N-CSRS 1 d407505dncsrs.htm MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND N-CSRS MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND N-CSRS
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-00859

MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Christopher R. Bohane

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

111 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Name and address of agents for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: May 31, 2017


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

May 31, 2017

 

LOGO

 

MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND

 

LOGO

 

MIG-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Executive Chairman     1  
Portfolio composition     2  
Expense table     3  
Portfolio of investments     5  
Statement of assets and liabilities     9  
Statement of operations     11  
Statements of changes in net assets     12  
Financial highlights     13  
Notes to financial statements     26  
Results of shareholder meeting     38  
Proxy voting policies and information     39  
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     39  
Further information     39  
Information about fund contracts and legal claims     40  
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     40  
Contact information    back cover  

 

The report is prepared for the general information of shareholders.

It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Despite policy uncertainty accompanying a new presidential administration in the United States and unease over looming Brexit negotiations, most markets have proved

resilient. U.S. share prices have reached new highs, and U.S. bond yields rose on hopes surrounding President Trump’s proposed fiscal policies and indications that the U.S. Federal Reserve will continue to gradually hike interest rates. However, interest rates in most developed markets remain very low, with central banks maintaining accommodative monetary policies in hopes of reinvigorating slow-growing economies and lifting inflation.

Globally, economic growth has shown signs of recovery, led by China, the U.S. and the eurozone. Despite better growth, there are few immediate signs of worrisome inflation, as wage growth remains muted. Emerging market economies are recovering at a

somewhat slower pace amid fears that restrictive U.S. trade policies could further hamper the restrained pace of global trade growth. Looking ahead, markets will have to contend with elections in the United Kingdom and Germany in the months ahead, as well as geopolitical hot spots on the Korean peninsula and in the Middle East.

At MFS®, we believe time is an asset. A patient, long-term approach to investing can have a powerful impact on decision making and outcomes. Time arbitrage, as we call it, simply comes down to having the conviction and discipline to allow enough time for good investment ideas to play out. In our view, such an approach, along with the professional guidance of a financial advisor, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Executive Chairman

MFS Investment Management

July 14, 2017

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
Alphabet, Inc., “A”     6.6%  
Accenture PLC, “A”     4.2%  
Visa, Inc., “A”     3.3%  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.     2.8%  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.     2.7%  
Apple, Inc.     2.6%  
NIKE, Inc., “B”     2.5%  
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., “A”     2.5%  
Ecolab, Inc.     2.5%  
Abbott Laboratories     2.4%  
Equity sectors  
Health Care     15.2%  
Special Products & Services     14.3%  
Consumer Staples     13.2%  
Technology     12.4%  
Financial Services     10.1%  
Leisure     9.4%  
Retailing     8.9%  
Basic Materials     6.3%  
Industrial Goods & Services     6.2%  
Autos & Housing     1.8%  
Transportation     1.3%  
Energy     0.4%  
 

 

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

Percentages are based on net assets as of May 31, 2017.

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

 

2


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EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, December 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017

As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on certain purchase or redemption payments, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period December 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

3


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

 

Share
Class
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Beginning
Account Value
12/01/16
    Ending
Account Value
5/31/17
    Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
12/01/16-5/31/17
 
A   Actual     0.73%       $1,000.00       $1,163.15       $3.94  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.73%       $1,000.00       $1,021.29       $3.68  
B   Actual     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,158.05       $8.02  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,017.50       $7.49  
C   Actual     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,158.15       $8.02  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,017.50       $7.49  
I   Actual     0.49%       $1,000.00       $1,164.03       $2.64  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.49%       $1,000.00       $1,022.49       $2.47  
R1   Actual     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,158.22       $8.02  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,017.50       $7.49  
R2   Actual     0.99%       $1,000.00       $1,161.56       $5.34  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.99%       $1,000.00       $1,020.00       $4.99  
R3   Actual     0.74%       $1,000.00       $1,162.42       $3.99  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.74%       $1,000.00       $1,021.24       $3.73  
R4   Actual     0.49%       $1,000.00       $1,164.17       $2.64  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.49%       $1,000.00       $1,022.49       $2.47  
R6   Actual     0.39%       $1,000.00       $1,164.89       $2.10  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.39%       $1,000.00       $1,022.99       $1.97  
529A   Actual     0.76%       $1,000.00       $1,162.34       $4.10  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.76%       $1,000.00       $1,021.14       $3.83  
529B   Actual     1.54%       $1,000.00       $1,158.51       $8.29  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.54%       $1,000.00       $1,017.25       $7.75  
529C   Actual     1.54%       $1,000.00       $1,158.07       $8.29  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.54%       $1,000.00       $1,017.25       $7.75  

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(p) “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to each class’s annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

Notes to Expense Table

Each class with a Rule 12b-1 service fee is subject to a rebate of a portion of such fee. Such rebates are included in the expense ratios above. For Class A, Class B, and Class 529A shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratios above by 0.02%, 0.01%, and 0.03%, respectively. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

5/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Common Stocks - 99.5%  
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 1.3%  
United Technologies Corp.      747,943     $ 90,710,526  
Alcoholic Beverages - 1.8%                 
AmBev S.A., ADR      9,089,735     $ 51,902,387  
Pernod Ricard S.A.      528,066       71,718,235  
    

 

 

 
      $ 123,620,622  
Apparel Manufacturers - 5.3%                 
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE      426,119     $ 108,732,337  
NIKE, Inc., “B”      3,358,241       177,953,191  
VF Corp.      1,546,047       83,177,329  
    

 

 

 
      $ 369,862,857  
Broadcasting - 0.4%                 
Walt Disney Co.      294,785     $ 31,819,093  
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 3.2%                 
Blackstone Group LP      4,014,798     $ 132,006,558  
Charles Schwab Corp.      1,403,761       54,395,739  
CME Group, Inc.      315,643       37,021,767  
    

 

 

 
      $ 223,424,064  
Business Services - 14.3%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      2,337,821     $ 290,988,580  
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., “A”      2,229,407       149,169,622  
Compass Group PLC      3,232,713       69,558,655  
Equifax, Inc.      813,209       111,246,991  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.      1,608,642       138,134,089  
Fiserv, Inc. (a)      725,987       90,951,651  
Verisk Analytics, Inc., “A” (a)      1,847,867       149,473,962  
    

 

 

 
      $ 999,523,550  
Cable TV - 0.7%                 
Comcast Corp., “A”      1,193,152     $ 49,742,507  
Chemicals - 3.9%                 
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., “A”      257,021     $ 20,695,331  
Monsanto Co.      1,231,913       144,651,225  
PPG Industries, Inc.      990,790       105,380,424  
    

 

 

 
      $ 270,726,980  

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued  
Computer Software - Systems - 2.6%                 
Apple, Inc.      1,197,423     $ 182,918,338  
Construction - 1.8%                 
Sherwin-Williams Co.      384,944     $ 127,712,871  
Consumer Products - 8.2%                 
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.      998,590     $ 51,587,159  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.      2,493,217       190,382,050  
Coty, Inc., “A”      5,002,926       94,755,418  
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., “A”      1,870,128       176,053,850  
L’Oréal S.A.      279,572       59,812,194  
    

 

 

 
      $ 572,590,671  
Electrical Equipment - 3.8%                 
Amphenol Corp.      1,407,562     $ 105,004,125  
Fortive Corp.      762,584       47,623,371  
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (a)      200,704       116,972,298  
    

 

 

 
      $ 269,599,794  
Electronics - 3.1%                 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR      2,319,243     $ 82,008,432  
Texas Instruments, Inc.      1,658,587       136,816,842  
    

 

 

 
      $ 218,825,274  
Entertainment - 2.0%                 
Time Warner, Inc.      403,938     $ 40,187,792  
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.      3,598,465       97,590,371  
    

 

 

 
      $ 137,778,163  
Food & Beverages - 3.2%                 
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co., “A”      1,382,694     $ 123,640,498  
PepsiCo, Inc.      850,910       99,445,852  
    

 

 

 
      $ 223,086,350  
Food & Drug Stores - 1.1%                 
CVS Health Corp.      1,038,819     $ 79,812,464  
Gaming & Lodging - 0.9%                 
Paddy Power Betfair PLC      606,383     $ 63,050,438  
Insurance - 2.0%                 
Aon PLC      1,079,189     $ 141,276,632  
Internet - 6.6%                 
Alphabet, Inc., “A” (a)      468,564     $ 462,514,839  

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued  
Leisure & Toys - 1.7%                 
Electronic Arts, Inc. (a)      1,038,244     $ 117,664,193  
Machinery & Tools - 1.1%                 
Colfax Corp. (a)      1,298,291     $ 52,658,683  
Fastenal Co.      536,464       23,159,151  
    

 

 

 
      $ 75,817,834  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.6%                 
Express Scripts Holding Co. (a)      707,348     $ 42,264,043  
Medical Equipment - 10.3%                 
Abbott Laboratories      3,726,711     $ 170,161,624  
Cooper Cos., Inc.      321,611       70,352,406  
Danaher Corp.      1,204,483       102,308,786  
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.      372,969       23,690,991  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.      1,125,225       194,427,628  
Waters Corp. (a)      502,912       90,333,053  
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.      555,929       66,272,296  
    

 

 

 
      $ 717,546,784  
Oil Services - 0.4%                 
Schlumberger Ltd.      433,162     $ 30,143,744  
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 4.9%                 
Mastercard, Inc., “A”      891,212     $ 109,512,131  
Visa, Inc., “A”      2,414,912       229,972,070  
    

 

 

 
      $ 339,484,201  
Pharmaceuticals - 4.3%                 
Eli Lilly & Co.      861,664     $ 68,562,604  
Roche Holding AG      365,833       100,395,861  
Zoetis, Inc.      2,100,930       130,845,920  
    

 

 

 
      $ 299,804,385  
Printing & Publishing - 1.6%                 
Moody’s Corp.      922,776     $ 109,302,817  
Railroad & Shipping - 1.3%                 
Union Pacific Corp.      813,684     $ 89,749,345  
Restaurants - 2.1%                 
Starbucks Corp.      2,315,958     $ 147,318,088  
Specialty Chemicals - 2.5%                 
Ecolab, Inc.      1,296,069     $ 172,169,806  

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued  
Specialty Stores - 2.5%                 
AutoZone, Inc.      95,848     $ 58,076,220  
TJX Cos., Inc.      1,525,243       114,713,526  
    

 

 

 
      $ 172,789,746  
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $4,693,755,318)     $ 6,952,651,019  
Money Market Funds - 0.5%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.87% (v)
(Identified Cost, $37,474,791)
     37,476,974     $ 37,476,974  
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $4,731,230,109)     $ 6,990,127,993  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (0.0)%       (2,507,538
Net Assets - 100.0%     $ 6,987,620,455  

 

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

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

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

8


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 5/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $4,693,755,318)

     $6,952,651,019  

Underlying affiliated funds, at value (identified cost, $37,474,791)

     37,476,974  

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $4,731,230,109)

     $6,990,127,993  

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $912,684)

     914,231  

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     88,048,975  

Fund shares sold

     6,106,392  

Interest and dividends

     8,324,488  

Receivable from distributor

     25,907  

Other assets

     100,339  

Total assets

     $7,093,648,325  
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $84,320,639  

Fund shares reacquired

     19,425,278  

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     129,934  

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,942,938  

Program manager fees

     65  

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     120,558  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     88,458  

Total liabilities

     $106,027,870  

Net assets

     $6,987,620,455  
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $4,544,760,413  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     2,258,994,542  

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

     162,795,901  

Undistributed net investment income

     21,069,599  

Net assets

     $6,987,620,455  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     262,760,914  

 

9


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

    Net assets  

Shares

outstanding

   Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

  $3,616,844,421   135,729,531      $26.65  

Class B

  61,041,197   2,613,932      23.35  

Class C

  221,881,882   9,576,231      23.17  

Class I

  873,268,746   31,963,424      27.32  

Class R1

  31,371,080   1,366,320      22.96  

Class R2

  212,372,674   8,188,249      25.94  

Class R3

  475,690,134   18,030,887      26.38  

Class R4

  797,099,420   29,714,470      26.83  

Class R6

  673,981,788   24,624,887      27.37  

Class 529A

  18,015,175   685,124      26.29  

Class 529B

  567,254   24,923      22.76  

Class 529C

  5,486,684   242,936      22.58  

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Classes A and 529A, for which the maximum offering prices per share were $28.28 [100 / 94.25 x $26.65] and $27.89 [100 / 94.25 x $26.29], respectively. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering prices of Class A and Class 529A shares are reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, and 529A.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

10


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 5/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income         

Income

  

Dividends

     $53,623,473  

Interest

     82,572  

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     118,988  

Foreign taxes withheld

     (788,237

Total investment income

     $53,036,796  

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $10,836,809  

Distribution and service fees

     7,009,552  

Shareholder servicing costs

     4,070,770  

Program manager fees

     10,990  

Administrative services fee

     322,179  

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     65,456  

Custodian fee

     113,581  

Shareholder communications

     213,058  

Audit and tax fees

     33,839  

Legal fees

     33,265  

Miscellaneous

     159,789  

Total expenses

     $22,869,288  

Fees paid indirectly

     (535

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (280,229

Net expenses

     $22,588,524  

Net investment income

     $30,448,272  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency  

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments:

  

Non-affiliated issuers

     $187,224,995  

Underlying affiliated funds

     (57

Foreign currency

     45,569  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $187,270,507  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $779,507,439  

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     51,388  

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

     $779,558,827  

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

     $966,829,334  

Change in net assets from operations

     $997,277,606  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

11


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

     Six months ended
5/31/17
     Year ended
11/30/16
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $30,448,272        $51,379,870  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     187,270,507        339,949,343  

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

     779,558,827        (211,909,869

Change in net assets from operations

     $997,277,606        $179,419,344  
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(50,001,458      $(60,000,235

From net realized gain on investments

     (304,321,889      (352,952,177

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(354,323,347      $(412,952,412

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $94,815,215        $(415,529,900

Total change in net assets

     $737,769,474        $(649,062,968
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     6,249,850,981        6,898,913,949  

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $21,069,599 and $40,622,785, respectively)

     $6,987,620,455        $6,249,850,981  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

   

Six months
ended

5/31/17

    Years ended 11/30  

Class A

    2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $24.25       $25.16       $25.38       $22.46       $17.74       $15.80  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (d)

    $0.11       $0.18 (c)      $0.20       $0.14       $0.14       $0.14  

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

    3.65       0.41       0.51       3.12       4.73       1.89  

Total from investment operations

    $3.76       $0.59       $0.71       $3.26       $4.87       $2.03  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.18     $(0.21     $(0.15     $(0.11     $(0.15     $(0.09

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.36     $(1.50     $(0.93     $(0.34     $(0.15     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $26.65       $24.25       $25.16       $25.38       $22.46       $17.74  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    16.32 (n)      2.66 (c)      2.90       14.79       27.67       12.95  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.74 (a)      0.74 (c)      0.74       0.74       0.75       0.79  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.73 (a)      0.73 (c)      0.73       0.73       0.74       0.79  

Net investment income

    0.89 (a)(l)      0.76 (c)      0.81       0.59       0.72       0.82  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,616,844       $3,276,518       $3,721,313       $3,792,267       $3,186,058       $2,506,173  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class B     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $21.33       $22.28       $22.60       $20.08       $15.86       $14.15  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

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

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

    3.20       0.38       0.44       2.78       4.25       1.70  

Total from investment operations

    $3.21       $0.38       $0.46       $2.75       $4.24       $1.71  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.01     $(0.04     $—       $—       $(0.02     $—  

From net realized gain on investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.19     $(1.33     $(0.78     $(0.23     $(0.02     $—  

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.35       $21.33       $22.28       $22.60       $20.08       $15.86  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    15.81 (n)      1.96 (c)      2.09       13.90       26.77       12.08  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49 (c)      1.49       1.49       1.50       1.54  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49 (c)      1.49       1.49       1.50       1.54  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.12 (a)(l)      (0.01 )(c)      0.08       (0.16     (0.03     0.05  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $61,041       $62,185       $76,233       $91,986       $101,840       $103,780  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class C     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $21.19       $22.16       $22.48       $19.97       $15.80       $14.09  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

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

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

    3.18       0.37       0.45       2.77       4.22       1.70  

Total from investment operations

    $3.19       $0.37       $0.46       $2.74       $4.21       $1.71  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.03     $(0.05     $—       $—       $(0.04     $—  

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.21     $(1.34     $(0.78     $(0.23     $(0.04     $—  

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.17       $21.19       $22.16       $22.48       $19.97       $15.80  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    15.82 (n)      1.94 (c)      2.10       13.93       26.67       12.14  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49 (c)      1.49       1.49       1.50       1.54  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49 (c)      1.49       1.49       1.50       1.54  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.12 (a)(l)      (0.01 )(c)      0.06       (0.16     (0.04     0.07  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $221,882       $233,753       $255,568       $267,749       $250,751       $203,787  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class I     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $24.87       $25.76       $25.97       $22.98       $18.14       $16.15  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (d)

    $0.14       $0.24 (c)      $0.27       $0.19       $0.17       $0.18  

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

    3.74       0.43       0.52       3.19       4.86       1.94  

Total from investment operations

    $3.88       $0.67       $0.79       $3.38       $5.03       $2.12  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.25     $(0.27     $(0.22     $(0.16     $(0.19     $(0.13

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.43     $(1.56     $(1.00     $(0.39     $(0.19     $(0.13

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.32       $24.87       $25.76       $25.97       $22.98       $18.14  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.40 (n)      2.94 (c)      3.13       15.04       28.02       13.29  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.49 (a)      0.49 (c)      0.49       0.50       0.50       0.54  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.49 (a)      0.49 (c)      0.49       0.50       0.50       0.54  

Net investment income

    1.13 (a)(l)      0.99 (c)      1.06       0.81       0.82       1.05  

Portfolio turnover

    12(n     24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $873,269       $693,673       $719,973       $766,377       $397,294       $85,219  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
5/31/17
    Years ended 11/30  
Class R1     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $21.01       $21.98       $22.30       $19.91       $15.75       $14.04  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

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

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

    3.15       0.36       0.45       2.74       4.21       1.70  

Total from investment operations

    $3.16       $0.36       $0.46       $2.71       $4.20       $1.71  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.03     $(0.04     $—       $(0.09     $(0.04     $—  

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.21     $(1.33     $(0.78     $(0.32     $(0.04     $—  

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $22.96       $21.01       $21.98       $22.30       $19.91       $15.75  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    15.82 (n)      1.92 (c)      2.12       13.91       26.71       12.18  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49 (c)      1.49       1.49       1.51       1.54  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49 (c)      1.49       1.49       1.51       1.54  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.12 (a)(l)      (0.01 )(c)      0.06       (0.16     (0.07     0.07  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $31,371       $30,462       $32,009       $34,440       $35,206       $6,968  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class R2     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $23.61       $24.52       $24.77       $21.95       $17.36       $15.47  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (d)

    $0.08       $0.11 (c)      $0.14       $0.08       $0.09       $0.10  

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

    3.55       0.42       0.49       3.04       4.62       1.86  

Total from investment operations

    $3.63       $0.53       $0.63       $3.12       $4.71       $1.96  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.12     $(0.15     $(0.10     $(0.07     $(0.12     $(0.07

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.30     $(1.44     $(0.88     $(0.30     $(0.12     $(0.07

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $25.94       $23.61       $24.52       $24.77       $21.95       $17.36  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.16 (n)      2.43 (c)      2.61       14.46       27.33       12.74  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.99 (a)      0.99 (c)      0.99       0.99       1.00       1.04  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.99 (a)      0.99 (c)      0.99       0.99       1.00       1.04  

Net investment income

    0.62 (a)(l)      0.49 (c)      0.56       0.33       0.44       0.61  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $212,373       $185,959       $209,709       $228,141       $192,103       $113,177  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class R3     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $24.03       $24.93       $25.16       $22.29       $17.61       $15.69  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (d)

    $0.11       $0.17 (c)      $0.20       $0.14       $0.14       $0.15  

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

    3.60       0.43       0.50       3.08       4.70       1.87  

Total from investment operations

    $3.71       $0.60       $0.70       $3.22       $4.84       $2.02  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.18     $(0.21     $(0.15     $(0.12     $(0.16     $(0.10

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.36     $(1.50     $(0.93     $(0.35     $(0.16     $(0.10

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $26.38       $24.03       $24.93       $25.16       $22.29       $17.61  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.24 (n)      2.71 (c)      2.89       14.73       27.71       12.99  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.74 (a)      0.74 (c)      0.74       0.74       0.75       0.79  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.74 (a)      0.74 (c)      0.74       0.74       0.74       0.79  

Net investment income

    0.87 (a)(l)      0.74 (c)      0.81       0.59       0.69       0.87  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $475,690       $405,222       $482,657       $531,858       $412,052       $226,452  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class R4     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $24.44       $25.34       $25.55       $22.62       $17.86       $15.90  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (d)

    $0.14       $0.23 (c)      $0.26       $0.20       $0.19       $0.20  

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

    3.67       0.43       0.52       3.12       4.77       1.89  

Total from investment operations

    $3.81       $0.66       $0.78       $3.32       $4.96       $2.09  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.24     $(0.27     $(0.21     $(0.16     $(0.20     $(0.13

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.42     $(1.56     $(0.99     $(0.39     $(0.20     $(0.13

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $26.83       $24.44       $25.34       $25.55       $22.62       $17.86  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.42 (n)      2.95 (c)      3.16       14.99       28.03       13.31  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.49 (a)      0.49 (c)      0.49       0.49       0.50       0.54  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.49 (a)      0.49 (c)      0.49       0.49       0.50       0.54  

Net investment income

    1.12 (a)(l)      0.98 (c)      1.06       0.83       0.92       1.19  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $797,099       $727,479       $933,126       $1,002,443       $814,203       $394,699  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class R6     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012 (i)  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $24.92       $25.82       $26.02       $23.01       $18.15       $16.55  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16       $0.27 (c)      $0.29       $0.22       $0.21       $0.30  

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

    3.74       0.42       0.53       3.20       4.85       1.30 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.90       $0.69       $0.82       $3.42       $5.06       $1.60  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

    $(0.27     $(0.30     $(0.24     $(0.18     $(0.20     $—  

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.45     $(1.59     $(1.02     $(0.41     $(0.20     $—  

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.37       $24.92       $25.82       $26.02       $23.01       $18.15  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.49 (n)      3.02 (c)      3.24       15.17       28.16       9.67 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.39 (a)      0.38 (c)      0.38       0.39       0.41       0.43 (a) 

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.39 (a)      0.38 (c)      0.38       0.39       0.41       0.43 (a) 

Net investment income

    1.23 (a)(l)      1.10 (c)      1.14       0.93       0.99       3.42 (a)(l) 

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $673,982       $614,343       $450,440       $360,116       $293,107       $85,242  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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    Six months
ended
5/31/17
    Years ended 11/30  
Class 529A     2016     2015     2014     2013      2012  
    (unaudited)                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $23.96       $24.88       $25.12       $22.24       $17.56        $15.64  
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.11       $0.17 (c)      $0.19       $0.13       $0.14        $0.13  

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

    3.59       0.41       0.50       3.09       4.69        1.87  

Total from investment operations

    $3.70       $0.58       $0.69       $3.22       $4.83        $2.00  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.19     $(0.21     $(0.15     $(0.11     $(0.15      $(0.08

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23             

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.37     $(1.50     $(0.93     $(0.34     $(0.15      $(0.08

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $26.29       $23.96       $24.88       $25.12       $22.24        $17.56  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    16.23 (n)      2.65 (c)      2.85       14.75       27.68        12.91  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                  

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.84 (a)      0.84 (c)      0.84       0.84       0.85        0.89  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.76 (a)      0.75 (c)      0.76       0.75       0.76        0.84  

Net investment income

    0.86 (a)(l)      0.72 (c)      0.77       0.57       0.69        0.78  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25        33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $18,015       $14,831       $13,116       $10,975       $8,692        $6,345  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class 529B     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $20.83       $21.83       $22.17       $19.71       $15.59       $13.91  
Income (loss) from investment operations                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.01       $(0.01 )(c)      $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.04     $(0.01     $0.00 (w) 

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

    3.13       0.36       0.44       2.73       4.16       1.68  

Total from investment operations

    $3.14       $0.35       $0.44       $2.69       $4.15       $1.68  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

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

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.21     $(1.35     $(0.78     $(0.23     $(0.03     $—  

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $22.76       $20.83       $21.83       $22.17       $19.71       $15.59  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    15.85 (n)      1.87 (c)      2.04       13.86       26.66       12.08  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.59 (a)      1.59 (c)      1.59       1.59       1.60       1.64  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.54 (c)      1.54       1.54       1.55       1.59  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.06 (a)(l)      (0.06 )(c)      (0.01     (0.21     (0.08     0.01  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $567       $567       $576       $543       $519       $528  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Six months
ended
5/31/17

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Class 529C     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $20.70       $21.71       $22.06       $19.61       $15.53       $13.85  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

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

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

    3.09       0.35       0.44       2.72       4.14       1.68  

Total from investment operations

    $3.10       $0.34       $0.44       $2.68       $4.12       $1.68  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.04     $(0.06     $(0.01     $—       $(0.04     $—  

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.18     (1.29     (0.78     (0.23            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.22     $(1.35     $(0.79     $(0.23     $(0.04     $—  

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $22.58       $20.70       $21.71       $22.06       $19.61       $15.53  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    15.81 (n)      1.85 (c)      2.04       13.88       26.61       12.13  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.59 (a)      1.59 (c)      1.59       1.59       1.60       1.64  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.53 (c)      1.54       1.54       1.55       1.59  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.08 (a)(l)      (0.06 )(c)      (0.01     (0.22     (0.10     0.03  

Portfolio turnover

    12 (n)      24       26       26       25       33  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $5,487       $4,860       $4,193       $3,246       $2,709       $1,992  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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(a) Annualized.
(c) Amount reflects a one-time reimbursement of expenses by the custodian (or former custodian) without which net investment income and performance would be lower and expenses would be higher.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(g) The per share amount varies from the net realized and unrealized gain/loss for the period because of the timing of sales of fund shares and the per share amount of realized and unrealized gains and losses at such time.
(i) For the period from the class inception, June 1, 2012, through the stated period end.
(l) Recognition of net investment income by the fund may be affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by companies in which the fund invests and the actual annual net investment income ratio may differ.
(n) Not annualized.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(s) From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.
(t) Total returns do not include any applicable sales charges.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01.
(x) The net asset values and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (the fund) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified open-end management investment company.

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

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued.

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its Final Rule on Investment Company Reporting Modernization (the “Rule”). The Rule, which introduces two new regulatory reporting forms for investment companies – Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN – also contains amendments to Regulation S-X which impact financial statement presentation, particularly the presentation of derivative investments. Although still evaluating the impacts of the Rule, management believes that many of the Regulation S-X amendments are consistent with the fund’s current financial statement presentation and expects that the fund will be able to comply with the Rule’s Regulation S-X amendments by the August 1, 2017 compliance date.

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

Investment Valuations Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price on their primary market or exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation on their primary market or exchange as provided by a third-party pricing

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The values of foreign securities and other assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the mean of bid and asked prices for rates provided by a third-party pricing service.

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

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of May 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $6,952,651,019        $—        $—        $6,952,651,019  
Mutual Funds      37,476,974                      37,476,974  
Total Investments      $6,990,127,993        $—        $—        $6,990,127,993  

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

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

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

fund and the lending agent. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasury and/or federal agency obligations, a fee is received from the Borrower, and is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. Income from securities lending is included in “Interest” income in the Statement of Operations. The dividend and interest income earned on the securities loaned is accounted for in the same manner as other dividend and interest income. At May 31, 2017, there were no securities on loan or collateral outstanding.

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

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

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

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced by a credit earned under an arrangement that measures the value of U.S. dollars deposited with the custodian by the fund. The amount of the credit, for the six months ended May 31, 2017, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The fund’s federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability. Foreign taxes, if any, have been accrued by the fund in the accompanying financial statements in accordance with the applicable foreign tax law. Foreign income taxes may be withheld by certain countries in which the fund invests. Additionally, capital gains realized by the fund on securities issued in or by certain foreign countries may be subject to capital gains tax imposed by those countries.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

Book/tax differences primarily relate to wash sale loss deferrals and treating a portion of the proceeds from redemptions as a distribution for tax purposes.

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

 

     Year ended
11/30/16
 
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $60,000,235  
Long-term capital gains      352,952,177  
Total distributions      $412,952,412  

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

 

As of 5/31/17       
Cost of investments      $4,741,704,936  
Gross appreciation      2,308,258,391  
Gross depreciation      (59,835,334
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $2,248,423,057  
As of 11/30/16       
Undistributed ordinary income      44,057,824  
Undistributed long-term capital gain      287,971,621  
Post-October capital loss deferral      (967,282
Other temporary differences      (71,998
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      1,468,915,618  

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

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution, service, and program manager fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B and Class 529B shares will convert to Class A and Class 529A shares, respectively, approximately eight years after

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

purchase. The fund’s distributions declared to shareholders as reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets are presented by class as follows:

 

     From net investment
income
     From net realized gain on
investments
 
     Six months
ended
5/31/17
     Year
ended
11/30/16
     Six months
ended
5/31/17
     Year ended
11/30/16
 
Class A      $24,734,452        $31,162,410        $158,887,892        $189,697,630  
Class B      23,519        123,273        3,351,972        4,410,635  
Class C      281,314        561,238        12,902,863        14,785,141  
Class I      6,935,491        7,558,761        33,193,266        35,861,677  
Class R1      40,275        61,467        1,655,156        1,863,468  
Class R2      957,601        1,238,740        9,221,821        10,976,589  
Class R3      3,064,716        4,010,827        19,967,041        24,956,233  
Class R4      7,075,676        9,918,932        34,742,354        47,015,899  
Class R6      6,760,850        5,239,980        29,358,227        22,427,451  
Class 529A      116,380        110,745        732,463        672,651  
Class 529B      712        1,552        31,922        34,283  
Class 529C      10,472        12,310        276,912        250,520  
Total      $50,001,458        $60,000,235        $304,321,889        $352,952,177  

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with MFS to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.33% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $290,538 and $9,443 for the six months ended May 31, 2017, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A and Class 529A shares of the fund, respectively.

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

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

 

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Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate (d)
     Service
Fee Rate (d)
     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
     Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
     Distribution
and Service
Fee
 
Class A             0.25%        0.25%        0.23%        $4,251,585  
Class B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        0.99%        307,459  
Class C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        1,195,156  
Class R1      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        153,193  
Class R2      0.25%        0.25%        0.50%        0.50%        491,637  
Class R3             0.25%        0.25%        0.25%        561,595  
Class 529A             0.25%        0.25%        0.22%        20,326  
Class 529B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        2,853  
Class 529C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        25,748  
Total Distribution and Service Fees        $7,009,552  

 

(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees equal to these annual percentage rates of each class’s average daily net assets. The distribution and service fee rates disclosed by class represent the current rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Any rate changes, if applicable, are detailed below.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended May 31, 2017 based on each class’s average daily net assets. MFD has voluntarily agreed to rebate a portion of each class’s 0.25% service fee attributable to accounts for which MFD retains the 0.25% service fee except for accounts attributable to MFS or its affiliates’ seed money. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, this rebate amounted to $268,868, $1,688, $1,581, $16, $4, $2,522, $1, and $54 for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R1, Class R2, Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C, respectively, and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 18 months of purchase. Class C and Class 529C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B and Class 529B shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within six years of purchase. All contingent deferred sales charges are paid to MFD and during the six months ended May 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $10,981  
Class B      46,093  
Class C      6,423  
Class 529B       
Class 529C      22  

The fund has entered into and may from time to time enter into contracts with program managers and other parties which administer the tuition programs through which an investment in the fund’s 529 share classes is made. The fund has entered into an agreement with MFD pursuant to which MFD receives an annual fee of up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. MFD has agreed to waive a portion of this fee in an amount equal to 0.05% of the average daily net assets for each 529 share class. This waiver agreement will expire on March 31, 2018, unless MFD elects to extend the waiver. For the six months ended May 31, 2017,

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

this waiver amounted to $5,495 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended May 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. The services provided by MFD, or a third party with which MFD contracts, include recordkeeping and tax reporting and account services, as well as services designed to maintain the program’s compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory requirements. Program manager fees and waivers for the six months ended May 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $8,130        $4,065  
Class 529B      285        143  
Class 529C      2,575        1,287  
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $10,990        $5,495  

Shareholder Servicing Agent – MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, receives a fee from the fund for its services as shareholder servicing agent calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the fund as determined periodically under the supervision of the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the fee was $571,776, which equated to 0.0174% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. Class R6 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $3,498,994.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended May 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0098% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Trustees’ and Officers’ Compensation – The fund pays compensation to independent Trustees in the form of a retainer, attendance fees, and additional compensation to Board and Committee chairpersons. The fund does not pay compensation directly to Trustees or officers of the fund who are also officers of the investment adviser, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the fund from MFS. Certain officers and Trustees of the fund are officers or directors of MFS, MFD, and MFSC.

Prior to December 31, 2001, the fund had an unfunded defined benefit plan (“DB plan”) for independent Trustees. As of December 31, 2001, the Board took action to terminate the DB plan with respect to then-current and any future independent Trustees, such that the DB plan covers only certain of those former independent Trustees who retired on or before December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002,

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

accrued benefits under the DB plan for then-current independent Trustees who continued were credited to an unfunded retirement deferral plan (the “Retirement Deferral plan”), which was established for and exists solely with respect to these credited amounts, and is not available for other deferrals by these or other independent Trustees. Although the Retirement Deferral plan is unfunded, amounts deferred under the plan are periodically adjusted for investment experience as if they had been invested in shares of the fund. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $5,129 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $8,507. Both amounts are included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended May 31, 2017. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $91,039 at May 31, 2017, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Deferred Trustee Compensation – Under a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), independent Trustees previously were allowed to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual compensation. Effective January 1, 2005, the Board elected to no longer allow Trustees to defer receipt of future compensation under the Plan. Amounts deferred under the Plan are invested in shares of certain MFS Funds selected by the independent Trustees as notional investments. Deferred amounts represent an unsecured obligation of the fund until distributed in accordance with the Plan. Included in “Other assets” and “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $23,254 of deferred Trustees’ compensation. There is no current year expense associated with the Plan.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into a service agreement (the ISO Agreement) which provides for payment of fees solely by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Senior Officer (ISO) for the funds. Frank L. Tarantino serves as the ISO and is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the ISO Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the ISO Agreement. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $6,034 and is included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ISO.

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

On March 16, 2016, MFS redeemed 44,713 shares of Class I for an aggregate amount of $1,064,627.

The fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions with funds and accounts for which MFS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser (“cross-trades”) pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board of Trustees. This policy has been designed to ensure that cross-trades conducted by the fund comply with Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under this policy, cross-trades are effected at current market prices with no remuneration paid in connection with the transaction. During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the fund engaged in purchase and sale

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

transactions pursuant to this policy, which amounted to $12,662,407 and $2,058,842, respectively. The sales transactions resulted in net realized gains (losses) of $13,072.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended May 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $808,943,133 and $1,047,709,041, respectively.

(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest

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

 

     Six months ended
5/31/17
     Year ended
11/30/16
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     9,589,981        $237,523,752        14,680,653        $347,530,585  

Class B

     110,588        2,394,606        282,036        5,901,980  

Class C

     368,675        7,856,033        759,405        15,671,784  

Class I

     7,468,535        189,523,723        10,791,579        266,423,589  

Class R1

     126,301        2,700,484        331,549        6,841,379  

Class R2

     1,423,244        34,356,190        1,817,615        42,058,183  

Class R3

     3,268,925        78,052,139        3,974,806        93,954,886  

Class R4

     2,679,166        65,961,256        6,821,422        163,292,210  

Class R6

     2,277,929        57,076,036        20,427,871        504,099,279  

Class 529A

     81,298        1,984,010        129,655        3,048,366  

Class 529B

     1,160        28,404        5,303        103,713  

Class 529C

     26,609        565,578        73,062        1,463,606  
     27,422,411        $678,022,211        60,094,956        $1,450,389,560  
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     6,504,724        $152,080,605        8,070,127        $185,532,227  

Class B

     158,968        3,268,547        214,693        4,371,147  

Class C

     520,474        10,617,674        599,217        12,122,164  

Class I

     1,583,272        37,919,362        1,739,006        40,901,412  

Class R1

     83,849        1,695,431        95,959        1,924,935  

Class R2

     403,125        9,187,227        498,798        11,193,028  

Class R3

     994,892        23,031,757        1,271,486        28,964,452  

Class R4

     1,355,095        31,871,829        1,999,385        46,205,797  

Class R6

     1,353,255        32,451,058        1,028,662        24,225,000  

Class 529A

     36,792        848,843        34,467        783,093  

Class 529B

     1,629        32,634        1,801        35,835  

Class 529C

     14,449        287,384        13,288        262,830  
     13,010,524        $303,292,351        15,566,889        $356,521,920  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
5/31/17
     Year ended
11/30/16
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (15,451,756      $(381,260,178      (35,589,435      $(849,537,313

Class B

     (571,641      (12,528,921      (1,001,917      (20,955,263

Class C

     (2,346,411      (52,410,467      (1,858,356      (38,919,203

Class I

     (4,982,707      (126,746,923      (12,588,000      (307,032,719

Class R1

     (293,904      (6,328,702      (433,825      (8,961,551

Class R2

     (1,513,529      (36,573,227      (2,992,184      (69,041,962

Class R3

     (3,098,859      (75,520,247      (7,738,682      (182,656,257

Class R4

     (4,090,710      (102,185,439      (15,876,211      (386,194,939

Class R6

     (3,656,684      (90,885,205      (14,253,024      (356,387,749

Class 529A

     (51,976      (1,265,730      (72,255      (1,720,968

Class 529B

     (5,068      (108,368      (6,301      (129,122

Class 529C

     (32,848      (685,940      (44,751      (904,334
     (36,096,093      $(886,499,347      (92,454,941      $(2,222,441,380
Net change            

Class A

     642,949        $8,344,179        (12,838,655      $(316,474,501

Class B

     (302,085      (6,865,768      (505,188      (10,682,136

Class C

     (1,457,262      (33,936,760      (499,734      (11,125,255

Class I

     4,069,100        100,696,162        (57,415      292,282  

Class R1

     (83,754      (1,932,787      (6,317      (195,237

Class R2

     312,840        6,970,190        (675,771      (15,790,751

Class R3

     1,164,958        25,563,649        (2,492,390      (59,736,919

Class R4

     (56,449      (4,352,354      (7,055,404      (176,696,932

Class R6

     (25,500      (1,358,111      7,203,509        171,936,530  

Class 529A

     66,114        1,567,123        91,867        2,110,491  

Class 529B

     (2,279      (47,330      803        10,426  

Class 529C

     8,210        167,022        41,599        822,102  
     4,336,842        $94,815,215        (16,793,096      $(415,529,900

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.25 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate or daily one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $22,506 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      47,471,088        444,930,752        (454,924,866      37,476,974  
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      $(57      $—        $118,988        $37,476,974  

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

(unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund, which was held on March 23, 2017, the following action was taken:

Item 1: To elect the following individuals as Trustees:

 

     Number of Dollars  

Nominee

   For     

Withheld Authority

 
Steven E. Buller      3,785,508,464.611        92,737,195.757  
John A. Caroselli      3,779,081,745.785        99,163,914.583  
Maureen R. Goldfarb      3,781,494,429.824        96,739,024.464  
David H. Gunning      3,765,773,479.104        112,477,712.143  
Michael Hegarty      3,771,841,050.314        106,410,164.403  
John P. Kavanaugh      3,784,778,790.882        93,472,400.365  
Robert J. Manning      3,783,465,152.720        94,780,507.647  
Clarence Otis, Jr.      3,762,030,789.329        116,214,871.039  
Maryanne L. Roepke      3,792,257,219.911        85,970,703.496  
Robin A. Stelmach      3,792,251,366.918        85,976,556.490  
Laurie J. Thomsen      3,786,605,750.839        91,627,679.738  

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting mfs.com (once you have selected “Individual Investor” as your role, click on “Individual Investor Home” in the top navigation and then select “Learn More About Proxy Voting” under the “I want to…” header on the left hand column of the page), or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available by August 31 of each year without charge by visiting mfs.com (once you have selected “Individual Investor” as your role, click on “Individual Investor Home” in the top navigation and then select “Learn More About Proxy Voting” under the “I want to…” header on the left hand column of the page), or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, MFS may post important information about the fund or the MFS funds on the MFS web site (mfs.com). This information is available on mfs.com by following these steps once you have selected “Individual Investor” as your role: (1) Click on the “Individual Investor Home” in the top navigation and then select the “Announcements” option within the “Market Outlooks” drop down, or (2) Click on “Products & Services” and “Mutual Funds” and then choose the fund’s name in the “Select a fund” menu.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT FUND CONTRACTS AND LEGAL CLAIMS

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, distributor, shareholder servicing agent, 529 program manager (if applicable), and custodian who each provide services to the fund. Unless expressly stated otherwise, shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the fund.

Under the Trust’s By-Laws and Declaration of Trust, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the MFS Funds, including claims against Trustees and Officers, must be brought in state and federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

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

 

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LOGO

 

Save paper with eDelivery.

 

LOGO

MFS® will send you prospectuses,

reports, and proxies directly via e-mail so you will get information faster with less mailbox clutter.

To sign up:

1. Go to mfs.com.

2. Log in via MFS® Access.

3. Select eDelivery.

If you own your MFS fund shares through a financial institution or a retirement plan, MFS® TALK, MFS® Access, or eDelivery may not be available to you.

 

CONTACT

WEB SITE

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

ACCOUNT SERVICE AND LITERATURE

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

Financial advisors

1-800-343-2829

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

MAILING ADDRESS

MFS Service Center, Inc.

P.O. Box 55824

Boston, MA 02205-5824

OVERNIGHT MAIL

MFS Service Center, Inc.

c/o Boston Financial Data Services

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

 


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Code of Ethics (the “Code”) was amended to (i) clarify that the term “for profit” company as used in Section II.B of the Code excludes the investment adviser and its subsidiaries and pooled investment vehicles sponsored by the investment adviser or its subsidiaries, (ii) align the Code’s provisions regarding receipt of gifts and entertainment in Section II.B of the Code with the gifts and entertainment policy of the Funds’ investment adviser, and (iii) make other administrative changes. During the period covered by this report, the Registrant did not grant a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from any provision of the Code.

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

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS

A schedule of investments for Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund is included as part of the report to shareholders under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

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

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

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

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

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

Not applicable to the Registrant.


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

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

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

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

 

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

 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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Notice

A copy of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, of the Registrant is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Registrant by an officer of the Registrant as an officer and not individually and the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the respective constituent series of the Registrant.


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SIGNATURES

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

(Registrant) MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND            

 

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

Date: July 14, 2017

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

 

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

Date: July 14, 2017

 

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

Date: July 14, 2017

 

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