivatives. Some derivatives may involve the risk of improper valuation. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices and may not be used by the fund for a variety of reasons. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation may not be fully known for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the fund's assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives. OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES The fund may purchase and write put and call options on any security in which it may invest or options on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest. The fund may also be able to enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it has purchased. WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. A call option written by the fund obligates the fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. The exercise price may differ from the market price of an underlying security. The fund has the risk of loss that the price of an underlying security may decline during the call period. The risk may be offset to some extent by the premium the fund receives. If the value of the investment does not rise above the call price, it's likely that the call will lapse without being exercised. In that case, the fund would keep the cash premium and the investment. All call options written by the fund are covered, which 10 means that the fund will own the securities subject to the options as long as the options are outstanding, or the fund will use the other methods described below. The fund's purpose in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, the fund may forgo the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security. A put option written by the fund would obligate the fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. The fund has no control over when it may be required to purchase the underlying securities. All put options written by the fund would be covered, which means that the fund would have segregated assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income for the fund. However, in return for the option premium, the fund accepts the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security at a price in excess of its market value at the time of purchase. Call and put options written by the fund will also be considered to be covered to the extent that the fund's liabilities under such options are wholly or partially offset by its rights under call and put options purchased by the fund. In addition, a written call option or put may be covered by entering into an offsetting forward contract and/or by purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the fund's net exposure on its written option position. WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. The fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security. The fund may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index, or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional consideration if cash in such amount is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. The fund may cover call and put options on a securities index by segregating assets with a value equal to the exercise price. Index options are subject to the timing risk inherent in writing index options. When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder is entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise price and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. If a fund has purchased an index option and exercises it before the closing index value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall "out-of-the-money", the fund will be required to pay cash in an amount of the difference between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option. PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS. The fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle the fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The fund would normally purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the market value of securities in its portfolio ("protective puts") or in securities in which it may invest. The purchase of a put option would entitle the fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of the fund's securities. Put options may also be purchased by the fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. The fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below 11 the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities. The fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are referred to as "closing purchase transactions." RISKS OF TRADING OPTIONS. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option, or at any particular time. If the fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of its segregated assets until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it will have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC") may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although it is expected that outstanding options on that exchange, if any, that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. The fund may purchase and sell both options that are traded on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges and options traded over-the-counter with broker-dealers who make markets in these options. The ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. Until such time as the staff of the SEC changes its position, the fund will treat purchased over-the-counter options and all assets used to cover written over-the-counter options as illiquid securities, except that with respect to options written with primary dealers in U.S. government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing purchase transaction at a formula price, the amount of illiquid securities may be calculated with reference to the formula. Transactions by the fund in options on securities and indices will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert. Thus, the number of options which the fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of Pioneer. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions. The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of protective puts for hedging purposes depends in part on the ability of Pioneer to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets. 12 The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between the fund's portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the fund in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of unanticipated movements in the price of the securities comprising the securities index on which the option is based. FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS The fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write (sell) call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The fund may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any futures contracts and options on futures contracts. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices. The fund may invest in futures contracts based on the Chicago Board of Exchange Volatility Index ("VIX Futures"). The VIX is an index of market sentiment derived from S&P 500 Index option prices, and is designed to reflect investors' consensus view of expected stock market volatility over future periods. The fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging and non-hedging purposes as described below. All futures contracts entered into by the fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") or on non-U.S. exchanges. FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract). When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, the fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, the fund can sell futures contracts on a specified currency to protect against a decline in the value of such currency and a decline in the value of its portfolio securities which are denominated in such currency. The fund can purchase futures contracts on a foreign currency to establish the price in U.S. dollars of a security denominated in such currency that the fund has acquired or expects to acquire. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be liquidated in this manner, the fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date. HEDGING STRATEGIES. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty the effective price, rate of return and currency exchange rate on portfolio securities and securities that the fund owns or proposes to acquire. The fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by selling futures contracts in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the value of the fund's portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the fund may sell futures contracts in a foreign currency in which its portfolio securities are denominated or in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion of Pioneer, there is a sufficient 13 degree of correlation between price trends for the fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategies. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, Pioneer will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the fund's portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position. On other occasions, the fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures contracts. This may be done, for example, when the fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently available. OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give the fund the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction, but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs. The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset a decline in the value of the fund's assets. By writing a call option, the fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, to sell a futures contract (if the option is exercised), which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that the fund intends to purchase. However, the fund becomes obligated to purchase a futures contract (if the option is exercised) which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by the fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures. The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The fund's ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING FUTURES CONTRACTS. The fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Code for maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Futures contracts and related options involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options obligating the fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options. While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while the fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. When futures contracts and options are used for hedging purposes, perfect correlation between the fund's futures positions and portfolio positions may be impossible to achieve, particularly where futures contracts based on individual securities are currently not available. In the event of an imperfect correlation 14 between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the fund may be exposed to risk of loss. It is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of non-U.S. securities because currency movements impact the value of different securities in differing degrees. If the fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. The fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account. EQUITY SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS AND COLLARS The fund may enter into equity swaps, caps, floors and collars to hedge assets or liabilities or to seek to increase total return. Equity swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to make or receive payments based on notional equity securities. The purchase of an equity cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that the market value of a specified equity security or benchmark exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments of a contractually based amount from the party selling the cap. The purchase of an equity floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that the market value of a specified equity security or benchmark falls below a predetermined level, to receive payments of a contractually based amount from the party selling the floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of values. Investments in swaps, caps, floors and collars are highly specialized activities which involve investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio transactions. Investments in equity swaps, caps, floors and collars may be considered speculative because they involve significant risk of loss. If Pioneer is incorrect in its forecast of market values, these investments could negatively impact the fund's performance. These investments also are subject to default risk of the counterparty and may be less liquid than other portfolio securities. Moreover, investments in swaps, caps, floors and collars may involve greater transaction costs than investments in other equity securities. FINANCIAL FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not currently subject to registration or regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act. Recently adopted amendments to Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") rules, upon effectiveness, may affect the ability of the fund to continue to claim this exclusion. The fund would be limited in its ability to enter into futures, options on futures or engage in swaps transactions for non-hedging purposes if it continued to claim the exclusion. If the fund were no longer able to claim the exclusion, Pioneer would likely become subject to registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator. The fund and Pioneer are analyzing the effect of these rule changes on the fund. DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED INVESTMENTS DEBT SECURITIES SELECTION In selecting debt securities for the fund, Pioneer gives primary consideration to the fund's investment objective, the attractiveness of the market for debt securities given the outlook of Pioneer for the equity markets and the fund's liquidity requirements. Once Pioneer determines to allocate a portion of the fund's assets to debt securities, Pioneer generally focuses on short-term instruments to provide liquidity and may invest in a range of fixed income securities if the fund is investing in such instruments for income or capital gains. Pioneer selects individual securities based on broad economic factors and issuer-specific factors including the terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S. Treasuries or comparable issues), liquidity and rating, sector and issuer diversification. 15 DEBT SECURITIES RATING INFORMATION Investment grade debt securities are those rated "BBB" or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Debt securities rated BBB are considered medium grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. Below investment grade debt securities are those rated "BB" and below by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. See "Appendix A" for a description of rating categories. The fund may invest in debt securities rated "D" or better, or comparable unrated securities as determined by Pioneer. Below investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments. Changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal payments and interest payments. The issuers of high yield securities also may be more adversely affected than issuers of higher rated securities by specific corporate or governmental developments or the issuers' inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. The amount of high yield securities outstanding has proliferated as an increasing number of issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing. The recent economic downturn has severely affected the ability of many highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities will have an adverse effect on the fund's net asset value to the extent that it invests in such securities. In addition, the fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings or to take other steps to protect its investment in an issuer. The secondary market for high yield securities is not usually as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the fund's ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet its liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic conditions, such as those recently prevailing, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. As a result, the fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these and other circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the fund's net asset value. Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower quality debt securities of the type in which the fund may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers' creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility. Lower rated and comparable unrated debt securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as strong as that of other issuers. However, lower rated securities generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities. For purposes of the fund's credit quality policies, if a security receives different ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, the fund will use the rating chosen by the portfolio manager as most representative of the security's credit quality. The ratings of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate and may not accurately describe the risk of the security. If a rating organization downgrades the quality rating 16 assigned to one or more of the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are appropriate in light of the fund's investment objectives and policies including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional investment grade securities of the appropriate credit quality as soon as it is prudent to do so. U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES U.S. government securities in which the fund invests include debt obligations of varying maturities issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or guaranteed by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, including the Federal Housing Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Farm Service Agency, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), General Services Administration, National Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority and various institutions that previously were or currently are part of the Farm Credit System (which has been undergoing reorganization since 1987). Some U.S. government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others are supported by: (i) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the FHLBs; (ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations, such as securities of FNMA; or (iii) only the credit of the issuer. Although the U.S. government provided financial support to FNMA and FHLMC in the past, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support in the future to these or other U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities include: (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or any of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; (ii) participations in loans made to non-U.S. governments or other entities that are so guaranteed; and (iii) as a result of initiatives introduced in response to the recent financial market difficulties, securities of commercial issuers or financial institutions that qualify for guarantees by U.S. government agencies like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The secondary market for certain loan participations described above is limited and, therefore, the participations may be regarded as illiquid. U.S. government securities may include zero coupon securities that may be purchased when yields are attractive and/or to enhance portfolio liquidity. Zero coupon U.S. government securities are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon U.S. government securities do not require the periodic payment of interest. These investments may experience greater volatility in market value than U.S. government securities that make regular payments of interest. The fund accrues income on these investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the fund's distribution obligations, in which case the fund will forgo the purchase of additional income producing assets with these funds. Zero coupon U.S. government securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on the bonds. CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest in convertible debt securities which are debt obligations convertible at a stated exchange rate or formula into common stock or other equity securities. Convertible securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure and consequently may be of higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common stock. As with all debt securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to increase when interest rates decline and, conversely, tend to decline when interest rates increase. 17 A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest that is generally paid or accrued until the convertible security matures, or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics, in that they generally (i) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income characteristics and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instruments. If a convertible security held by the fund is called for redemption, the fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could result in losses to the fund. OTHER INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS For temporary defensive or cash management purposes, the fund may invest in all types of short-term investments including, but not limited to, (a) commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations; (b) obligations (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) of banks; (c) obligations issued or guaranteed by a governmental issuer, including governmental agencies or instrumentalities; (d) fixed income securities of non-governmental issuers; and (e) other cash equivalents or cash. Subject to the fund's restrictions regarding investment in non-U.S. securities, these securities may be denominated in any currency. Although these investments generally are rated investment grade or are determined by Pioneer to be of equivalent credit quality, the fund may also invest in these instruments if they are rated below investment grade in accordance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. ILLIQUID SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid and other securities that are not readily marketable. If due to subsequent fluctuations in value or any other reasons, the value of the fund's illiquid securities exceeds this percentage limitation, the fund will consider what actions, if any, are necessary to maintain adequate liquidity. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will be included for purposes of the foregoing limit. Securities subject to restrictions on resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), are considered illiquid unless they are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or another exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and are determined to be liquid by Pioneer. Pioneer determines the liquidity of Rule 144A and other restricted securities according to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, Pioneer monitors the application of these guidelines and procedures. The inability of the fund to dispose of illiquid investments readily or at reasonable prices could impair the fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. If the fund sold restricted securities other than pursuant to an exception from registration under the 1933 Act such as Rule 144A, it may be deemed to be acting as an underwriter and subject to liability under the 1933 Act. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, member banks of the Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions. Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the fund purchases securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a specific time and at a specific price. The repurchase price is generally higher than the fund's purchase price, with the difference being income to the fund. A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan by the fund collateralized by securities. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, Pioneer reviews and monitors the creditworthiness of any institution which enters into a repurchase agreement with the fund. The counterparty's obligations under the repurchase agreement are collateralized with U.S. Treasury and/or agency obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the obligations, valued daily. Collateral is held by the fund's custodian in a segregated, safekeeping account for the benefit of the fund. Repurchase agreements afford the fund an opportunity to earn income on temporarily available cash. In the event of commencement of bankruptcy 18 or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, the fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, the fund may be required to return the security to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction. There is no specific limit on the fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans for purposes of the 1940 Act. REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities to a bank or other institution with an agreement that the fund will buy back the securities at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest" which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the fund with proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the fund that it is obligated to repurchase. The fund will also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities upon effecting their repurchase. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a type of borrowing. The 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund's total assets from banks for any purpose and up to 5% of the fund's total assets from banks and other lenders for temporary purposes. The fund will segregate assets in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price of the securities. SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX The fund may sell securities "short against the box." A short sale involves the fund borrowing securities from a broker and selling the borrowed securities. The fund has an obligation to return securities identical to the borrowed securities to the broker. In a short sale against the box, the fund at all times owns an equal amount of the security sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, with or without payment of additional consideration, an equal amount of the security sold short. The fund intends to use short sales against the box to hedge. For example when the fund believes that the price of a current portfolio security may decline, the fund may use a short sale against the box to lock in a sale price for a security rather than selling the security immediately. In such a case, any future losses in the fund's long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The fund may engage in short sales of securities only against the box. If the fund effects a short sale against the box at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the security, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the security (a "constructive sale") on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if the fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale provided that certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the fund may make short sales against the box. DOLLAR ROLLS The fund may enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in which the fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish 19 the investment performance of the fund compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. All cash proceeds will be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for the fund. The fund will hold and maintain in a segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to its forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax purposes, the fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale. Dollar rolls involve certain risks including the following: if the broker-dealer to whom the fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the fund's right to purchase or repurchase the securities subject to the dollar roll may be restricted and the instrument which the fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than an instrument which the fund originally held. Successful use of dollar rolls will depend upon Pioneer's ability to manage its interest rate and prepayment exposure. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed. ASSET SEGREGATION The 1940 Act requires that the fund segregate assets in connection with certain types of transactions that may have the effect of leveraging the fund's portfolio. If the fund enters into a transaction requiring segregation, such as a forward commitment or a reverse repurchase agreement, the custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets in an amount required to comply with the 1940 Act. Such segregated assets will be valued at market daily. If the aggregate value of such segregated assets declines below the aggregate value required to satisfy the 1940 Act, additional liquid assets will be segregated. As an alternative to asset segregation, in some instances a fund may "cover" its obligation by holding an offsetting position. PORTFOLIO TURNOVER It is the policy of the fund not to engage in trading for short-term profits, although portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be borne by the fund and its shareholders. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the fund's annual portfolio turnover rate. LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES The fund may lend portfolio securities to registered broker-dealers or other institutional investors deemed by Pioneer to be of good standing under agreements which require that the loans be secured continuously by collateral in the form of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit issued by banks approved by the fund. The value of the collateral is monitored on a daily basis and the borrower is required to maintain the collateral at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The fund continues to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and continues to have all of the other risks associated with owning the securities. Where the collateral received is cash, the cash will be invested and the fund will be entitled to a share of the income earned on the investment, but will also be subject to investment risk on the collateral and will bear the entire amount of any loss in connection with investment of such collateral. The fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with loans of securities and, where the collateral received is cash, the fund may pay a portion of the income earned on the investment of collateral to the borrower, lending agent or other intermediary. Fees and expenses paid by the fund in connection with loans of securities are not reflected in the fee table or expense example in the fund's prospectus. If the income earned on the investment of the cash collateral is insufficient to pay these amounts or if the value of the securities purchased with such cash collateral declines, the fund may take a loss on the loan. Where the fund receives securities as collateral, the fund will earn no income on the collateral, but will earn a fee from the borrower. The fund reserves the right to recall loaned securities so that it may exercise voting rights on loaned securities according to the fund's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. 20 The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consists of the possibility of loss to the fund due to (i) the inability of the borrower to return the securities, (ii) a delay in receiving additional collateral to adequately cover any fluctuations in the value of securities on loan, (iii) a delay in recovery of the securities, or (iv) the loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In addition, as noted above, the fund continues to have market risk and other risks associated with owning the securities on loan. Where the collateral delivered by the borrower is cash, the fund will also have the risk of loss of principal and interest in connection with its investment of collateral. If a borrower defaults, the value of the collateral may decline before the fund can dispose of it. The fund will lend portfolio securities only to firms that have been approved in advance by Pioneer, which will monitor the creditworthiness of any such firms. However, this monitoring may not protect the fund from loss. At no time would the value of the securities loaned exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets. INTERFUND LENDING To satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls, a fund may enter into lending agreements ("Interfund Lending Agreements") under which the fund would lend money and borrow money for temporary purposes directly to and from another Pioneer fund through a credit facility ("Interfund Loan"), subject to meeting the conditions of an SEC exemptive order granted to the funds permitting such interfund lending. All Interfund Loans will consist only of uninvested cash reserves that the fund otherwise would invest in short-term repurchase agreements or other short-term instruments. If a fund has outstanding borrowings, any Interfund Loans to the fund (a) will be at an interest rate equal to or lower than any outstanding bank loan, (b) will be secured at least on an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding bank loan that requires collateral, (c) will have a maturity no longer than any outstanding bank loan (and in any event not over seven days) and (d) will provide that, if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing an outstanding bank loan to the fund, the event of default will automatically (without need for action or notice by the lending fund) constitute an immediate event of default under the Interfund Lending Agreement entitling the lending fund to call the Interfund Loan (and exercise all rights with respect to any collateral) and that such call will be made if the lending bank exercises its right to call its loan under its agreement with the borrowing fund. A fund may make an unsecured borrowing through the credit facility if its outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the interfund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided, that if the fund has a secured loan outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another Pioneer fund, the fund's interfund borrowing will be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding loan that requires collateral. If a fund's total outstanding borrowings immediately after an interfund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may borrow through the credit facility on a secured basis only. A fund may not borrow through the credit facility nor from any other source if its total outstanding borrowings immediately after the interfund borrowing would be more than 33 1/3% of its total assets. No fund may lend to another fund through the interfund lending credit facility if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the credit facility to exceed 15% of the lending fund's net assets at the time of the loan. A fund's Interfund Loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund's net assets. The duration of Interfund Loans is limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days. Loans effected within seven days of each other will be treated as separate loan transactions for purposes of this condition. Each Interfund Loan may be called on one business day's notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund. The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money 21 from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day's notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an Interfund Loan were not available from another fund. A delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs. WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES The fund may purchase securities, including U.S. government securities, on a when-issued basis or may purchase or sell securities for delayed delivery. In such transactions, delivery of the securities occurs beyond the normal settlement period, but no payment or delivery is made by the fund prior to the actual delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. The fund will not earn income on these securities until delivered. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis involves the risk that the value of the securities purchased will decline prior to the settlement date. The sale of securities for delayed delivery involves the risk that the prices available in the market on the delivery date may be greater than those obtained in the sale transaction. When the fund enters into when-issued or delayed delivery transactions it will segregate liquid assets with a value equal to the fund's obligations. See "Asset Segregation." DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS The Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Pioneer funds' portfolio securities. These policies and procedures are designed to provide a framework for disclosing information regarding portfolio holdings, portfolio composition or other portfolio characteristics consistent with applicable federal securities laws and regulations and general principles of fiduciary duty relating to fund shareholders. While Pioneer may manage other separate accounts and unregistered products that have substantially similar investment strategies to those of another Pioneer fund, and therefore portfolio holdings that may be substantially similar, and in some cases nearly identical, to such fund, these policies and procedures only relate to the disclosure of portfolio information of the Pioneer funds that are registered management companies. Separate account and unregistered product clients are not subject to these policies and procedures. Separate account and unregistered product clients of Pioneer have access to their portfolio holdings, and prospective clients have access to representative holdings. Generally, Pioneer will make a fund's portfolio information available to the public on a monthly basis with an appropriate delay based upon the nature of the information disclosed. Pioneer normally will publish a fund's full portfolio holdings thirty (30) days after the end of each month (this time period may be different for certain funds). Such information shall be made available on the funds' website (www.pioneerinvestments.com) and may be sent to rating agencies, reporting/news services and financial intermediaries, upon request. In addition, Pioneer generally makes publicly available information regarding a fund's top ten holdings (including the percentage of a fund's assets represented by each security), the percentage breakdown of a fund's investments by country, sector and industry, various volatility measures (such as beta, standard deviation, etc.), market capitalization ranges and other portfolio characteristics (such as alpha, average P/E ratio, etc.) three (3) business days after the end of each month. Pioneer may provide a fund's full portfolio holdings or other information to certain entities prior to the date such information is made public, provided that certain conditions are met. The entities to which such disclosure may be made as of the date of this statement of additional information are rating agencies, plan sponsors, prospective separate account clients and other financial intermediaries (i.e., organizations evaluating a fund for purposes of investment by their clients, such as broker-dealers, investment advisers, banks, insurance companies, financial planning firms, plan sponsors, plan administrators, shareholder servicing organizations and pension consultants). The third party must agree to a limited use of that information which does not conflict with the interests of the fund's shareholders, to use the information only for that authorized purpose, to keep such information confidential, and not to trade on such information. The Board of Trustees considered the disclosure of portfolio holdings information to these categories of entities to be consistent with the best interests of shareholders in light of the agreement to maintain the confidentiality of such information and only to use such information for the limited and approved purposes. Pioneer's compliance department, the local head of investment management and the global chief investment 22 officer may, but only acting jointly, grant exemptions to this policy. Exemptions may be granted only if these persons determine that providing such information is consistent with the interests of shareholders and the third party agrees to limit the use of such information only for the authorized purpose, to keep such information confidential, and not to trade on such information. Although the Board of Trustees will periodically be informed of exemptions granted, granting exemptions entails the risk that portfolio holdings information may be provided to entities that use the information in a manner inconsistent with their obligations and the best interests of a fund. Currently, Pioneer, on behalf of the Pioneer funds, has ongoing arrangements whereby the following entities may receive a fund's full portfolio holdings or other information prior to the date such information is made public: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (within 30 days after month end for board materials and advance preparation of marketing materials, as needed to evaluate Pioneer funds); Roszel Advisors (within 30 days after month end for due diligence and review of certain Pioneer funds included in fund programs); Oppenheimer & Co. (within 30 days after month end for due diligence and review of certain Pioneer funds included in fund programs); UBS (within 15 days after month end for due diligence and review of certain Pioneer funds included in fund programs); Ibbotson Associates Advisors LLC (as needed to select Pioneer funds for the Pioneer-Ibbotson fund of funds products); Beacon Pointe Advisors (as needed for quarterly review of certain Pioneer funds); Commonwealth Financial Network (within 30 days after month end for internal risk analysis); Hartford Retirement Services, LLC (as needed for internal risk analysis); Transamerica Life Insurance Company (as needed for internal performance and risk analysis); TIBCO Software Inc./Spotfire Division (as needed to evaluate and develop portfolio reporting software); Curcio Webb, LLC (as needed for evaluation and research purposes); Fidelity Investments (as needed to evaluate Pioneer funds); Egan Jones Ratings Company (as needed in order to evaluate and select Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs)); DBRS Limited (as needed in order to evaluate and select NRSROs); Wells Fargo Advisors (as needed for internal risk analysis and product review); and Capital Market Consultants (as needed to complete quarterly due diligence research). Compliance with the funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Trustees, including a review of any potential conflicts of interest in the disclosures made by Pioneer in accordance with the policy or the exceptions permitted under the policy. Any change to the policy to expand the categories of entities to which portfolio holdings may be disclosed or an increase in the purposes for which such disclosure may be made would be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees and, reflected, if material, in a supplement to the fund's statement of additional information. The funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy is not intended to prevent the disclosure of any and all portfolio information to the funds' service providers who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities, such as Pioneer, the funds' custodian, fund accounting agent, principal underwriter, investment sub-adviser, if any, independent registered public accounting firm or counsel. In approving the policy, the Board of Trustees considered that the service providers are subject to duties of confidentiality arising under law or contract that provide an adequate safeguard for such information. None of Pioneer, the funds, or any other party receive any compensation or other consideration from any arrangement pertaining to the release of a fund's portfolio holdings information. In addition, the funds make their portfolio holdings available semi-annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and after the first and third fiscal quarters in regulatory filings on Form N-Q. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC, as required by the federal securities laws. Form N-Q is filed with the SEC within sixty (60) days after the end of a fund's first and third fiscal quarters. Form N-CSR is filed with the SEC within ten (10) days after the transmission to shareholders of a fund's annual or semi-annual report, as applicable. 23 INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the fund. For this purpose, a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund means the vote of the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the shares represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The fund's fundamental policies are as follows: (1) The fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (2) The fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (3) The fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (4) The fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (5) The fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (6) The fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction. (7) Except as permitted by exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority of competent jurisdiction, the fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the fund's investments will be concentrated in any one industry. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund's total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes (the fund's total assets include the amounts being borrowed). To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the fund to maintain at all times an "asset coverage" of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund's total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Borrowing money to increase a fund's investment portfolio is known as "leveraging." Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of a fund's shares to be more volatile than if the fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund's portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price 24 that is unfavorable to the fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate a fund's net investment income in any given period. Currently, the fund does not contemplate borrowing for leverage, but if the fund does so, it will not likely do so to a substantial degree. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to permit the fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a type of borrowing. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy. Such trading practices may include futures, options on futures, forward contracts and other derivative investments. A fund may pledge its assets and guarantee the securities of another company without limitation, subject to the fund's investment policies (including the fund's fundamental policy regarding borrowing) and applicable laws and interpretations. Pledges of assets and guarantees of obligations of others are subject to many of the same risks associated with borrowings and, in addition, are subject to the credit risk of the obligor for the underlying obligations. To the extent that pledging or guaranteeing assets may be considered the issuance of senior securities, the issuance of senior securities is governed by the fund's policies on senior securities. If the fund were to pledge its assets, the fund would take into account any then-applicable legal guidance, including any applicable SEC staff position, would be guided by the judgment of the fund's Board and Pioneer regarding the terms of any credit facility or arrangement, including any collateral required, and would not pledge more collateral than, in their judgment, is necessary for the fund to obtain the credit sought. Shareholders should note that in 1973, the SEC staff took the position in a no-action letter that a mutual fund could not pledge 100% of its assets without a compelling business reason. In more recent no-action letters, including letters that address the same statutory provision of the 1940 Act (Section 17) addressed in the 1973 letter, the SEC staff has not mentioned any limitation on the amount of collateral that may be pledged to support credit obtained. This does not mean that the staff's position on this issue has changed. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (2) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund's underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund's investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer's registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to a fund investing in restricted securities. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause a fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (2) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (3) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) While lending securities may be a source of income to a fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery 25 or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. However, loans would be made only when the fund's manager or a subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. The fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. The fund has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to make short-term loans to other Pioneer funds through a credit facility in order to satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls; as discussed in this Statement of Additional Information under "Interfund Lending". The conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending, however no lending activity is without risk. A delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs. The policy in (3) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (4) above, "senior securities" are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund's shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund's total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the fund's outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of a fund's portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the fund's net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased. Certain widely used investment practices that involve a commitment by a fund to deliver money or securities in the future are not considered by the SEC to be senior securities, provided that a fund segregates cash or liquid securities in an amount necessary to pay the obligation or the fund holds an offsetting commitment from another party. These investment practices include repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, swaps, dollar rolls, options, futures and forward contracts. The policy in (4) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits a fund's purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities. With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits a fund's purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If a fund were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the fund would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There also may be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The policy in (6) above will be interpreted to permit investments in exchange traded funds that invest in physical and/or financial commodities. 26 With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (7) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes "concentration" in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund's total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; with respect to tax-exempt funds that invest 80% of their assets in tax-exempt securities, securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries. When identifying industries for purposes of its concentration policy, the fund may rely upon available industry classifications. As of the date of the SAI, the fund relies on the MSCI Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) classifications, or with respect to certain securities, another third-party classification system. Exchange-traded funds may be classified based on the underlying securities. The fund's fundamental policies are written and will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice. NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICY The following policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders. The fund may not invest in any investment company in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, which would allow the fund to invest in other investment companies, or in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, which would allow the fund to invest in other Pioneer funds, in each case without being subject to the limitations discussed above under "Other Investment Companies" so long as another investment company invests in the fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G). The fund has adopted this non-fundamental policy in order that the fund may be a permitted investment of the series of Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series and Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series VCT Portfolios, which invest all of their assets in other investment companies. If the series of Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series or Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series VCT Portfolios do not invest in the fund, then this non-fundamental restriction will not apply. In addition, the fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders. DIVERSIFICATION The fund is currently classified as a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. A diversified fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the fund cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval. 27 3. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS The fund's Trustees and officers are listed below, together with their principal occupations during at least the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee of each of the 55 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (the "Pioneer Funds"). The address for all Trustees and all officers of the fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------- JOHN F. COGAN, JR. (85)* Trustee since 2009. Non-Executive Chairman and a None -------------------- Chairman of the Board, Serves until a successor Director of Pioneer Investment Trustee and President trustee is elected or Management USA Inc. ("PIM-USA"); ----------------------------- earlier retirement or Chairman and a Director of Pioneer; removal. Chairman and Director of Pioneer -------------------------- Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (since 2006); Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management Limited (Dublin) (until October, 2011); President and a Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited and affiliated funds; Deputy Chairman and a Director of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. ("PGAM") (until April 2010); Director of PIOGLOBAL Real Estate Investment Fund (Russia) (until June 2006); Director of Nano-C, Inc. (since 2003); Director of Cole Management Inc. (2004 - 2011); Director of Fiduciary Counseling, Inc.(until December 2001); President and Director of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") (until May 2006); President of all of the Pioneer Funds; and Retired Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP --------------------------------------- DANIEL K. KINGSBURY (53)* Trustee since 2009. Director, CEO and President of None -------------------- Trustee and Executive Vice Serves until a successor PIM-USA (since February 2007); President trustee is elected or Director and President of Pioneer ----------------------------- earlier retirement or and Pioneer Institutional Asset removal. Management, Inc. (since February -------------------------- 2007); Executive Vice President of all of the Pioneer Funds (since March 2007); Director of PGAM (2007 - 2010); Head of New Europe Division, PGAM (2000 - 2005); Head of New Markets Division, PGAM (2005 - 2007) ---------------------------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES: ----------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------- DAVID R. BOCK (68) Trustee since 2009. Managing Partner, Federal City Director of Enterprise Trustee Serves until a successor Capital Advisors (corporate advisory Community ----------------------------- trustee is elected or services company) (1997 - 2004 Investment, Inc. earlier retirement or and 2008 - present); Interim Chief (privately-held removal. Executive Officer, Oxford Analytica, affordable housing -------------------------- Inc. (privately-held research and finance company) consulting company) (2010); (1985 - 2010); Executive Vice President and Chief Director of Oxford Financial Officer, I-trax, Inc. (publicly Analytica, Inc. (2008 traded health care services - present); Director company) (2004 - 2007); and of The Swiss Executive Vice President and Chief Helvetia Fund, Inc. Financial Officer, Pedestal Inc. (closed-end fund) (internet-based mortgage trading (2010 - present); company (2000 - 2002) Director of New York ------------------------------------------- Mortgage Trust (publicly-traded mortgage REIT) (2004 - 2009, 2012 - present) -----------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ---------------------- MARY K. BUSH (63) Trustee since 2009. Chairman, Bush International, LLC Director of Marriott Trustee Serves until a successor (international financial advisory firm) International, Inc. ----------------------------- trustee is elected or (1991 - present); Senior Managing (2008 - present); earlier retirement or Director, Brock Capital Group, LLC Director of Discover removal. (strategic business advisors) (2010 Financial Services -------------------------- - present); Managing Director, (credit card issuer Federal Housing Finance Board and electronic (oversight of Federal Home Loan payment services) Bank system) (1989 - 1991); Vice (2007 - present); President and Head of International Former Director of Finance, Federal National Mortgage Briggs & Stratton Co. Association (1988 - 1989); U.S. (engine Alternate Executive Director, manufacturer) (2004 International Monetary Fund (1984 - 2009); Former - 1988); Executive Assistant to Director of UAL Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Corporation (airline Treasury, U.S. Treasury Department holding company) (1982 - 1984); Vice President and (2006 - 2010); Team Leader in Corporate Banking, Director of ManTech Bankers Trust Co. (1976 - 1982) International ----------------------------------------- Corporation (national security, defense, and intelligence technology firm) (2006 - present); Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2007 - present); Member, Board of Governors, Independent Directors Council (2007 - present) Former Director of Brady Corporation (2000 - 2007); Former Director of Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (1991 - 2006); Former Director of Millennium Chemicals, Inc. (commodity chemicals) (2002 - 2005); Former Director, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. (tobacco) (1999 - 2005); Former Director of Texaco, Inc. (1997 - 2001) ----------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------ BENJAMIN M. FRIEDMAN Trustee since 2009. William Joseph Maier Professor of Trustee, Mellon (67) Serves until a successor Political Economy, Harvard Institutional Funds Trustee trustee is elected or University (1972 - present) Investment Trust and --- --------------------------------------- earlier retirement or Mellon Institutional removal Funds Master -------------------------- Portfolio (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund complex) (1989 - 2008) ------- MARGARET B.W. GRAHAM Trustee since 2009. Founding Director, Vice-President None ------- (64) Serves until a successor and Corporate Secretary, The Trustee trustee is elected or Winthrop Group, Inc. (consulting --- earlier retirement or firm) (1982 - present); Desautels removal. Faculty of Management, McGill -------------------------- University (1999 - present); and Manager of Research Operations and Organizational Learning, Xerox PARC, Xerox's Advance Research Center (1990 - 1994) --------------------------------------- THOMAS J. PERNA (61) Trustee since 2009. Chairman and Chief Executive Director, Broadridge Trustee Serves until a successor Officer, Quadriserv, Inc. (technology Financial Solutions, --- trustee is elected or products for securities lending Inc. (investor earlier retirement or industry) (2008 - present); Private communications and removal. investor (2004 - 2008); and Senior securities processing -------------------------- Executive Vice President, The Bank provider for financial of New York (financial and securities services industry) services) (1986 - 2004) (2009 - present); --------------------------------------- Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 - present); Commissioner, New Jersey State Civil Service Commission (2011 - present) ---------------------- MARGUERITE A. PIRET (63) Trustee since 2009. President and Chief Executive Director of New Trustee Serves until a successor Officer, Newbury, Piret & Company, America High Income --- trustee is elected or Inc. (investment banking firm) Fund, Inc. earlier retirement or (1981 - present) (closed-end --------------------------------------- removal. investment company) -------------------------- (2004 - present); Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2000 - 2006) ------- FUND OFFICERS: ----------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------- CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY (47) Since 2010. Serves at Vice President and Associate None ------- Secretary the discretion of the General Counsel of Pioneer since --- Board January 2008 and Secretary of all -------------------------- of the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September 2003 to May 2010; Vice President and Senior Counsel of Pioneer from July 2002 to December 2007 ---------------------------------------
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NAME, AGE AND TERM OF OFFICE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION HELD BY TRUSTEE ----------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------- CAROL B. HANNIGAN (51) Since 2010. Serves at Fund Governance Director of None --------------------- Assistant Secretary the discretion of the Pioneer since December 2006 and ----------------------------- Board Assistant Secretary of all the ----------------------- Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Manager - Fund Governance of Pioneer from December 2003 to November 2006; Senior Paralegal of Pioneer from January 2000 to November 2003. -------------------------------------- THOMAS REYES (49) Since 2010. Serves at Counsel of Pioneer since June 2007 None --------------------- Assistant Secretary the discretion of the and Assistant Secretary of all the ----------------------------- Board Pioneer Funds since June 2010; ----------------------- Vice President and Counsel at State Street Bank from October 2004 to June 2007 -------------------------------------- MARK E. BRADLEY (52) Since 2008. Serves at Vice President - Fund Accounting, None --------------------- Treasurer the discretion of the Administration and Controllership ----------------------------- Board Services of Pioneer; and Treasurer ----------------------- of all of the Pioneer Funds since March 2008; Deputy Treasurer of Pioneer from March 2004 to February 2008; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds from March 2004 to February 2008 -------------------------------------- LUIS I. PRESUTTI (46) Since 2009. Serves at Assistant Vice President - Fund None --------------------- Assistant Treasurer the discretion of the Accounting, Administration and ----------------------------- Board Controllership Services of Pioneer; ----------------------- and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------- GARY SULLIVAN (53) Since 2009. Serves at Fund Accounting Manager - Fund None --------------------- Assistant Treasurer the discretion of the Accounting, Administration and ----------------------------- Board Controllership Services of Pioneer; ----------------------- and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------- DAVID F. JOHNSON (32) Since 2009. Serves at Fund Administration Manager - Fund None --------------------- Assistant Treasurer the discretion of the Accounting, Administration and ----------------------------- Board Controllership Services since ----------------------- November 2008 and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since January 2009; Client Service Manager - Institutional Investor Services at State Street Bank from March 2003 to March 2007 -------------------------------------- JEAN M. BRADLEY (59) Since 2010. Serves at Chief Compliance Officer of Pioneer None --------------------- Chief Compliance Officer the discretion of the and of all the Pioneer Funds since ----------------------------- Board March 2010; Director of Adviser and ----------------------- Portfolio Compliance at Pioneer since October 2005; Senior Compliance Officer for Columbia Management Advisers, Inc. from October 2003 to October 2005 --------------------------------------
* Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the fund's investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. 32 BOARD COMMITTEES The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the fund's management and operations. The Chairman of the Board is the principal executive officer of the fund and an Interested Trustee. Independent Trustees constitute 75% of the Board. During the most recent fiscal year, the Board of Trustees held 6 meetings. Each Trustee attended at least 75% of such meetings. The Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following as to each Board member: such person's character and integrity; such person's willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; as to each Independent Trustee, his or her status as not being an "interested person" as defined under the 1940 Act; and, as to each of Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury, his association with Pioneer. Each of the Independent Trustees also was selected to join the Board based on the criteria and principles set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter. In evaluating a Trustee's prospective service on the Board, the Trustee's experience in, and ongoing contributions toward, overseeing the fund's business as a Trustee also are considered. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Trustee: Mr. Bock, accounting, financial, business and public company experience as a chief financial officer and an executive officer and experience as a board member of other organizations; Ms. Bush, banking, financial, governmental, international and entrepreneurial experience as an executive and experience as a board member of other organizations; Mr. Friedman, academic leadership, economic and finance experience and investment company board experience; Ms. Graham, academic leadership, experience in business, finance and management consulting; Mr. Perna, accounting, financial, and business experience as an executive officer and experience as a board member of other organizations; Ms. Piret, accounting, financial and entrepreneurial experience as an executive, valuation experience and investment company board experience; and each of Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury, investment management experience as an executive and leadership roles with Pioneer and its affiliates. However, in its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary skills and experience of individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board's overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the fund. The Trust's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the appointment, designation (including in any proxy or registration statement or other document) of a Trustee as an expert on any topic or in any area, or as having experience, attributes or skills in any area, or any other appointment, designation or identification, shall not impose on that person any standard of care or liability that is greater than that imposed on that person as a Trustee in the absence of the appointment, designation or identification, and no Trustee who has special attributes, skills, experience or expertise, or is appointed, designated, or identified as aforesaid, shall be held to a higher standard of care by virtue thereof. The Board of Trustees has five standing committees: the Governance Committee, the Audit Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Policy Administration Committee and the Valuation Committee. Each committee is chaired by an Independent Trustee and all members of each committee are Independent Trustees. The Board currently does not have a lead Independent Trustee. The Chairs of the committees work with the Chairman of the Board and fund management in setting the agendas for Board meetings. The Chairs of the committees set the agendas for committee meetings with input from fund management. As noted below, through the committees, the Independent Trustees consider and address important matters involving the fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet without the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that delegation to the committees of specified oversight responsibilities helps ensure that the fund has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board further has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate given Pioneer's role with respect to the fund's investment and business operations. The Board also believes that its 33 leadership structure, as aided by the Chairman's experience and capabilities, serves to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from management and otherwise enhance the Board's oversight role. During the most recent fiscal year, the Governance, Audit, Nominating, Policy Administration, and Valuation Committees held 9, 6, 1, 5 and 5 meetings, respectively. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE David R. Bock, Mary K. Bush, Benjamin M. Friedman, Margaret B.W. Graham (Chair), Thomas J. Perna and Marguerite A. Piret. The Governance Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. The Governance Committee serves as the forum for consideration of a number of issues required to be considered separately by the Independent Trustees under the 1940 Act, including the assessment and review of the fund's advisory agreement and other related party contracts. The Governance Committee also considers issues that the Independent Trustees believe it is advisable for them to consider separately from the Interested Trustees. From time to time, the Governance Committee considers the composition and number of Trustees appropriate to be carrying out their responsibilities. When the Governance Committee determines that the Board should consider an additional Trustee or Trustees, the Nominating Committee is charged with identifying and evaluating potential Independent Trustee candidates with experience, qualifications, attributes and skills contemplated by the Nominating Committee Charter. From time to time, the Governance Committee also has added as specific criteria experience or skills that the Governance Committee believed, based on the then current composition and skills of the Independent Trustees and experience or skills that may be appropriate in light of anticipated retirements, changing business conditions and regulatory or other developments, would maintain or enhance the effectiveness of the Independent Trustees' oversight of the fund's affairs. AUDIT COMMITTEE David R. Bock (Chair), Benjamin M. Friedman and Marguerite A. Piret. The Audit Committee, among other things, oversees the accounting and financial reporting policies and practices of the fund, oversees the quality and integrity of the fund's financial statements, approves, and recommends to the Independent Trustees for their ratification, the engagement of the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and evaluates the accounting firm's qualifications, independence and performance, and approves the compensation of the accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the fund by the fund's accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by the fund's accounting firm to Pioneer and any affiliated service providers of the fund if the engagement relates directly to the fund's operations and financial reporting. NOMINATING COMMITTEE Mary K. Bush (Chair), Benjamin M. Friedman, Margaret B.W. Graham and Marguerite A. Piret. The Nominating Committee screens potential candidates for Independent Trustees. The Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy for considering trustee nominees submitted by the fund's shareholders. Nonetheless, the Nominating Committee may, on an informal basis, consider any shareholder recommendations of nominees that it receives. The Nominating Committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees, nor has it established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for one or more of the Independent Trustees to possess (other than qualities or skills that may be required by applicable law or regulation). However, in evaluating a person as a potential nominee to serve as an Independent Trustee, the Nominating Committee will consider the following factors, among any others that it may deem relevant: o whether the person has a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards; 34 o whether the person has demonstrated business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment in matters that relate to the objectives of the fund and whether the person is willing and able to contribute positively to the decision-making process of the fund; o whether the person has a commitment and ability to devote the necessary time and energy to be an effective Independent Trustee, to understand the fund and the responsibilities of a trustee of an investment company; o whether the person has the ability to understand the sometimes conflicting interests of the various constituencies of the fund and to act in the interests of all shareholders; and o whether the person has a conflict of interest that would impair his or her ability to represent the interests of all shareholders and to fulfill the responsibilities of a trustee. POLICY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Mary K. Bush, Margaret B.W. Graham, and Thomas J. Perna (Chair). The Policy Administration Committee, among other things, oversees and monitors the fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that are not directly related to financial reporting, internal financial controls, independent audits or the performance of the fund's internal audit function. The Policy Administration Committee also oversees the adoption and implementation of certain of the fund's policies and procedures. VALUATION COMMITTEE David R. Bock, Benjamin M. Friedman and Marguerite A. Piret (Chair). The Valuation Committee, among other things, determines with Pioneer the value of securities under certain circumstances and considers other matters with respect to the valuation of securities, in each case in accordance with the fund's valuation procedures. OVERSIGHT OF RISK MANAGEMENT Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the fund in the interests of shareholders, the Board of Trustees oversees risk management of the fund's investment management and business operations. In performing this oversight function, the Board considers various risks and risk management practices relating to the fund. The Board has delegated certain aspects of its risk oversight responsibilities to the committees. The fund faces a number of risks, such as investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, enterprise risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. The goal of risk management is to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the fund. Most of the fund's investment management and business operations are carried out by or through Pioneer, its affiliates, and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the fund's and each other's in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. Under the overall supervision of the Board or the applicable committee of the Board, the fund, or Pioneer and the affiliates of Pioneer or other service providers to the fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls in an effort to identify, address and mitigate risks. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the fund's and Pioneer's chief compliance officer and Pioneer's chief risk officer and director of internal audit, as well as various personnel of Pioneer, and of other service providers such as the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the applicable committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The reports received by the Trustees related to risks typically are summaries of relevant information. During the course of the most recent fiscal year, the Trustees oversaw 35 the development of portfolio risk metrics designed to evaluate the relative attribution risks in the funds versus those in an appropriate index. These metrics are intended as a basis for risk assessment and may be used by the portfolio manager of a fund in determining investment strategies for the fund. These metrics will not, however, be effective in identifying all known or unanticipated risks which could result in a decline in value of a fund. The Trustees recognize that not all risks that may affect the fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the fund's goals, that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and that some risks are simply beyond the control of the fund or Pioneer and its affiliates or other service providers. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations. In addition, it is important to note that the fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future. COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES The fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers. The Pioneer Funds, including the fund, compensate their Trustees. The Independent Trustees review and set their compensation annually, taking into consideration the committee and other responsibilities assigned to specific Trustees. The table under "Annual Fees, Expense and Other Information - Compensation of Officers and Trustees" sets forth the compensation paid to each of the Trustees. The compensation paid to the Trustees is then allocated among the funds as follows: o each fund with assets less than $250 million pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $1,000. o the remaining compensation of the Independent Trustees is allocated to each fund with assets greater than $250 million based on the fund's net assets. o the Interested Trustees receive an annual fee of $500 from each fund, except in the case of funds with net assets of $50 million or less, which pay each Interested Trustee an annual fee of $200. Pioneer reimburses these funds for the fees paid to the Interested Trustees. See "Compensation of Officers and Trustees" in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information." SALES LOADS The fund offers its shares to Trustees and officers of the fund and employees of Pioneer and its affiliates without a sales charge in order to encourage investment in the fund by individuals who are responsible for its management and because the sales to such persons do not entail any sales effort by the fund, brokers or other intermediaries. OTHER INFORMATION The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee, officer or employee of the fund shall be liable to the fund or any shareholder for any action, failure to act, error or mistake except in cases of bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the fund to indemnify each Trustee, director, officer, employee and authorized agent to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee, or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. The 1940 Act currently provides that no officer or director shall be protected from liability to the fund or shareholders for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of office. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust extends to Trustees, officers and employees of the fund the full protection from liability that the law allows. 36 SHARE OWNERSHIP See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for information on the ownership of fund shares by the Trustees, the fund's officers and owners in excess of 5% of any class of shares of the fund and a table indicating the value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owns in the fund and in all the Pioneer Funds. PROXY VOTING POLICIES Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners without charge at http://www.pioneerinvestments.com and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are attached as "Appendix B". 4. INVESTMENT ADVISER The fund has entered into an amended and restated management agreement (hereinafter, the "management contract") with Pioneer, effective July, 2009, pursuant to which Pioneer acts as the fund's investment adviser. Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredit. Certain Trustees or officers of the fund are also directors and/or officers of certain of UniCredit's subsidiaries (see management biographies above). Pioneer has entered into an agreement with its affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited ("PIML"), pursuant to which PIML provides certain services and personnel to Pioneer. As the fund's investment adviser, Pioneer provides the fund with investment research, advice and supervision and furnishes an investment program for the fund consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies, subject to the supervision of the fund's Trustees. Pioneer determines what portfolio securities will be purchased or sold, arranges for the placing of orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place those orders, maintains books and records with respect to the fund's securities transactions, and reports to the Trustees on the fund's investments and performance. The management contract will continue in effect from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Trustees of the fund or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (ii) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund, with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The management contract may be terminated without penalty by the Trustees of the fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to Pioneer, or by Pioneer on not less than 90 days' written notice to the fund, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by Pioneer. The management contract is not assignable by the fund except with the consent of Pioneer. The Trustees' approval of and the terms, continuance and termination of the management contract are governed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the management contract, Pioneer assumes no responsibility other than to render the services called for under the management contract, in good faith, and Pioneer will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities or other transactions for the fund. Pioneer, however, is not protected against liability by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the management contract. The management contract requires Pioneer to furnish all necessary services, facilities and personnel in connection with the performance of its services under the management contract, and except as specifically stated therein, Pioneer is not responsible for any of the fund's ordinary and extraordinary expenses. ADVISORY FEE As compensation for its management services and expenses incurred, the fund pays Pioneer a fee at the annual rate of 0.625% of the fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. 37 The fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the "predecessor fund") on May 15, 2009. Morgan Asset Management, Inc. ("MAM") served as the investment advisor to the predecessor fund through May 15, 2009. The predecessor fund paid MAM management fees equal to 0.75% of the predecessor fund's average daily net assets. See the table in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for management fees paid to Pioneer during recently completed fiscal years. ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT The fund has entered into an amended and restated administration agreement with Pioneer, effective July, 2009, pursuant to which Pioneer acts as the fund's administrator, performing certain accounting, administration and legal services for the fund. Pioneer is reimbursed for its cost of providing such services. The cost of providing these services is based on direct costs and costs of overhead, subject to review by the Board of Trustees. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for fees the fund paid to Pioneer for administration and related services. In addition,Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. performs certain sub-administration services to the fund pursuant to an agreement with Pioneer and the fund. Under the terms of the amended and restated administration agreement with the fund, Pioneer pays or reimburses the fund for expenses relating to its services for the fund, with the exception of the following, which are to be paid by the fund: (a) charges and expenses for fund accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related overhead, including, to the extent such services are performed by personnel of Pioneer, or its affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (b) the charges and expenses of auditors; (c) the charges and expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar appointed by the fund; (d) issue and transfer taxes, chargeable to the fund in connection with securities transactions to which the fund is a party; (e) insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and corporate fees payable by the fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies; (f) fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registrations of the fund and/or its shares with federal regulatory agencies, state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign jurisdictions, including the preparation of prospectuses and statements of additional information for filing with such regulatory authorities; (g) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (h) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the fund and the Trustees; (i) any distribution fees paid by the fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act; (j) compensation of those Trustees of the fund who are not affiliated with or interested persons of Pioneer, the fund (other than as Trustees), PIM-USA or PFD; (k) the cost of preparing and printing share certificates; (l) interest on borrowed money, if any; (m) fees payable by the fund under management agreements and the administration agreement; and (n) extraordinary expenses. The fund shall also assume and pay any other expense that the fund, Pioneer or any other agent of the fund may incur not listed above that is approved by the Board of Trustees (including a majority of the Independent Trustees) as being an appropriate expense of the fund. The fund shall pay all fees and expenses to be paid by the fund under the sub-administration agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. In addition, the fund shall pay all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the fund in connection with securities transactions to which the fund is a party. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The fund is managed by Pioneer, which also serves as investment adviser to other Pioneer mutual funds and other accounts (including separate accounts and unregistered products) with investment objectives identical or similar to those of the fund. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of the fund, the other Pioneer mutual funds and such other accounts. In such cases, the decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors. The determining factors in most cases are the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those 38 securities and the market for them. Other factors considered in the investment recommendations include other investments which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry and the availability of investment funds in each fund or account. It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund and/or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the Pioneer mutual funds or a private account managed by Pioneer seeks to acquire the same security at about the same time, the fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, the fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio security if Pioneer decides to sell on behalf of another account the same portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the fund. In the event more than one account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchases and sales will normally be made as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis in proportion to the amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each account. Although the other Pioneer mutual funds may have the same or similar investment objectives and policies as the fund, their portfolios do not generally consist of the same investments as the fund or each other, and their performance results are likely to differ from those of the fund. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS The fund, Pioneer, and PFD have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act which is applicable to officers, trustees/directors and designated employees of Pioneer and certain of Pioneer's affiliates. The code permits such persons to engage in personal securities transactions for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund, and is designed to prescribe means reasonably necessary to prevent conflicts of interest from arising in connection with personal securities transactions. The code is on public file with and available from the SEC. 5. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER PFD, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the principal underwriter for the fund in connection with the continuous offering of its shares. PFD is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PIM-USA. The fund entered into an underwriting agreement with PFD which provides that PFD will bear expenses for the distribution of the fund's shares, except for expenses incurred by PFD for which it is reimbursed or compensated by the fund under the distribution plan (discussed below). PFD bears all expenses it incurs in providing services under the underwriting agreement. Such expenses include compensation to its employees and representatives and to securities dealers for distribution-related services performed for the fund. PFD also pays certain expenses in connection with the distribution of the fund's shares, including the cost of preparing, printing and distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the cost of printing and distributing prospectuses and supplements to prospective shareholders. The fund bears the cost of registering its shares under federal and state securities law and the laws of certain non-U.S. countries. Under the underwriting agreement, PFD will use its best efforts in rendering services to the fund. See "Sales Charges" for the schedule of initial sales charge reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of the fund's Class A shares. See the tables under "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for commissions retained by PFD and reallowed to dealers in connection with PFD's offering of the fund's Class A and Class C shares during recently completed fiscal years. 39 The fund will not generally issue fund shares for consideration other than cash. At the fund's sole discretion, however, it may issue fund shares for consideration other than cash in connection with a bona fide reorganization, statutory merger or other acquisition of portfolio securities. It is the fund's general practice to repurchase its shares of beneficial interest for cash consideration in any amount; however, the redemption price of shares of the fund may, at Pioneer's discretion, be paid in portfolio securities. The fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net asset value during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should the amount of redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or portfolio securities. In the latter case, the securities are taken at their value employed in determining the fund's net asset value. You may incur additional costs, such as brokerage fees and taxes, and risks, including a decline in the value of the securities you receive, if the fund makes an in-kind distribution. DISTRIBUTION PLAN The fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A and Class C shares. The fund has not adopted a Distribution Plan with respect to its Class Y shares. For each Class that has adopted a Distribution Plan, fees under the Distribution Plan may be used to make payments to one or more principal underwriters, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries (which may include banks) and other parties that enter into a distribution, selling or service agreement with respect to the shares of such Class (each of the foregoing, a "Service Party"). The fund, its principal underwriter or other parties also may incur expenses in connection with the distribution or marketing and sales of the fund's shares that may be paid or reimbursed by the fund. The aggregate amount in respect of such fees and expenses with respect to each Class shall be the amount calculated at a percentage per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to such Class as set forth below:
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE CLASS PER ANNUM --------- ---------------------- Class A 0.25% --------- ---- Class C 1.00% --------- ----
Payments are made under the Distribution Plan for distribution services and other activities in respect of the sale of shares of the fund and to make payments for advertising, marketing or other promotional activity, and for preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than regulators and existing shareholders. The fund also may make payments to Service Parties under the Distribution Plan for providing personal service or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The amounts paid to each recipient may vary based upon certain factors, including, among other things, the levels of sales of fund shares and/or shareholder services provided; provided, however, that the fees paid to a recipient with respect to a particular Class that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of that Class, or that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended for personal service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts, may not exceed the maximum amounts, if any, as may from time to time be permitted for such services under the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") Conduct Rule 2830 or any successor rule, in each case as amended or interpreted by FINRA. The Distribution Plan also provides that the Service Parties may receive all or a portion of any sales charges paid by investors. The Distribution Plan permits the fund to pay fees to the Service Parties as compensation for their services, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. Thus, even if their expenses exceed the fees provided for by the Distribution Plan, the fund will not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if their expenses are less than the fees paid to them, they will realize a profit. The fund may pay the fees 40 to the Service Parties until the Distribution Plan or any related distribution agreement is terminated or not renewed. In that event, a Service Party's expenses in excess of fees received or accrued through the termination date will be such Service Party's sole responsibility and not obligations of the fund. In their annual consideration of the continuation of the Distribution Plan for the fund, the Trustees will review the Distribution Plan and the expenses for each Class within the fund separately. The fund may participate in joint distribution activities with other Pioneer funds. The costs associated with such joint distribution activities are allocated to a fund based on the number of shares sold. The Distribution Plan also recognizes that Pioneer, PFD or any other Service Party may make payments for distribution-related expenses out of its own resources, including past profits, or payments received from the fund for other purposes, such as management fees, and that the Service Parties may from time to time use their own resources for distribution-related services, in addition to the fees paid under the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan specifically provides that, to the extent that such payments might be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund within the context of Rule 12b-1, then the payments are deemed to be authorized by the Distribution Plan but not subject to the maximum amounts set forth above. Under its terms, the Distribution Plan continues in effect for one year and thereafter for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the service and distribution fees without shareholder approval, and all material amendments of the Distribution Plan also must be approved by the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, in the manner described above. The Distribution Plan may be terminated with respect to a Class of the fund at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Class of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for fund expenses under the Class A Plan, Class B Plan, Class C Plan and CDSCs paid to PFD for the most recently completed fiscal year. Upon redemption, Class A shares may be subject to a 1% CDSC, Class B shares are subject to a CDSC at a rate declining from a maximum 4% Class C shares may be subject to a 1% CDSC, of the lower of the cost or market value of the shares and. Class Y and Class Z shares are not subject to a CDSC. CLASS C SHARES PFD will advance to dealers the first-year service fee at a rate equal to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional annual distribution fees and service fees of up to 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively, of the net asset value of such shares. Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other criteria in order to receive service fees. 6. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING/TRANSFER AGENT The fund has contracted with PIMSS, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, to act as shareholder servicing and transfer agent for the fund. Under the terms of its contract with the fund, PIMSS services shareholder accounts, and its duties include: (i) processing sales, redemptions and exchanges of shares of the fund; (ii) distributing dividends and capital gains associated with the fund's portfolio; and (iii) maintaining account records and responding to shareholder inquiries. 41 PIMSS receives an annual fee of $24.75 for each shareholder account from the fund as compensation for the services described above. PIMSS is also reimbursed by the fund for its cash out-of-pocket expenditures. The fund may compensate entities which have agreed to provide certain sub-accounting services such as specific transaction processing and recordkeeping services. Any such payments by the fund would be in lieu of the per account fee which would otherwise be paid by the fund to PIMSS. 7. CUSTODIAN AND SUB-ADMINISTRATOR Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("BBH"), 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the custodian of the fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safekeeping and controlling the fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the fund's investments. Effective March 5, 2012, BBH also performs certain fund accounting and fund administration services for the Pioneer Fund complex, including the fund. For performing such services, BBH receives fees based on complex-wide assets. No sub-administration fees were paid by the fund during recently completed fiscal years. 8. INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5072, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, provides audit services, tax return review services, and assistance and consultation with respect to filings with the SEC. 9. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER The table below indicates, for the portfolio manager of the fund, information about the accounts other than the fund over which the portfolio manager has day-to-day investment responsibility. All information on the number of accounts and total assets in the table is as of November 30, 2011. For purposes of the table, "Other Pooled Investment Vehicles" may include investment partnerships, undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities ("UCITS") and other non-U.S. investment funds and group trusts, and "Other Accounts" may include separate accounts for institutions or individuals, insurance company general or separate accounts, pension funds and other similar institutional accounts but generally do not include the portfolio manager's personal investment accounts or those which the manager may be deemed to own beneficially under the code of ethics. Certain funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager may have substantially similar investment strategies.
NUMBER OF ASSETS ACCOUNTS MANAGED MANAGED FOR FOR WHICH WHICH ADVISORY ADVISORY NAME OF NUMBER OF FEE IS FEE IS PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTS TOTAL ASSETS PERFORMANCE- PERFORMANCE- MANAGER TYPE OF ACCOUNT MANAGED MANAGED BASED BASED ------------- ---------------------- ----------- -------------- ---------------- ------------- Ken Winston Other Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 N/A N/A Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 N/A N/A Other Accounts 0 $0 N/A N/A ------------- ---------------------- ----------- -- ---------------- -------------
42 POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST When a portfolio manager is responsible for the management of more than one account, the potential arises for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The principal types of potential conflicts of interest that may arise are discussed below. For the reasons outlined below, Pioneer does not believe that any material conflicts are likely to arise out of a portfolio manager's responsibility for the management of the fund as well as one or more other accounts. Although Pioneer has adopted procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws and to mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest to affect its portfolio management decisions, there can be no assurance that all conflicts will be identified or that all procedures will be effective in mitigating the potential for such risks. Generally, the risks of such conflicts of interest are increased to the extent that a portfolio manager has a financial incentive to favor one account over another. Pioneer has structured its compensation arrangements in a manner that is intended to limit such potential for conflicts of interest. See "Compensation of Portfolio Managers" below. o A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in allocating new investment opportunities that have limited supply, such as initial public offerings and private placements. If, for example, an initial public offering that was expected to appreciate in value significantly shortly after the offering was allocated to a single account, that account may be expected to have better investment performance than other accounts that did not receive an allocation of the initial public offering. Generally, investments for which there is limited availability are allocated based upon a range of factors including available cash and consistency with the accounts' investment objectives and policies. This allocation methodology necessarily involves some subjective elements but is intended over time to treat each client in an equitable and fair manner. Generally, the investment opportunity is allocated among participating accounts on a pro rata basis. Although Pioneer believes that its practices are reasonably designed to treat each client in an equitable and fair manner, there may be instances where a fund may not participate, or may participate to a lesser degree than other clients, in the allocation of an investment opportunity. o A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in the order in which trades for the accounts are placed. If a portfolio manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The less liquid the market for the security or the greater the percentage that the proposed aggregate purchases or sales represent of average daily trading volume, the greater the potential for accounts that make subsequent purchases or sales to receive a less favorable price. When a portfolio manager intends to trade the same security on the same day for more than one account, the trades typically are "bunched," which means that the trades for the individual accounts are aggregated and each account receives the same price. There are some types of accounts as to which bunching may not be possible for contractual reasons (such as directed brokerage arrangements). Circumstances may also arise where the trader believes that bunching the orders may not result in the best possible price. Where those accounts or circumstances are involved, Pioneer will place the order in a manner intended to result in as favorable a price as possible for such client. o A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager's compensation is tied to the performance of that account to a greater degree than other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. If, for example, the portfolio manager receives a bonus based upon the performance of certain accounts relative to a benchmark while other accounts are disregarded for this purpose, the portfolio manager will have a financial incentive to seek to have the accounts that determine the portfolio manager's bonus achieve the best possible performance to the possible detriment of other accounts. Similarly, if Pioneer receives a performance-based advisory fee, the portfolio manager may favor that account, whether or not the performance of that account directly determines the portfolio manager's compensation. 43 o A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager has a beneficial interest in the account, in order to benefit a large client or to compensate a client that had poor returns. For example, if the portfolio manager held an interest in an investment partnership that was one of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the portfolio manager would have an economic incentive to favor the account in which the portfolio manager held an interest. o If the different accounts have materially and potentially conflicting investment objectives or strategies, a conflict of interest could arise. For example, if a portfolio manager purchases a security for one account and sells the same security for another account, such trading pattern may disadvantage either the account that is long or short. In making portfolio manager assignments, Pioneer seeks to avoid such potentially conflicting situations. However, where a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts with differing investment objectives and policies, it is possible that the portfolio manager will conclude that it is in the best interest of one account to sell a portfolio security while another account continues to hold or increase the holding in such security. COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGER Pioneer has adopted a system of compensation for portfolio managers that seeks to align the financial interests of the portfolio managers with those of shareholders of the accounts (including Pioneer funds) the portfolio managers manage, as well as with the financial performance of Pioneer. The compensation program for all Pioneer portfolio managers includes a base salary (determined by the rank and tenure of the employee) and an annual bonus program, as well as customary benefits that are offered generally to all full-time employees. Base compensation is fixed and normally reevaluated on an annual basis. Pioneer seeks to set base compensation at market rates, taking into account the experience and responsibilities of the portfolio manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the portfolio manager achieving superior investment performance and align the interests of the investment professional with those of shareholders, as well as with the financial performance of Pioneer. Any bonus under the plan is completely discretionary, with a maximum annual bonus that may be in excess of base salary. The annual bonus is based upon a combination of the following factors: o QUANTITATIVE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The quantitative investment performance calculation is based on pre-tax investment performance of all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which includes the fund and any other accounts managed by the portfolio manager) over a one-year period (20% weighting) and four-year period (80% weighting), measured for periods ending on December 31. The accounts, which include the fund, are ranked against a group of mutual funds with similar investment objectives and investment focus (60%) and a broad-based securities market index measuring the performance of the same type of securities in which the accounts invest (40%), which, in the case of the fund, is the Russell Midcap Growth Index. As a result of these two benchmarks, the performance of the portfolio manager for compensation purposes is measured against the criteria that are relevant to the portfolio manager's competitive universe. o QUALITATIVE PERFORMANCE. The qualitative performance component with respect to all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager includes objectives, such as effectiveness in the areas of teamwork, leadership, communications and marketing, that are mutually established and evaluated by each portfolio manager and management. o PIONEER RESULTS AND BUSINESS LINE RESULTS. Pioneer's financial performance, as well as the investment performance of its investment management group, affect a portfolio manager's actual bonus by a leverage factor of plus or minus (+/-) a predetermined percentage. The quantitative and qualitative performance components comprise 80% and 20%, respectively, of the overall bonus calculation (on a pre-adjustment basis). A portion of the annual bonus is deferred for a specified period and may be invested in one or more Pioneer funds. 44 Certain portfolio managers may participate in other programs designed to reward and retain key contributors. Senior executives or other key employees may be granted performance units based on the stock price performance of UniCredit and the financial performance of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A., which are affiliates of Pioneer. Portfolio managers also may participate in a deferred compensation program, whereby deferred amounts are invested in one or more Pioneer funds. SHARE OWNERSHIP BY PORTFOLIO MANAGER The following table indicates as of November 30, 2011 the value, within the indicated range, of shares beneficially owned by the portfolio manager of the fund.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP NAME OF PORTFOLIO MANAGER OF THE FUND* --------------------------- --------------------- Ken Winston D --------------------------- --------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------
* Key to Dollar Ranges A. None B. $1 - $10,000 C. $10,001 - $50,000 D. $50,001 - $100,000 E. $100,001 - $500,000 F. $500,001 - $1,000,000 G. Over $1,000,000
10. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by Pioneer pursuant to authority contained in the fund's management contract. Pioneer seeks to obtain overall best execution on portfolio trades. The price of securities and any commission rate paid are always factors, but frequently not the only factors, in judging best execution. In selecting brokers or dealers, Pioneer considers various relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the size and type of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability and financial condition of the dealer; the dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the reasonableness of any dealer spreads. Transactions in non-U.S. equity securities are executed by broker-dealers in non-U.S. countries in which commission rates may not be negotiable (as such rates are in the U.S.). Pioneer may select broker-dealers that provide brokerage and/or research services to the fund and/or other investment companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer over which it or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. In addition, consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if Pioneer determines in good faith that the amount of commissions charged by a broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker, the fund may pay commissions to such broker-dealer in an amount greater than the amount another firm may charge. Such services may include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities; the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; providing stock quotation services, credit rating service information and comparative fund statistics; furnishing analyses, electronic information services, manuals and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and performance of accounts and particular investment decisions; and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Pioneer maintains a listing of broker-dealers who provide such services on a regular basis. However, because many transactions on behalf of the fund and other investment companies or accounts managed by Pioneer are placed with 45 broker-dealers (including broker-dealers on the listing) without regard to the furnishing of such services, it is not possible to estimate the proportion of such transactions directed to such dealers solely because such services were provided. Pioneer believes that no exact dollar value can be calculated for such services. The research received from broker-dealers may be useful to Pioneer in rendering investment management services to the fund as well as other investment companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer, although not all such research may be useful to the fund. Conversely, such information provided by brokers or dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other accounts may be useful to Pioneer in carrying out its obligations to the fund. The receipt of such research enables Pioneer to avoid the additional expenses which might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff. The fund may participate in third-party brokerage and/or expense offset arrangements to reduce the fund's total operating expenses. Pursuant to third-party brokerage arrangements, the fund may incur lower expenses by directing brokerage to third-party broker-dealers which have agreed to use part of their commission to pay the fund's fees to service providers unaffiliated with Pioneer or other expenses. Since the commissions paid to the third party brokers reflect a commission cost that the fund would generally expect to incur on its brokerage transactions but not necessarily the lowest possible commission, this arrangement is intended to reduce the fund's operating expenses without increasing the cost of its brokerage commissions. Since use of such directed brokerage is subject to the requirement to achieve best execution in connection with the fund's brokerage transactions, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be utilized. Pursuant to expense offset arrangements, the fund may incur lower transfer agency expenses due to interest earned on cash held with the transfer agent. See "Financial highlights" in the prospectus. See the table in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for aggregate brokerage and underwriting commissions paid by the fund in connection with its portfolio transactions during recently completed fiscal years. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews Pioneer's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund. 11. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES As an open-end management investment company, the fund continuously offers its shares to the public and under normal conditions must redeem its shares upon the demand of any shareholder at the next determined net asset value per share less any applicable CDSC. See "Sales Charges." When issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the prospectus and statement of additional information, shares of the fund are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares will remain on deposit with the fund's transfer agent and certificates will not normally be issued. The fund is a series of Pioneer Series Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust. The Trustees have authorized the issuance of the following classes of shares of the fund, designated as Class A, Class C and Class Y shares. Each share of a class of the fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the fund allocable to that class. Upon liquidation of the fund, shareholders of each class of the fund are entitled to share pro rata in the fund's net assets allocable to such class available for distribution to shareholders. The Trust reserves the right to create and issue additional series or classes of shares, in which case the shares of each class of a series would participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets allocable to that class of the particular series. The shares of each class represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the fund. Each class has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different class-specific fees and expenses such as transfer agent and distribution fees. 46 Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends by each class. Share classes have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. THE TRUST The Trust's operations are governed by the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of July 1, 2008 (referred to in this section as the declaration). A copy of the Trust's Certificate of Trust dated as of July 30, 2003, as amended, is on file with the office of the Secretary of State of Delaware. Delaware law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the board (referred to in this section as the trustees) and shareholders of the Delaware statutory trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the trustees and the shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in the declaration. Some of the more significant provisions of the declaration are described below. SHAREHOLDER VOTING The declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Delaware law, actions by the trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. The trustees may, without shareholder approval, where approval of shareholders is not otherwise required under the 1940 Act, merge or consolidate the Trust into other entities, reorganize the Trust or any series or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell the assets of the Trust or any series or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, or terminate the Trust or any series or class. The fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the declaration. The declaration gives the board the flexibility to specify either per share voting or dollar-weighted voting. Under per share voting, each share of the fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareholder's voting power is determined, not by the number of shares the shareholder owns, but by the dollar value of those shares determined on the record date. All shareholders of all series and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares. ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES The declaration provides that the trustees may establish the number of trustees and that vacancies on the board may be filled by the remaining trustees, except when election of trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the trustees and that trustees may be removed at any time or for any reason by a majority of the board or by a majority of the outstanding shareholders of the Trust. AMENDMENTS TO THE DECLARATION The trustees are authorized to amend the declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, trustees, officers or, employees of the trust or that limit the rights to indemnification or insurance provided in the declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification under the declaration prior to the amendment. 47 ISSUANCE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES The fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the trustees may determine. The fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder's shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the fund with identification required by law, or if the fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts. DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDER HOLDINGS The declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the fund information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and the fund may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation. SMALL ACCOUNTS The declaration provides that the fund may close out a shareholder's account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the trustees from time to time. Alternately, the declaration permits the fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts. SERIES AND CLASSES The declaration provides that the trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into another class. Each share of the fund, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust. SHAREHOLDER, TRUSTEE AND OFFICER LIABILITY The declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the fund and requires a fund to indemnify a shareholder against liability arising solely from the shareholder's ownership of shares in the fund. In addition, the fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. The declaration further provides that no trustee, officer or employee of the fund shall be liable to the fund or any shareholder for any action, failure to act, error or mistake except in cases of bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The declaration requires the fund to indemnify each trustee, director, officer, employee and authorized agent to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a trustee, director, officer, employee, or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. The 1940 Act currently provides that no officer or director shall be protected from liability to the fund or shareholders for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of office. The declaration extends to trustees, officers and employees of the fund the full protection from liability that the law allows. 48 The declaration provides that the appointment, designation or identification of a trustee as chairperson, a member of a committee, an expert, lead independent trustee, or any other special appointment, designation or identification shall not impose any heightened standard of care or liability on such trustee. DERIVATIVE ACTIONS The declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the fund's trustees. The declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the fund, the trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the fund. The declaration further provides that shareholders owning shares representing at least 10% of the voting power of the affected fund must join in bringing the derivative action. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the fund in connection with the consideration of the demand, if in the judgment of the independent trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the fund's costs, including attorneys' fees. The declaration further provides that the fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys' fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys' fees that the fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the fund be brought only in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in state court in Boston, Massachusetts, and that shareholders have no right to jury trial for such actions. 12. SALES CHARGES The fund continuously offers the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, as described in the prospectus. The fund offers its shares at a reduced sales charge to investors who meet certain criteria that permit the fund's shares to be sold with low distribution costs. These criteria are described below or in the prospectus. CLASS A SHARE SALES CHARGES You may buy Class A shares at the public offering price, including a sales charge, as follows:
SALES CHARGE AS A % OF -------------------------------------- OFFERING NET AMOUNT DEALER AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PRICE INVESTED REALLOWANCE --------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 5.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00 --------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- $500,000 or more 0.00 0.00 see below --------------------------------- ---- ---- ------------
49 The schedule of sales charges above is applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the fund by (i) an individual, (ii) an individual and his or her spouse and children under the age of 21 and (iii) a trustee or other fiduciary of a trust estate or fiduciary account or related trusts or accounts including pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts qualified under Sections 401 or 408 of the Code although more than one beneficiary is involved. The sales charges applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of the fund by a person listed above is determined by adding the value of shares to be purchased to the aggregate value (at the then current offering price) of shares of any of the other Pioneer mutual funds previously purchased and then owned, provided PFD is notified by such person or his or her broker-dealer each time a purchase is made which would qualify. Pioneer mutual funds include all mutual funds for which PFD serves as principal underwriter. At the sole discretion of PFD, holdings of funds domiciled outside the U.S., but which are managed by affiliates of Pioneer, may be included for this purpose. No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $500,000 or more, or for purchases by participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans described below subject to a CDSC of 1% which may be imposed in the event of a redemption of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. PFD may, in its discretion, pay a commission to broker-dealers who initiate and are responsible for such purchases as follows: 1.00% Up to $4 million ---- --------------------------------- Greater than $4 million and less 0.50% than or equal to $50 million ---- --------------------------------- 0.25% Over $50 million ---- ---------------------------------
Commissions are based on cumulative investments in Class A shares of the Pioneer funds. These commissions shall not be payable if the purchaser is affiliated with the broker-dealer or if the purchase represents the reinvestment of a redemption made during the previous 12 calendar months. Broker-dealers who receive a commission in connection with Class A share purchases at net asset value by employer-sponsored retirement plans with at least $500,000 in total plan assets (or that has 1,000 or more eligible participants for employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004) will be required to return any commissions paid or a pro rata portion thereof if the retirement plan redeems its shares within 12 months of purchase. LETTER OF INTENT ("LOI") Reduced sales charges are available for purchases of $50,000 or more of Class A shares (excluding any reinvestments of dividends and capital gain distributions) made within a 13-month period pursuant to an LOI which may be established by completing the Letter of Intent section of the Account Application. The reduced sales charge will be the charge that would be applicable to the purchase of the specified amount of Class A shares as if the shares had all been purchased at the same time. A purchase not made pursuant to an LOI may be included if the LOI is submitted to PIMSS within 90 days of such purchase. You may also obtain the reduced sales charge by including the value (at current offering price) of all your Class A shares in the fund and all other Pioneer mutual funds held of record as of the date of your LOI in the amount used to determine the applicable sales charge for the Class A shares to be purchased under the LOI. Five percent of your total intended purchase amount will be held in escrow by PIMSS, registered in your name, until the terms of the LOI are fulfilled. When you sign the Account Application, you agree to irrevocably appoint PIMSS your attorney-in-fact to surrender for redemption any or all shares held in escrow with full power of substitution. An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase, or the fund to sell, the amount specified in the LOI. Any share class for which no sales charge is paid cannot be included under the LOI. If the total purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified under the LOI and are in an amount that would qualify for a further quantity discount, all transactions will be recomputed on the expiration date of the LOI to effect the lower sales charge. Any difference in the sales charge resulting from such 50 recomputation will be either delivered to you in cash or invested in additional shares at the lower sales charge. The dealer, by signing the Account Application, agrees to return to PFD, as part of such retroactive adjustment, the excess of the commission previously reallowed or paid to the dealer over that which is applicable to the actual amount of the total purchases under the LOI. If the total purchases, less redemptions, are less than the amount specified under the LOI, you must remit to PFD any difference between the sales charge on the amount actually purchased and the amount originally specified in the LOI. When the difference is paid, the shares held in escrow will be deposited to your account. If you do not pay the difference in sales charge within 20 days after written request from PFD or your dealer, PIMSS, after receiving instructions from PFD, will redeem the appropriate number of shares held in escrow to realize the difference and release any excess. CLASS C SHARES You may buy Class C shares at the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales charge; however, Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC of 1%. The charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions. Class C shares do not convert to any other class of fund shares. In processing redemptions of Class C shares, the fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC and then shares held for the longest period of time during the one-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible CDSC. Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares, including the payment of compensation to broker-dealers. CLASS Y SHARES No front-end, deferred or asset based sales charges are applicable to Class Y shares. ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES The financial intermediaries through which shares are purchased may receive all or a portion of the sales charges and Rule 12b-1 fees discussed above. In addition to those payments, Pioneer or one or more of its affiliates (collectively, "Pioneer Affiliates") may make additional payments to financial intermediaries in connection with the promotion and sale of shares of Pioneer funds. Pioneer Affiliates make these payments from their own resources, which include resources that derive from compensation for providing services to the Pioneer funds. These additional payments are described below. The categories described below are not mutually exclusive. The same financial intermediary may receive payments under more than one or all categories. Many financial intermediaries that sell shares of Pioneer funds receive one or more types of these payments. The financial intermediary typically initiates requests for additional compensation. Pioneer negotiates these arrangements individually with financial intermediaries and the amount of payments and the specific arrangements may differ significantly. A financial intermediary also may receive different levels of compensation with respect to sales or assets attributable to different types of clients of the same intermediary or different Pioneer funds. Where services are provided, the costs of providing the services and the overall array of services provided may vary from one financial intermediary to another. Pioneer Affiliates do not make an independent assessment of the cost of providing such services. While the financial intermediaries may request additional compensation from Pioneer to offset costs incurred by the financial intermediary in servicing its clients, the financial intermediary may earn a profit on these payments, since the amount of the payment may exceed the financial intermediary's costs. In this context, "financial intermediary" includes any broker, dealer, bank (including bank trust 51 departments), insurance company, transfer agent, registered investment adviser, financial planner, retirement plan administrator and any other financial intermediary having a selling, administrative and shareholder servicing or similar agreement with a Pioneer Affiliate. A financial intermediary's receipt of additional compensation may create conflicts of interest between the financial intermediary and its clients. Each type of payment discussed below may provide your financial intermediary with an economic incentive to actively promote the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or cooperate with the distributor's promotional efforts. The receipt of additional compensation for Pioneer Affiliates may be an important consideration in a financial intermediary's willingness to support the sale of the Pioneer funds through the financial intermediary's distribution system. Pioneer Affiliates are motivated to make the payments described above since they promote the sale of Pioneer fund shares and the retention of those investments by clients of financial intermediaries. In certain cases these payments could be significant to the financial intermediary. The financial intermediary may charge additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in the prospectus. Financial intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than Pioneer Affiliates do. To the extent financial intermediaries sell more shares of the funds or retain shares of the funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer Affiliates benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to Pioneer Affiliates by the funds with respect to those assets. REVENUE SHARING PAYMENTS Pioneer Affiliates make revenue sharing payments as incentives to certain financial intermediaries to promote and sell shares of Pioneer funds. The benefits Pioneer Affiliates receive when they make these payments include, among other things, entry into or increased visibility in the financial intermediary's sales system, participation by the intermediary in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as helping facilitate or providing financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the funds to the intermediary's sales force), placement on the financial intermediary's preferred fund list, and access (in some cases, on a preferential basis over other competitors) to individual members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management. Revenue sharing payments are sometimes referred to as "shelf space" payments because the payments compensate the financial intermediary for including Pioneer funds in its fund sales system (on its "shelf space"). Pioneer Affiliates compensate financial intermediaries differently depending typically on the level and/or type of considerations provided by the financial intermediary. The revenue sharing payments Pioneer Affiliates make may be calculated on sales of shares of Pioneer funds ("Sales-Based Payments"); although there is no policy limiting the amount of Sales-Based Payments any one financial intermediary may receive, the total amount of such payments normally does not exceed 0.25% per annum of those assets. Such payments also may be calculated on the average daily net assets of the applicable Pioneer funds attributable to that particular financial intermediary ("Asset-Based Payments"); although there is no policy limiting the amount of Asset-Based Payments any one financial intermediary may receive, the total amount of such payments normally does not exceed 0.15% per annum of those assets. Sales-Based Payments primarily create incentives to make new sales of shares of Pioneer funds and Asset-Based Payments primarily create incentives to retain previously sold shares of Pioneer funds in investor accounts. Pioneer Affiliates may pay a financial intermediary either or both Sales-Based Payments and Asset-Based Payments. ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCESSING SUPPORT PAYMENTS Pioneer Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Pioneer fund shares for certain administrative services, including record keeping and sub-accounting shareholder accounts, to the extent that the funds do not pay for these costs directly. Pioneer Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Pioneer fund shares in connection with client account maintenance support, statement preparation and transaction processing. The types of payments that Pioneer Affiliates may make under this category include, among others, payment of ticket charges per 52 purchase or exchange order placed by a financial intermediary, payment of networking fees in connection with certain mutual fund trading systems, or one-time payments for ancillary services such as setting up funds on a financial intermediary's mutual fund trading system. OTHER PAYMENTS From time to time, Pioneer Affiliates, at their expense, may provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries which sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Pioneer funds. Such compensation provided by Pioneer Affiliates may include financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable Pioneer Affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client entertainment, client and investor events, and other financial intermediary-sponsored events, and travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with client prospecting, retention and due diligence trips. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by federal or state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Pioneer Affiliates make payments for entertainment events they deem appropriate, subject to Pioneer Affiliates' guidelines and applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event or the relationship. As of January 1, 2012, Pioneer anticipates that the following broker-dealers or their affiliates will receive additional payments as described in the fund's prospectus and statement of additional information: AIG VALIC ADP Retirement Services Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. AXA Advisors, LLC Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Chevy Chase Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Commonwealth Financial Network D.A. Davidson & Co. Edward Jones Ferris, Baker Watts Inc. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC First Clearing, LLC First Command Financial Planning, Inc. GWFS Equities, Inc. H.D. Investment Services Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc. Hewitt Financial Services LLC ING J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L Lyons, Inc. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Jefferson National Securities Corporation Legend Equities Corporation Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. LPL Financial Corp. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. MetLife Securities Inc. Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Mutual Service Corporation N.I.S. Financial Services, Inc. 53 National Financial Services LLC Nationwide Securities, Inc. Northwestern Investment Services, LLC NYLife Securities, LLC OneAmerica Securities, Inc. Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Penson Financial Services, Inc. Pershing LLC PFS Investments Inc. PNC Investments Prudential Financial Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. Scott and Stringfellow, Inc. Securities America, Inc. Southwest Securities, Inc. Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc. Stifel Nicholas & Company, Inc. Symetra Investment Services, Inc. TD Ameritrade, Inc. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. UBS Financial Services Inc. Upromise Investments, Inc. Wells Fargo Investments, LLC Please contact your financial intermediary for details about any payments it receives from Pioneer Affiliates or the funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. 13. REDEEMING SHARES Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed during any period in which any of the following conditions exist: the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is closed or trading on the Exchange is restricted; an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the fund to fairly determine the value of the net assets of its portfolio; or otherwise as permitted by the rules of or by the order of the SEC. Redemptions and repurchases are taxable transactions for shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax. The net asset value per share received upon redemption or repurchase may be more or less than the cost of shares to an investor, depending on the market value of the portfolio at the time of redemption or repurchase. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN(S) ("SWP") (CLASS A AND CLASS C SHARES) A SWP is designed to provide a convenient method of receiving fixed payments at regular intervals from fund share accounts having a total value of not less than $10,000. You must also be reinvesting all dividends and capital gain distributions to use the SWP option. Periodic payments of $50 or more will be deposited monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually directly into a bank account designated by the applicant or will be sent by check to the applicant, or any person designated by the applicant. Payments can be made either by check or electronic funds transfer to a bank account designated by you. Withdrawals from Class C share accounts are limited to 10% of the value of 54 the account at the time the SWP is established. See "Qualifying for a reduced sales charge" in the prospectus. If you direct that withdrawal payments be paid to another person, want to change the bank where payments are sent or designate an address that is different from the account's address of record after you have opened your account, a medallion signature guarantee must accompany your instructions. Withdrawals under the SWP are redemptions that may have tax consequences for you. While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges. SWP redemptions reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of shares in your account. In addition, the amounts received by a shareholder cannot be considered as yield or income on his or her investment because part of such payments may be a return of his or her investment. A SWP may be terminated at any time (1) by written notice to PIMSS or from PIMSS to the shareholder; (2) upon receipt by PIMSS of appropriate evidence of the shareholder's death; or (3) when all shares in the shareholder's account have been redeemed. You may obtain additional information by calling PIMSS at 1-800-225-6292. REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE (CLASS A SHARES) Subject to the provisions outlined in the prospectus, you may reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds from Class A shares without a sales charge into Class A shares of a Pioneer mutual fund. However, the distributor will not pay your investment firm a commission on any reinvested amount. 14. TELEPHONE AND ONLINE TRANSACTIONS You may purchase, exchange or sell Class A or Class C shares by telephone or online. Class Y shares may not be purchased by telephone, and Class Y shareowners are not eligible for online transaction privileges. See the prospectus for more information. For personal assistance, call 1-800-225-6292 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Class Y account holders should contact Pioneer's Group Plans Department at 1-800-665-8839 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.) Eastern time on weekdays. Computer-assisted telephone transactions may be available to shareholders who have prerecorded certain bank information (see "FactFone/SM/"). YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO REQUESTING ANY TELEPHONE OR ONLINE TRANSACTION. TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES To confirm that each transaction instruction received by telephone is genuine, the fund will record each telephone transaction, require the caller to provide validating information for the account and send you a written confirmation of each telephone transaction. Different procedures may apply to accounts that are registered to non-U.S. citizens or that are held in the name of an institution or in the name of an investment broker-dealer or other third party. If reasonable procedures, such as those described above, are not followed, the fund may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. In all other cases, neither the fund, PIMSS nor PFD will be responsible for the authenticity of instructions received by telephone; therefore, you bear the risk of loss for unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transactions. ONLINE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGES If your account is registered in your name, you may be able buy, exchange or sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange or sell your fund shares online. To establish online transaction privileges: o For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application 55 o For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen on www.pioneerinvestments.com To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts. TELEPHONE AND WEBSITE ONLINE ACCESS You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing www.pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in telephone or Internet services. On Exchange holidays or on days when the Exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to access www.pioneerinvestments.com or to reach the fund by telephone, you should communicate with the fund in writing. FACTFONE/SM/ FactFone/SM/ is an automated inquiry and telephone transaction system available to Pioneer mutual fund shareholders by dialing 1-800-225-4321. FactFone/SM/ allows shareholder access to current information on Pioneer mutual fund accounts and to the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds. In addition, you may use FactFone/SM/ to make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges or redemptions from your Pioneer mutual fund accounts, access your account balances and last three transactions and order a duplicate statement if you have activated your PIN. Telephone purchases or redemptions require the establishment of a bank account of record. Computer-assisted Class Y share telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions and certain other FactFone/SM/ features for Class Y shareholders are not currently available through FactFone/SM/. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO REQUESTING ANY TELEPHONE TRANSACTION. Shareholders whose accounts are registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party may not be able to use FactFone/SM/. Call PIMSS for assistance. FactFone/SM/ allows shareholders to hear the following recorded fund information: o net asset value prices for all Pioneer mutual funds; o annualized 30-day yields on Pioneer's fixed income funds; o annualized 7-day yields and 7-day effective (compound) yields for Pioneer's money market funds; and o dividends and capital gain distributions on all Pioneer mutual funds. Yields are calculated in accordance with SEC mandated standard formulas. All performance numbers communicated through FactFone/SM/ represent past performance, and figures include the maximum applicable sales charge. A shareholder's actual yield and total return will vary with changing market conditions. The value of each class of shares (except for Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund, which seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 share price) will also vary, and such shares may be worth more or less at redemption than their original cost. 15. PRICING OF SHARES The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is determined as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day on which the Exchange is open for trading. As of the date of this statement of additional information, the Exchange is open for trading every weekday except for the days the following holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 56 Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is also determined on any other day on which the level of trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high that the current net asset value per share might be materially affected by changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The fund is not required to determine its net asset value per share on any day on which no purchase orders in good order for fund shares are received and no shares are tendered and accepted for redemption. The fund generally values its portfolio securities using closing market prices or readily available market quotations, or, when closing market prices or market quotations are not available or are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value methods to value its securities in accordance with procedures approved by the fund's Trustees. Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange rates employed by the fund's independent pricing services. Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The fund also may use fair value pricing methods to value its securities, including a non-U.S. security, when Pioneer determines that the closing market price on the primary exchange where the security is traded no longer accurately reflects the value of the security due to factors affecting one or more relevant securities markets or the specific issuer. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated using closing market prices. International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are closed. For this reason, the value of any international securities owned by the fund could change on a day you cannot buy or sell shares of the fund. In connection with making fair value determinations of the value of fixed income securities, the fund's Trustees may use a pricing matrix. The prices used for these securities may differ from the amounts received by the fund upon sale of the securities, and these differences may be substantial. Cash equivalent securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which is a method of determining a security's fair value. The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is computed by taking the value of all of the fund's assets attributable to a class, less the fund's liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing the result by the number of outstanding shares of that class. For purposes of determining net asset value, expenses of the classes of the fund are accrued daily and taken into account. The fund's maximum offering price per Class A share is determined by adding the maximum sales charge to the net asset value per Class A share. Class C and Class Y shares are offered at net asset value without the imposition of an initial sales charge (Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC). 16. TAX STATUS The fund is treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The fund has elected to be treated, and has qualified and intends to continue to qualify each year, as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so that it will not pay U.S. federal income tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (as defined in Section 851(h) of the Code) (the "90% income test") and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year: (a) at least 50% of the value of the fund's total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. 57 government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund's total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (3) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. For purposes of the 90% income test, the character of income earned by certain entities in which the fund invests that are not treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes (e.g., partnerships other than certain publicly traded partnerships or trusts that have not elected to be classified as corporations under the "check-the-box" regulations) will generally pass through to the fund. Consequently, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the fund may be required to limit its equity investments in such entities that earn fee income, rental income or other nonqualifying income. If the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company and properly distributes to its shareholders each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (i) 90% of its "investment company taxable income" as that term is defined in the Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) 90% of the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income, if any, over certain disallowed deductions, the fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any income of the fund, including "net capital gain" (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), distributed to shareholders. However, if the fund meets such distribution requirements, but chooses to retain some portion of its taxable income or gains, it generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. The fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits. The fund intends to distribute at least annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction), net tax-exempt interest income, and net capital gain. If, for any taxable year, the fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company or does not satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, it will be treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, thereby subjecting any income earned by the fund to tax at the corporate level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. Under certain circumstances, the fund may be able to cure a failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, but in order to do so, the fund may incur significant fund-level taxes and may be forced to dispose of certain assets. Under the Code, the fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on a portion of its undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to each calendar year and year ending October 31, respectively. The fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner and accordingly does not expect to be subject to the excise tax. 58 The fund generally distributes any net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in December. Dividends from income and/or capital gains may also be paid at such other times as may be necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. Unless a shareholder specifies otherwise, all distributions from the fund to that shareholder will be automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the fund. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, all dividends generally are taxable whether a shareholder takes them in cash or reinvests them in additional shares of the fund. In general, assuming that the fund has sufficient earnings and profits, dividends from net investment income and net short-term capital gains are taxable either as ordinary income or, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, if certain conditions are met, as "qualified dividend income," taxable to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate. For taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, dividend income distributed to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders will qualify for the maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate on dividends to the extent that such dividends are attributable to "qualified dividend income." Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from the fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the fund and the shareholders. If 95% or more of the fund's gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, dividend income will be taxable at ordinary income tax rates. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose. Dividends received by the fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income. A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of the fund that is paid by the fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The "ex-dividend" date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter. Distributions by the fund in excess of the fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in its shares and any such amount in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below. Certain dividends received by the fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the fund may be eligible for the 70% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under 59 the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to the fund from other regulated investment companies are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those shares. The entire dividend, including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining the excess, if any, of a corporation's adjusted current earnings over its alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase a corporation's alternative minimum tax liability. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required. Distributions from net capital gains, if any, that are reported as capital gain dividends by the fund are taxable as long-term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes without regard to the length of time the shareholder has held shares of the fund. Capital gain dividends distributed by the fund to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders generally will qualify for reduced U.S. federal income tax rates (for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, a maximum rate of 15%, with a 0% rate applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets) on long-term capital gains, subject to certain limited exceptions. A shareholder should also be aware that the benefits of the favorable tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, qualified dividend income may be affected by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders. Under current law, the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate on long-term capital gains will be 20% in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. The U.S. federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders annually. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will generally apply to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a "surviving spouse" for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax will also apply to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest and certain capital gains will generally be taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income. Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the fund may be "spilled back" and treated for certain purposes as paid by the fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a regulated investment company's undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such "spilled back" dividends are treated as paid by the regulated investment company when they are actually paid. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable year that began on or before December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, for up to eight years following the year of the loss. The fund is permitted to carry forward indefinitely a net capital loss 60 from any taxable year that began after December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the fund and may not be distributed as such to shareholders. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the fund's available capital loss carryforwards. Generally, the fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, the fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred. At the time of an investor's purchase of fund shares, a portion of the purchase price may be attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the fund's portfolio or to undistributed taxable income of the fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions by the fund with respect to these shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares and the distributions economically represent a return of a portion of the investment. Redemptions and exchanges generally are taxable events for shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. In general, if fund shares are sold, the shareholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the shareholder's adjusted basis in the shares. Such gain or loss generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and otherwise generally will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss recognized by a shareholder upon the redemption, exchange or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains). The fund will report to the IRS the amount of sale proceeds that a shareholder receives from a sale or exchange of fund shares. For sales or exchanges of shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the fund will also report the shareholder's basis in those shares and whether any gain or loss that the shareholder realizes on the sale or exchange is short-term or long-term gain or loss. For purposes of calculating and reporting basis, shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 will be treated as held in separate accounts. If a shareholder has a different basis for different shares of the fund, acquired on or after January 1, 2012, in the same account (e.g., if a shareholder purchased fund shares in the same account at different times for different prices), the fund will calculate the basis of the shares sold using its default method unless the shareholder has properly elected to use a different method. The fund's default method for calculating basis will be the average basis method, under which the basis per share is reported as the average of the bases of all of the shareholder's fund shares in the account. A shareholder may elect, on an account-by-account basis, to use a method other than average basis by following procedures established by the fund. If such an election is made on or prior to the date of the first exchange or redemption of shares in the account and on or prior to the date that is one year after the shareholder receives notice of the fund's default method, the new election will generally apply as if the average basis method had never been in effect for such account. If such an election is not made on or prior to such dates, the shares in the account at the time of the election will retain their averaged bases. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of applying the average basis method or electing another method of basis calculation. Losses on redemptions or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules in the event of other investments in the fund (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a redemption or other disposition of shares. In such a case, the disallowed portion of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal tax basis of the shares acquired in the other investments. 61 Gain may be increased (or loss reduced) upon a redemption of Class A shares of the fund within 90 days after their purchase followed by any purchase (including purchases by exchange or by reinvestment), without payment of an additional sales charge, of Class A shares of the fund or of another Pioneer fund (or any other shares of a Pioneer fund generally sold subject to a sales charge) before February 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the original Class A shares were redeemed. Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to fund shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder, or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, in any single taxable year (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of regulated investment companies are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances. Shareholders that are exempt from U.S. federal income tax, such as retirement plans that are qualified under Section 401 of the Code, generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on fund dividends or distributions, or on sales or exchanges of fund shares unless the fund shares are "debt-financed property" within the meaning of the Code. However, in the case of fund shares held through a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, fund dividends and distributions received by the plan and gains from sales and exchanges of fund shares by the plan generally are taxable to the employer sponsoring such plan in accordance with the U.S. federal income tax laws that are generally applicable to shareholders receiving such dividends or distributions from regulated investment companies such as the fund. A plan participant whose retirement plan invests in the fund, whether such plan is qualified or not, generally is not taxed on fund dividends or distributions received by the plan or on gains from sales or exchanges of fund shares by the plan for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, distributions to plan participants from a retirement plan account generally are taxable as ordinary income, and different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more information. Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain options and futures contracts relating to foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. Under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, any gains from such transactions that are not directly related to the fund's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may have to be limited in order to enable the fund to satisfy the 90% income test. If the fund acquires any equity interest (under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations (i) that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or (ii) where at least 50% of the corporation's assets (computed based on average fair market value) either produce or are held for the production of passive income ("passive foreign investment companies"), the fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually 62 received by the fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. A "qualified electing fund" election or a "mark to market" election may generally be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require the fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Gains from the sale of stock of passive foreign investment companies may also be treated as ordinary income. In order for the fund to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to a passive foreign investment company, the passive foreign investment company would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to limit its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments. The fund may invest in or hold debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the fund. Federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest and whether certain exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the fund, in the event it invests in or holds such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax. If the fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the fund generally must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the fund must distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such accrued income, to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities, potentially under disadvantageous circumstances, to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by the fund on certain securities, indices and foreign currencies, as well as certain forward foreign currency contracts, may cause the fund to recognize gains or losses from marking-to-market even though such options may not have lapsed or been closed out or exercised, or such futures or forward contracts may not have been performed or closed out. The tax rules applicable to these contracts may affect the characterization of some capital gains and losses realized by the fund as long-term or short-term. Certain options, futures and forward contracts relating to foreign currency may be subject to Section 988 of the Code, as described above, and accordingly may produce ordinary income or loss. Additionally, the fund may be required to recognize gain if an option, futures contract, forward contract, short sale or other transaction that is not subject to the mark-to-market rules is treated as a "constructive sale" of an "appreciated financial position" held by the fund under Section 1259 of the Code. Any net mark-to-market gains and/or gains from constructive sales may also have to be distributed to satisfy the distribution requirements referred to above even though the fund may receive no corresponding cash amounts, possibly requiring the disposition of portfolio securities or borrowing to obtain the necessary cash. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Losses on certain options, futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting positions (portfolio securities or other positions with respect to which the fund's risk of loss is substantially diminished by one or more options, futures or forward contracts) may also be deferred under 63 the tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also affect the characterization of capital gains or losses from straddle positions and certain successor positions as long-term or short-term. Certain tax elections may be available that would enable the fund to ameliorate some adverse effects of the tax rules described in this paragraph. The tax rules applicable to options, futures, forward contracts and straddles may affect the amount, timing and character of the fund's income and gains or losses and hence of its distributions to shareholders. The fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to its investments in those countries. Any such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The fund does not expect to satisfy the requirements for passing through to its shareholders any share of foreign taxes paid by the fund, with the result that shareholders will not include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own tax returns. The fund is required to withhold (as "backup withholding") a portion of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges or repurchases of fund shares, paid to shareholders who have not complied with certain IRS regulations. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must certify on their Account Applications, or on separate IRS Forms W-9, that the Social Security Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number they provide is their correct number and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. The fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend income. The description of certain federal tax provisions above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., generally, U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and who are subject to U.S. federal income tax and hold their shares as capital assets. Except as otherwise provided, this description does not address the special tax rules that may be applicable to particular types of investors, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, securities dealers, other regulated investment companies, or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts or entities. Investors other than U.S. persons may be subject to different U.S. federal income tax treatment, including a non-resident alien U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% or any lower applicable treaty rate on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the fund (other than, for taxable years of the fund that began on or before December 31, 2011, certain dividends reported by the fund as (i) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the fund's "qualified net interest income," or (ii) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the fund's "qualified short-term gain") or, in certain circumstances, unless an effective IRS Form W-8BEN or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, to backup withholding on certain other payments from the fund. "Qualified net interest income" is the fund's net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. "Qualified short-term gain" generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of the fund for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to fund distributions payable to such entities after December 31, 2013 and redemptions payable to such entities after December 31, 2014. 64 The fund does not expect to be a "United States real property holding corporation" as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. If the fund were to be classified as a United States real property holding corporation (or if it would be so classified, were it not for certain exceptions), then distributions made by the fund to non-U.S. shareholders might be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, and non-U.S. shareholders might be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns to report distributions received from the fund. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on these matters and on state, local, foreign and other applicable tax laws. If, as anticipated, the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company under the Code, it will not be required to pay any Massachusetts income, corporate excise or franchise taxes or any Delaware corporation income tax. 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011 appearing in the fund's annual report, filed with the SEC on January 27, 2012 (Accession No. 0000078713-12-000003) are incorporated by reference into this statement of additional information. Those financial statements and financial highlights have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as indicated in their report thereon, and are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report, given on the authority of Ernst & Young LLP as experts in accounting and auditing. The fund's annual report includes the financial statements referenced above and is available without charge upon request by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292. 18. ANNUAL FEE, EXPENSE AND OTHER INFORMATION PORTFOLIO TURNOVER The fund's annual portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended November 30,
2011 2010 ------ ----- 81% 88% -- --
SHARE OWNERSHIP As of March 1, 2012 the Trustees and officers of the fund owned beneficially in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The following is a list of the holders of 5% or more of any class of the fund's outstanding shares as of March 1, 2012:
NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDER SHARE CLASS SHARES % OF CLASS ------------------------------ ------------- --------------- ----------- BNY Mellon Distributors Inc. Class A 1,126,014.356 5.62 ------------- ------------- ---- Primerica Financial Services 760 Moore Rd King of Prussia PA 19406-1212 ------------------------------ Brown Brothers Harriman & Co Class Y 286,451.099 6.14 ------------- ------------- ---- As Custodian Attn Investment Funds Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd ------------------------------
65
NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDER SHARE CLASS SHARES % OF CLASS ---------------------------- ------------- --------------- ----------- NFS LLC FBO Class Y 2,874,539.497 61.62 ------------- ------------- ----- Regions Bk DBA Kenneburt Co 250 Riverchase Pkwy E Fl 5 Birmingham AL 35244-1832 ----------------------------
TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF THE FUND AND OTHER PIONEER FUNDS The following table indicates the value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owned in the fund and Pioneer Funds in the aggregate as of December 31, 2011. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. The share value of any closed-end fund is based on its closing market price on December 31, 2011. The share value of any open-end Pioneer Fund is based on the net asset value of the class of shares on December 31, 2011. The dollar ranges in this table are in accordance with SEC requirements.
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED EQUITY SECURITIES INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY NAME OF TRUSTEE IN THE FUND TRUSTEE IN THE PIONEER FAMILY OF FUNDS ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- John F. Cogan, Jr. Over $100,000 Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- Daniel K. Kingsbury None Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES: ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- David R. Bock None Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- Mary K. Bush None Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- Benjamin M. Friedman None Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- Margaret B.W. Graham $1 - $10,000 Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- Thomas J. Perna None Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------------- Marguerite A. Piret None Over $100,000 ----------------------- ------------------- ---------------------------------------
COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of each Trustee of the fund.
PENSION OR RETIREMENT AGGREGATE BENEFITS ACCRUED TOTAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION AS PART OF FUND FROM THE FUND AND NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM FUND** EXPENSES OTHER PIONEER FUNDS** ----------------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- John F. Cogan, Jr.* $ 500.00 $0.00 $ 26,400.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Daniel K. Kingsbury $ 0.00 $0.00 $ 0.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES: ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- David R. Bock $ 2,226.19 $0.00 $ 197,200.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Mary K. Bush $ 1,883.67 $0.00 $ 157,200.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Benjamin M. Friedman $ 2,038.50 $0.00 $ 175,500.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Margaret B.W. Graham $ 1,897.79 $0.00 $ 158,700.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Thomas J. Perna $ 3,038.05 $0.00 $ 237,300.00 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- Marguerite A. Piret $ 3,138.45 $0.00 $ 249,300.02 ----------------------- ---------- ----- ------------- TOTAL $14,722.65 $0.00 $1,201,600.02 ----------------------- ---------- ----- -------------
* Under the management contract, Pioneer reimburses the fund for any Interested Trustee fees paid by the fund. 66 ** For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011. As of November 30, 2011, there were 55 U.S. registered investment portfolios in the Pioneer Family of Funds. APPROXIMATE MANAGEMENT FEES THE FUND PAID OR OWED BY THE FUND AND THE PREDECESSOR FUND* The following table shows the dollar amount of gross investment management fees incurred by the fund, along with the net amount of fees that were paid after applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any. The data is for the past three fiscal years or shorter period if the fund has been in operation for a shorter period.
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2011 2010 2009 ----------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Gross Fee Incurred $3,161,430 $2,716,794 $1,204,953 ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Fee Paid $3,161,430 $2,716,794 $1,204,953 ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
* - The fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the predecessor fund) on May 15, 2009, and had no prior operating history. Prior to May 15, 2009, fees were incurred by the predecessor fund and paid or owed to Morgan Asset Management, Inc., the predecessor fund's adviser. FEES THE FUND AND THE PREDECESSOR FUND PAID FOR ADMINISTRATION SERVICES*
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, ---------------------------------------------- 2011 2010 2009 -------------------- ----------- ----------- $149,671 $138,183 $140,191 ---------- -------- --------
* - The fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the predecessor fund) on May 15, 2009, and had no prior operating history. Prior to May 15, 2009, fees were incurred by the predecessor fund and paid or owed to Morgan Asset Management, Inc., the predecessor fund's adviser. UNDERWRITING EXPENSES AND COMMISSIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2011 2010 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- Approximate Net Underwriting Expenses Retained by Morgan Keegan and Federated $ 29,003 $ 27,230 $ 7,264 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Approximate Commissions Reallowed to Dealers (Class A shares) $160,003 $152,327 $ 42,099 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Approximate Commissions Reallowed to Dealers (Class C shares) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Approximate Brokerage and Underwriting Commissions (Portfolio Transactions) $781,889 $822,226 $329,903 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
FUND EXPENSES UNDER THE DISTRIBUTION PLAN
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2011 ----------------------------------------------------- COMBINED PLAN CLASS A PLAN CLASS C PLAN ---------------------- -------------- ------------- $1,127,225 $985,556 $141,669 ------------ -------- --------
67 ALLOCATION OF FUND EXPENSES UNDER THE DISTRIBUTION PLAN An estimate by category of the allocation of fees paid by each class of shares of the fund during the year ended December 31, 2011 is set forth in the following table:
PAYMENTS TO SERVICING SALES PRINTING PARTIES/1/ ADVERTISING MEETINGS AND MAILING TOTAL -------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- Class A $904,873 $4,284 $15,930 $14,468 $939,555 --------- -------- ------ ------- ------- -------- Class C $135,764 $ 367 $ 1,237 $ 1,258 $138,626 --------- -------- ------ ------- ------- --------
1 Payments to Servicing Parties include Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and other parties that enter into a distribution, selling or service agreement with respect to one or more classes of the fund (annualized for the period ending December 31, 2011). SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS As of November 30, 2011, the fund held the following securities of its regular broker-dealers (or affiliates of such broker-dealers): Invesco, LTD. Equity $3,874,000 --------------- -------- ----------
CDSCS During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011, the following CDSCs were paid to PFD: $1,600 CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2011 At November 30, 2011, the fund had the following net capital loss carryforward: $24,592,449 Of this, the following amounts will expire as indicated below, if not utilized: 2017 $24,592,449 ---- -----------
68 19. APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM DEBT, CORPORATE BOND AND PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS/1/ DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S ("MOODY'S") SHORT-TERM RATINGS: Moody's short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted. Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers: P-1: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. P-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. P-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. NP: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. NOTE: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider. DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S LONG-TERM CORPORATE RATINGS: Moody's long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings use Moody's Global Scale and reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default. AAA: Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. AA: Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. A: Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. BAA: Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. BA: Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. B: Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. CAA: Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. CA: Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. ------------------------ /1/ The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this statement of additional information for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which will be given to these securities on the date of the fund's fiscal year-end. 69 C: Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. NOTE: Moody's appends numerical modifiers "1", "2", and "3" to each generic rating classification from "Aa" through "Caa". The modifier "1" indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier "2" indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier "3" indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S MEDIUM-TERM NOTE RATINGS: Moody's assigns long-term ratings to individual debt securities issued from medium-term note (MTN) programs, in addition to indicating ratings to MTN programs themselves. These long-term ratings are expressed on Moody's general long-term scale. Notes issued under MTN programs with such indicated ratings are rated at issuance at the rating applicable to all pari passu notes issued under the same program, at the program's relevant indicated rating, provided such notes do not exhibit any of the characteristics listed below: o Notes containing features that link interest or principal to the credit performance of any third party or parties (i.e., credit-linked notes); o Notes allowing for negative coupons, or negative principal; o Notes containing any provision that could obligate the investor to make any additional payments; o Notes containing provisions that subordinate the claim. For notes with any of these characteristics, the rating of the individual note may differ from the indicated rating of the program. STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP'S LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS: Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on Standard & Poor's analysis of the following considerations: o Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; o Nature of and provisions of the obligation; o Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights. Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) AAA: An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. AA: An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. A: An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. 70 BBB: An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. BB, B, CCC, CC, AND C: Obligations rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC", and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. BB: An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. B: An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. CCC: An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. CC: An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. C: A "C" rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the "C" rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument's terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. D: An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation's rating is lowered to "D" upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. NR: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. STANDARD & POOR'S SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS: Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity date of no more than 365 days - including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. 71 A-1: A short-term obligation rated "A-1" is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. A-2: A short-term obligation rated "A-2" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. A-3: A short-term obligation rated "A-3" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. B: A short-term obligation rated "B" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of "B-1", "B-2", and "B-3" may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the "B" category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. B-1: A short-term obligation rated "B-1" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. B-2: A short-term obligation rated "B-2" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. B-3: A short-term obligation rated "B-3" is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. C: A short-term obligation rated "C" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. D: A short-term obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. LOCAL CURRENCY AND FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor's analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor's capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government's own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer. 72 20. APPENDIX B - PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES POLICY Each of Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. and Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (collectively, "Pioneer") is a fiduciary that owes each of its client's duties of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client's behalf, including proxy voting. When Pioneer has been delegated proxy-voting authority for a client, the duty of care requires Pioneer to monitor corporate events and to vote the proxies. To satisfy its duty of loyalty, Pioneer must place its client's interests ahead of its own and must cast proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interest of its clients. Pioneer will seek to vote all proxies in accordance with this policy, which are presented in a timely manner. Pioneer's sole concern in voting proxies is the economic effect of the proposal on the value of portfolio holdings, considering both the short- and long-term impact. In many instances, Pioneer believes that supporting the company's strategy and voting "for" management's proposals builds portfolio value. In other cases, however, proposals set forth by management may have a negative effect on that value, while some shareholder proposals may hold the best prospects for enhancing it. Pioneer monitors developments in the proxy-voting arena and will revise this policy as needed. All proxies that are received in a timely manner will be voted in accordance with the specific policies listed below. All shares in a company held by Pioneer-managed accounts will be voted alike, unless a client has given us specific voting instructions on an issue or has not delegated authority to us. Proxy voting issues will be reviewed by Pioneer's Proxy Voting Oversight Group. Pioneer has established Proxy Voting Procedures for identifying and reviewing conflicts of interest that may arise in the voting of proxies. Clients may request, at any time, a report on proxy votes for securities held in their portfolios and Pioneer is happy to discuss our proxy votes with company management. Pioneer retains a proxy voting service to provide research on proxy issues and to process proxy votes. APPLICABILITY Pioneer's Proxy Voting policy and related procedures are designed to complement Pioneer's investment policies and procedures regarding its general responsibility to monitor the performance and/or corporate events of companies that are issuers of securities held in accounts managed by Pioneer. The Proxy Voting policies and procedures summarize Pioneer's position on a number of issues for which proxies may be solicited. The policies are guidelines that provide a general indication on how Pioneer would vote but do not include all potential voting scenarios or proxy events involving closed-end Funds. Because of the special issues associated with proxy solicitations by closed-end Funds, shares of closed-end Funds will be voted by Pioneer on a case-by-case basis. PURPOSE The overriding goal of Pioneer's Proxy Voting Procedure is that proxies for all United States ("US") and non-US companies that are received in a timely manner will be voted in accordance with Pioneer's policies or specific client instructions. All shares in a company held by Pioneer-managed accounts will be voted alike, unless a client has given us specific voting instructions on an issue or has not delegated authority to us, or the Proxy Voting Oversight Group determines that the circumstances justify a different approach. Pioneer does not delegate the authority to vote proxies relating to its clients to any of its affiliates, which include other subsidiaries of UniCredit S.p.A. ("UniCredit"). Any questions about these policies and procedures should be directed to Pioneer's Director of Investment Operations (the "Proxy Coordinator"). 73 PROCEDURES PROXY VOTING SERVICE Pioneer has engaged an independent proxy voting service to assist in the voting of proxies. The proxy voting service works with custodians to ensure that all proxy materials are received by the custodians and are processed in a timely fashion. To the extent applicable, the proxy voting service votes all proxies in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines established by Pioneer and set forth herein. The proxy voting service will refer proxy questions to the Proxy Coordinator (described below) for instructions under circumstances where: (1) the application of the proxy voting guidelines is unclear; (2) a particular proxy question is not covered by the guidelines; or (3) the guidelines call for specific instructions on a case-by-case basis. The proxy voting service is also requested to call to the Proxy Coordinator's attention specific proxy questions that, while governed by a guideline, appear to involve unusual or controversial issues. Pioneer reserves the right to attend a meeting in person and may do so when it determines that the company or the matters to be voted on at the meeting are strategically important to its clients. PROXY COORDINATOR The Proxy Coordinator coordinates the voting, procedures and reporting of proxies on behalf of Pioneer's clients. The Proxy Coordinator will deal directly with the proxy voting service and, in the case of proxy questions referred by the proxy voting service, will solicit voting recommendations and instructions from the Portfolio Management or, to the extent applicable, investment sub-advisers. The Proxy Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that these questions and referrals are responded to in a timely fashion and for transmitting appropriate voting instructions to the proxy voting service. The Proxy Coordinator is responsible for verifying with the Chief Legal Officer or his or her designee whether Pioneer's voting power is subject to any limitations or guidelines issued by the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries). REFERRAL ITEMS The proxy voting service will refer proxy questions to the Proxy Coordinator or his or her designee that are described by Pioneer's proxy voting guidelines as to be voted on a case-by-case basis, that are not covered by Pioneer's guidelines or where Pioneer's guidelines may be unclear with respect to the matter to be voted on. Under such circumstances, the Proxy Coordinator will seek a written voting recommendation from the Head of Portfolio Management U.S. or his or her designated equity portfolio-management representative. Any such recommendation will include: (i) the manner in which the proxies should be voted; (ii) the rationale underlying any such decision; and (iii) the disclosure of any contacts or communications made between Pioneer and any outside parties concerning the proxy proposal prior to the time that the voting instructions are provided. SECURITIES LENDING In accordance with industry standards proxies are not available to be voted when the shares are out on loan through either Pioneer's lending program or a client's managed security lending program. However, Pioneer will reserve the right to recall lent securities so that they may be voted according to the Pioneer's instructions. If a portfolio manager would like to vote a block of previously lent shares, the Proxy Coordinator will work with the portfolio manager and Investment Operations to recall the security, to the extent possible, to facilitate the vote on the entire block of shares. Certain clients participate in securities lending programs. Although such programs allow for the recall of securities for any reason, Pioneer may determine not to vote securities on loan and it may not always be possible for securities on loan to be recalled in time to be voted. 74 SHARE-BLOCKING "Share-blocking" is a market practice whereby shares are sent to a custodian (which may be different than the account custodian) for record keeping and voting at the general meeting. The shares are unavailable for sale or delivery until the end of the blocking period (typically the day after general meeting date). Pioneer will vote in those countries with "share-blocking." In the event a manager would like to sell a security with "share-blocking", the Proxy Coordinator will work with the Portfolio Manager and Investment Operations Department to recall the shares (as allowable within the market time-frame and practices) and/or communicate with executing brokerage firm. A list of countries with "share-blocking" is available from the Investment Operations Department upon request. DISCLOSURE Pioneer shall take reasonable measures to inform its clients of the process or procedures clients must follow to obtain information regarding how Pioneer voted with respect to assets held in their accounts. In addition, Pioneer shall describe to clients its proxy voting policies and procedures and will furnish a copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures upon request. This information may be provided to clients through Pioneer's Form ADV (Part II) disclosure, by separate notice to the client, or through Pioneer's website. PROXY VOTING OVERSIGHT GROUP The members of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group include Pioneer's: Head of Portfolio Management U.S. or his or her designated equity portfolio management representative, the Director of Investment Operations, and the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and Funds. Other members of Pioneer will be invited to attend meetings and otherwise participate as necessary. The Director of Investment Operations will chair the Proxy Voting Oversight Group. The Proxy Voting Oversight Group is responsible for developing, evaluating, and changing (when necessary) Pioneer's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The group meets at least annually to evaluate and review these policies and procedures and the services of its third-party proxy voting service. In addition, the Proxy Voting Oversight Group will meet as necessary to vote on referral items and address other business as necessary. AMENDMENTS Pioneer may not amend its Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures without the prior approval of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group and its corporate parent, Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. ("PGAM"). FILING FORM N-PX The Proxy Coordinator and the Regulatory Compliance Manager are responsible for ensuring that Form N-PX documents receive the proper review by a member of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group prior to a Fund officer signing the forms. The Investment Operations department will provide the Compliance department with a copy of each Form N-PX filing prepared by the proxy voting service. COMPLIANCE FILES N-PX. The Compliance department will ensure that a corresponding Form N-PX exists for each Pioneer registered investment company. Following this review, each Form N-PX is formatted for public dissemination via the EDGAR system. Prior to submission, each Form N-PX is to be presented to the Fund officer for a final review and signature. Copies of the Form N-PX filings and their submission receipts are maintained according to Pioneer record keeping policies. 75 PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES ADMINISTRATIVE While administrative items appear infrequently in U.S. issuer proxies, they are quite common in non-U.S. proxies. We will generally support these and similar management proposals: o Corporate name change. o A change of corporate headquarters. o Stock exchange listing. o Establishment of time and place of annual meeting. o Adjournment or postponement of annual meeting. o Acceptance/approval of financial statements. o Approval of dividend payments, dividend reinvestment plans and other dividend-related proposals. o Approval of minutes and other formalities. o Authorization of the transferring of reserves and allocation of income. o Amendments to authorized signatories. o Approval of accounting method changes or change in fiscal year-end. o Acceptance of labor agreements. o Appointment of internal auditors. Pioneer will vote on a case-by-case basis on other routine business; however, Pioneer will oppose any routine business proposal if insufficient information is presented in advance to allow Pioneer to judge the merit of the proposal. Pioneer has also instructed its proxy voting service to inform Pioneer of its analysis of any administrative items that maybe inconsistent, in its view, with Pioneer's goal of supporting the value of client's portfolio holdings so that Pioneer may consider and vote on those items on a case-by-case basis. AUDITORS We normally vote for proposals to: o Ratify the auditors. We will consider a vote against if we are concerned about the auditors' independence or their past work for the company. Specifically, we will oppose the ratification of auditors and withhold votes from audit committee members if non-audit fees paid by the company to the auditing firm exceed the sum of audit fees plus audit-related fees plus permissible tax fees according to the disclosure categories proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. o Restore shareholder rights to ratify the auditors. We will normally oppose proposals that require companies to: o Seek bids from other auditors. o Rotate auditing firms, except where the rotation is statutorily required or where rotation would demonstrably strengthen financial disclosure. o Indemnify auditors. o Prohibit auditors from engaging in non-audit services for the company. 76 BOARD OF DIRECTORS On issues related to the board of directors, Pioneer normally supports management. We will, however, consider a vote against management in instances where corporate performance has been very poor or where the board appears to lack independence. GENERAL BOARD ISSUES Pioneer will vote for: o Audit, compensation and nominating committees composed of independent directors exclusively. o Indemnification for directors for actions taken in good faith in accordance with the business judgment rule. We will vote against proposals for broader indemnification. o Changes in board size that appear to have a legitimate business purpose and are not primarily for anti-takeover reasons. o Election of an honorary director. We will vote against: o Minimum stock ownership by directors. o Term limits for directors. Companies benefit from experienced directors, and shareholder control is better achieved through annual votes. o Requirements for union or special interest representation on the board. o Requirements to provide two candidates for each board seat. We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues: o Separate chairman and CEO positions. We will consider voting with shareholders on these issues in cases of poor corporate performance. ELECTIONS OF DIRECTORS In uncontested elections of directors we will vote against: o Individual directors with absenteeism above 25% without valid reason. We support proposals that require disclosure of director attendance. o Insider directors and affiliated outsiders who sit on the audit, compensation, stock option or nominating committees. For the purposes of our policy, we accept the definition of affiliated directors provided by our proxy voting service. We will also vote against: o Directors who have failed to act on a takeover offer where the majority of shareholders have tendered their shares. o Directors who appear to lack independence or are associated with very poor corporate performance. We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues: o Re-election of directors who have implemented or renewed a dead-hand or modified dead-hand poison pill (a "dead-hand poison pill" is a shareholder rights plan that may be altered only by incumbent or "dead" directors. These plans prevent a potential acquirer from disabling a poison pill by obtaining control of the board through a proxy vote). o Contested election of directors. o Prior to phase-in required by SEC, we would consider supporting election of a majority of independent directors in cases of poor performance. o Mandatory retirement policies. 77 o Directors who have ignored a shareholder proposal that has been approved by shareholders for two consecutive years. We will vote for: o Precatory and binding resolutions requesting that the board change the company's bylaws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with affirmative majority of votes cast, provided that the resolutions allow for plurality voting in cases of contested elections. TAKEOVER-RELATED MEASURES Pioneer is generally opposed to proposals that may discourage takeover attempts. We believe that the potential for a takeover helps ensure that corporate performance remains high. Pioneer will vote for: o Cumulative voting. o Increase ability for shareholders to call special meetings. o Increase ability for shareholders to act by written consent. o Restrictions on the ability to make greenmail payments. o Submitting rights plans to shareholder vote. o Rescinding shareholder rights plans ("poison pills"). o Opting out of the following state takeover statutes: - Control share acquisition statutes, which deny large holders voting rights on holdings over a specified threshold. - Control share cash-out provisions, which require large holders to acquire shares from other holders - Freeze-out provisions, which impose a waiting period on large holders before they can attempt to gain control - Stakeholder laws, which permit directors to consider interests of non-shareholder constituencies. - Disgorgement provisions, which require acquirers to disgorge profits on purchases made before gaining control. - Fair price provisions. - Authorization of shareholder rights plans. - Labor protection provisions. - Mandatory classified boards. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Fair price provisions. We will vote against provisions requiring supermajority votes to approve takeovers. We will also consider voting against proposals that require a supermajority vote to repeal or amend the provision. Finally, we will consider the mechanism used to determine the fair price; we are generally opposed to complicated formulas or requirements to pay a premium. o Opting out of state takeover statutes regarding fair price provisions. We will use the criteria used for fair price provisions in general to determine our vote on this issue. o Proposals that allow shareholders to nominate directors. We will vote against: o Classified boards, except in the case of closed-end funds, where we shall vote on a case-by-case basis. o Limiting shareholder ability to remove or appoint directors. We will support proposals to restore shareholder authority in this area. We will review on case-by-case basis proposals that authorize the board to make interim appointments. 78 o Classes of shares with unequal voting rights. o Supermajority vote requirements. o Severance packages ("golden" and "tin" parachutes). We will support proposals to put these packages to shareholder vote. o Reimbursement of dissident proxy solicitation expenses. While we ordinarily support measures that encourage takeover bids, we believe that management should have full control over corporate funds. o Extension of advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals. o Granting board authority normally retained by shareholders (e.g., amend charter, set board size). o Shareholder rights plans ("poison pills"). These plans generally allow shareholders to buy additional shares at a below-market price in the event of a change in control and may deter some bids. CAPITAL STRUCTURE Managements need considerable flexibility in determining the company's financial structure, and Pioneer normally supports managements' proposals in this area. We will, however, reject proposals that impose high barriers to potential takeovers. Pioneer will vote for: o Changes in par value. o Reverse splits, if accompanied by a reduction in number of shares. o Shares repurchase programs, if all shareholders may participate on equal terms. o Bond issuance. o Increases in "ordinary" preferred stock. o Proposals to have blank-check common stock placements (other than shares issued in the normal course of business) submitted for shareholder approval. o Cancellation of company treasury shares. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Reverse splits not accompanied by a reduction in number of shares, considering the risk of delisting. o Increase in authorized common stock. We will make a determination considering, among other factors: - Number of shares currently available for issuance; - Size of requested increase (we would normally approve increases of up to 100% or current authorization); - Proposed use of the proceeds from the issuance of additional shares, and - Potential consequences of a failure to increase the number of shares outstanding (e.g., delisting or bankruptcy). o Blank-check preferred. We will normally oppose issuance of a new class of blank-check preferred, but may approve an increase in a class already outstanding if the company has demonstrated that it uses this flexibility appropriately. o Proposals to submit private placements to shareholder vote. o Other financing plans. We will vote against preemptive rights that we believe limit a company's financing flexibility. 79 COMPENSATION Pioneer supports compensation plans that link pay to shareholder returns and believes that management has the best understanding of the level of compensation needed to attract and retain qualified people. At the same time, stock-related compensation plans have a significant economic impact and a direct effect on the balance sheet. Therefore, while we do not want to micromanage a company's compensation programs, we will place limits on the potential dilution these plans may impose. Pioneer will vote for: o 401(k) benefit plans. o Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), as long as shares allocated to ESOPs are less than 5% of outstanding shares. Larger blocks of stock in ESOPs can serve as a takeover defense. We will support proposals to submit ESOPs to shareholder vote. o Various issues related to the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA), including: - Amendments to performance plans to conform with OBRA; - Caps on annual grants or amendments of administrative features; - Adding performance goals, and - Cash or cash and stock bonus plans. o Establish a process to link pay, including stock-option grants, to performance, leaving specifics of implementation to the company. o Require that option repricing be submitted to shareholders. o Require the expensing of stock-option awards. o Require reporting of executive retirement benefits (deferred compensation, split-dollar life insurance, SERPs, and pension benefits). o Employee stock purchase plans where the purchase price is equal to at least 85% of the market price, where the offering period is no greater than 27 months and where potential dilution (as defined below) is no greater than 10%. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Shareholder proposals seeking additional disclosure of executive and director pay information. o Executive and director stock-related compensation plans. We will consider the following factors when reviewing these plans: - The program must be of a reasonable size. We will approve plans where the combined employee and director plans together would generate less than 15% dilution. We will reject plans with 15% or more potential dilution. Dilution = (A + B + C) / (A + B + C + D), where A = Shares reserved for plan/amendment, B = Shares available under continuing plans, C = Shares granted but unexercised and D = Shares outstanding. - The plan must not: - Explicitly permit unlimited option repricing authority or that have repriced in the past without shareholder approval - Be a self-replenishing "evergreen" plan, plans that grant discount options and tax offset payments - We are generally in favor of proposals that increase participation beyond executives. 80 - We generally support proposals asking companies to adopt rigorous vesting provisions for stock option plans such as those that vest incrementally over, at least, a three or four-year period with a pro rata portion of the shares becoming exercisable on an annual basis following grant date. - We generally support proposals asking companies to disclose their window period policies for stock transactions. Window period policies ensure that employees do not exercise options based on insider information contemporaneous with quarterly earnings releases and other material corporate announcements. - We generally support proposals asking companies to adopt stock holding periods for their executives. o All other employee stock purchase plans. o All other compensation-related proposals, including deferred compensation plans, employment agreements, loan guarantee programs and retirement plans. o All other proposals regarding stock compensation plans, including extending the life of a plan, changing vesting restrictions, repricing options, lengthening exercise periods or accelerating distribution of awards and pyramiding and cashless exercise programs. We will vote against: o Pensions for non-employee directors. We believe these retirement plans reduce director objectivity. o Elimination of stock option plans. We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues: o Limits on executive and director pay. o Stock in lieu of cash compensation for directors. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Pioneer will vote for: o Confidential Voting. o Equal access provisions, which allow shareholders to contribute their opinion to proxy materials. o Proposals requiring directors to disclose their ownership of shares in the company. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues: o Change in the state of incorporation. We will support reincorporations supported by valid business reasons. We will oppose those that appear to be solely for the purpose of strengthening takeover defenses. o Bundled proposals. We will evaluate the overall impact of the proposal. o Adopting or amending the charter, bylaws or articles of association. o Shareholder appraisal rights, which allow shareholders to demand judicial review of an acquisition price. We will vote against: o Shareholder advisory committees. While management should solicit shareholder input, we prefer to leave the method of doing so to management's discretion. o Limitations on stock ownership or voting rights. o Reduction in share ownership disclosure guidelines. 81 MERGERS AND RESTRUCTURINGS Pioneer will vote on the following and similar issues on a case-by-case basis: o Mergers and acquisitions. o Corporate restructurings, including spin-offs, liquidations, asset sales, joint ventures, conversions to holding company and conversions to self-managed REIT structure. o Debt restructurings. o Conversion of securities. o Issuance of shares to facilitate a merger. o Private placements, warrants, convertible debentures. o Proposals requiring management to inform shareholders of merger opportunities. We will normally vote against shareholder proposals requiring that the company be put up for sale. MUTUAL FUNDS Many of our portfolios may invest in shares of closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds. The non-corporate structure of these investments raises several unique proxy voting issues. Pioneer will vote for: o Establishment of new classes or series of shares. o Establishment of a master-feeder structure. Pioneer will vote on a case-by-case on: o Changes in investment policy. We will normally support changes that do not affect the investment objective or overall risk level of the fund. We will examine more fundamental changes on a case-by-case basis. o Approval of new or amended advisory contracts. o Changes from closed-end to open-end format. o Authorization for, or increase in, preferred shares. o Disposition of assets, termination, liquidation, or mergers. o Classified boards of closed-end funds, but will typically support such proposals. SOCIAL ISSUES Pioneer will abstain on stockholder proposals calling for greater disclosure of corporate activities with regard to social issues. "Social Issues" may generally be described as shareholder proposals for a company to: o Conduct studies regarding certain issues of public concern and interest; o Study the feasibility of the company taking certain actions with regard to such issues; or o Take specific action, including ceasing certain behavior and adopting company standards and principles, in relation to issues of public concern and interest. We believe these issues are important and should receive management attention. Pioneer will vote against proposals calling for substantial changes in the company's business or activities. We will also normally vote against proposals with regard to contributions, believing that management should control the routine disbursement of funds. 82 AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Pioneer addresses potential material conflicts of interest by having a predetermined proxy voting policy. The Proxy Voting Oversight Group is responsible for monitoring potential conflicts of interest in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of the Pioneer Funds and other clients. For those proposals that are determined to present a material conflict of interest, the Proxy Voting Oversight Group will follow additional procedures, which may include consulting with the Board of Trustees in matters concerning the Pioneer Funds. A conflict of interest occurs when Pioneer's interests interfere, or appear to interfere with the interests of Pioneer's clients. Occasionally, Pioneer may have a conflict that can affect how it votes proxies. The conflict may be actual or perceived and may exist when the matter to be voted on concerns: o An affiliate of Pioneer, such as another company belonging to the UniCredit S.p.A. banking group (a "UniCredit Affiliate"); o An issuer of a security for which Pioneer acts as a sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker, or other similar capacity (including those securities specifically declared by PGAM to present a conflict of interest for Pioneer); o An issuer of a security for which UniCredit has informed Pioneer that a UniCredit Affiliate acts as a sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker, or other similar capacity; or o A person with whom Pioneer (or any of its affiliates) has an existing, material contract or business relationship that was not entered into in the ordinary course of Pioneer's business. Pioneer will abstain from voting shares of UniCredit Group, unless otherwise directed by a client. In addition, the Proxy Coordinator will inform PGAM Global Compliance and the PGAM Independent Directors before exercising such rights. Any associate involved in the proxy voting process with knowledge of any apparent or actual conflict of interest must disclose such conflict to the Proxy Coordinator and the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and Funds. The Proxy Voting Oversight Group will review each item referred to Pioneer by the proxy voting service to determine whether an actual or potential conflict of interest with Pioneer exists in connection with the proposal(s) to be voted upon. The review will be conducted by comparing the apparent parties affected by the proxy proposal being voted upon against the Controller's and Compliance Department's internal list of interested persons and, for any matches found, evaluating the anticipated magnitude and possible probability of any conflict of interest being present. For each referral item, the determination regarding the presence or absence of any actual or potential conflict of interest will be documented in a Conflicts of Interest Report prepared by the Proxy Coordinator. SUPERVISION ESCALATION It is each associate's responsibility to contact his or her business unit head, the Proxy Coordinator, a member of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group or Chief Compliance Officer of the Advisor and the Funds if he or she becomes aware of any possible deviation from this policy and procedure that may disadvantage a client or Fund. TRAINING Pioneer conducts periodic training on the Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure. It is the responsibility of the business line policy owner and the applicable Compliance Department to coordinate and conduct such training. 83 RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Pioneer's Investment Management, Inc. Books and Records Policy and the Books and Records of the Pioneer Funds' Policy. RECORD KEEPING The Proxy Coordinator shall ensure that Pioneer's proxy voting service: o Retains a copy of the proxy statement received (unless the proxy statement is available from the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system); o Retains a record of the vote cast; o Prepares Form N-PX for filing on behalf of each client that is a registered investment company; and o Is able to promptly provide Pioneer with a copy of the voting record upon its request. The Proxy Coordinator shall ensure that for those votes that may require additional documentation (i.e. conflicts of interest, exception votes and case-by-case votes) the following records are maintained: o A record memorializing the basis for each referral vote cast; o A copy of any document created by Pioneer that was material in making the decision on how to vote the subject proxy; and o A copy of any conflict notice, conflict consent or any other written communication (including emails or other electronic communications) to or from the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries) regarding the subject proxy vote cast by, or the vote recommendation of, Pioneer. Pioneer shall maintain the above records in the client's file in accordance with applicable regulations. RELATED REGULATIONS Form N-1A, ICA Rule 30b1-4, Rule 31a 1-3, Rule 38a-1 & IAA 206(4)-6, 204-2 ADOPTED BY THE PIONEER FUNDS' BOARD OF TRUSTEES October 5, 2004 EFFECTIVE DATE: October 5, 2004 REVISION DATE: March 2008 23425-03-0412 84 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Supplement dated January 22, 2013 to Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information Dated April 1, 2012 The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has approved the reorganization of the Fund with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (the "Reorganization"). Each fund is managed by Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. The Reorganization is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2013. The Reorganization does not require shareholder approval. Following is a brief description of certain aspects of the Reorganization: . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will reorganize with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, resulting in the "Combined Fund." The Combined Fund will be named "Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund." . Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's investment team will manage the Combined Fund. . The Combined Fund will have the same investment objective, investment strategies and investment policies as Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. . The management fee payable by the Combined Fund (0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion) will be the same as the management fee payable by Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. . It is currently anticipated that the historical performance of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will become the Combined Fund's historical performance. . The Reorganization is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, which generally means that the Reorganization will result in no income, gain or loss being recognized for federal income tax purposes by either fund or its shareholders as a direct result of the Reorganization. Prior to consummation of the Reorganization, the shareholders of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund will be sent an Information Statement containing important information about the Reorganization and the Combined Fund.
EX-99.17E 10 ex9917e.txt PIONEER SELECT MID CAP GROWTH FUND Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Report | November 30, 2012 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ticker Symbols: Class A PMCTX Class C PMTCX Class Y PMTYX [LOGO] PIONEER Investments(R) visit us: us.pioneerinvestments.com Table of Contents Letter to Shareowners 2 Portfolio Management Discussion 4 Portfolio Summary 10 Prices and Distributions 11 Performance Update 12 Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses 15 Schedule of Investments 17 Financial Statements 25 Notes to Financial Statements 32 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 40 Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 41 Trustees, Officers and Service Providers 45
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 1 President's Letter Dear Shareowner, The U.S. stock market rallied sharply through the third quarter of 2012 amid a sluggish, but nonetheless growing, U.S. economy. We have been cautiously optimistic about the U.S. from the start of the year, and the economic data continue to be encouraging. The housing and auto sectors are benefitting from record-low interest rates. The climate for consumer and business credit has improved, and inflation appears to be subdued. While corporate profits slowed in the third quarter, many U.S. companies continue to have strong balance sheets and to pay attractive dividends* compared to fixed-income securities. All of these factors contributed to gains for investors who owned riskier assets, including equities and higher-yielding corporate bonds. Year to date through the end of the third quarter, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index returned 16.35%. In fixed income, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch High Yield Master II Index was up by 12.02% during the same period, while the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index gained 3.99%. Treasury bonds, by contrast, generated a comparatively sluggish return of 1.70%, as measured by the Barclays Capital Intermediate Treasuries Index. Despite this generally positive picture during the first three quarters of 2012, investors face powerful macroeconomic challenges in the months ahead. These include the threat of a so-called "fiscal cliff" in the U.S. budget process after the November elections, the European sovereign-debt crisis, and slowing growth in both Europe and China. Investors can continue to count on market volatility tied to these factors, although we remain optimistic that the underlying economic trends are moving in the right direction. At Pioneer, we have long advocated the benefits of staying diversified** and investing for the long term. And while diversification alone does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market, we believe in actively seeking out opportunities in undervalued securities and sectors around the globe. Our advice, as always, is to work closely with a trusted financial advisor to discuss your goals and work together to develop an investment strategy that meets your individual needs. There is no single best strategy that works for every investor. * Dividends are not guaranteed. ** Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. 2 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Pioneer's investment professionals focus on finding good opportunities in both equity and bond markets using the same disciplined investment approach we have used since 1928. Our strategy is to identify undervalued individual securities with the greatest potential for success, carefully weighing risk against reward. Our teams of investment professionals continually monitor and analyze the relative valuations of different sectors and securities globally to help build portfolios that we believe can help you achieve your investment goals. We invite you to learn more about Pioneer and our time-tested approach to investing by consulting with your financial advisor or visiting us online at us.pioneerinvestments.com. We greatly appreciate your trust in us, and we thank you for investing with Pioneer. Sincerely, /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury Daniel K. Kingsbury President and CEO Pioneer Investment Management USA, Inc. Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund's historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These statements should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts discussed will be realized. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 3 Portfolio Management Discussion | 11/30/12 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund delivered positive returns during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012, but the Fund's results underperformed those of its benchmark and Lipper peer group during the same period. Portfolio underexposure to the stronger-performing sectors as well as unfavorable stock selection results in some key areas combined to drag down the Fund's relative performance. In the following interview, Ken Winston, vice president and portfolio manager at Pioneer, offers insight about some of the positive and negative influences on the portfolio during the 12-month period. Mr. Winston is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Q How would you describe the investment environment for equities during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012? A After a shaky start to 2012, stocks firmed during the spring as economic data continued to improve. China's decelerating economy and the debt crises in Europe undercut investors' appetite for risk during the summer, however, and stock prices fell. After the summer swoon, increased investor confidence that conditions in China and Europe would improve, combined with aggressive action by the world's large central banks to free-up the credit markets, led to another stock-price rally. Late in the Fund's fiscal year ended November 30, 2012, however, uncertainty about the so-called "fiscal cliff" situation in the U.S. and the approaching November presidential election once again drove many equity investors to the sidelines. In response to the external events troubling the markets, large groups of stocks rose and fell in virtual lockstep, thus narrowing opportunities to identify market inefficiencies and potentially undervalued stocks. Q How did the Fund perform in that environment during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012? A Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's Class A shares returned 7.11% at net asset value during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012, while the Fund's benchmark, the Russell Midcap Growth Index (the Russell Index), returned 12.06%. During the same period, the average return of the 396 mutual funds in Lipper's Mid Cap Growth Funds category was 9.33%. 4 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Q Which investment decisions were most responsible for the Fund's underperformance of the Russell Index benchmark during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012? A About one-third of the Fund's benchmark-relative underperformance during the 12-month period can be traced to sector weighting decisions, with most of that underperformance attributable to portfolio underexposure to the period's top-performing sectors. The Fund's allocations to the telecom services, materials, financials and consumer-related sectors, all of which were strong performers during the period, were underweight compared with the Russell Index's weightings and consequently held back relative performance. In materials, it was the absence of housing-related stocks in the portfolio that held back the Fund's relative returns. As the housing recovery began to take shape, the stock prices of companies that supply a range of building materials advanced quickly. In addition, chemical companies, including paint makers, saw their costs decline with the steady drop in natural gas prices. Normally, such businesses are very cyclical and our focus when investing the Fund's assets typically is on companies that can deliver sustainable growth in any business cycle. One portfolio overweight--to the underperforming information technology sector--also detracted from relative performance during the 12-month period. Conversely, being overweight compared with the Russell Index in the strong-performing health care sector was beneficial for the Fund's returns. The balance of the Fund's underperformance during the 12-month period was due to adverse stock selection results in materials, industrials and health care. Stock selection results were favorable, however, in consumer staples and financials, but those successes were not enough to offset disappointing stock choices in other sectors. Q Which individual stock selections were the biggest detractors from the Fund's performance during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012? A OCZ Technology was the worst performer in the portfolio during the 12-month period, and we subsequently eliminated the Fund's position. OCZ makes solid-state drives, a technology that is rapidly displacing hard Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 5 drives in many devices. The company's products, however, did not enjoy as big an advantage over its competitors as the market expected, and the stock underperformed. Spirit AeroSystems, a large holding in the Fund's portfolio, also cut into performance during the 12-month period. Spirit is the sole supplier to Boeing for certain aircraft parts and appeared in good position to take advantage of an aerospace industry upswing. Unfortunately, an unexpected statement that the company's cost-reduction efforts had fallen short of objectives drove the company's share price down quickly. KBR, an energy engineering and construction company, saw some of its projects delayed against a background of falling natural gas prices, and the company's underperformance also hurt the Fund's returns. We continue to hold KBR in the portfolio. Tangoe, another Fund holding, provides software and services that help companies to manage their telecommunications expenses--a large and underpenetrated market. The company's results have come in as expected, but some hedge fund investors have expressed doubt about Tangoe's growth potential, and that negative "buzz" dampened the share price's performance during the period. We continue to hold Tangoe in the portfolio because of its competitive advantage in its market space. The Fund's shares of Rovi also declined in value during the 12-month period. Rovi earns royalties from cable providers who use the company's on-screen guides and other digital services. Rovi's strongest growth area is overseas, where the move from analog to digital television is in the early stages, but new concepts in program delivery may allow broadcasters to bypass Rovi as they build their own internet-based systems, and that uncertainty caused the company's stock price to take a hit during the period. In health care, the Fund's position in drug-maker Questcor declined in value when a major insurer stopped paying for Acthar, the company's drug that targets a number of orphan diseases. Acthar has proven especially effective in treating flare-ups in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The MS market for Acthar has been growing dramatically, but the FDA had never reviewed trials on that particular use for the drug, even though it is an on-label application that doctors continue to favor. We sold Questcor on concerns that other insurers might follow suit and stop paying for Acthar. 6 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 VeriFone, which supplies payment terminals for retailers, appeared set for a product upgrade cycle because of new regulations requiring shoppers to enter a PIN number in addition to swiping their credit cards. Unfortunately, new technologies have developed which facilitate purchases by using smart phones or tablets as payment terminals. We are skeptical about the widespread acceptance of new payment methods, but we also believe the threat will be a cloud overhanging VeriFone for years, and so we sold the Fund's shares in the company. Q Which individual stock selections made a positive contribution to the Fund's performance during the 12-month period ended November 30, 2012? A Green Mountain Coffee, which makes Keurig one-cup coffee brewers and coffee packs, was the period's biggest contributor to Fund returns thanks to our timely sale and repurchase of the company's shares. Green Mountain's shares had suffered as new competitors entered the market and some patents expired; however, we think the competitors will struggle against Green Mountain's well-established brand, and the company reported strong earnings results for the most recent quarter-end period. Success Factors, marketers of business software, was acquired at a premium during the 12-month period by a large overseas company, and the Fund's holding benefited from the transaction. SS&C Holdings, specialists in back-office solutions for financial services firms, was another Fund holding that made a solid contribution to performance during the period. Clients turn to SS&C to help them manage increasingly complex regulatory and compliance obligations. Ross Stores, the country's second-largest off-price retailer and one of the Fund's larger holdings, also contributed to results during the 12-month period. Ross has been taking market share from department and specialty stores while at the same time improving its systems and merchandising capabilities. Ross acquires seasonal apparel from suppliers during off-season periods and then sells the apparel at very competitive prices when the appropriate season comes around again. Currently operating in just 25 states, we believe that Ross has ample room for further growth. A position in Fomento Economico Mexicano, or FEMSA, also added to the Fund's performance during the period. FEMSA is the Mexican bottler of Coca-Cola and holds an interest in Heineken, but the company's real growth potential lies in its fast-growing and highly profitable chain of OXXO convenience stores. OXXO offers a one-stop shopping destination Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 7 where consumers can buy groceries and liquor as well as access banking and other services. The Fund's position in another consumer company, Whole Foods Markets, enjoyed a year of strong sales growth as it continued to open new stores and expand its market share. Q What is your outlook for the upcoming quarters? A We believe that any tax increases that emerge from the "fiscal cliff" negotiations could hold back corporate earnings growth, and we also feel that year-over-year profit increases will be hard to come by after their robust expansion in recent years. On the other hand, China's economy may be recovering, a factor which could brighten global business conditions. In light of attractive equity valuations and record-high bond values, reallocations away from bonds and into stocks in individual and institutional investment portfolios could provide a boost to equity performance over the next several quarters. We think the housing recovery in the U.S. will gain steam. In addition, the U.S. is steadily becoming more energy independent, which should aid the nascent manufacturing renaissance and lead to job creation. We believe that improvements in the energy, manufacturing and housing sectors have the potential to offset slower overall economic growth. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 17-24 for a full listing of Fund securities. 8 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Investing in mid-sized companies may offer the potential for higher returns, but such companies are also subject to greater short-term price fluctuations than larger, more-established companies. At times, the Fund's investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making it more susceptible to any economic, political or regulatory developments or other risks affecting these industries or sectors. These risks may increase share price volatility. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts discussed will be realized. Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund's historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These statements should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 9 Portfolio Summary | 11/30/12 Portfolio Diversification -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (As a percentage of total investment portfolio) [THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] U.S. Common Stocks 87.7% International Common Stocks 8.0% Depositary Receipts for International Stocks 2.9% Temporary Cash Investments 1.4%
Sector Distribution -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (As a percentage of equity holdings) [THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Information Technology 22.2% Consumer Discretionary 20.1% Health Care 16.2% Industrials 13.6% Energy 8.2% Financials 6.6% Materials 6.0% Consumer Staples 5.9% Telecommunication Services 1.2%
10 Largest Holdings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (As a percentage of equity holdings)*
1. LKQ Corp. 1.98% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc 1.81 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. 1.72 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (A.D.R.) 1.70 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. 1.56 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1.45 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Hologic, Inc. 1.44 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Ensco Plc 1.44 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. TJX Companies, Inc. 1.44 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Mastercard, Inc. 1.43 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This list excludes temporary cash investments and derivative instruments. The portfolio is actively managed, and current holdings may be different. The holdings listed should not be considered recommen-dations to buy or sell any security listed. 10 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Prices and Distributions | 11/30/12 Net Asset Value per Share --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class 11/30/12 11/30/11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A $18.99 $17.73 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C $17.36 $16.37 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Y $19.54 $18.16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions per Share: 12/1/11-11/30/12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Investment Short-Term Long-Term Class Income Capital Gains Capital Gains -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A $ -- $ -- $ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C $ -- $ -- $ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Y $ -- $ -- $ -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index Definition -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of U.S. mid-cap growth stocks. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. The index defined here pertains to the "Value of $10,000 Investment" and "Value of $5 Million Investment" charts on pages 12-14. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 11 Performance Update | 11/30/12 Class A Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund at public offering price, compared to that of the Russell Midcap Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of November 30, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Public Offering Period Value (NAV) Price (POP) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 9.11% 8.46% 5 Years 3.01 1.80 1 Year 7.11 0.96 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated April 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.15% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Select Mid Russell Midcap Cap Growth Fund Growth Index 11/30/2002 $ 9,425 $ 10,000 11/30/2003 $ 12,178 $ 13,264 11/30/2004 $ 13,027 $ 14,777 11/30/2005 $ 15,491 $ 17,170 11/30/2006 $ 17,081 $ 19,381 11/30/2007 $ 19,425 $ 21,344 11/30/2008 $ 11,307 $ 11,493 11/30/2009 $ 16,446 $ 16,416 11/30/2010 $ 19,888 $ 20,738 11/30/2011 $ 21,039 $ 21,997 11/30/2012 $ 22,534 $ 24,650
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. NAV results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. Returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. POP returns reflect deduction of maximum 5.75% sales charge. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund was established in connection with the reorganization of predecessor fund Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into the Fund on May 15, 2009. The performance shown for Class A shares of the Fund for periods prior to May 15, 2009 is the performance of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's Class A shares, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not differences in expenses). This adjustment has the effect of reducing the previously reported performance of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. A different investment adviser served as the adviser of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. 12 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Performance Update | 11/30/12 Class C Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, compared to that of the Russell Midcap Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of November 30, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If If Period Held Redeemed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Years 8.34% 8.34% 5 Years 2.07 2.07 1 Year 6.05 6.05 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated April 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.07% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Select Mid Russell Midcap Cap Growth Fund Growth Index 11/30/2002 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 11/30/2003 $ 12,827 $ 13,264 11/30/2004 $ 13,624 $ 14,777 11/30/2005 $ 16,149 $ 17,170 11/30/2006 $ 17,726 $ 19,381 11/30/2007 $ 20,114 $ 21,344 11/30/2008 $ 11,591 $ 11,493 11/30/2009 $ 16,741 $ 16,416 11/30/2010 $ 20,054 $ 20,738 11/30/2011 $ 21,016 $ 21,997 11/30/2012 $ 22,287 $ 24,650
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Class C shares held for less than one year are also subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). "If Held" results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. Returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund was established in connection with the reorganization of predecessor fund Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into the Fund on May 15, 2009. The performance shown for Class C shares of the Fund for periods prior to May 15, 2009 is the performance of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's Class C shares, which has been restated to reflect differences in any applicable sales charges (but not other differences in expenses). This adjustment has the effect of reducing the previously reported performance of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. A different investment adviser served as the adviser of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 13 Performance Update | 11/30/12 Class Y Shares Investment Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million investment made in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, compared to that of the Russell Midcap Growth Index.
Average Annual Total Returns (As of November 30, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If If Period Held Redeemed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life-of-Class (6/23/2004) 7.36% 7.36% 5 Years 3.43 3.43 1 Year 7.60 7.60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Ratio (Per prospectus dated April 1, 2012) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.71% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL] Value of $5 Million Investment
Pioneer Select Mid Russell Midcap Cap Growth Fund Growth Index 6/30/2004 $ 5,000,000 $ 5,000,000 11/30/2004 $ 5,110,906 $ 5,201,134 11/30/2005 $ 6,086,709 $ 6,043,464 11/30/2006 $ 6,727,271 $ 6,821,939 11/30/2007 $ 7,660,445 $ 7,512,741 11/30/2008 $ 4,471,893 $ 4,045,427 11/30/2009 $ 6,532,479 $ 5,778,163 11/30/2010 $ 7,933,622 $ 7,299,439 11/30/2011 $ 8,425,414 $ 7,742,438 11/30/2012 $ 9,065,671 $ 8,676,434
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Class Y shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ. Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information. The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund was established in connection with the reorganization of predecessor fund Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund into the Fund on May 15, 2009. The performance shown for Class Y shares of the Fund for periods prior to May 15, 2009 is the performance of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund's Class I shares, which has not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses. A different investment adviser served as the adviser of Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund. 14 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses As a shareowner in the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and (2) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 at the beginning of the Fund's latest six-month period and held throughout the six months. Using the Tables -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual Expenses The first table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period as follows: (1) Divide your account value by $1,000 Example: an $8,600 account value (divided by) $1,000 = 8.6 (2) Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class's number in the third row under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Based on actual returns from June 1, 2012, through November 30, 2012.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share Class A C Y -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning Account Value $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 on 6/1/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Account $1,029.31 $1,024.24 $1,031.64 Value (after expenses) on 11/30/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses Paid $ 5.88 $ 10.93 $ 3.71 During Period* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized net expense ratio of 1.16%, 2.16% and 0.73% for Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 15 Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) that are charged at the time of the transaction. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher. Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund Based on a hypothetical 5% return per year before expenses, reflecting the period from June 1, 2012, through November 30, 2012.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share Class A C Y -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning Account Value $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 on 6/1/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Account $1,019.20 $1,014.20 $1,021.35 Value (after expenses) on 11/30/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses Paid $ 5.86 $ 10.88 $ 3.69 During Period* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized net expense ratio of 1.16%, 2.16% and 0.73% for Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). 16 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Schedule of Investments | 11/30/12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMON STOCKS -- 99.3% ENERGY -- 8.2% Oil & Gas Drilling -- 1.4% 111,224 Ensco Plc $ 6,476,574 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas Equipment & Services -- 1.8% 68,000 Dresser-Rand Group, Inc.* $ 3,591,080 64,000 Oil States International, Inc.* 4,526,080 --------------- $ 8,117,160 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas Exploration & Production -- 4.2% 163,394 Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. $ 7,695,857 51,000 Concho Resources, Inc.* 4,093,260 69,000 Gulfport Energy Corp.* 2,624,760 41,000 Range Resources Corp. 2,624,820 60,000 Trilogy Energy Corp. 1,730,514 --------------- $ 18,769,211 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation -- 0.8% 97,000 SemGroup Corp.* $ 3,654,960 --------------- Total Energy $ 37,017,905 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MATERIALS -- 6.1% Industrial Gases -- 0.5% 25,000 Airgas, Inc. $ 2,214,250 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specialty Chemicals -- 3.1% 77,000 Ecolab, Inc. $ 5,550,160 200,000 Flotek Industries, Inc.* 2,310,000 49,000 Valspar Corp. 3,076,220 47,000 WR Grace & Co.* 3,077,090 --------------- $ 14,013,470 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Construction Materials -- 1.1% 40,000 Eagle Materials, Inc. $ 2,128,800 50,000 Vulcan Materials Co. 2,642,000 --------------- $ 4,770,800 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metal & Glass Containers -- 0.9% 89,000 Ball Corp. $ 3,977,410 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paper Packaging -- 0.5% 35,000 Rock-Tenn Co. $ 2,276,400 --------------- Total Materials $ 27,252,330 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPITAL GOODS -- 6.9% Building Products -- 0.5% 70,000 Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.* $ 2,099,300 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 17 Schedule of Investments | 11/30/12 (continued)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Construction & Engineering -- 0.9% 139,400 KBR, Inc. $ 3,875,320 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks -- 1.6% 66,000 Joy Global, Inc. $ 3,761,340 225,000 The Manitowoc Co., Inc. 3,375,000 --------------- $ 7,136,340 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Industrial Machinery -- 3.2% 73,000 Chart Industries, Inc.* $ 4,415,040 130,000 Ingersoll-Rand Plc 6,341,400 57,073 SPX Corp. 3,887,813 --------------- $ 14,644,253 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trading Companies & Distributors -- 0.7% 45,700 MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. $ 3,320,562 --------------- Total Capital Goods $ 31,075,775 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES -- 4.0% Diversified Support Services -- 1.3% 141,000 United Rentals, Inc.* $ 5,855,730 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research & Consulting Services -- 2.7% 68,000 CoStar Group, Inc.* $ 5,906,480 15,300 IHS, Inc.* 1,409,742 176,000 Nielsen Holdings NV* 4,984,320 --------------- $ 12,300,542 --------------- Total Commercial Services & Supplies $ 18,156,272 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION -- 2.6% Airlines -- 2.2% 45,000 Alaska Air Group, Inc.* $ 1,923,750 45,000 Copa Holdings SA 4,267,800 104,785 Spirit Airlines, Inc.* 1,758,292 138,300 US Airways Group, Inc.* 1,782,687 --------------- $ 9,732,529 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Railroads -- 0.4% 25,500 Kansas City Southern $ 1,992,825 --------------- Total Transportation $ 11,725,354 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AUTOMOBILES & COMPONENTS -- 1.7% Auto Parts & Equipment -- 1.0% 96,000 Lear Corp. $ 4,192,320 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Motorcycle Manufacturers -- 0.7% 69,000 Harley-Davidson, Inc. $ 3,240,240 --------------- Total Automobiles & Components $ 7,432,560 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 18 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER DURABLES & APPAREL -- 2.0% Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods -- 2.0% 17,000 Lululemon Athletica, Inc.* $ 1,220,260 180,000 True Religion Apparel, Inc. 4,696,200 20,000 VF Corp. 3,210,200 --------------- $ 9,126,660 --------------- Total Consumer Durables & Apparel $ 9,126,660 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER SERVICES -- 2.0% Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines -- 0.8% 76,800 Wyndham Worldwide Corp. $ 3,770,112 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restaurants -- 1.2% 44,000 Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.* $ 3,187,360 7,500 Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.* 1,978,350 --------------- $ 5,165,710 --------------- Total Consumer Services $ 8,935,822 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDIA -- 2.8% Broadcasting -- 0.5% 40,000 Discovery Communications, Inc.* $ 2,416,400 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Movies & Entertainment -- 2.3% 225,000 Cinemark Holdings, Inc. $ 6,120,000 198,000 Imax Corp.* 4,286,700 --------------- $ 10,406,700 --------------- Total Media $ 12,823,100 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RETAILING -- 11.5% Distributors -- 2.0% 405,600 LKQ Corp.* $ 8,890,752 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internet Retail -- 0.7% 160,000 HomeAway, Inc.* $ 3,276,800 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General Merchandise Stores -- 1.6% 101,000 Dollar General Corp.* $ 5,050,000 50,962 Dollar Tree, Inc.* 2,127,154 --------------- $ 7,177,154 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apparel Retail -- 3.4% 108,510 Francesca's Holdings Corp.* $ 2,824,515 68,400 Ross Stores, Inc. 3,893,328 146,000 TJX Companies, Inc. 6,473,640 55,800 Urban Outfitters, Inc.* 2,103,660 --------------- $ 15,295,143 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home Improvement Retail -- 1.2% 145,000 Lowe's Companies, Inc. $ 5,233,050 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 19 Schedule of Investments | 11/30/12 (continued)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specialty Stores -- 1.6% 65,600 GNC Holdings, Inc. $ 2,304,528 37,000 Tractor Supply Co.* 3,315,940 18,000 Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. 1,805,040 --------------- $ 7,425,508 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Automotive Retail -- 1.0% 125,000 CarMax, Inc.* $ 4,532,500 --------------- Total Retailing $ 51,830,907 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING -- 2.1% Food Retail -- 2.1% 75,000 The Fresh Market, Inc.* $ 3,887,250 58,921 Whole Foods Market, Inc. 5,500,865 --------------- $ 9,388,115 --------------- Total Food & Staples Retailing $ 9,388,115 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOD, BEVERAGE & TOBACCO -- 3.8% Soft Drinks -- 1.7% 77,700 Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (A.D.R.) $ 7,620,816 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Products -- 0.6% 41,000 Ingredion, Inc. $ 2,662,950 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Packaged Foods & Meats -- 1.5% 191,000 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.* $ 7,003,970 --------------- Total Food, Beverage & Tobacco $ 17,287,736 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES -- 5.5% Health Care Equipment -- 2.3% 73,700 ABIOMED, Inc.* $ 983,895 339,600 Hologic, Inc.* 6,479,568 5,200 Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* 2,750,800 --------------- $ 10,214,263 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Care Supplies -- 1.0% 170,000 Align Technology, Inc.* $ 4,656,300 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Care Services -- 1.5% 45,490 Catamaran Corp.* $ 2,214,908 26,000 DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.* 2,808,000 36,000 Express Scripts Holding Co.* 1,938,600 --------------- $ 6,961,508 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Care Facilities -- 0.7% 115,000 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.* $ 2,939,400 --------------- Total Health Care Equipment & Services $ 24,771,471 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 20 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHARMACEUTICALS, BIOTECHNOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCES -- 10.6% Biotechnology -- 5.4% 35,000 Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* $ 3,360,700 209,000 Alkermes Plc* 4,035,790 313,370 Amarin Corp Plc (A.D.R.)* 3,888,922 31,000 BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.* 1,506,600 100,000 Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 4,061,000 280,000 NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 2,864,400 19,000 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 3,354,450 26,000 Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 1,034,540 --------------- $ 24,106,402 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharmaceuticals -- 5.2% 185,000 Akorn, Inc.* $ 2,495,650 150,781 Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc* 8,124,080 76,000 Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.* 3,256,600 128,007 ViroPharma, Inc.* 3,173,294 74,000 Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 6,512,740 --------------- $ 23,562,364 --------------- Total Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences $ 47,668,766 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVERSIFIED FINANCIALS -- 4.0% Consumer Finance -- 2.0% 86,140 Capital One Financial Corp. $ 4,961,664 100,000 Discover Financial Services, Inc. 4,161,000 --------------- $ 9,122,664 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asset Management & Custody Banks -- 1.6% 116,300 Invesco, Ltd. $ 2,906,337 100,669 Walter Investment Management Corp.* 4,256,285 --------------- $ 7,162,622 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment Banking & Brokerage -- 0.4% 55,000 Evercore Partners, Inc. $ 1,510,850 --------------- Total Diversified Financials $ 17,796,136 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSURANCE -- 0.8% Property & Casualty Insurance -- 0.8% 140,000 Fidelity National Financial, Inc. $ 3,389,400 --------------- Total Insurance $ 3,389,400 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REAL ESTATE -- 1.9% Residential REITs -- 0.8% 85,000 American Campus Communities, Inc. $ 3,723,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Estate Services -- 1.1% 58,800 Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. $ 4,822,188 --------------- Total Real Estate $ 8,545,188 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 21 Schedule of Investments | 11/30/12 (continued)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOFTWARE & SERVICES -- 15.5% Internet Software & Services -- 5.9% 87,000 Akamai Technologies, Inc.* $ 3,185,940 77,000 eBay, Inc.* 4,067,140 150,012 ExactTarget, Inc.* 3,091,747 8,100 Google, Inc.* 5,656,797 21,000 LinkedIn Corp.* 2,270,940 70,000 Rackspace Hosting, Inc.* 4,838,400 202,915 SciQuest, Inc.* 3,305,485 --------------- $ 26,416,449 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT Consulting & Other Services -- 0.5% 51,000 Gartner, Inc.* $ 2,441,880 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Processing & Outsourced Services -- 3.2% 31,300 Alliance Data Systems Corp.* $ 4,459,937 100,000 Genpact, Ltd. 1,605,000 13,100 Mastercard, Inc. 6,401,708 30,000 WEX, Inc.* 2,158,800 --------------- $ 14,625,445 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Application Software -- 5.1% 21,982 ANSYS, Inc.* $ 1,458,066 50,700 Citrix Systems, Inc.* 3,100,812 90,000 Nuance Communications, Inc.* 2,001,600 115,000 RealPage, Inc.* 2,275,850 31,000 Salesforce.com, Inc.* 4,887,770 161,320 SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.* 3,805,539 300,000 Tangoe, Inc.* 3,912,000 60,000 TIBCO Software, Inc.* 1,503,000 --------------- $ 22,944,637 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Systems Software -- 0.8% 70,000 Red Hat, Inc.* $ 3,458,000 --------------- Total Software & Services $ 69,886,411 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT -- 2.3% Communications Equipment -- 1.6% 180,000 Aruba Networks, Inc.* $ 3,506,400 22,000 F5 Networks, Inc.* 2,060,960 75,802 Riverbed Technology, Inc.* 1,356,856 --------------- $ 6,924,216 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Storage & Peripherals -- 0.7% 84,089 SanDisk Corp.* $ 3,287,880 --------------- Total Technology Hardware & Equipment $ 10,212,096 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 22 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Value ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT -- 4.3% Semiconductor Equipment -- 0.4% 27,797 ASML Holding NV (A.D.R.) $ 1,739,258 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiconductors -- 3.9% 90,000 Altera Corp. $ 2,915,100 90,000 Analog Devices, Inc. 3,654,000 115,000 Broadcom Corp. 3,723,700 80,000 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. 2,335,200 130,000 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.* 2,944,500 65,000 Xilinx, Inc. 2,252,250 --------------- $ 17,824,750 --------------- Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment $ 19,564,008 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES -- 0.7% Alternative Carriers -- 0.7% 125,000 tw telecom, Inc.* $ 3,211,250 --------------- Total Telecommunication Services $ 3,211,250 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $375,279,523) $ 447,097,262 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principal Amount ($) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS -- 1.2% Repurchase Agreement -- 1.2% 5,500,000 JPMorgan, Inc., 0.21%, dated 11/30/12, repurchase price of $5,500,000 plus accrued interest on 12/3/12 collateralized by $5,666,756 Freddie Mac Gold Pool, 3.0%, 11/1/42 $ 5,500,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $5,500,000) $ 5,500,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES -- 100.5% (Cost $380,779,523) (a) $ 452,597,262 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OTHER ASSETS & LIABILITIES -- (0.5)% $ (2,091,830) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.0% $ 450,505,432 ==========================================================================================
* Non-income producing security. REIT Real Estate Investment Trust. (A.D.R.) American Depositary Receipts. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 23 Schedule of Investments | 11/30/12 (continued) (a) At November 30, 2012, the net unrealized gain on investments based on cost for federal income tax purposes of $384,189,212 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized gain for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost $ 82,383,668 Aggregate gross unrealized loss for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value (13,975,618) --------------- Net unrealized gain $ 68,408,050 ===============
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for the year ended November 30, 2012 aggregated $396,064,530 and $434,200,563, respectively. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below. Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A. Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining fair value of investments) See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A. Generally, equity securities are categorized as Level 1, fixed income securities and senior loans as Level 2 and securities valued using fair value methods (other than prices supplied by independent pricing services) are categorized as Level 3. See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A. The following is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2012, in valuing the Fund's investments:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stocks $447,097,262 $ -- $ -- $447,097,262 Repurchase Agreement -- 5,500,000 -- 5,500,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $447,097,262 $5,500,000 $ -- $452,597,262 ================================================================================
During the year ended November 30, 2012, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 24 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 11/30/12
ASSETS: Investment in securities (cost $380,779,523) $452,597,262 Cash 1,919,819 Receivables -- Investment securities sold 11,341,292 Fund shares sold 441,800 Dividends 208,717 Other 22,844 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $466,531,734 ================================================================================ LIABILITIES: Payables -- Investment securities purchased $ 15,247,583 Fund shares repurchased 523,363 Due to affiliates 113,393 Accrued expenses 141,963 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities $ 16,026,302 ================================================================================ NET ASSETS: Paid-in capital $368,439,883 Undistributed net investment income 71,932 Accumulated net realized gain on investments 10,176,142 Net unrealized gain on investments 71,817,739 Net unrealized loss on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (264) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total net assets $450,505,432 ================================================================================ NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: (No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) Class A (based on $335,701,617/17,679,626 shares) $ 18.99 Class C (based on $12,761,405/735,154 shares) $ 17.36 Class Y (based on $102,042,410/5,222,273 shares) $ 19.54 MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE: Class A ($18.99 (divided by) 94.25%) $ 20.15 ================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 25 Statement of Operations For the Year Ended 11/30/12
INVESTMENT INCOME: Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $5,585) $ 2,920,970 Interest 2,977 Income from securities loaned, net 1,987 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investment income $ 2,925,934 ================================================================================================= EXPENSES: Management fees $ 2,954,259 Transfer agent fees and expenses Class A 493,176 Class C 33,567 Class Y 3,977 Distribution fees Class A 904,938 Class C 134,156 Shareholder communication expense 249,290 Administrative reimbursements 134,013 Custodian fees 16,616 Registration fees 126,614 Professional fees 67,219 Printing expense 40,412 Fees and expenses of nonaffiliated Trustees 16,006 Miscellaneous 29,634 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total expenses $ 5,203,877 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment loss $ (2,277,943) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: Net realized gain on: Investments $ 36,413,468 Class actions 310,365 $ 36,723,833 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in net unrealized loss on: Investments $ (1,536,066) Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (264) $ (1,536,330) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net gain on investments $ 35,187,503 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 32,909,560 =================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 26 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Statements of Changes in Net Assets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended Year Ended 11/30/12 11/30/11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM OPERATIONS: Net investment loss $ (2,277,943) $ (1,948,261) Net realized gain on investments and class actions 36,723,833 68,114,236 Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions (1,536,330) (33,233,237) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 32,909,560 $ 32,932,738 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Net proceeds from sale of shares $ 49,740,808 $ 41,572,669 Cost of shares repurchased (91,199,301) (123,923,153) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease in net assets resulting from Fund share transactions $(41,458,493) $ (82,350,484) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease in net assets $ (8,548,933) $ (49,417,746) NET ASSETS: Beginning of year 459,054,365 508,472,111 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of year $450,505,432 $ 459,054,365 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Undistributed net investment income $ 71,932 $ -- =================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 27 Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- '12 Shares '12 Amount '11 Shares '11 Amount ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares sold 1,038,018 $ 19,718,219 1,638,594 $ 29,818,613 Less shares repurchased (3,809,031) (72,535,773) (4,280,133) (78,343,287) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (2,771,013) $ (52,817,554) (2,641,539) $ (48,524,674) ================================================================================================= Class C Shares sold 160,369 $ 2,791,454 191,038 $ 3,197,803 Less shares repurchased (224,962) (4,046,284) (259,705) (4,315,020) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (64,593) $ (1,254,830) (68,667) $ (1,117,217) ================================================================================================= Class Y Shares sold 1,371,609 $ 27,231,135 483,384 $ 8,556,253 Less shares repurchased (744,633) (14,617,244) (2,197,318) (41,264,846) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) 626,976 $ 12,613,891 (1,713,934) $ (32,708,593) =================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 28 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Financial Highlights
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 11/30/12 11/30/11 11/30/10 11/30/09 (a) 11/30/08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Net asset value, beginning of period $ 17.73 $ 16.76 $ 13.86 $ 9.59 $ 18.63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.11) $ (0.09) $ (0.08) $ (0.06) $ (0.05) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 1.37 1.06 2.98 4.39 (6.84) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.26 $ 0.97 $ 2.90 $ 4.33 $ (6.89) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- (0.06) (2.15) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.26 $ 0.97 $ 2.90 $ 4.27 $ (9.04) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 18.99 $ 17.73 $ 16.76 $ 13.86 $ 9.59 ============================================================================================================================ Total return* 7.11%(c) 5.79%(b) 20.92% 45.46% (41.79)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 1.16% 1.15% 1.21% 1.29% 1.25% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.54)% (0.44)% (0.61)% (0.39)% (0.25)% Portfolio turnover rate 86% 81% 88% 91% 38% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $335,702 $362,504 $387,037 $73,077 $97,154 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Total expenses 1.16% 1.15% 1.21% 1.29% 1.25% Net investment loss (0.54)% (0.44)% (0.61)% (0.39)% (0.25)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.16% 1.15% 1.21% 1.29% 1.25% Net investment loss (0.54)% (0.44)% (0.61)% (0.39)% (0.25)% ============================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. (a) Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund. (b) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 5.61%. (c) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2012, the total return would have been 7.02%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 29 Financial Highlights (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 11/30/12 11/30/11 11/30/10 11/30/09 (a) 11/30/08 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Net asset value, beginning of period $ 16.37 $ 15.62 $ 13.04 $ 9.09 $ 17.93 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.28) $ (0.24) $ (0.20) $ (0.17) $ (0.17) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 1.27 0.99 2.78 4.18 (6.52) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 0.99 $ 0.75 $ 2.58 $ 4.01 $ (6.69) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- (0.06) (2.15) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 0.99 $ 0.75 $ 2.58 $ 3.95 $ (8.84) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 17.36 $ 16.37 $ 15.62 $ 13.04 $ 9.09 ========================================================================================================================= Total return* 6.05%(c) 4.80%(b) 19.79% 44.43% (42.37)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 2.16% 2.07% 2.14% 2.31% 2.00% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (1.54)% (1.37)% (1.54)% (1.44)% (1.00)% Portfolio turnover rate 86% 81% 88% 91% 38% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $12,761 $13,090 $13,565 $ 5,017 $ 4,457 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Total expenses 2.16% 2.07% 2.25% 2.31% 2.00% Net investment loss (1.54)% (1.37)% (1.64)% (1.44)% (1.00)% Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.16% 2.07% 2.14% 2.31% 2.00% Net investment loss (1.54)% (1.37)% (1.54)% (1.44)% (1.00)% =========================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. (a) Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund. (b) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 4.67%. (c) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2012, the total return would have been 5.97%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 30 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Year Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 11/30/12 11/30/11 11/30/10 11/30/09 (a) 11/30/08 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class Y Net asset value, beginning of period $ 18.16 $ 17.10 $ 14.08 $ 9.70 $ 18.77 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment loss $ (0.02) $ (0.00)(b) $ (0.02) $ (0.01) $ -- Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 1.40 1.06 3.04 4.45 (6.92) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.38 $ 1.06 $ 3.02 $ 4.44 $ (6.92) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareowners: Net realized gain -- -- -- (0.06) (2.15) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.38 $ 1.06 $ 3.02 $ 4.38 $ (9.07) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 19.54 $ 18.16 $ 17.10 $ 14.08 $ 9.70 ================================================================================================================================= Total return* 7.60%(e) 6.20%(d) 21.45% 46.08% (41.62)% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.71% 0.74% 0.97% 1.00% Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.11)% (0.00)%(c) (0.14)% (0.05)% -- Portfolio turnover rate 86% 81% 88% 91% 38% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $102,042 $83,460 $107,870 $81,580 $ 115,533 Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: Total expenses 0.73% 0.71% 0.74% 0.97% 1.00% Net investment loss (0.11)% (0.00)%(c) (0.14)% (0.05)% -- Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.73% 0.71% 0.74% 0.97% 1.00% Net investment loss (0.11)% (0.00)%(c) (0.14)% (0.05)% -- =================================================================================================================================
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. (a) Effective May 15, 2009, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. became the adviser of the Fund. (b) Rounds to less than $0.01 or $(0.01) per share. (c) Rounds to less than 0.01% or (0.01)%. (d) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2011, the total return would have been 6.08%. (e) If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended November 30, 2012, the total return would have been 7.52%. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 31 Notes to Financial Statements | 11/30/12 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the Fund) is one of three portfolios comprising Pioneer Series Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund acquired the assets and stated liabilities of the Regions Morgan Keegan Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the predecessor fund) on May 15, 2009 pursuant to an agreement and plan of reorganization (the reorganization) that was approved by the shareholders of the predecessor fund on May 8, 2009. The predecessor fund exchanged all of its net assets of Class A, Class C and Class I shares for the Fund's Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively, in a one-to-one exchange ratio. Accordingly, the reorganization, which was a tax-free exchange, had no effect on the Fund's operations. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital growth. The Fund offers three classes of shares designated as Class A, Class C and Class Y shares. Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different rates of class-specific fees and expenses such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends from net investment income earned by each class. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Fund gives the Board the flexibility to specify either per share voting or dollar-weighted voting when submitting matters for shareholder approval. Under per share voting, each share of a class of the Fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareholder's voting power is determined not by the number of shares owned, but by the dollar value of the shares on the record date. Each share class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. There is no distribution plan for Class Y shares. The Fund's financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles that require the management of the Fund to, among other things, make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income, expenses and gains and losses on investments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 32 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements, which are consistent with those policies generally accepted in the investment company industry: A. Security Valuation Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. In computing the net asset value, securities that have traded on an exchange are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less generally are valued at amortized cost. Shares of money market mutual funds are valued at their net asset value. Trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Securities for which independent pricing services are unable to supply prices or for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by or at the direction or with the approval of the Valuation Committee using fair value methods pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of the Board of Trustees. The Fund may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund's net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund's securities may differ significantly from exchange prices and such differences could be material. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities and for discussing and assessing fair values on an ongoing basis, and at least quarterly, with the Valuation Committee. At November 30, 2012, there were no securities that were valued using fair value methods (other than securities that were valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services). Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 33 Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates. Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes. B. Federal Income Taxes It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. As of November 30, 2012, the Fund did not have any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. Tax years for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by Federal and State tax authorities. The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences. At November 30, 2012, the Fund reclassified $2,381,888 to decrease paid-in capital, $2,349,875 to increase undistributed net investment income, and $32,013 to increase accumulated net realized gain on investments to reflect permanent book/tax differences. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. There were no distributions paid during the years ended November 30, 2012 and November 30, 2011. The following shows the components of distributable earnings on a federal income tax basis at November 30, 2012:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2012 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributable earnings: Undistributed long-term gain $13,657,763 Net unrealized gain 68,407,786 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $82,065,549 ============================================================================
34 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gain is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax basis adjustments on Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) holdings and other holdings. C. Fund Shares The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD), the principal underwriter for the Fund and a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit S.p.A. (UniCredit), earned $24,269 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the year ended November 30, 2012. D. Class Allocations Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day. During the period, the Fund recognized gains of $310,365 in settlement of class action lawsuits from several different companies, as reflected on the Statement of Operations. Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A and Class C shares of the Fund, respectively (see Note 4). Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the transfer agent, Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. (PIMSS), for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 3). Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates. E. Risks At times, the Fund's investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political or regulatory developments or other risks affecting these industries or sectors. The Fund's prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund's principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund's principal risks. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 35 F. Securities Lending The Fund may lend securities in its portfolio to certain broker-dealers or other institutional investors. When entering into a securities loan transaction, the Fund typically receives cash collateral from the borrower equal to at least the value of the securities loaned, which is invested in temporary investments. Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch, as the Fund's securities lending agent, manages the Fund's securities lending collateral. The income earned on the investment of collateral is shared with the borrower and the lending agent in payment of any rebate due to the borrower with respect to the securities loan, and in compensation for the lending agent's services to the Fund. The Fund also continues to receive payments in lieu of dividends or interest on the securities loaned. Gain or loss on the value of the loaned securities that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Fund. The amount of the collateral is required to be adjusted daily to reflect any price fluctuation in the value of the loaned securities. If the required market value of the collateral is less than the value of the loaned securities, the borrower is required to deliver additional collateral for the account of the Fund prior to the close of business on that day. The Fund has the right, under the lending agreement, to terminate the loan and recover the securities from the borrower with prior notice. The Fund is required to return the cash collateral to the borrower and could suffer a loss if the value of the collateral, as invested, has declined. As of May 8, 2012, the Fund ended its involvement in the securities lending program. G. Repurchase Agreements With respect to repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the value of the underlying securities (collateral), including accrued interest, is required to be equal to or in excess of the repurchase price. The collateral for all repurchase agreements is held in safekeeping in the customer-only account of the Fund's custodian or a subcustodian of the Fund. PIM is responsible for determining that the value of the collateral remains at least equal to the repurchase price. 2. Management Agreement PIM, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, manages the Fund's portfolio. Management fees are calculated daily at the annual rate of 0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.60% of the next $500 million and 0.575% on assets over $1 billion. Prior to the reorganization, Morgan Asset Management, Inc. (MAM) served as the investment adviser to 36 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 the predecessor fund through May 15, 2009. For the year ended November 30, 2012, the effective management fee was equivalent to 0.63% of the Fund's average daily net assets. During prior periods, PIM contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses to the extent required to reduce Fund expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares, respectively. These expense limitations were in effect through June 1, 2012 for Class A and Class Y shares, and through April 1, 2012 for Class C shares. These expense limitations have not been extended. In addition, under the management and administration agreements, certain other services and costs, including accounting, regulatory reporting and insurance premiums, are paid by the Fund as administrative reimbursements. Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $31,644 in management fees, administrative costs and certain other reimbursements payable to PIM at November 30, 2012. Effective March 5, 2012, PIM has retained Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. to provide certain sub-administration and accounting services to the Fund. 3. Transfer Agent PIMSS, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, provides substantially all transfer agent and shareowner services to the Fund at negotiated rates. In addition, the Fund reimburses PIMSS for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by PIMSS related to shareholder communications activities such as proxy and statement mailings, outgoing phone calls and omnibus relationship contracts. For the year ended November 30, 2012, such out-of-pocket expenses by class of shares were as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholder Communications: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $214,093 Class C 25,598 Class Y 9,599 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $249,290 ================================================================================
Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $76,486 in transfer agent fees and out-of-pocket reimbursements payable to PIMSS at November 30, 2012. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 37 4. Distribution Plan The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to its Class A and Class C shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays PFD 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class A shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund also pays PFD 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. The fee for Class C shares consists of a 0.25% service fee and a 0.75% distribution fee paid as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class C shares. Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $5,263 in distribution fees payable to PFD at November 30, 2012. In addition, redemptions of each class of shares (except Class Y shares) may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions of certain net asset value purchases of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. Redemptions of Class C shares within one year of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00%, based on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Shares purchased as part of an exchange remain subject to any CDSC that applied to the original purchase of those shares. There is no CDSC for Class Y shares. Proceeds from the CDSCs are paid to PFD. For the year ended November 30, 2012, CDSCs in the amount of $970 were paid to PFD. 5. Expense Offset Arrangements The Fund has entered into certain expense offset arrangements with PIMSS which may result in a reduction in the Fund's total expenses due to interest earned on cash held by PIMSS. For the year ended November 30, 2012, the Fund's expenses were not reduced under such arrangements. 38 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 6. Line of Credit Facility The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Pioneer Family of Funds (the Funds), participates in a committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility. Borrowings are used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may borrow up to the lesser of the amount available under the facility or the limits set for borrowing by the Fund's prospectus and the 1940 Act. The credit facility in effect until January 20, 2012 was in the amount of $165 million. Under such facility, interest on borrowings was payable at the higher of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on the borrowing date plus 1.25% on an annualized basis or the Federal Funds Rate on the borrowing date plus 1.25% on an annualized basis. The credit facility in effect as of February 15, 2012 is in the amount of $215 million. Under such facility, depending on the type of loan, interest on borrowings is payable at LIBOR plus 0.90% on an annualized basis, or the Alternate Base Rate, which is the greater of (a) the facility's administrative agent's daily announced prime rate on the borrowing date, (b) 2% plus the Federal Funds Rate on the borrowing date and (c) 2% plus the overnight Eurodollar rate on the borrowing date. The Funds pay an annual commitment fee to participate in a credit facility. The commitment fee is allocated among participating Funds based on an allocation schedule set forth in the credit agreement. For the year ended November 30, 2012, the Fund had no borrowings under a credit facility. 7. Subsequent Event The Board of Trustees of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund has approved the reorganization of the Fund with and into Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund (the "Reorganization"). Each fund is managed by Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. The Reorganization is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2013. The Reorganization does not require shareholder approval. The combined fund will be named Pioneer select Mid Cap Growth Fund, will be managed by the same investment personnel as the Fund, and will have the same investment policies and strategies as the Fund. It is anticipated that the performance and accounting history of the Fund will become that of the combined fund. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 39 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust I and the Shareowners of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") (one of the portfolios constituting Pioneer Series Trust I) as of November 30, 2012, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The financial highlights for the year ended November 30, 2008 were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, dated January 28, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2012, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund at November 30, 2012, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Boston, Massachusetts January 25, 2013 40 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) serves as the investment adviser to Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (the Fund) pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between PIM and the Fund. In order for PIM to remain the investment adviser of the Fund, the Trustees of the Fund must determine annually whether to renew the investment advisory agreement for the Fund. The contract review process began in March 2012 as the Trustees of the Fund agreed on, among other things, an overall approach and timeline for the process. In July 2012, the Trustees approved the format of the contract review materials and submitted their formal request to PIM to furnish information necessary to evaluate the terms of the investment advisory agreement. The contract review materials were provided to the Trustees in July 2012 and September 2012. After reviewing and discussing the materials, the Trustees submitted a request for additional information to PIM, and materials were provided in response to this request. Meetings of the Independent Trustees of the Fund were held in July, September, October, and November, 2012 to review and discuss the contract review materials. In addition, the Trustees took into account the information related to the Fund provided to the Trustees at each regularly scheduled meeting. At a meeting held on November 13, 2012, based on their evaluation of the information provided by PIM and third parties, the Trustees of the Fund, including the Independent Trustees voting separately, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment advisory agreement for another year. In considering the renewal of the investment advisory agreement, the Trustees considered various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors described below. The Trustees did not identify any single factor as the controlling factor in determining to approve the renewal of the agreement. Nature, Extent and Quality of Services The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services that had been provided by PIM to the Fund, taking into account the investment objective and strategy of the Fund. The Trustees reviewed the terms of the investment advisory agreement. The Trustees also reviewed PIM's investment approach for the Fund, its research process and its process for trade execution. The Trustees considered the resources of PIM and the personnel of PIM who provide investment management services to the Fund. The Trustees considered the non-investment resources and personnel of PIM involved in PIM's services to the Fund, including PIM's compliance and legal resources and personnel. The Trustees also considered the substantial attention and high priority given Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 41 by PIM's senior management to the Pioneer fund complex. In addition, the Trustees considered PIM's plans to increase resources in its investment management function and other enhancements to PIM's advisory capabilities. The Trustees considered that PIM supervises and monitors the performance of the Fund's service providers and provides the Fund with personnel (including Fund officers) and other resources that are necessary for the Fund's business management and operations. The Trustees also considered that, as administrator, PIM is responsible for the administration of the Fund's business and other affairs. The Trustees considered the fees paid to PIM for the provision of administration services. Based on these considerations, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services that had been provided by PIM to the Fund were satisfactory and consistent with the terms of the investment advisory agreement. Performance of the Fund The Trustees considered the performance results of the Fund over various time periods. They reviewed information comparing the Fund's performance with the performance of its peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (Morningstar), an independent provider of investment company data, and with the performance of the Fund's benchmark index. The Trustees considered that the Fund's annualized total return was in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the one year period ended June 30, 2012 and in the third quintile of its Morningstar category for the three year period ended June 30, 2012. (In all quintile rankings referred to throughout this disclosure, first quintile is most favorable to the Fund's shareowners. Thus, highest relative performance would be first quintile and lowest relative expenses would also be first quintile.) The Trustees concluded that the investment performance of the Fund was satisfactory. Management Fee and Expenses The Trustees considered information showing the fees and expenses of the Fund in comparison to the management fees and expense ratios of its peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar and also to the expense ratios of a peer group of funds selected on the basis of criteria determined by the Independent Trustees for this purpose using data provided by Strategic Insight Mutual Trust Research and Consulting, LLC (Strategic Insight), an independent third party. The Trustees considered that the Fund's management fee for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012 was in the first quintile relative to the management fees paid by other funds in its Morningstar peer group for the comparable period. The Trustees also considered the breakpoints in the management fee schedule and 42 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 the reduced fee rates above certain asset levels. The Trustees considered that the Fund's expense ratio for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012 was in the first quintile relative to its Strategic Insight peer group for the comparable period. The Trustees reviewed gross and net management fees charged by PIM to its institutional and other clients, including publicly offered European funds, U.S. registered investment companies (in a sub-advisory capacity), and unaffiliated foreign and domestic separate accounts. The Trustees also considered PIM's costs in providing services to the Fund and to its other clients and considered the differences in management fees and profit margins for PIM's Fund and non-Fund services. In evaluating the fees associated with PIM's client accounts, the Trustees took into account the respective demands, resources and complexity associated with the Fund and client accounts. The Trustees noted that in some instances the fee rates for those clients were lower than the management fee for the Fund and considered that, under the investment advisory agreement with the Fund, PIM performs additional services for the Fund that it does not provide to those other clients or services that are broader in scope, including oversight of the Fund's other service providers and activities related to compliance and the extensive regulatory and tax regimes to which the Fund is subject. The Trustees also considered the different entrepreneurial risks associated with PIM's management of the Fund and the other client accounts. The Trustees concluded that the management fee payable by the Fund to PIM was reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by PIM. Profitability The Trustees considered information provided by PIM regarding the profitability of PIM with respect to the advisory services provided by PIM to the Fund, including the methodology used by PIM in allocating certain of its costs to the management of the Fund. The Trustees also considered PIM's profit margin in connection with the overall operation of the Fund. They further reviewed the financial results realized by PIM and its affiliates from non-fund businesses. The Trustees considered PIM's profit margins with respect to the Fund in comparison to the limited industry data available and noted that the profitability of any adviser was affected by numerous factors, including its organizational structure and method for allocating expenses. The Trustees concluded that PIM's profitability with respect to the management of the Fund was not unreasonable. Economies of Scale The Trustees considered PIM's views relating to economies of scale in connection with the Pioneer Funds as fund assets grow and the extent to which any such economies of scale are shared with funds and fund Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 43 shareholders. The Trustees noted the breakpoints in the management fee schedule. The Trustees recognize that economies of scale are difficult to identify and quantify, rarely identifiable on a Fund-by-Fund basis, and that, among other factors that may be relevant, are the following: fee levels, expense subsidization, investment by PIM in research and analytical capabilities and PIM's commitment and resource allocation to the Funds. The Trustees noted that profitability also may be an indicator of the availability of any economies of scale, although profitability may vary for other reasons particularly, for example during the recent difficult periods for financial markets, as the level of services was maintained notwithstanding a significant decline in PIM's fee revenues from the Funds. Accordingly, the Trustees concluded that economies of scale, if any, were being appropriately shared with the Fund. Other Benefits The Trustees considered the other benefits to PIM from its relationship with the Fund. The Trustees considered the character and amount of fees paid by the Fund, other than under the investment advisory agreement, for services provided by PIM and its affiliates. The Trustees further considered the revenues and profitability of PIM's businesses other than the fund business. The Trustees also considered the benefits to the Fund and to PIM and its affiliates from the use of "soft" commission dollars generated by the Fund to pay for research and brokerage services. The Trustees considered the intangible benefits to PIM by virtue of its relationship with the Fund and the other Pioneer funds. The Trustees concluded that the receipt of these benefits was reasonable in the context of the overall relationship between PIM and the Fund. Conclusion After consideration of the factors described above as well as other factors, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the investment advisory agreement between PIM and the Fund, including the fees payable thereunder, was fair and reasonable and voted to approve the proposed renewal of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund. 44 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Trustees, Officers and Service Providers Investment Adviser Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. Custodian and Sub-Administrator Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP Principal Underwriter Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Legal Counsel Bingham McCutchen LLP Shareowner Services and Transfer Agent Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc. Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Fund are available without charge, upon request, by calling our toll free number (1-800-225-6292). Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners at us.pioneerinvestments.com. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at www.sec.gov. Trustees and Officers The Fund's Trustees and Officers are listed on the following pages, together with their principal occupations during at least the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees serves as a trustee of each of the 56 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (the "Pioneer Funds"). The address for all Trustees and all officers of the Fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The Statement of Additional Information of the Fund includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-6292. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 45 Independent Trustees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Trustee ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas J. Perna (62) Trustee since 2009. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Quadriserv, Director, Broadridge Financial Chairman of the Board Serves until a Inc. (technology products for securities lending Solutions, Inc. (investor and Trustee successor trustee industry) (2008 - present); private investor communications and securities is elected or (2004 - 2008); and Senior Executive Vice processing provider for earlier retirement President, The Bank of New York (financial and financial services industry) or removal. securities services) (1986 - 2004) (2009 - present); Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 - present); and Commissioner, New Jersey State Civil Service Commission (2011 - present) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David R. Bock (68) Trustee since 2009. Managing Partner, Federal City Capital Advisors Director of Enterprise Trustee Serves until a (corporate advisory services company) (1997 - 2004 Community Investment, Inc. successor trustee and 2008 - present); Interim Chief Executive (privately-held affordable is elected or Officer, Oxford Analytica, Inc. (privately held housing finance company) earlier retirement research and consulting company) (2010); Executive (1985 - 2010); Director of or removal. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, I-trax, Oxford Analytica, Inc. (2008 - Inc. (publicly traded health care services present); Director of The company) (2004 - 2007); and Executive Vice Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. President and Chief Financial Officer, Pedestal (closed-end fund) (2010 - Inc. (internet-based mortgage trading company) present); and Director of New (2000 - 2002) York Mortgage Trust (publicly traded mortgage REIT) (2004 - 2009, 2012 - present) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Trustee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Benjamin M. Friedman (68) Trustee since 2009. William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Trustee, Mellon Institutional Trustee Serves until a Economy, Harvard University (1972 - present) Funds Investment Trust and successor trustee Mellon Institutional Funds is elected or Master Portfolio (oversaw 17 earlier retirement portfolios in fund complex) or removal. (1989-2008) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Margaret B.W. Graham (65) Trustee since 2009. Founding Director, Vice President and Corporate None Trustee Serves until a Secretary, The Winthrop Group, Inc. (consulting successor trustee firm) (1982-present); Desautels Faculty of is elected or Management, McGill University (1999 - present); earlier retirement and Manager of Research Operations and or removal. Organizational Learning, Xerox PARC, Xerox's advance research center (1990-1994) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Marguerite A. Piret (64) Trustee since 2009. President and Chief Executive Officer, Newbury, Director of New America High Trustee Serves until a Piret & Company, Inc. (investment banking firm) Income Fund, Inc. (closed-end successor trustee (1981 - present) investment company) (2004 - is elected or present); and member, Board of earlier retirement Governors, Investment Company or removal. Institute (2000 - 2006) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen K. West (84) Trustee since 2012. Senior Counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (law firm) Director, The Swiss Helvetia Trustee Serves until a (1998 - present); and Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell Fund, Inc. (closed-end successor trustee LLP (prior to 1998) investment company); and is elected or Director, Invesco, Ltd. earlier retirement (formerly AMVESCAP, PLC) or removal. (investment manager) (1997-2005) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 47 Interested Trustees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Trustee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John F. Cogan, Jr. (86)* Trustee since 2009. Non-Executive Chairman and a director of Pioneer None Trustee, President and Serves until a Investment Management USA Inc. ("PIM-USA"); Chief Executive successor trustee Chairman and a director of Pioneer; Chairman and Officer of the Fund is elected or Director of Pioneer Institutional Asset earlier retirement Management, Inc. (since 2006); Director of Pioneer or removal. Alternative Investment Management Limited (Dublin) (until October 2011); President and a director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited and affiliated funds; Deputy Chairman and a director of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. ("PGAM") (until April 2010); Director of Nano-C, Inc. (since 2003); Director of Cole Management Inc. (2004 - 2011); Director of Fiduciary Counseling, Inc. (until December 2011); President of all of the Pioneer Funds; and Retired Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daniel K. Kingsbury (54)* Trustee since 2009. Director, CEO and President of PIM-USA (since None Trustee and Executive Serves until a February 2007); Director and President of Pioneer Vice President successor trustee and Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc. is elected or (since February 2007); Executive Vice President of earlier retirement all of the Pioneer Funds (since March 2007); or removal. Director of PGAM (2007 - 2010); Head of New Europe Division, PGAM (2000 - 2005); Head of New Markets Division, PGAM (2005 - 2007) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Mr. Cogan and Mr. Kingsbury are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the Fund's investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. 48 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 Fund Officers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Officer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christopher J. Kelley (47) Since 2009. Serves Vice President and Associate General Counsel of None Secretary at the discretion Pioneer since January 2008 and Secretary of all of of the Board. the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September 2003 to May 2010; and Vice President and Senior Counsel of Pioneer from July 2002 to December 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carol B. Hannigan (51) Since 2010. Serves Fund Governance Director of Pioneer since December None Assistant Secretary at the discretion 2006 and Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer of the Board. Funds since June 2010; Manager - Fund Governance of Pioneer from December 2003 to November 2006; and Senior Paralegal of Pioneer from January 2000 to November 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas Reyes (50) Since 2010. Serves Counsel of Pioneer since June 2007 and Assistant None Assistant Secretary at the discretion Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; of the Board. and Vice President and Counsel at State Street Bank from October 2004 to June 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark E. Bradley (53) Since 2009. Serves Vice President - Fund Treasury of Pioneer; None Treasurer and Chief at the discretion Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since March Financial and Accounting of the Board. 2008; Deputy Treasurer of Pioneer from March 2004 Officer of the Fund to February 2008; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds from March 2004 to February 2008 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luis I. Presutti (47) Since 2009. Serves Assistant Vice President - Fund Treasury of None Assistant Treasurer at the discretion Pioneer; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the of the Board. Pioneer Funds ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary Sullivan (54) Since 2009. Serves Fund Accounting Manager - Fund Treasury of Pioneer; None Assistant Treasurer at the discretion and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds of the Board. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 49 Fund Officers (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name, Age and Term of Office and Other Directorships Position Held with the Fund Length of Service Principal Occupation Held by Officer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David F. Johnson (33) Since 2009. Serves Fund Administration Manager - Fund Treasury of None Assistant Treasurer at the discretion Pioneer since November 2008; Assistant Treasurer of of the Board. all of the Pioneer Funds since January 2009; and Client Service Manager - Institutional Investor Services at State Street Bank from March 2003 to March 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean M. Bradley (60) Since 2010. Serves Chief Compliance Officer of Pioneer and of all the None Chief Compliance Officer at the discretion Pioneer Funds since March 2010; Director of Adviser of the Board. and Portfolio Compliance at Pioneer since October 2005; and Senior Compliance Officer for Columbia Management Advisers, Inc. from October 2003 to October 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelley O'Donnell (41) Since 2009. Serves Director--Transfer Agency Compliance of Pioneer and None Anti-Money Laundering at the discretion Anti-Money Laundering Officer of all the Pioneer Officer of the Board. Funds since 2006 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 This page for your notes. Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 51 This page for your notes. 52 Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund | Annual Report | 11/30/12 How to Contact Pioneer We are pleased to offer a variety of convenient ways for you to contact us for assistance or information. Call us for: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Account Information, including existing accounts, new accounts, prospectuses, applications and service forms 1-800-225-6292 FactFone(SM) for automated fund yields, prices, account information and transactions 1-800-225-4321 Retirement plans information 1-800-622-0176 Write to us: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PIMSS, Inc. P.O. Box 55014 Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014 Our toll-free fax 1-800-225-4240 Our internet e-mail address ask.pioneer@pioneerinvestments.com (for general questions about Pioneer only) Visit our web site: us.pioneerinvestments.com This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. The Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. [LOGO] PIONEER Investments(R) Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 60 State Street Boston, MA 02109 us.pioneerinvestments.com Securities offered through Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. 60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109 Underwriter of Pioneer Mutual Funds, Member SIPC (c) 2013 Pioneer Investments 23474-03-0113
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Bingham McCutchen LLP
One Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110

March 6, 2013
 

Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Investment Management
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549

 
Re:
Pioneer Series Trust II
Registration Statement on Form N-14
 
(File No.                )

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of our client, Pioneer Series Trust II (the “Registrant”), a Delaware statutory trust, we are hereby filing a combined information statement and registration statement on Form N-14, with exhibits (the “Registration Statement”).

The Registration Statement relates to a proposed reorganization of Pioneer Select Mid Cap Growth Fund, a series of Pioneer Series Trust I, with Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund, a series of the Registrant.

The Registration Statement is being filed pursuant to Rule 488 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  It is proposed that this filing will become effective on April 5, 2013 pursuant to Rule 488.

Please call the undersigned at (617) 951-8458 or Toby R. Serkin at (617) 951-8760 with any questions relating to the filing.


Sincerely,

/s/ Jeremy B. Kantrowitz

Jeremy B. Kantrowitz