N-CSRS 1 d678218dncsrs.htm MFS SERIES TRUST I N-CSRS MFS SERIES TRUST I 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 811-04777

MFS SERIES TRUST I

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Susan S. Newton

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: August 31

Date of reporting period: February 28, 2014


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® CASH RESERVE FUND

 

LOGO

 

LMM-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® CASH RESERVE FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     8   
Statement of operations     10   
Statements of changes in net assets     11   
Financial highlights     12   
Notes to financial statements     22   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     31   
Proxy voting policies and information     31   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     31   
Further information     31   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     31   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (u)

 

LOGO

 

Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(u)    
A-1+     14.9%   
A-1     84.8%   
A-2     0.6%   
Not Rated     0.0%   
Other Assets Less Liabilities     (0.3)%   
Maturity breakdown (u)  
0 - 7 days     9.3%   
8 - 29 days     25.4%   
30 - 59 days     38.1%   
60 - 89 days     17.4%   
90 - 365 days     10.1%   
Other Assets Less Liabilities     (0.3)%   
 

 

(a) Ratings are assigned to portfolio securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P scale. All ratings are subject to change. The fund is not rated by these agencies.
(u) For purposes of this presentation, accrued interest, where applicable, is included.

From time to time “Other Assets Less Liabilities” may be negative due to timing of cash receipts.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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, September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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


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Expense Table – continued

 

Share
Class
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Beginning
Account Value
9/01/13
    Ending
Account Value
2/28/14
    Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
9/01/13-2/28/14
 
A   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
B   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
C   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
R1   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
R2   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
R3   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
R4   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
529A   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
529B   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   
529C   Actual     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,000.00        $0.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.11%        $1,000.00        $1,024.25        $0.55   

 

(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 181/365 (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

As more fully disclosed in footnote 3 to the financial statements, the expense ratios reported above include additional expense reductions to avoid a negative yield.

 

4


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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (unaudited)

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

 

Certificates of Deposit - 18.2%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Major Banks - 9.7%                 
Bank of Montreal/Chicago Branch, 0.16%, due 4/10/14    $ 15,512,000      $ 15,512,000   
Bank of Nova Scotia/Houston Branch, 0.16%, due 3/27/14      6,150,000        6,150,000   
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce/New York Branch, 0.05%, due 3/05/14      107,000        107,000   
Toronto Dominion Holdings (USA), Inc., 0.105%, due 3/18/14      3,248,000        3,248,000   
Toronto Dominion Holdings (USA), Inc., 0.145%, due 4/04/14      12,061,000        12,061,000   
    

 

 

 
             $ 37,078,000   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 8.5%                 
Mizuho Corporate Bank (USA)/New York Branch, 0.2%, due 4/17/14    $ 15,555,000      $ 15,555,000   
National Bank of Canada/New York Branch, 0.19%, due 4/22/14      16,600,000        16,600,000   
    

 

 

 
             $ 32,155,000   
Total Certificates of Deposit, at Cost and Value      $ 69,233,000   
Commercial Paper (y) - 49.5%                 
Automotive - 5.5%                 
American Honda Finance Corp., 0.13%, due 3/07/14    $ 3,604,000      $ 3,603,924   
American Honda Finance Corp., 0.13%, due 4/22/14      1,910,000        1,909,641   
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 0.1%, due 4/09/14      5,790,000        5,789,373   
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 0.14%, due 5/06/14      2,516,000        2,515,354   
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 0.2%, due 7/30/14      7,079,000        7,073,062   
    

 

 

 
             $ 20,891,354   
Business Services - 1.3%                 
Cisco Systems, Inc., 0.07%, due 3/19/14 (t)    $ 4,877,000      $ 4,876,829   
Consumer Products - 8.3%                 
Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc., 0.05%, due 3/20/14 (t)    $ 6,771,000      $ 6,770,821   
Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc., 0.08%, due 3/18/14 (t)      8,550,000        8,549,677   
Procter & Gamble Co., 0.1%, due 4/16/14 (t)      6,125,000        6,124,217   
Procter & Gamble Co., 0.1%, due 5/09/14 (t)      9,363,000        9,361,205   
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 0.08%, due 3/18/14 (t)      1,000,000        999,962   
    

 

 

 
             $ 31,805,882   
Electronics - 4.2%                 
Emerson Electric Co., 0.11%, due 4/03/14 (t)    $ 15,925,000      $ 15,923,394   
Financial Institutions - 4.0%                 
General Electric Capital Corp., 0.12%, due 5/20/14    $ 15,325,000      $ 15,320,913   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Commercial Paper (y) - continued                 
Food & Beverages - 10.2%                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 0.18%, due 4/28/14 (t)    $ 10,019,000      $ 10,016,094   
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 0.18%, due 5/05/14 (t)      1,689,000        1,688,451   
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 0.21%, due 5/21/14 (t)      3,681,000        3,679,261   
Coca-Cola Co., 0.16%, due 7/14/14 (t)      6,592,000        6,588,045   
Coca-Cola Co., 0.19%, due 6/23/14 (t)      1,225,000        1,224,263   
Pepsico Inc., 0.06%, due 4/07/14 (t)      8,604,000        8,603,469   
Pepsico Inc., 0.07%, due 4/10/14 (t)      6,866,000        6,865,466   
    

 

 

 
             $ 38,665,049   
Major Banks - 8.2%                 
Bank of Nova Scotia, 0.165%, due 5/27/14    $ 8,000,000      $ 7,996,810   
Bank of Nova Scotia, 0.195%, due 6/25/14      1,014,000        1,013,363   
Wells Fargo & Co., 0.2%, due 5/02/14      815,000        814,719   
Wells Fargo & Co., 0.2%, due 6/03/14      7,000,000        6,996,344   
Wells Fargo & Co., 0.21%, due 8/13/14      7,507,000        7,499,775   
Westpac Banking Corp., 0.14%, due 3/25/14 (t)      7,093,000        7,092,338   
    

 

 

 
             $ 31,413,349   
Pharmaceuticals - 7.8%                 
Merck & Co., Inc., 0.05%, due 3/19/14 (t)    $ 15,321,000      $ 15,320,617   
Sanofi, 0.09%, due 3/21/14 (t)      14,258,000        14,257,287   
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,577,904   
Total Commercial Paper, at Amortized Cost and Value            $ 188,474,674   
U.S. Government Agencies and Equivalents (y) - 25.6%           
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.045%, due 4/09/14    $ 512,000      $ 511,975   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.11%, due 7/02/14      161,000        160,939   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.05%, due 3/12/14      2,281,000        2,280,965   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.025%, due 3/21/14      4,340,000        4,339,940   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.028%, due 3/21/14      10,737,000        10,736,833   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.1%, due 3/21/14      12,000,000        11,999,333   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.055%, due 4/02/14      7,518,000        7,517,632   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.09%, due 4/09/14      106,000        105,990   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.06%, due 4/23/14      4,775,000        4,774,578   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.08%, due 5/07/14      8,278,000        8,276,768   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.1%, due 5/28/14      100,000        99,976   
Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.02%, due 3/05/14      4,975,000        4,974,989   
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.05%, due 4/17/14      15,000,000        14,999,021   
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.06%, due 7/31/14      7,894,000        7,892,000   
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.075%, due 5/01/14      16,629,000        16,626,887   
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.07%, due 4/24/14      2,079,000        2,078,782   
Total U.S. Government Agencies and Equivalents,
at Amortized Cost and Value
           $ 97,376,608   

 

6


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Floating Rate Demand Notes - 4.3%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
East Baton Rouge, LA, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), 0.03%, due 3/03/14    $ 9,700,000      $ 9,700,000   
Lincoln County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), 0.03%, due 3/03/14      5,300,000        5,300,000   
Lincoln County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), “A”, 0.03%, due 3/03/14      1,300,000        1,300,000   
Total Floating Rate Demand Notes, at Cost and Value            $ 16,300,000   
Repurchase Agreements - 2.7%                 
Goldman Sachs Repurchase Agreement, 0.04%, dated 2/28/14, due 3/03/14, total to be received $2,117,007 (secured by U.S. Treasury and Federal Agency obligations valued at $2,159,347 in a jointly traded account)    $ 2,117,000      $ 2,117,000   
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. Repurchase Agreement, 0.04%, dated 2/28/14, due 3/03/14, total to be received $8,178,027 (secured by U.S. Treasury and Federal Agency obligations valued at $8,341,578 in a jointly traded account)      8,178,000        8,178,000   
Total Repurchase Agreements, at Cost and Value            $ 10,295,000   
Total Investments, at Amortized Cost and Value            $ 381,679,282   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (0.3)%              (1,101,670
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 380,577,612   

 

(t) Security exempt from registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
(y) The rate shown represents an annualized yield at time of purchase.

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

 

PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments, at amortized cost and value

     $381,679,282   

Cash

     753   

Receivables for

  

Fund shares sold

     744,209   

Interest

     22,043   

Receivable from investment adviser and distributor

     91,969   

Other assets

     2,553   

Total assets

     $382,540,809   
Liabilities         

Payable for fund shares reacquired

     $1,668,551   

Payable to affiliates

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     268,701   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     11,990   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     13,955   

Total liabilities

     $1,963,197   

Net assets

     $380,577,612   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $380,799,665   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (207,454

Accumulated net investment loss

     (14,599

Net assets

     $380,577,612   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     380,807,675   

 

8


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Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share
 

Class A

     $137,471,403         137,542,584         $1.00   

Class B

     27,504,908         27,551,999         1.00   

Class C

     50,368,961         50,398,747         1.00   

Class R1

     17,902,461         17,912,101         1.00   

Class R2

     64,847,481         64,884,582         1.00   

Class R3

     61,346,594         61,377,524         1.00   

Class R4

     2,903,997         2,905,712         1.00   

Class 529A

     11,115,644         11,117,205         1.00   

Class 529B

     642,549         642,864         1.00   

Class 529C

     6,473,614         6,474,357         1.00   

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 R1, R2, R3, R4, and 529A.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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         

Interest income

     $213,879   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $805,399   

Distribution and service fees

     1,001,506   

Program manager fees

     9,126   

Shareholder servicing costs

     340,379   

Administrative services fee

     29,220   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     5,029   

Custodian fee

     19,631   

Shareholder communications

     12,232   

Audit and tax fees

     17,235   

Legal fees

     3,610   

Miscellaneous

     68,337   

Total expenses

     $2,311,704   

Fees paid indirectly

     (7

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (2,097,818

Net expenses

     $213,879   

Net investment income

     $0   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     $254   

Change in net assets from operations

     $254   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

     Six months ended
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $0         $0   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     254         0   

Change in net assets from operations

     $254         $0   

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $(32,556,133      $(2,037,038

Total change in net assets

     $(32,555,879      $(2,037,038
Net assets                  
At beginning of period      413,133,491         415,170,529   

At end of period (including accumulated net investment loss of $14,599 and $14,599, respectively)

     $380,577,612         $413,133,491   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

   

Six months

ended

2/28/14

    Years ended 8/31  
Class A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                         (0.00 )(w)      (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)(t)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.31   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.90 (a)      0.93        0.93        0.94        0.85        0.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.13        0.20        0.27        0.39   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $137,471        $145,062        $126,283        $153,634        $141,832        $173,135   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)(t)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.10   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.65 (a)      1.68        1.68        1.69        1.69        1.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.12        0.20        0.27        0.60   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.08   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $27,505        $30,833        $35,098        $50,379        $66,601        $104,696   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)(t)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.10   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.65 (a)      1.68        1.68        1.69        1.69        1.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.13        0.20        0.27        0.60   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.08   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $50,369        $58,363        $49,851        $61,943        $50,196        $70,005   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R1     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.10   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.65 (a)      1.68        1.68        1.69        1.69        1.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.13        0.20        0.27        0.58   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.09   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $17,902        $21,080        $24,361        $28,705        $30,233        $29,457   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R2     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $(0.00 )(w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.17   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.15 (a)      1.18        1.18        1.19        1.19        1.22   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.13        0.20        0.27        0.51   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.15   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $64,847        $74,406        $83,723        $104,130        $109,362        $120,476   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R3     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.23   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.90 (a)      0.93        0.93        0.94        0.94        0.97   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.13        0.20        0.27        0.45   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.20   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $61,347        $64,925        $79,029        $85,602        $90,331        $104,062   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R4      2013      2012      2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                  

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $1.00        $1.00         $1.00         $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                     

Net investment income (d)

     $0.00        $0.00         $0.00         $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

     0.00 (w)                      (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

     $0.00 (w)      $0.00         $0.00         $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                     

From net investment income

     $—        $—         $—         $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                            (0.00 )(w)      (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $—        $—         $—         $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

     $1.00        $1.00         $1.00         $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)

     0.00 (n)      0.00         0.00         0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.31   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                             

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     0.64 (a)      0.68         0.69         0.69        0.68        0.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     0.11 (a)      0.15         0.12         0.20        0.27        0.38   

Net investment income

     0.00 (a)      0.00         0.00         0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.23   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $2,904        $820         $810         $5,743        $6,172        $5,697   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.00 (w)                    (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.00 (w)      $0.00        $0.00        $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

    $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)

    0.00 (n)      0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.28   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.00 (a)      1.03        1.03        1.04        1.03        1.12   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.11 (a)      0.15        0.13        0.20        0.27        0.40   

Net investment income

    0.00 (a)      0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00 (w)      0.19   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $11,116        $10,897        $10,330        $9,710        $9,919        $6,926   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529B      2013      2012      2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                  

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $1.00        $1.00         $1.00         $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                     

Net investment income (d)

     $0.00        $0.00         $0.00         $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

     0.00 (w)                      (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

     $0.00 (w)      $0.00         $0.00         $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                             

From net investment income

     $—        $—         $—         $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                   (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $—        $—         $—         $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

     $1.00        $1.00         $1.00         $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)(t)

     0.00 (n)      0.00         0.00         0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.08   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                             

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.75 (a)      1.78         1.78         1.79        1.79        1.83   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     0.11 (a)      0.15         0.12         0.20        0.27        0.51   

Net investment income

     0.00 (a)      0.00         0.00         0.00        0.00 (w)      0.04   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $643        $676         $665         $1,073        $1,613        $1,942   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529C      2013      2012      2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                  

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $1.00        $1.00         $1.00         $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                     

Net investment income (d)

     $0.00        $0.00         $0.00         $0.00        $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

     0.00 (w)                      (0.00 )(w)      0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w) 

Total from investment operations

     $0.00 (w)      $0.00         $0.00         $(0.00 )(w)      $0.00 (w)      $0.00 (w) 
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                     

From net investment income

     $—        $—         $—         $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

From tax return of capital

                                   (0.00 )(w)        

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $—        $—         $—         $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w) 

Net asset value, end of period

     $1.00        $1.00         $1.00         $1.00        $1.00        $1.00   

Total return (%) (r)(t)

     0.00 (n)      0.00         0.00         0.00 (w)      0.00 (w)      0.08   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                             

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.75 (a)      1.78         1.78         1.79        1.78        1.83   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     0.11 (a)      0.15         0.13         0.20        0.27        0.52   

Net investment income

     0.00 (a)      0.00         0.00         0.00        0.00 (w)      0.04   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $6,474        $6,072         $5,020         $5,525        $6,224        $4,391   

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(n) Not annualized.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(t) Total returns do not include any applicable sales charges.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01 and total return or ratio was less than 0.01%, as applicable.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Cash Reserve Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 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 this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Investment Valuations Pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, investments held by the fund are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Amortized cost involves valuing an instrument at its cost as adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount rather than its current market value. The amortized cost value of an instrument can be different from the market value of an instrument.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Short Term Securities      $—         $381,679,282         $—         $381,679,282   

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

Repurchase Agreements The fund enters into repurchase agreements under the terms of Master Repurchase Agreements with approved counterparties. Each repurchase agreement is recorded at cost. The fund requires that the securities collateral in a repurchase transaction be transferred to a custodian. The fund monitors, on a daily basis, the value of the collateral to ensure that its value, including accrued interest, is greater than amounts owed to the fund under each such repurchase agreement. Upon an event of default under a Master Repurchase Agreement, the non-defaulting party may close out all transactions traded under such agreement and net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. Absent an event of default, the Master Repurchase Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund and other funds managed by MFS may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into one or more repurchase agreements. At period end, the fund had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $10,295,000 included in “Investments” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at period end.

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

 

23


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

indemnification clauses. The fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the fund that have not yet occurred.

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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.

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 the timing of recognition of certain expenses.

The fund declared no distributions for the current period or for the year ended August 31, 2013.

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $381,679,282   
As of 8/31/13       
Capital loss carryforwards      (207,708
Late year ordinary loss deferral      (1,338
Other temporary differences      (13,261

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after August 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of August 31, 2013 the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains as follows:

 

Pre-enactment losses which expire as
follows:
 
8/31/15      $(219
8/31/16      (22,989
8/31/17      (184,390
Total      $(207,598
Post-enactment losses which are
characterized as follows:
 
Short Term      $(110

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 and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the value of settled shares outstanding of each class. The fund’s realized and unrealized gain (loss) 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 purchase.

(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 0.40% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

During the six months ended February 28, 2014, MFS voluntarily waived receipt of $800,883 of the fund’s management fee in order to avoid a negative yield. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $4,516, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these waivers had the effect of reducing the management fee by 0.40% of average daily net assets on an annualized basis. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.00% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

In order to avoid a negative yield for the six months ended February 28, 2014, MFS voluntarily agreed to reduce certain other expenses in the amount of $281,604, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

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

The fund’s distribution plan provides that the fund will pay MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (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.

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%         0.00%         $180,527   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.00%         147,208   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.00%         275,065   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.00%         95,853   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.00%         171,760   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.00%         81,451   
Class 529A              0.25%         0.25%         0.00%         13,875   
Class 529B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.00%         3,464   
Class 529C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.00%         32,303   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,001,506   

 

(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 February 28, 2014 based on each class’s average daily net assets. MFD has agreed in writing to waive the Class A and Class 529A service fee. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue until at least December 31, 2014. These reductions, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, for Class A and Class 529A amounted to $180,527 and $13,875, respectively, and are included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, MFD also voluntarily waived a receipt of $807,104 of the fund’s distribution and service fees to ensure the fund avoids a negative yield for Class B, Class C, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares. This amount is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares acquired through an exchange may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) upon redemption depending on when the shares exchanged were originally purchased. 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

within six years of purchase. All contingent deferred sales charges are paid to MFD and during the six months ended February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $106   
Class B      41,851   
Class C      14,059   
Class 529B      135   
Class 529C      6   

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 December 31, 2014, unless MFD elects to extend the waiver. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this waiver amounted to $4,563 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. In addition, MFS voluntarily waived receipt of $4,563 of the fund’s program manager fees in order to avoid a negative yield for Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. This voluntary waiver had the effect of reducing the program manager fee by 0.05% of average daily net assets attributable to Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares on an annualized basis. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.00% 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $5,550         $5,500   
Class 529B      346         346   
Class 529C      3,230         3,230   
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $9,126         $9,126   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $100,054, which equated to 0.0497% 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. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $240,325.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0145% 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. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $430 and is included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $12,284 at February 28, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $1,362 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $183, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

On October 9, 2013, MFS purchased 2,600,000 shares of Class R4 for an aggregate amount of $2,600,000.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(4) 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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     43,365,083         $43,365,085         90,857,358         $90,857,364   

Class B

     7,182,729         7,182,729         18,713,001         18,713,002   

Class C

     23,977,477         23,977,478         50,242,109         50,242,109   

Class R1

     2,924,708         2,924,708         8,748,971         8,748,971   

Class R2

     9,323,661         9,323,661         22,356,847         22,356,847   

Class R3

     15,557,593         15,557,593         20,910,727         20,910,725   

Class R4

     2,867,508         2,867,508         373,688         373,688   

Class 529A

     2,392,529         2,392,529         5,719,574         5,719,574   

Class 529B

     193,938         193,938         386,062         386,062   

Class 529C

     2,118,938         2,118,938         3,685,179         3,685,179   
     109,904,164         $109,904,167         221,993,516         $221,993,521   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (50,955,449      $(50,955,449      (72,078,513      $(72,078,513

Class B

     (10,510,881      (10,510,884      (22,978,285      (22,978,292

Class C

     (31,971,906      (31,971,906      (41,729,343      (41,729,343

Class R1

     (6,102,360      (6,102,360      (12,030,084      (12,030,084

Class R2

     (18,882,072      (18,882,072      (31,674,198      (31,674,198

Class R3

     (19,135,551      (19,135,551      (35,015,288      (35,015,288

Class R4

     (783,019      (783,019      (364,480      (364,479

Class 529A

     (2,174,366      (2,174,366      (5,151,748      (5,151,747

Class 529B

     (226,929      (226,929      (375,895      (375,896

Class 529C

     (1,717,764      (1,717,764      (2,632,719      (2,632,719
     (142,460,297      $(142,460,300      (224,030,553      $(224,030,559
Net change            

Class A

     (7,590,366      $(7,590,364      18,778,845         $18,778,851   

Class B

     (3,328,152      (3,328,155      (4,265,284      (4,265,290

Class C

     (7,994,429      (7,994,428      8,512,766         8,512,766   

Class R1

     (3,177,652      (3,177,652      (3,281,113      (3,281,113

Class R2

     (9,558,411      (9,558,411      (9,317,351      (9,317,351

Class R3

     (3,577,958      (3,577,958      (14,104,561      (14,104,563

Class R4

     2,084,489         2,084,489         9,208         9,209   

Class 529A

     218,163         218,163         567,826         567,827   

Class 529B

     (32,991      (32,991      10,167         10,166   

Class 529C

     401,174         401,174         1,052,460         1,052,460   
     (32,556,133      $(32,556,133      (2,037,037      $(2,037,038

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(5) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $921 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(6) Subsequent Event

On April 8, 2014, the Board of Trustees approved certain changes to the fund’s name and strategy. Effective July 1, 2014, the name of MFS Cash Reserve Fund will change to MFS U.S. Government Cash Reserve Fund and the fund will adopt a non-fundamental investment policy of normally investing at least 80% of its assets in U.S. Government money market instruments and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities.

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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

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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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® CORE EQUITY FUND

 

LOGO

 

RGI-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® CORE EQUITY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     14   
Statement of operations     16   
Statements of changes in net assets     17   
Financial highlights     18   
Notes to financial statements     27   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     43   
Proxy voting policies and information     43   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     43   
Further information     43   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     43   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings (i)  
Apple, Inc.     2.1%   
Exxon Mobil Corp.     2.0%   
Google, Inc., “A”     1.9%   
Hewlett-Packard Co.     1.7%   
Pfizer, Inc.     1.4%   
MetLife, Inc.     1.4%   
Hess Corp.     1.3%   
Procter & Gamble Co.     1.3%   
Verizon Communications, Inc.     1.3%   
Wells Fargo & Co.     1.2%   
Equity sectors (i)  
Financial Services     17.7%   
Technology     15.6%   
Health Care     13.4%   
Energy     8.6%   
Industrial Goods & Services     7.4%   
Leisure     6.6%   
Consumer Staples     6.2%   
Retailing     6.1%   
Utilities & Communications     5.3%   
Special Products & Services     3.9%   
Basic Materials     3.8%   
Autos & Housing     2.7%   
Transportation     2.1%   
 

 

(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the market value of securities, less any securities sold short, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than market value.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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

9/01/13

   

Ending

Account Value

2/28/14

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

9/01/13-2/28/14

 
A   Actual     1.04%        $1,000.00        $1,162.78        $5.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.04%        $1,000.00        $1,019.64        $5.21   
B   Actual     1.79%        $1,000.00        $1,158.59        $9.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.79%        $1,000.00        $1,015.92        $8.95   
C   Actual     1.79%        $1,000.00        $1,158.33        $9.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.79%        $1,000.00        $1,015.92        $8.95   
I   Actual     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,163.80        $4.29   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,020.83        $4.01   
R1   Actual     1.79%        $1,000.00        $1,158.28        $9.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.79%        $1,000.00        $1,015.92        $8.95   
R2   Actual     1.30%        $1,000.00        $1,161.23        $6.97   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.30%        $1,000.00        $1,018.35        $6.51   
R3   Actual     1.04%        $1,000.00        $1,162.89        $5.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.04%        $1,000.00        $1,019.64        $5.21   
R4   Actual     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,163.87        $4.29   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,020.83        $4.01   
R5   Actual     0.71%        $1,000.00        $1,164.61        $3.81   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.71%        $1,000.00        $1,021.27        $3.56   

 

(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 181/365 (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 shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.01%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 99.4%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 3.2%                 
Honeywell International, Inc.      163,640      $ 15,454,162   
Precision Castparts Corp.      40,679        10,490,301   
United Technologies Corp.      121,660        14,236,653   
    

 

 

 
      $ 40,181,116   
Alcoholic Beverages - 0.3%                 
Constellation Brands, Inc., “A” (a)      44,250      $ 3,585,578   
Apparel Manufacturers - 1.4%                 
Guess?, Inc.      85,620      $ 2,597,711   
NIKE, Inc., “B”      74,580        5,839,614   
PVH Corp.      40,406        5,108,531   
VF Corp.      64,097        3,755,443   
    

 

 

 
      $ 17,301,299   
Automotive - 1.8%                 
Delphi Automotive PLC      135,060      $ 8,990,944   
General Motors Co.      246,880        8,937,056   
Johnson Controls, Inc.      104,330        5,153,902   
    

 

 

 
      $ 23,081,902   
Biotechnology - 1.3%                 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)      30,490      $ 5,390,632   
Biogen Idec, Inc. (a)      31,799        10,833,283   
Illumina, Inc. (a)      3,610        619,079   
    

 

 

 
      $ 16,842,994   
Broadcasting - 3.1%                 
RetailMeNot, Inc. (a)      279,100      $ 11,658,007   
Time Warner, Inc.      90,480        6,073,922   
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.      436,940        14,654,968   
Walt Disney Co.      86,180        6,964,206   
    

 

 

 
      $ 39,351,103   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 1.6%                 
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (a)      11,868      $ 2,231,777   
BlackRock, Inc.      11,785        3,592,539   
Franklin Resources, Inc.      74,117        3,946,730   
FXCM, Inc., “A”      109,780        1,849,793   
IntercontinentalExchange Group, Inc.      23,890        4,989,188   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Brokerage & Asset Managers - continued                 
NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.      93,763      $ 3,599,562   
    

 

 

 
      $ 20,209,589   
Business Services - 1.7%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      57,270      $ 4,773,455   
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (a)      129,120        5,096,366   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.      116,510        6,479,121   
FleetCor Technologies, Inc. (a)      29,080        3,778,364   
Forrester Research, Inc.      57,400        2,079,028   
    

 

 

 
      $ 22,206,334   
Cable TV - 1.4%                 
Comcast Corp., “Special A”      216,720      $ 10,813,244   
Time Warner Cable, Inc.      47,440        6,658,204   
    

 

 

 
      $ 17,471,448   
Chemicals - 1.6%                 
Agrium, Inc.      41,990      $ 3,867,570   
Celanese Corp.      94,120        5,025,067   
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., “A”      63,790        5,618,623   
Monsanto Co.      53,757        5,914,345   
    

 

 

 
      $ 20,425,605   
Computer Software - 3.9%                 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (a)      163,121      $ 10,997,618   
Citrix Systems, Inc. (a)      87,770        5,270,589   
Microsoft Corp.      40,830        1,564,197   
Oracle Corp.      211,850        8,285,454   
Qlik Technologies, Inc. (a)      256,550        7,824,775   
Salesforce.com, Inc. (a)      169,300        10,559,241   
Symantec Corp.      213,190        4,579,321   
    

 

 

 
      $ 49,081,195   
Computer Software - Systems - 5.9%                 
Apple, Inc.      50,845      $ 26,756,673   
EMC Corp.      374,550        9,876,884   
Hewlett-Packard Co.      737,930        22,049,348   
NCR Corp. (a)      55,190        1,879,220   
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (a)      133,530        5,164,940   
Vantiv, Inc., “A” (a)      285,650        9,092,240   
    

 

 

 
      $ 74,819,305   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Construction - 0.8%                 
Pool Corp.      27,950      $ 1,633,957   
Sherwin-Williams Co.      45,296        9,080,942   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,714,899   
Consumer Products - 2.3%                 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.      134,154      $ 8,428,896   
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.      121,640        3,905,860   
Procter & Gamble Co.      207,960        16,358,134   
    

 

 

 
      $ 28,692,890   
Consumer Services - 2.0%                 
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (a)      29,070      $ 1,377,918   
HomeAway, Inc. (a)      161,720        7,418,096   
ITT Educational Services, Inc. (a)(l)      82,970        2,574,559   
Priceline.com, Inc. (a)      10,778        14,537,798   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,908,371   
Containers - 0.5%                 
Crown Holdings, Inc. (a)      35,440      $ 1,595,509   
Packaging Corp. of America      58,940        4,296,137   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,891,646   
Electrical Equipment - 1.6%                 
AMETEK, Inc.      85,070      $ 4,529,127   
Danaher Corp.      108,700        8,314,463   
Sensata Technologies Holding B.V. (a)      135,390        5,502,250   
W.W. Grainger, Inc.      7,484        1,908,570   
    

 

 

 
      $ 20,254,410   
Electronics - 2.3%                 
Altera Corp.      214,430      $ 7,785,953   
Avago Technologies Ltd.      101,600        6,268,720   
KLA-Tencor Corp.      92,790        6,045,269   
Microchip Technology, Inc.      200,130        9,115,922   
    

 

 

 
      $ 29,215,864   
Energy - Independent - 3.8%                 
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.      57,120      $ 4,807,219   
Antero Resources Corp. (a)      29,840        1,800,546   
Athlon Energy, Inc. (a)      38,680        1,437,349   
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.      63,770        2,231,950   
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (a)      6,730        652,810   
Concho Resources, Inc. (a)      16,650        2,016,815   
CONSOL Energy, Inc.      24,850        996,485   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Energy - Independent - continued                 
EOG Resources, Inc.      22,869      $ 4,331,846   
Goodrich Petroleum Corp. (a)      102,000        1,389,240   
Gulfport Energy Corp. (a)      18,920        1,250,612   
Marathon Petroleum Corp.      125,810        10,568,040   
Noble Energy, Inc.      87,990        6,050,192   
PDC Energy, Inc. (a)      21,990        1,366,239   
Peabody Energy Corp.      27,100        475,876   
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.      31,040        6,244,627   
Rice Energy, Inc. (a)      78,810        1,891,440   
    

 

 

 
      $ 47,511,286   
Energy - Integrated - 3.3%                 
Exxon Mobil Corp. (s)      261,482      $ 25,172,872   
Hess Corp.      207,970        16,643,839   
    

 

 

 
      $ 41,816,711   
Entertainment - 0.2%                 
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.      72,360      $ 2,128,831   
Food & Beverages - 2.6%                 
Coca-Cola Co.      333,280      $ 12,731,296   
General Mills, Inc.      111,880        5,597,356   
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co., “A”      36,850        3,005,118   
Mondelez International, Inc.      236,910        8,062,047   
WhiteWave Foods Co., “A” (a)      121,870        3,448,921   
    

 

 

 
      $ 32,844,738   
Food & Drug Stores - 0.9%                 
CVS Caremark Corp.      111,570      $ 8,160,230   
Fairway Group Holdings Corp. (a)      372,960        2,909,088   
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,069,318   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.8%                 
Wynn Resorts Ltd.      44,018      $ 10,673,925   
General Merchandise - 1.5%                 
Kohl’s Corp.      126,280      $ 7,095,673   
Target Corp.      200,480        12,538,019   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,633,692   
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.8%                 
Aetna, Inc.      92,630      $ 6,735,127   
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.      42,770        3,304,838   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,039,965   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Insurance - 3.3%                 
ACE Ltd. (s)      89,680      $ 8,776,982   
American International Group, Inc.      309,100        15,383,907   
MetLife, Inc.      340,510        17,253,642   
    

 

 

 
      $ 41,414,531   
Internet - 3.5%                 
ChannelAdvisor Corp. (a)      60,360      $ 2,739,137   
eBay, Inc. (a)      115,920        6,812,618   
Facebook, Inc., “A” (a)      104,850        7,178,031   
Google, Inc., “A” (a)      20,253        24,620,559   
LinkedIn Corp., “A” (a)      11,638        2,374,618   
    

 

 

 
      $ 43,724,963   
Machinery & Tools - 2.6%                 
Colfax Corp. (a)      46,690      $ 3,321,060   
Eaton Corp. PLC      117,550        8,782,161   
Joy Global, Inc.      117,160        6,443,800   
Kennametal, Inc.      74,300        3,249,882   
Roper Industries, Inc.      85,714        11,624,533   
    

 

 

 
      $ 33,421,436   
Major Banks - 4.0%                 
Bank of America Corp.      294,410      $ 4,866,597   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      28,704        4,777,781   
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      257,920        14,655,014   
Morgan Stanley      157,580        4,853,464   
State Street Corp.      82,940        5,446,670   
Wells Fargo & Co.      339,320        15,751,234   
    

 

 

 
      $ 50,350,760   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 1.3%                 
Catamaran Corp. (a)      54,950      $ 2,477,146   
Cerner Corp. (a)      28,910        1,774,207   
Express Scripts Holding Co. (a)      126,670        9,539,518   
Henry Schein, Inc. (a)      18,810        2,239,142   
    

 

 

 
      $ 16,030,013   
Medical Equipment - 4.2%                 
Abbott Laboratories      299,410      $ 11,910,530   
AtriCure, Inc. (a)      85,930        1,786,485   
Cooper Cos., Inc.      51,119        6,553,967   
Covidien PLC      144,410        10,390,300   
DexCom, Inc. (a)      15,580        702,658   
Endologix, Inc. (a)      63,710        860,085   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Medical Equipment - continued                 
GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. (a)      92,070      $ 1,147,192   
Heartware International, Inc. (a)      20,930        2,009,908   
Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. (a)      22,850        1,610,011   
Stryker Corp.      111,300        8,930,712   
TearLab Corp. (a)      230,760        1,857,618   
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.      39,830        4,960,428   
    

 

 

 
      $ 52,719,894   
Metals & Mining - 0.4%                 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.      127,810      $ 2,479,327   
Lundin Mining Corp. (a)      539,090        2,565,704   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,045,031   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.2%                 
Spectra Energy Corp.      78,680      $ 2,933,190   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 0.6%                 
Enbridge, Inc.      110,080      $ 4,655,283   
Kinder Morgan, Inc.      74,760        2,381,106   
    

 

 

 
      $ 7,036,389   
Network & Telecom - 0.0%                 
Qualcomm, Inc.      6,730      $ 506,702   
Oil Services - 1.6%                 
Cameron International Corp. (a)      112,060      $ 7,178,564   
Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. (a)      20,530        1,115,395   
Halliburton Co.      141,250        8,051,250   
Schlumberger Ltd.      39,140        3,640,020   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,985,229   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 5.7%                 
American Express Co.      86,060      $ 7,855,557   
BB&T Corp.      184,320        6,967,296   
Cathay General Bancorp, Inc.      82,960        2,108,014   
Citigroup, Inc.      262,560        12,768,293   
Discover Financial Services      241,990        13,885,386   
EuroDekania Ltd. (z)      580,280        540,649   
Fifth Third Bancorp      347,480        7,538,579   
PrivateBancorp, Inc.      177,010        5,108,509   
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (a)      36,080        2,271,236   
Visa, Inc., “A”      58,114        13,130,277   
    

 

 

 
      $ 72,173,796   

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Pharmaceuticals - 5.8%                 
Actavis PLC (a)      41,350      $ 9,130,907   
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.      154,750        8,320,908   
Endo Health Solutions, Inc. (a)      88,770        7,085,621   
Forest Laboratories, Inc. (a)      71,120        6,939,178   
Perrigo Co. PLC      36,731        6,040,046   
Pfizer, Inc.      548,476        17,611,564   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (a)      97,360        14,103,570   
Zoetis, Inc.      151,610        4,702,942   
    

 

 

 
      $ 73,934,736   
Railroad & Shipping - 1.3%                 
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.      27,884      $ 4,377,788   
Diana Shipping, Inc. (a)      181,090        2,357,792   
Kansas City Southern Co.      13,658        1,282,759   
Union Pacific Corp.      47,497        8,567,509   
    

 

 

 
      $ 16,585,848   
Real Estate - 3.1%                 
Digital Realty Trust, Inc., REIT      119,150      $ 6,453,164   
Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., REIT      182,260        7,335,965   
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., REIT      136,690        9,245,712   
Public Storage, Inc., REIT      14,720        2,487,680   
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., REIT      187,870        6,445,820   
Weyerhaeuser Co., REIT      238,450        7,036,660   
    

 

 

 
      $ 39,005,001   
Restaurants - 1.1%                 
McDonald’s Corp.      63,451      $ 6,037,363   
YUM! Brands, Inc.      109,960        8,145,837   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,183,200   
Specialty Chemicals - 1.3%                 
FMC Corp.      74,710      $ 5,766,118   
Taminco Corp. (a)      118,850        2,700,272   
W.R. Grace & Co. (a)      74,500        7,549,830   
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,016,220   
Specialty Stores - 2.3%                 
AutoZone, Inc. (a)      14,561      $ 7,840,225   
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (a)      97,680        6,624,658   
Children’s Place Retail Stores, Inc. (a)      64,420        3,489,631   
Ross Stores, Inc.      90,060        6,556,368   
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (a)      137,920        5,163,725   
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,674,607   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.9%                 
American Tower Corp., REIT      133,330      $ 10,862,395   
Telephone Services - 1.3%                 
Verizon Communications, Inc.      342,230      $ 16,283,303   
Tobacco - 1.1%                 
Lorillard, Inc.      61,340      $ 3,009,340   
Philip Morris International, Inc.      129,070        10,443,054   
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,452,394   
Trucking - 0.8%                 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.      69,350      $ 2,740,019   
Swift Transportation Co. (a)      304,190        7,410,068   
    

 

 

 
             $ 10,150,087   
Utilities - Electric Power - 2.4%                 
American Electric Power Co., Inc.      90,630      $ 4,549,626   
Calpine Corp. (a)      182,850        3,483,293   
CMS Energy Corp.      161,637        4,595,340   
Dominion Resources, Inc.      40,980        2,844,012   
Edison International      73,190        3,832,960   
Great Plains Energy, Inc.      145,860        3,831,742   
NextEra Energy, Inc.      26,770        2,446,510   
NRG Energy, Inc.      88,270        2,566,009   
NRG Yield, Inc.      15,030        573,845   
PG&E Corp.      27,700        1,220,454   
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,943,791   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $966,216,504)            $ 1,256,387,530   
Issuer/Expiration Date/Strike Price    Number
of
Contracts
        
Call Options Purchased - 0.0%                 
Business Services - 0.0%                 
Equinix, Inc. - June 2014 @ $190
(Premiums Paid, $69,952) (a)
     64      $ 71,680   
Issuer    Shares/Par         
Money Market Funds - 0.6%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     6,960,255      $ 6,960,255   

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Collateral for Securities Loaned - 0.0%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Navigator Securities Lending Prime Portfolio, 0.18%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (j)
     447,643      $ 447,643   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $973,694,358)      $ 1,263,867,108   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.0%              370,015   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 1,264,237,123   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(j) The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(l) A portion of this security is on loan.
(s) Security or a portion of the security was pledged to cover collateral requirements for securities sold short. At February 28, 2014, the fund had no short sales outstanding.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(z) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The fund holds the following restricted securities:

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
   Cost      Value  
EuroDekania Ltd.    3/08/07-6/25/07      $8,173,430         $540,649   
% of Net assets            0.0%   

At February 28, 2014, the fund had cash collateral of $3,244 and other liquid securities with an aggregate value of $527,634 to cover any commitments for securities sold short. Cash collateral is comprised of “Deposits with brokers” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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

 

PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $966,734,103)

     $1,256,906,853   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     6,960,255   

Total investments, at value, including $437,492 of securities on loan
(identified cost, $973,694,358)

     $1,263,867,108   

Deposits with brokers

     3,244   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     5,680,763   

Fund shares sold

     1,509,317   

Interest and dividends

     1,724,845   

Other assets

     6,915   

Total assets

     $1,272,792,192   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $5,730,533   

Fund shares reacquired

     1,503,510   

Collateral for securities loaned, at value

     447,643   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     39,008   

Shareholder servicing costs

     681,290   

Distribution and service fees

     17,482   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     90,820   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     44,783   

Total liabilities

     $8,555,069   

Net assets

     $1,264,237,123   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $924,353,396   

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

     290,172,522   

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

     46,938,159   

Undistributed net investment income

     2,773,046   

Net assets

     $1,264,237,123   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     46,354,621   

 

14


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets     

Shares

outstanding

     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $985,293,235         35,803,335         $27.52   

Class B

     42,389,943         1,672,449         25.35   

Class C

     89,398,681         3,557,681         25.13   

Class I

     40,387,426         1,409,468         28.65   

Class R1

     4,186,485         166,681         25.12   

Class R2

     22,030,751         816,050         27.00   

Class R3

     68,855,800         2,509,472         27.44   

Class R4

     9,330,047         337,024         27.68   

Class R5

     2,364,755         82,461         28.68   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $29.20 [100 / 94.25 x $27.52]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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

     $9,589,306   

Interest

     6,075   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     8,589   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (17,559

Total investment income

     $9,586,411   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $3,543,297   

Distribution and service fees

     1,953,104   

Shareholder servicing costs

     928,848   

Administrative services fee

     75,445   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     19,590   

Custodian fee

     55,975   

Shareholder communications

     46,304   

Audit and tax fees

     26,038   

Legal fees

     5,106   

Interest expense on securities sold short

     351   

Miscellaneous

     91,461   

Total expenses

     $6,745,519   

Fees paid indirectly

     (16

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (44,189

Net expenses

     $6,701,314   

Net investment income

     $2,885,097   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $57,978,738   

Written options

     53,455   

Foreign currency

     (1,333

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $58,030,860   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $118,352,080   

Written options

     (47,199

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     295   

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

     $118,305,176   

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

     $176,336,036   

Change in net assets from operations

     $179,221,133   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


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.

 

Change in net assets  

Six months ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

   

Year ended

8/31/13

 
From operations                

Net investment income

    $2,885,097        $7,150,590   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

    58,030,860        100,554,062   

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

    118,305,176        82,341,558   

Change in net assets from operations

    $179,221,133        $190,046,210   
Distributions declared to shareholders                

From net investment income

    $(7,149,277     $(4,250,197

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

    $(18,187,143     $39,750,638   

Total change in net assets

    $153,884,713        $225,546,651   
Net assets                

At beginning of period

    1,110,352,410        884,805,759   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,773,046 and $7,037,226, respectively)

    $1,264,237,123        $1,110,352,410   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


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 by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.82        $19.68        $17.20        $14.62        $13.87        $16.75   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.07        $0.18        $0.11        $0.11        $0.10        $0.12   

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

    3.80        4.07        2.47        2.58        0.77        (2.92

Total from investment operations

    $3.87        $4.25        $2.58        $2.69        $0.87        $(2.80
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.17     $(0.11     $(0.10     $(0.11     $(0.12     $(0.08

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.52        $23.82        $19.68        $17.20        $14.62        $13.87   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    16.28 (n)      21.69        15.10        18.39        6.27        (16.55
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.05 (a)      1.11        1.15        1.18        1.24        1.36   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.04 (a)      1.11        1.15        1.18        1.23        1.21   

Net investment income

    0.56 (a)      0.81        0.61        0.60        0.68        1.03   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $985,293        $873,139        $686,616        $612,504        $547,296        $559,572   
Supplemental Ratios (%):           

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

    1.04 (a)      1.10        1.15        1.17        1.22        1.21   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.88        $18.11        $15.86        $13.50        $12.80        $15.45   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $(0.02     $0.01        $(0.02     $(0.02     $(0.01     $0.05   

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

    3.49        3.76        2.27        2.38        0.71        (2.70

Total from investment operations

    $3.47        $3.77        $2.25        $2.36        $0.70        $(2.65
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $(0.00 )(w)      $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $25.35        $21.88        $18.11        $15.86        $13.50        $12.80   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    15.86 (n)      20.82        14.19        17.48        5.49        (17.15
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.80 (a)      1.86        1.91        1.93        1.99        2.07   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.79 (a)      1.86        1.90        1.93        1.98        1.90   

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.20 )(a)      0.07        (0.14     (0.15     (0.06     0.42   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $42,390        $40,495        $43,320        $49,181        $55,327        $79,608   
Supplemental Ratios (%):           

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

    1.79 (a)      1.86     

 

1.90

  

    1.92        1.97        1.90   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.72        $17.98        $15.74        $13.39        $12.75        $15.38   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (loss) (d)

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

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

    3.46        3.73        2.26        2.37        0.70        (2.67

Total from investment operations

    $3.44        $3.74        $2.24        $2.35        $0.69        $(2.63
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

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

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $25.13        $21.72        $17.98        $15.74        $13.39        $12.75   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    15.83 (n)      20.80        14.23        17.55        5.40        (17.10
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.80 (a)      1.86        1.90        1.93        1.99        2.06   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.79 (a)      1.86        1.90        1.93        1.98        1.91   

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.19 )(a)      0.06        (0.14     (0.15     (0.07     0.34   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $89,399        $78,777        $64,258        $62,249        $59,265        $63,993   
Supplemental Ratios (%):           

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

    1.79 (a)      1.86        1.90        1.92        1.97        1.91   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class I     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $24.82        $20.49        $17.91        $15.21        $14.43        $17.47   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.11        $0.24        $0.16        $0.15        $0.15        $0.17   

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

    3.94        4.25        2.57        2.70        0.79        (3.06

Total from investment operations

    $4.05        $4.49        $2.73        $2.85        $0.94        $(2.89
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.22     $(0.16     $(0.15     $(0.15     $(0.16     $(0.15

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $28.65        $24.82        $20.49        $17.91        $15.21        $14.43   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.38 (n)      22.03        15.36        18.73        6.47        (16.29
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.80 (a)      0.86        0.90        0.93        0.99        1.06   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.80 (a)      0.86        0.90        0.93        0.98        0.91   

Net investment income

    0.80 (a)      1.05        0.86        0.83        0.93        1.32   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $40,387        $29,812        $20,441        $17,250        $16,291        $15,766   
Supplemental Ratios (%):           

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

    0.80 (a)      0.86        0.90        0.92        0.97        0.91   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R1     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.69        $17.95        $15.72        $13.38        $12.75        $15.39   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (loss) (d)

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

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

    3.45        3.72        2.25        2.37        0.70        (2.68

Total from investment operations

    $3.43        $3.74        $2.23        $2.35        $0.69        $(2.64
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.00 )(w)      $—        $—        $(0.01     $(0.06     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $25.12        $21.69        $17.95        $15.72        $13.38        $12.75   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    15.83 (n)      20.84        14.19        17.56        5.43        (17.15
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.80 (a)      1.86        1.90        1.93        1.99        2.06   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.79 (a)      1.86        1.90        1.93        1.98        1.91   

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.20 )(a)      0.08        (0.14     (0.15     (0.07     0.32   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $4,186        $3,839        $4,098        $3,904        $3,688        $3,735   
Supplemental Ratios (%):           

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

    1.79 (a)      1.85        1.90        1.92        1.97        1.91   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R2     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.35        $19.28        $16.86        $14.33        $13.62        $16.45   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.04        $0.12        $0.06        $0.06        $0.06        $0.10   

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

    3.72        4.00        2.42        2.54        0.75        (2.87

Total from investment operations

    $3.76        $4.12        $2.48        $2.60        $0.81        $(2.77
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                           

From net investment income

    $(0.11     $(0.05     $(0.06     $(0.07     $(0.10     $(0.06

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.00        $23.35        $19.28        $16.86        $14.33        $13.62   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.12 (n)      21.44        14.74        18.14        5.97        (16.71
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                               

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.30 (a)      1.36        1.40        1.43        1.49        1.56   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.30 (a)      1.36        1.40        1.43        1.48        1.41   

Net investment income

    0.30 (a)      0.56        0.36        0.35        0.43        0.82   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $22,031        $19,625        $17,369        $16,424        $14,013        $15,483   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

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

    1.30        1.36        1.40        1.42        1.47        1.41   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R3     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.75        $19.63        $17.16        $14.59        $13.85        $16.73   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.07        $0.18        $0.11        $0.11        $0.10        $0.13   

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

    3.79        4.05        2.47        2.57        0.77        (2.91

Total from investment operations

    $3.86        $4.23        $2.58        $2.68        $0.87        $(2.78
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                           

From net investment income

    $(0.17     $(0.11     $(0.11     $(0.11     $(0.13     $(0.10

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.44        $23.75        $19.63        $17.16        $14.59        $13.85   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.29 (n)      21.68        15.12        18.38        6.25        (16.48
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                               

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.05 (a)      1.11        1.15        1.18        1.24        1.32   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.04 (a)      1.11        1.15        1.18        1.23        1.16   

Net investment income

    0.56 (a)      0.81        0.61        0.60        0.68        1.07   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $68,856        $58,381        $46,833        $32,277        $26,573        $25,741   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

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

    1.04 (a)      1.10        1.15        1.17        1.22        1.16   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R4     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.99        $19.81        $17.32        $14.72        $13.98        $16.92   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.11        $0.23        $0.16        $0.13        $0.14        $0.10   

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

    3.81        4.11        2.48        2.62        0.76        (2.90

Total from investment operations

    $3.92        $4.34        $2.64        $2.75        $0.90        $(2.80
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                           

From net investment income

    $(0.23     $(0.16     $(0.15     $(0.15     $(0.16     $(0.14

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.68        $23.99        $19.81        $17.32        $14.72        $13.98   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    16.39 (n)      22.03        15.36        18.68        6.40        (16.28
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.80 (a)      0.86        0.91        0.92        0.98        0.96   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.80 (a)      0.86        0.90        0.92        0.97        0.95   

Net investment income

    0.82 (a)      1.04        0.86        0.75        0.92        0.75   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      58        65        66        77        109   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $9,330        $6,165        $1,871        $1,367        $408        $1,633   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

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

    0.80 (a)      0.86        0.90        0.91        0.97        0.95   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Year ended
8/31/13 (i)
 
Class R5     
     (unaudited)        

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $24.84        $21.02   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

     $0.12        $0.22   

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

     3.96        3.60   

Total from investment operations

     $4.08        $3.82   
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

     $(0.24     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $28.68        $24.84   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     16.46 (n)      18.17 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     0.71 (a)      0.76 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.71 (a)      0.76 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.85 (a)      1.39 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     27 (n)      58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $2,365        $119   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                 

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

     0.71 (a)      0.75 (a) 

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(i) For the period from the class inception, January 2, 2013, through the stated period end.
(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. Excluding the effect of the proceeds received from a nonrecurring litigation settlement against Enron Corp, the Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, and Class R4 total returns for the year ended August 31, 2009 would have been lower by approximately 2.41%, 2.40%, 2.42%, 2.40%, 2.40%, 2.36%, 2.40%, and 2.40%, respectively.
(t) Total returns do not include any applicable sales charges.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Core Equity Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 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 this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Exchange-traded options are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Exchange-traded options for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Options not traded on an exchange are generally valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Foreign currency options are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service. 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities:            

United States

     $1,208,036,763         $—         $—         $1,208,036,763   

Canada

     34,526,388                         34,526,388   

Israel

     10,997,618                         10,997,618   

Greece

     2,357,792                         2,357,792   

United Kingdom

                     540,649         540,649   
Mutual Funds      7,407,898                         7,407,898   
Total Investments      $1,263,326,459         $—         $540,649         $1,263,867,108   

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

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

 

     Equity Securities  
Balance as of 8/31/13      $638,467   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (97,818
Balance as of 2/28/14      $540,649   

The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments still held as level 3 at February 28, 2014 is $(97,818).

Foreign Currency Translation – Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income, and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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.

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

The derivative instruments used by the fund were written options and purchased options. The fund’s period end derivatives, as presented in the Portfolio of Investments, generally are indicative of the volume of its derivative activity during the period.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at February 28, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives  
Equity   Purchased Equity Options     $71,680   

 

(a) The value of purchased options outstanding is included in total investments, at value, within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended February 28, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Investments
(Purchased
Options)
     Written
Options
 
Equity      $(52,612      $53,455   

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended February 28, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Investments
(Purchased
Options)
     Written
Options
 
Equity      $19,555         $(47,199

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all,

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible by entering into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. 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 ISDA counterparty is subject.

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

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 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.

Written Options – In exchange for a premium, the fund wrote call options on securities that it anticipated the price would decline and also wrote put options on securities that it anticipated the price would increase. At the time the option was written, the fund believed the premium received exceeded the potential loss that could result from adverse price changes in the options’ underlying securities. In a written option, the fund as the option writer grants the buyer the right to purchase from, or sell to, the fund a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price within a specified period of time.

The premium received is initially recorded as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The option is subsequently marked-to-market daily with the difference between the premium received and the market value of the written option being recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When a written option expires, the fund realizes a gain equal to the amount of the premium received. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing transaction

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

is considered a realized gain or loss. When a written call option is exercised, the premium received is offset against the proceeds to determine the realized gain or loss. When a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security purchased by the fund.

At the initiation of the written option contract, for exchange traded options, the fund is required to deposit securities or cash as collateral with the custodian for the benefit of the broker. For over-the-counter options, the fund may post collateral subject to the terms of an ISDA Master Agreement as generally described above if the market value of the options contract moves against it. The fund, as writer of an option, may have no control over whether the underlying securities may be sold (call) or purchased (put) and, as a result, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the securities underlying the written option. Losses from writing options can exceed the premium received and can exceed the potential loss from an ordinary buy and sell transaction. Although the fund’s market risk may be significant, the maximum counterparty credit risk to the fund is equal to the market value of any collateral posted to the broker. For over-the-counter options, this risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above.

The following table represents the written option activity in the fund during the six months ended February 28, 2014:

 

      Number of
Contracts
     Premiums
Received
 
Outstanding, beginning of period      1,057         $53,131   
Options written      58         11,712   
Options exercised      (283      (11,388
Options expired      (832      (53,455
Outstanding, end of period              $—   

Purchased Options – The fund purchased call options for a premium. Purchased call options entitle the holder to buy a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specified date or within a specified period of time. Purchasing call options may hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities or currency to be acquired or increase the fund’s exposure to an underlying instrument.

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

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

 

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above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Short Sales – The fund entered into short sales whereby it sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the value of that security. The fund will realize a gain if the security price decreases and a loss if the security price increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the borrowed security. Losses from short sales can exceed the proceeds of the security sold; and they can also exceed the potential loss from an ordinary buy and sell transaction. The amount of any premium, dividends, or interest the fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale will be recognized as a fund expense. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, this expense amounted to $351. The fund segregates cash or marketable securities in an amount that, when combined with the amount of proceeds from the short sale deposited with the broker, at least equals the current market value of the security sold short. At February 28, 2014, the fund had no short sales outstanding.

Security Loans – Under its Securities Lending Agency Agreement with the fund, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. 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. 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. State Street provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, State Street 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, State Street assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, State Street 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. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund or short-term securities. At period end, the fund had investment securities on loan with a fair value of $437,492 and a related liability of $447,643 for collateral received on securities loaned, both of which are presented gross on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral for securities loaned is carried at fair value, which is categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The collateral received on securities loaned exceeded the value of securities on loan at period end. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the 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.

Indemnifications – Under the fund’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the

 

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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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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.

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes.

Book/tax differences primarily relate to expiration of capital loss carryforwards and wash sale loss deferrals.

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:

 

     8/31/13  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $4,250,197   

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $974,122,232   
Gross appreciation      306,924,133   
Gross depreciation      (17,179,257
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $289,744,876   
As of 8/31/13       
Undistributed ordinary income      7,148,276   
Capital loss carryforwards      (10,472,027
Other temporary differences      (257,174
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      171,392,796   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after August 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of August 31, 2013, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

8/31/16      $(9,599,724
8/31/18      (872,303
Total      $(10,472,027

The availability of $9,599,724 of the capital loss carryforwards, which were acquired on July 24, 2009 in connection with the MFS New Endeavor Fund merger, may be limited in a given year.

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution and service fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after 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
 
     Six months
ended
2/28/14
     Year
ended
8/31/13
 
Class A      $6,151,825         $3,763,479   
Class C      97,951           
Class I      313,713         153,997   
Class R1      485           
Class R2      88,902         46,102   
Class R3      423,237         268,678   
Class R4      72,032         17,941   
Class R5      1,132           
Total      $7,149,277         $4,250,197   

(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $500 million of average daily net assets      0.65
Average daily net assets in excess of $500 million      0.55

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the six month period ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s average daily net assets did not exceed $2.5 billion and therefore, the management fee was not reduced in accordance with this agreement. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $13,583, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.59% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

For the period September 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, the investment adviser had agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs,

 

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and investment-related expenses, such that total fund operating expenses did not exceed the following rates annually of each class’s average daily net assets:

 

Classes  
A     B     C     I     R1     R2     R3     R4     R5  
  1.26%        2.01%        2.01%        1.01%        2.01%        1.51%        1.26%        1.01%        0.94%   

This written agreement was terminated on December 31, 2013. For the period September 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, the fund’s actual expenses did not exceed the limit and therefore, the investment adviser did not pay any portion of the fund’s expenses related to this agreement.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $156,760 for the six months ended February 28, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares 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.

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%         0.24%         $1,173,189   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         208,716   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         419,829   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         20,019   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         51,868   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         79,483   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,953,104   

 

(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 February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $27,255, $377, $1,004, and $1,413 for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class R3, 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 for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a

 

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shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $2,586   
Class B      16,627   
Class C      3,074   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $241,833, which equated to 0.0403% 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 R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $687,015.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0126% 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, 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

$1,623 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $7,826. Both amounts are included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $90,820 at February 28, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $3,907 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $557, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than purchased option transactions and short-term obligations, aggregated $323,233,642 and $338,916,722, respectively.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13 (i)
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     2,312,167         $59,496,222         7,546,868         $166,053,426   

Class B

     71,539         1,693,932         196,291         4,012,467   

Class C

     212,052         5,011,558         584,686         12,153,640   

Class I

     313,029         8,234,947         357,017         8,396,899   

Class R1

     13,465         318,959         37,458         768,353   

Class R2

     64,486         1,630,807         151,192         3,277,836   

Class R3

     279,399         7,181,700         358,175         7,872,236   

Class R4

     191,087         4,925,672         197,759         4,502,021   

Class R5

     78,517         2,152,283         4,800         89,803   
     3,535,741         $90,646,080         9,434,246         $207,126,681   

Shares issued to shareholders in

reinvestment of distributions

  

  

        

Class A

     219,910         $5,744,039         173,769         $3,492,749   

Class C

     3,671         87,708                   

Class I

     10,378         282,064         6,426         134,304   

Class R1

     20         485                   

Class R2

     3,341         85,652         2,220         43,807   

Class R3

     16,253         423,237         13,407         268,678   

Class R4

     2,743         72,032         888         17,941   

Class R5

     41         1,122                   
     256,357         $6,696,339         196,710         $3,957,479   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (3,380,992      $(87,499,898      (5,962,394      $(129,142,090

Class B

     (249,714      (5,980,885      (737,297      (14,746,274

Class C

     (285,205      (6,699,500      (531,761      (10,486,616

Class I

     (115,195      (3,146,369      (159,773      (3,592,449

Class R1

     (23,846      (565,385      (88,685      (1,715,763

Class R2

     (92,321      (2,336,819      (213,567      (4,451,724

Class R3

     (243,954      (6,229,590      (300,016      (6,406,822

Class R4

     (113,807      (3,046,631      (36,085      (791,784

Class R5

     (897      (24,485                
     (4,505,931      $(115,529,562      (8,029,578      $(171,333,522

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13 (i)
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Net change            

Class A

     (848,915      $(22,259,637      1,758,243         $40,404,085   

Class B

     (178,175      (4,286,953      (541,006      (10,733,807

Class C

     (69,482      (1,600,234      52,925         1,667,024   

Class I

     208,212         5,370,642         203,670         4,938,754   

Class R1

     (10,361      (245,941      (51,227      (947,410

Class R2

     (24,494      (620,360      (60,155      (1,130,081

Class R3

     51,698         1,375,347         71,566         1,734,092   

Class R4

     80,023         1,951,073         162,562         3,728,178   

Class R5

     77,661         2,128,920         4,800         89,803   
     (713,833      $(18,187,143      1,601,378         $39,750,638   

 

(i) For Class R5, the period is from inception, January 2, 2013, through the stated period end.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $2,491 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. The period-end carrying value of the outstanding borrowings under this agreement on the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities approximates its fair value which would have been considered level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosure if the liability were carried at fair value.

 

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(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
     10,013,362         90,431,847         (93,484,954      6,960,255   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $8,589         $6,960,255   

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

43


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® GLOBAL LEADERS FUND

 

LOGO

 

GLD-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® GLOBAL LEADERS FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     8   
Statement of operations     9   
Statements of changes in net assets     10   
Financial highlights     11   
Notes to financial statements     15   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     25   
Proxy voting policies and information     25   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     25   
Further information     25   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     25   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
Nestle S.A.     4.2%   
Walt Disney Co.     3.6%   
Pernod Ricard S.A.     3.4%   
SAP AG     3.3%   
Groupe Danone     3.2%   
McDonald’s Corp.     3.2%   
Publicis Groupe S.A.     3.1%   
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A.     3.1%   
Diageo PLC     3.0%   
Japan Tobacco, Inc.     2.9%   
Equity sectors  
Consumer Staples     39.1%   
Retailing     21.7%   
Leisure     19.4%   
Industrial Goods & Services     5.5%   
Financial Services     5.1%   
Technology     3.3%   
Basic Materials     2.4%   
Special Products & Services     1.8%   
Issuer country weightings (x)   
United States     36.4%   
France     18.4%   
United Kingdom     13.4%   
Switzerland     8.5%   
Japan     4.9%   
Netherlands     3.8%   
Germany     3.3%   
Belgium     2.3%   
China     2.0%   
Other Countries     7.0%   
Currency exposure weightings (y)   
United States Dollar     36.4%   
Euro     29.6%   
British Pound Sterling     13.4%   
Swiss Franc     8.5%   
Japanese Yen     4.9%   
Hong Kong Dollar     3.6%   
Brazilian Real     2.0%   
Swedish Krona     1.6%   
 

 

(x) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to issuer countries as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States includes Cash & Other.
(y) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to a particular currency as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States Dollar includes Cash & Other.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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
9/01/13
   

Ending

Account Value

2/28/14

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

9/01/13-2/28/14

 
A   Actual     1.45%        $1,000.00        $1,072.23        $7.45   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.45%        $1,000.00        $1,017.60        $7.25   
B   Actual     2.20%        $1,000.00        $1,068.63        $11.28   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.20%        $1,000.00        $1,013.88        $10.99   
C   Actual     2.20%        $1,000.00        $1,067.95        $11.28   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.20%        $1,000.00        $1,013.88        $10.99   
I   Actual     1.20%        $1,000.00        $1,073.37        $6.17   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.20%        $1,000.00        $1,018.84        $6.01   

 

(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 181/365 (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.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 98.3%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Alcoholic Beverages - 12.5%                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V.      2,847      $ 298,462   
Diageo PLC      12,337        388,078   
Heineken N.V.      2,480        167,700   
Pernod Ricard S.A.      3,755        442,060   
SABMiller PLC      6,760        331,335   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,627,635   
Apparel Manufacturers - 17.0%                 
Burberry Group PLC      12,805      $ 330,431   
Compagnie Financiere Richemont S.A.      2,363        235,360   
Guess?, Inc.      5,100        154,734   
Kering S.A. (a)      1,769        362,844   
Li & Fung Ltd.      164,000        214,706   
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A.      2,157        401,490   
NIKE, Inc., “B”      3,646        285,482   
Tod’s S.p.A.      1,707        233,025   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,218,072   
Broadcasting - 11.4%                 
Nippon Television Holdings, Inc.      15,200      $ 252,860   
Publicis Groupe S.A.      4,238        402,460   
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.      10,940        366,928   
Walt Disney Co.      5,746        464,334   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,486,582   
Business Services - 1.8%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      2,750      $ 229,213   
Chemicals - 2.4%                 
3M Co.      2,363      $ 318,367   
Computer Software - 3.3%                 
SAP AG      5,334      $ 430,855   
Consumer Products - 7.3%                 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.      4,876      $ 306,359   
Procter & Gamble Co.      4,208        331,001   
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC      3,894        320,427   
    

 

 

 
             $ 957,787   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Electrical Equipment - 5.5%                 
Danaher Corp.      4,580      $ 350,324   
Schneider Electric S.A.      4,178        373,406   
    

 

 

 
             $ 723,730   
Food & Beverages - 14.0%                 
Groupe Danone      5,931      $ 418,988   
M. Dias Branco S.A. Industria e Comercio de Alimentos      7,400        258,475   
Nestle S.A.      7,218        546,582   
Unilever N.V.      8,513        337,592   
Want Want China Holdings Ltd.      171,000        260,007   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,821,644   
Gaming & Lodging - 2.0%                 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC      8,097      $ 263,313   
General Merchandise - 2.4%                 
Target Corp.      5,013      $ 313,513   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 5.1%                 
Julius Baer Group Ltd.      6,983      $ 327,276   
Visa, Inc., “A”      1,521        343,655   
    

 

 

 
             $ 670,931   
Restaurants - 5.9%                 
McDonald’s Corp.      4,372      $ 415,996   
YUM! Brands, Inc.      4,860        360,029   
    

 

 

 
             $ 776,025   
Specialty Stores - 2.3%                 
AutoZone, Inc. (a)      555      $ 298,834   
Tobacco - 5.4%                 
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC      2,722      $ 111,082   
Japan Tobacco, Inc.      12,100        384,271   
Swedish Match AB      6,537        206,969   
    

 

 

 
             $ 702,322   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $11,009,043)            $ 12,838,823   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Money Market Funds - 1.7%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     217,410      $ 217,410   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $11,226,453)            $ 13,056,233   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.0%              1,136   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 13,057,369   

 

(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:

 

PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

7


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $11,009,043)

     $12,838,823   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     217,410   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $11,226,453)

     $13,056,233   

Receivables for

  

Fund shares sold

     17,949   

Interest and dividends

     26,697   

Receivable from investment adviser

     10,954   

Other assets

     194   

Total assets

     $13,112,027   
Liabilities         

Payable to affiliates

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     $3,065   

Distribution and service fees

     205   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     2   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     51,386   

Total liabilities

     $54,658   

Net assets

     $13,057,369   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $11,198,393   

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

     1,829,995   

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

     41,333   

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (12,352

Net assets

     $13,057,369   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     940,041   

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $8,417,428         605,452         $13.90   

Class B

     504,010         36,689         13.74   

Class C

     1,269,832         92,471         13.73   

Class I

     2,866,099         205,429         13.95   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $14.75 [100 / 94.25 x $13.90]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Class I.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

8


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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 loss   

Income

  

Dividends

     $82,825   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     235   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (3,940

Total investment income

     $79,120   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $54,275   

Distribution and service fees

     17,740   

Shareholder servicing costs

     6,735   

Administrative services fee

     8,679   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     556   

Custodian fee

     10,200   

Shareholder communications

     4,635   

Audit and tax fees

     25,702   

Legal fees

     49   

Registration fees

     23,377   

Miscellaneous

     5,549   

Total expenses

     $157,497   

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (67,463

Net expenses

     $90,034   

Net investment loss

     $(10,914
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $89,425   

Foreign currency

     (810

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $88,615   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $694,658   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     400   

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

     $695,058   

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

     $783,673   

Change in net assets from operations

     $772,759   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

9


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.

 

Change in net assets

  

Six months ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     
From operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

     $(10,914      $66,045   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency

     88,615         864,632   

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

     695,058         693,645   

Change in net assets from operations

     $772,759         $1,624,322   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(68,001      $(60,003

From net realized gain on investments

     (810,506      (128,508

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(878,507      $(188,511

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $2,550,946         $(1,612,004

Total change in net assets

     $2,445,198         $(176,193
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     10,612,171         10,788,364   

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $12,352 and undistributed net investment income of $66,563, respectively)

     $13,057,369         $10,612,171   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

10


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 by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

Class A   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Year
ended
8/31/13
     Period
ended
8/31/12 (c)
 
                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $13.95        $12.16         $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

     $(0.01     $0.07         $0.20   

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

     1.00        1.91         1.96   

Total from investment operations

     $0.99        $1.98         $2.16   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

     $(0.08     $(0.06      $—   

From net realized gain on investments

     (0.96     (0.13        

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(1.04     $(0.19      $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $13.90        $13.95         $12.16   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     7.22 (n)      16.39         21.60 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     2.57 (a)      2.89         6.60 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.45 (a)      1.45         1.45 (a) 

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.13 )(a)      0.55 (l)       1.83 (a)(l) 

Portfolio turnover

     6 (n)      82         19 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $8,417        $6,632         $8,331   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

11


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class B   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Year
ended
8/31/13
     Period
ended
8/31/12 (c)
 
                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $13.81        $12.07         $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

     $(0.06     $0.01         $(0.01

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

     0.99        1.86         2.08   

Total from investment operations

     $0.93        $1.87         $2.07   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

     $(0.04     $—         $—   

From net realized gain on investments

     (0.96     (0.13        

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(1.00     $(0.13      $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $13.74        $13.81         $12.07   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     6.86 (n)      15.55         20.70 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     3.31 (a)      3.96         5.96 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     2.20 (a)      2.21         2.20 (a) 

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.88 )(a)      0.09         (0.10 )(a) 

Portfolio turnover

     6 (n)      82         19 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $504        $364         $131   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class C   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Year
ended
8/31/13
    Period
ended
8/31/12 (c)
 
                

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $13.81        $12.07        $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                         

Net investment income (loss) (d)

     $(0.06     $0.02        $(0.01

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

     0.98        1.85        2.08   

Total from investment operations

     $0.92        $1.87        $2.07   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                         

From net investment income

     $(0.04     $(0.00 )(w)      $—   

From net realized gain on investments

     (0.96     (0.13       

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(1.00     $(0.13     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $13.73        $13.81        $12.07   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     6.80 (n)      15.57        20.70 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     3.31 (a)      4.02        5.96 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     2.20 (a)      2.21        2.20 (a) 

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.89 )(a)      0.16        (0.07 )(a) 

Portfolio turnover

     6 (n)      82        19 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $1,270        $927        $133   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class I   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

     Year
ended
8/31/13
     Period
ended
8/31/12 (c)
 
                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $14.00         $12.18         $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01         $0.14         $0.09   

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

     1.00         1.88         2.09   

Total from investment operations

     $1.01         $2.02         $2.18   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

     $(0.10      $(0.07      $—   

From net realized gain on investments

     (0.96      (0.13        

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(1.06      $(0.20      $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $13.95         $14.00         $12.18   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     7.34 (n)       16.72         21.80 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                          

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     2.32 (a)       2.86         4.94 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.20 (a)       1.21         1.20 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.10 (a)       1.03         0.90 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     6 (n)       82         19 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $2,866         $2,690         $2,193   

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, September 28, 2011, through the stated period end.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(l) The net investment income ratio does not vary by the class specific expense differential because of the timing of sales of fund shares and the allocation of fund level income at such time.
(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 per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Global Leaders Fund (the fund) is a non-diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

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

In this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are 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

 

16


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $12,838,823         $—         $—         $12,838,823   
Mutual Funds      217,410                         217,410   
Total Investments      $13,056,233         $—         $—         $13,056,233   

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

Of the level 1 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $897,138 would have been considered level 2 investments at the beginning of the period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded. The fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period.

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.

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,

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. 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 payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend 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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, custody fees were not reduced.

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

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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.

 

18


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Book/tax differences primarily relate to passive foreign investment companies, 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 federal tax cost and the tax basis components of distributable earnings were as follows:

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $11,273,543   
Gross appreciation      1,874,872   
Gross depreciation      (92,182
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $1,782,690   
As of 8/31/13       
Undistributed ordinary income      794,016   
Undistributed long-term capital gain      83,332   
Other temporary differences      (656
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      1,088,032   

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 and service 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 shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after 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

2/28/14
     Year
ended

8/31/13
     Six months
ended

2/28/14
     Year
ended

8/31/13
 
Class A      $43,141         $47,256         $505,890         $101,361   
Class B      1,474                 32,256         1,620   
Class C      4,066         30         87,699         2,914   
Class I      19,320         12,717         184,661         22,613   
Total      $68,001         $60,003         $810,506         $128,508   

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.90
Next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets      0.75
Average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion      0.65

MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $137, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.90% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses, such that total fund operating expenses do not exceed the following rates annually fo each class’s average daily net assets.

 

Class A     Class B     Class C     Class I  
  1.45%        2.20     2.20     1.20

This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this reduction amounted to $67,273 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $6,571 for the six months ended February 28, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares 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.

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%         0.25%         $9,508   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         2,179   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         6,053   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $17,740   

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

 

(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 February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $47 for Class A and is reflected as a 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 for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $207   
Class B      220   
Class C      177   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $1,521, which equated to 0.0252% 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. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $5,214.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.1439% 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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $40 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $6, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

On September 11, 2013, MFS redeemed 10,143 shares of Class A for an aggregate amount of $101,820. At February 28, 2014, MFS held 96% of the outstanding shares of Class I.

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $2,579,273 and $746,011, 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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     170,492         $2,420,793         491,804         $6,548,966   

Class B

     10,972         158,940         15,708         209,931   

Class C

     37,123         522,944         56,826         739,685   

Class I

     203         3,000         9,352         130,223   
     218,790         $3,105,677         573,690         $7,628,805   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
            

Class A

     39,229         $537,433         11,590         $147,077   

Class B

     2,406         32,621         128         1,620   

Class C

     6,502         88,100         233         2,944   

Class I

     14,845         203,980         2,778         35,330   
     62,982         $862,134         14,729         $186,971   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (79,516      $(1,108,559      (713,390      $(9,410,438

Class B

     (3,033      (43,292      (310      (4,144

Class C

     (18,285      (241,013      (970      (13,198

Class I

     (1,749      (24,001                
     (102,583      $(1,416,865      (714,670      $(9,427,780
Net change            

Class A

     130,205         $1,849,667         (209,996      $(2,714,395

Class B

     10,345         148,269         15,526         207,407   

Class C

     25,340         370,031         56,089         729,431   

Class I

     13,299         182,979         12,130         165,553   
     179,189         $2,550,946         (126,251      $(1,612,004

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $24 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
     466,176         2,132,434         (2,381,200     217,410   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $235        $217,410   

 

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Table of Contents

BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

25


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® NEW DISCOVERY FUND

 

LOGO

 

NDF-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® NEW DISCOVERY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     11   
Statement of operations     13   
Statements of changes in net assets     14   
Financial highlights     15   
Notes to financial statements     27   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     40   
Proxy voting policies and information     40   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     40   
Further information     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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
CONSOL Energy, Inc.     2.2%   
Joy Global, Inc.     2.0%   
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.     2.0%   
Atwood Oceanics, Inc.     2.0%   
Diana Shipping, Inc.     1.9%   
IPG Photonics Corp.     1.8%   
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.     1.7%   
Constant Contact, Inc.     1.7%   
Qlik Technologies, Inc     1.6%   
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.     1.6%   
Equity sectors  
Technology     18.5%   
Industrial Goods & Services     14.8%   
Energy     14.6%   
Health Care     12.7%   
Special Products & Services     10.3%   
Basic Materials     8.2%   
Transportation     6.2%   
Retailing     5.2%   
Leisure     4.1%   
Financial Services     2.1%   
Autos & Housing     1.5%   
Consumer Staples     0.9%   
Utilities & Communications     0.4%   
 

 

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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
9/01/13
    Ending
Account Value
2/28/14
   

Expenses

Paid During
Period (p)

9/01/13-2/28/14

 
A   Actual     1.25%        $1,000.00        $1,125.91        $6.59   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.25%        $1,000.00        $1,018.60        $6.26   
B   Actual     2.00%        $1,000.00        $1,121.41        $10.52   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.00%        $1,000.00        $1,014.88        $9.99   
C   Actual     2.00%        $1,000.00        $1,121.68        $10.52   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.00%        $1,000.00        $1,014.88        $9.99   
I   Actual     1.00%        $1,000.00        $1,127.03        $5.27   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.00%        $1,000.00        $1,019.84        $5.01   
R1   Actual     2.00%        $1,000.00        $1,121.64        $10.52   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.00%        $1,000.00        $1,014.88        $9.99   
R2   Actual     1.50%        $1,000.00        $1,124.75        $7.90   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.50%        $1,000.00        $1,017.36        $7.50   
R3   Actual     1.25%        $1,000.00        $1,126.01        $6.59   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.25%        $1,000.00        $1,018.60        $6.26   
R4   Actual     1.00%        $1,000.00        $1,127.50        $5.28   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.00%        $1,000.00        $1,019.84        $5.01   
R5   Actual     0.91%        $1,000.00        $1,128.00        $4.80   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.91%        $1,000.00        $1,020.28        $4.56   
529A   Actual     1.28%        $1,000.00        $1,125.81        $6.75   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.28%        $1,000.00        $1,018.45        $6.41   
529B   Actual     2.04%        $1,000.00        $1,121.78        $10.73   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.04%        $1,000.00        $1,014.68        $10.19   
529C   Actual     2.05%        $1,000.00        $1,121.73        $10.78   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.05%        $1,000.00        $1,014.63        $10.24   

 

(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 181/365 (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 and are outside of the expense limitation arrangement. For Class A, Class 529A, and Class 529B shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratios above by 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 1.1%                 
FLIR Systems, Inc.      718,420      $ 24,526,859   
Airlines - 0.8%                 
Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion S.A.B. de C.V., ADR (a)      1,890,772      $ 17,546,364   
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.7%                 
Vince Holding Corp. (a)      564,760      $ 15,248,520   
Automotive - 0.5%                 
Dorman Products, Inc. (a)      210,810      $ 12,146,872   
Biotechnology - 0.4%                 
MiMedx Group, Inc. (a)      1,324,960      $ 9,473,464   
Broadcasting - 0.9%                 
RetailMeNot, Inc. (a)      464,480      $ 19,401,330   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 1.1%                 
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.      463,405      $ 24,875,580   
Business Services - 5.9%                 
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (a)      866,068      $ 34,183,704   
Constant Contact, Inc. (a)      1,362,564        37,565,889   
Forrester Research, Inc.      279,152        10,110,885   
Gartner, Inc. (a)      337,395        23,469,196   
Performant Financial Corp. (a)      1,060,923        8,391,901   
Xoom Corp. (a)      715,282        20,049,354   
    

 

 

 
             $ 133,770,929   
Chemicals - 0.1%                 
Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (a)      188,531      $ 2,739,355   
Computer Software - 4.3%                 
CommVault Systems, Inc. (a)      435,532      $ 29,999,444   
Qlik Technologies, Inc. (a)      1,184,864        36,138,352   
SolarWinds, Inc. (a)      681,974        31,493,559   
    

 

 

 
             $ 97,631,355   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Computer Software - Systems - 6.4%                 
Cvent, Inc. (a)      345,714      $ 13,579,646   
E2open, Inc. (a)      388,870        10,806,697   
Exa Corp. (a)      577,650        8,901,587   
Fleetmatics Group PLC (a)      657,598        24,298,246   
Linx S.A.      426,700        7,646,843   
MiX Telematics Ltd., ADR (a)      988,421        12,058,736   
Model N, Inc. (a)(h)      1,720,914        18,912,845   
SciQuest, Inc. (a)      852,984        25,180,088   
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (a)      461,772        17,861,341   
Varonis Systems, Inc. (a)      119,200        5,244,800   
    

 

 

 
             $ 144,490,829   
Construction - 0.5%                 
Eagle Materials, Inc.      134,040      $ 11,849,136   
Consumer Services - 4.4%                 
Diamond Resorts International, Inc. (a)      1,002,740      $ 18,239,841   
HomeAway, Inc. (a)      604,918        27,747,589   
Kroton Educacional S.A.      1,703,800        31,754,370   
MakeMyTrip Ltd. (a)      834,479        21,571,282   
    

 

 

 
             $ 99,313,082   
Electrical Equipment - 2.2%                 
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., “A”      256,783      $ 22,168,076   
Sensata Technologies Holding B.V. (a)      666,160        27,072,742   
    

 

 

 
             $ 49,240,818   
Electronics - 5.9%                 
Mellanox Technologies Ltd. (a)(l)      723,352      $ 26,416,815   
Rubicon Technology, Inc. (a)(h)(l)      1,539,797        19,878,779   
Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)      870,557        45,242,847   
Stratasys Ltd. (a)      44,606        5,670,761   
Ultratech, Inc. (a)      1,148,195        30,105,673   
Universal Display Corp. (a)      217,097        7,498,530   
    

 

 

 
             $ 134,813,405   
Energy - Independent - 10.2%                 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (a)      1,862,350      $ 10,000,820   
Antero Resources Corp. (a)      395,560        23,868,090   
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.      1,014,231        35,498,085   
CONSOL Energy, Inc.      1,255,547        50,347,435   
Oasis Petroleum LLC (a)      276,420        12,043,619   
Peabody Energy Corp.      1,696,538        29,791,207   
Range Resources Corp.      344,498        29,644,053   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Energy - Independent - continued                 
Rice Energy, Inc. (a)      1,225,540      $ 29,412,960   
Walter Energy, Inc. (l)      1,069,813        11,543,282   
    

 

 

 
             $ 232,149,551   
Engineering - Construction - 0.9%                 
Team, Inc. (a)      469,980      $ 20,321,935   
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
DHX Media Ltd.      640,220      $ 2,757,924   
Food & Beverages - 0.9%                 
Flowers Foods, Inc.      558,230      $ 11,482,791   
Grupo Lala S.A.B. de C.V.      4,330,400        9,071,773   
    

 

 

 
             $ 20,554,564   
Food & Drug Stores - 1.0%                 
Brazil Pharma S.A. (a)      5,128,500      $ 11,482,941   
Fairway Group Holdings Corp. (a)      1,434,073        11,185,769   
    

 

 

 
             $ 22,668,710   
Furniture & Appliances - 0.5%                 
SodaStream International Ltd. (a)(l)      273,307      $ 10,790,160   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.7%                 
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (a)      498,412      $ 17,080,579   
General Merchandise - 1.1%                 
Five Below, Inc. (a)      641,010      $ 24,704,525   
Internet - 1.9%                 
Millennial Media, Inc. (a)(l)      2,708,145      $ 16,357,196   
Shutterfly, Inc. (a)      476,871        26,018,082   
    

 

 

 
             $ 42,375,278   
Machinery & Tools - 10.7%                 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.      1,264,041      $ 37,643,141   
Finning International, Inc.      570,520        15,539,495   
IPG Photonics Corp. (a)(l)      579,795        41,611,887   
Joy Global, Inc.      825,293        45,391,115   
Kennametal, Inc.      405,565        17,739,413   
Nordson Corp.      192,240        14,064,278   
Polypore International, Inc. (a)(l)      968,170        33,508,364   
Proto Labs, Inc. (a)      154,030        11,998,937   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Machinery & Tools - continued                 
WABCO Holdings, Inc. (a)      233,835      $ 23,956,396   
    

 

 

 
             $ 241,453,026   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 4.3%                 
Advisory Board Co. (a)      279,899      $ 17,935,928   
Capital Senior Living Corp. (a)      1,287,080        32,717,574   
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.      1,047,125        28,199,076   
HealthStream, Inc. (a)      610,080        17,582,506   
    

 

 

 
             $ 96,435,084   
Medical Equipment - 6.3%                 
Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (a)      739,441      $ 25,880,435   
Cepheid, Inc. (a)      495,365        26,581,286   
Endologix, Inc. (a)      1,641,191        22,156,079   
GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. (a)      958,897        11,947,857   
Globus Medical, Inc., “A” (a)      713,002        16,869,627   
Novadaq Technologies, Inc. (a)      210,972        4,303,829   
NxStage Medical, Inc. (a)      805,197        11,168,082   
TearLab Corp. (a)(h)      2,181,758        17,563,152   
Uroplasty, Inc. (a)(h)      1,474,173        6,073,593   
    

 

 

 
             $ 142,543,940   
Metals & Mining - 7.2%                 
Cameco Corp.      936,850      $ 22,727,981   
Century Aluminum Co. (a)      1,514,334        17,929,715   
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.      1,301,378        25,858,381   
GrafTech International Ltd. (a)      2,503,750        24,286,375   
Horsehead Holding Corp. (a)      1,313,908        23,348,145   
Iluka Resources Ltd.      2,934,183        24,585,997   
Molycorp, Inc. (a)(l)      3,544,441        18,501,982   
Uranium Participation Corp. (a)      1,309,350        6,976,578   
    

 

 

 
             $ 164,215,154   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 0.4%                 
StealthGas, Inc. (a)      834,940      $ 8,775,219   
Oil Services - 4.4%                 
Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (a)      939,622      $ 44,528,687   
Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. (a)      414,398        22,514,243   
Frank’s International N.V.      1,351,895        31,958,798   
    

 

 

 
             $ 99,001,728   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.9%                 
First Republic Bank      414,991      $ 21,567,082   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Pharmaceuticals - 1.8%                 
Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. (a)      287,770      $ 6,725,185   
Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)      383,668        19,171,890   
TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (a)      2,068,620        14,211,419   
    

 

 

 
             $ 40,108,494   
Railroad & Shipping - 3.5%                 
Diana Shipping, Inc. (a)      3,354,637      $ 43,677,374   
Navigator Holdings Ltd. (a)      371,615        8,974,502   
Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc.      2,821,295        27,056,219   
    

 

 

 
             $ 79,708,095   
Restaurants - 2.3%                 
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc.      2,278,169      $ 20,025,106   
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (a)      609,510        16,883,427   
Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. (a)      123,850        4,930,469   
Dunkin Brands Group, Inc.      219,700        11,351,899   
    

 

 

 
             $ 53,190,901   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.8%                 
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.      224,510      $ 17,709,349   
Specialty Stores - 2.5%                 
Citi Trends, Inc. (a)(h)      1,234,405      $ 20,244,246   
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.      286,944        17,121,948   
Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (a)      1,203,820        18,562,904   
    

 

 

 
             $ 55,929,098   
Trucking - 1.9%                 
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (a)      362,103      $ 10,910,163   
Swift Transportation Co. (a)      1,279,873        31,177,706   
    

 

 

 
             $ 42,087,869   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $1,944,513,174)      $ 2,253,196,163   
Money Market Funds - 0.6%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     13,008,328      $ 13,008,328   
Collateral for Securities Loaned - 2.6%                 
Navigator Securities Lending Prime Portfolio, 0.18%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (j)
     59,543,931      $ 59,543,931   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $2,017,065,433)            $ 2,325,748,422   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (2.7)%              (61,645,558
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 2,264,102,864   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(h) Affiliated issuers are those in which the fund’s holdings of an issuer represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer.
(j) The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(l) A portion of this security is on loan.
(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

 

10


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $1,897,538,923)

     $2,230,067,483   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     13,008,328   

Other affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $106,518,182)

     82,672,611   

Total investments, at value, including $57,435,737 of securities on loan (identified cost, $2,017,065,433)

     $2,325,748,422   

Cash

     63,015   

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $11,974)

     11,989   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     25,703,092   

Fund shares sold

     5,349,825   

Interest and dividends

     1,401,658   

Other assets

     11,953   

Total assets

     $2,358,289,954   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $30,501,798   

Fund shares reacquired

     2,908,618   

Collateral for securities loaned, at value

     59,543,931   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     101,612   

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,033,669   

Distribution and service fees

     22,516   

Program manager fees

     20   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     4,297   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     70,629   

Total liabilities

     $94,187,090   

Net assets

     $2,264,102,864   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $1,828,644,864   

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

     308,682,670   

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

     134,233,820   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (7,458,490

Net assets

     $2,264,102,864   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     84,078,868   

 

11


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $755,696,195         28,408,814         $26.60   

Class B

     43,059,074         1,864,797         23.09   

Class C

     166,102,306         7,181,346         23.13   

Class I

     500,266,248         17,487,613         28.61   

Class R1

     9,818,804         427,687         22.96   

Class R2

     73,247,816         2,865,096         25.57   

Class R3

     154,597,669         5,816,373         26.58   

Class R4

     261,046,539         9,512,627         27.44   

Class R5

     293,043,737         10,223,620         28.66   

Class 529A

     5,185,330         200,158         25.91   

Class 529B

     363,768         16,193         22.46   

Class 529C

     1,675,378         74,544         22.48   

 

(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 $28.22 [100 / 94.25 x $26.6] and $27.49 [100 / 94.25 x $25.91], 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, R5, and 529A.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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 loss         

Income

  

Dividends

     $4,875,875   

Income on securities loaned

     541,851   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     13,245   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (50,836

Total investment income

     $5,380,135   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $9,530,995   

Distribution and service fees

     2,340,820   

Program manager fees

     3,410   

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,122,845   

Administrative services fee

     128,979   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     16,558   

Custodian fee

     88,596   

Shareholder communications

     53,306   

Audit and tax fees

     27,683   

Legal fees

     7,820   

Miscellaneous

     125,514   

Total expenses

     $13,446,526   

Fees paid indirectly

     (132

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (612,502

Net expenses

     $12,833,892   

Net investment loss

     $(7,453,757
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments:

  

Non-affiliated issuers

     $236,303,202   

Other affiliated issuers

     (1,048,754

Foreign currency

     (73,615

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $235,180,833   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $26,157,102   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     25   

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

     $26,157,127   

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

     $261,337,960   

Change in net assets from operations

     $253,884,203   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


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.

 

Change in net assets    Six months ended
2/28/14
(unaudited)
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
From operations                  

Net investment loss

     $(7,453,757      $(8,591,721

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     235,180,833         205,210,073   

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

     26,157,127         179,463,112   

Change in net assets from operations

     $253,884,203         $376,081,464   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net realized gain on investments

     $(182,188,310      $—   

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $153,883,993         $415,383,480   

Total change in net assets

     $225,579,886         $791,464,944   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     2,038,522,978         1,247,058,034   

At end of period (including accumulated net investment loss of $7,458,490 and $4,733, respectively)

     $2,264,102,864         $2,038,522,978   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


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 by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $25.86        $20.17        $22.63        $19.03        $16.22        $17.96   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.10     $(0.14     $(0.16     $(0.22     $(0.17     $(0.13

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

    3.29        5.83        1.80        5.23        2.98        (1.61 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.19        $5.69        $1.64        $5.01        $2.81        $(1.74
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $26.60        $25.86        $20.17        $22.63        $19.03        $16.22   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    12.72 (n)      28.21        9.88        26.13        17.32        (9.69
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.31 (a)      1.35        1.39        1.40        1.51        1.70   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.25 (a)      1.31        1.35        1.30        1.41        1.60   

Net investment loss

    (0.75 )(a)      (0.59     (0.83     (0.90     (0.92     (1.05

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $755,696        $866,006        $529,749        $626,258        $338,380        $248,658   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $22.83        $17.94        $20.73        $17.65        $15.16        $16.90   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.17     $(0.27     $(0.28     $(0.37     $(0.29     $(0.21

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

    2.88        5.16        1.59        4.86        2.78        (1.53 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $2.71        $4.89        $1.31        $4.49        $2.49        $(1.74
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.09        $22.83        $17.94        $20.73        $17.65        $15.16   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    12.29 (n)      27.26        9.08        25.18        16.42        (10.30

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.06 (a)      2.10        2.14        2.15        2.26        2.41   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.00 (a)      2.06        2.10        2.05        2.16        2.30   

Net investment loss

    (1.50 )(a)      (1.34     (1.59     (1.65     (1.67     (1.76

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $43,059        $37,952        $30,308        $33,037        $26,777        $27,582   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $22.86        $17.96        $20.76        $17.67        $15.18        $16.93   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.17     $(0.27     $(0.28     $(0.37     $(0.30     $(0.21

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

    2.89        5.17        1.58        4.87        2.79        (1.54 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $2.72        $4.90        $1.30        $4.50        $2.49        $(1.75
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.13        $22.86        $17.96        $20.76        $17.67        $15.18   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    12.31 (n)      27.28        9.01        25.21        16.40        (10.34

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.06 (a)      2.10        2.14        2.15        2.26        2.40   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.00 (a)      2.06        2.10        2.05        2.16        2.30   

Net investment loss

    (1.49 )(a)      (1.35     (1.59     (1.65     (1.67     (1.75

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $166,102        $136,913        $91,138        $95,479        $37,144        $25,431   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class I     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $27.61        $21.48        $23.77        $19.88        $16.91        $18.67   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.07     $(0.09     $(0.12     $(0.17     $(0.13     $(0.10

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

    3.52        6.22        1.93        5.47        3.10        (1.66 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.45        $6.13        $1.81        $5.30        $2.97        $(1.76
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $28.61        $27.61        $21.48        $23.77        $19.88        $16.91   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    12.86 (n)      28.54        10.16        26.48        17.56        (9.43

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.06 (a)      1.10        1.15        1.15        1.26        1.35   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.00 (a)      1.06        1.10        1.05        1.16        1.25   

Net investment loss

    (0.49 )(a)      (0.36     (0.59     (0.65     (0.67     (0.71

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $500,266        $368,806        $170,830        $323,848        $263,575        $238,410   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R1     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $22.71        $17.84        $20.65        $17.58        $15.10        $16.84   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.17     $(0.27     $(0.28     $(0.37     $(0.29     $(0.21

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

    2.87        5.14        1.57        4.85        2.77        (1.53 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $2.70        $4.87        $1.29        $4.48        $2.48        $(1.74
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $22.96        $22.71        $17.84        $20.65        $17.58        $15.10   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    12.31 (n)      27.30        9.00        25.22        16.42        (10.33

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.06 (a)      2.10        2.14        2.15        2.26        2.40   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.00 (a)      2.06        2.10        2.05        2.16        2.30   

Net investment loss

    (1.50 )(a)      (1.34     (1.59     (1.65     (1.67     (1.76

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $9,819        $8,972        $7,506        $6,904        $5,253        $4,217   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R2     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $24.97        $19.52        $22.09        $18.65        $15.94        $17.68   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.13     $(0.19     $(0.21     $(0.28     $(0.22     $(0.16

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

    3.18        5.64        1.74        5.13        2.93        (1.58 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.05        $5.45        $1.53        $4.85        $2.71        $(1.74
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $25.57        $24.97        $19.52        $22.09        $18.65        $15.94   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    12.61 (n)      27.92        9.58        25.79        17.00        (9.84

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.56 (a)      1.60        1.64        1.65        1.76        1.90   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.50 (a)      1.56        1.60        1.55        1.66        1.80   

Net investment loss

    (0.99 )(a)      (0.85     (1.09     (1.15     (1.17     (1.26

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $73,248        $60,501        $35,599        $24,316        $13,125        $11,312   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R3     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $25.84        $20.15        $22.62        $19.02        $16.22        $17.94   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.10     $(0.14     $(0.16     $(0.22     $(0.18     $(0.13

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

    3.29        5.83        1.79        5.23        2.98        (1.59 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.19        $5.69        $1.63        $5.01        $2.80        $(1.72
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $26.58        $25.84        $20.15        $22.62        $19.02        $16.22   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    12.73 (n)      28.24        9.84        26.14        17.26        (9.59

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.31 (a)      1.35        1.39        1.40        1.51        1.65   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.25 (a)      1.31        1.35        1.30        1.41        1.55   

Net investment loss

    (0.74 )(a)      (0.60     (0.83     (0.90     (0.93     (1.00

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $154,598        $110,562        $61,125        $28,966        $6,456        $3,492   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R4     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $26.57        $20.67        $23.04        $19.31        $16.42        $18.13   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.07     $(0.08     $(0.12     $(0.16     $(0.13     $(0.10

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

    3.39        5.98        1.85        5.30        3.02        (1.61 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.32        $5.90        $1.73        $5.14        $2.89        $(1.71
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $27.44        $26.57        $20.67        $23.04        $19.31        $16.42   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    12.87 (n)      28.54        10.13        26.43        17.60        (9.43

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.06 (a)      1.10        1.14        1.15        1.26        1.40   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.00 (a)      1.06        1.10        1.05        1.16        1.30   

Net investment loss

    (0.49 )(a)      (0.35     (0.58     (0.66     (0.67     (0.76

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $261,047        $197,884        $141,694        $78,534        $50,147        $42,974   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R5     2013     2012 (i)  
               

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $27.64        $21.48        $19.73   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.06     $(0.06     $(0.03

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

    3.53        6.22        1.78   

Total from investment operations

    $3.47        $6.16        $1.75   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net realized gain on investments

    $(2.45     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $28.66        $27.64        $21.48   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    12.92 (n)      28.68        8.87 (n) 

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.96 (a)      0.99        1.07 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.91 (a)      0.96        1.05 (a) 

Net investment loss

    (0.40 )(a)      (0.24     (0.49 )(a) 

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $293,044        $244,655        $174,681   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $25.25        $19.70        $22.22        $18.71        $15.97        $17.70   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.10     $(0.14     $(0.17     $(0.24     $(0.19     $(0.14

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

    3.21        5.69        1.75        5.16        2.93        (1.59 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $3.11        $5.55        $1.58        $4.92        $2.74        $(1.73
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $25.91        $25.25        $19.70        $22.22        $18.71        $15.97   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    12.71 (n)      28.17        9.80        26.09        17.16        (9.77

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.41 (a)      1.45        1.49        1.50        1.61        1.80   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.28 (a)      1.34        1.40        1.39        1.51        1.70   

Net investment loss

    (0.77 )(a)      (0.62     (0.89     (0.99     (1.02     (1.15

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $5,185        $4,519        $3,304        $2,848        $1,735        $1,444   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $22.27        $17.51        $20.35        $17.36        $14.92        $16.65   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.17     $(0.28     $(0.28     $(0.38     $(0.31     $(0.22

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

    2.81        5.04        1.54        4.78        2.75        (1.51 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $2.64        $4.76        $1.26        $4.40        $2.44        $(1.73
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $22.46        $22.27        $17.51        $20.35        $17.36        $14.92   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    12.28 (n)      27.18        8.99        25.08        16.35        (10.39

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.16 (a)      2.20        2.24        2.24        2.36        2.50   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.04 (a)      2.10        2.15        2.14        2.26        2.40   

Net investment loss

    (1.53 )(a)      (1.39     (1.64     (1.74     (1.77     (1.85

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $364        $300        $217        $197        $204        $175   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $22.28        $17.52        $20.36        $17.36        $14.93        $16.66   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.18     $(0.28     $(0.28     $(0.38     $(0.31     $(0.22

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

    2.83        5.04        1.54        4.79        2.74        (1.51 )(g) 

Total from investment operations

    $2.65        $4.76        $1.26        $4.41        $2.43        $(1.73
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net realized gain on
investments

    $(2.45     $—        $(4.10     $(1.41     $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $22.48        $22.28        $17.52        $20.36        $17.36        $14.93   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    12.32 (n)      27.17        8.98        25.14        16.28        (10.38

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

                       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.16 (a)      2.20        2.24        2.25        2.36        2.48   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.05 (a)      2.11        2.15        2.14        2.26        2.38   

Net investment loss

    (1.55 )(a)      (1.39     (1.64     (1.74     (1.78     (1.83

Portfolio turnover

    39 (n)      96        128        205        167        150   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,675        $1,454        $906        $709        $469        $393   

 

(a) Annualized.
(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.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS New Discovery Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

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

In this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are 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

 

28


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $2,253,196,163         $—         $—         $2,253,196,163   
Mutual Funds      72,552,259                         72,552,259   
Total Investments      $2,325,748,422         $—         $—         $2,325,748,422   

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

Of the level 1 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $24,585,997 would have been considered level 2 investments at the beginning of the period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded. The fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period.

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, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. 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. The

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. State Street provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, State Street 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, State Street assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, State Street 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. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund or short-term securities. At period end, the fund had investment securities on loan with a fair value of $57,435,737 and a related liability of $59,543,931 for collateral received on securities loaned, both of which are presented gross on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral for securities loaned is carried at fair value, which is categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The collateral received on securities loaned exceeded the value of securities on loan at period end. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the 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 separately reported 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.

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. 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 payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend 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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

fund. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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.

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 fund declared no distributions for the year ended August 31, 2013.

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $2,035,469,500   
Gross appreciation      416,767,365   
Gross depreciation      (126,488,443
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $290,278,922   
As of 8/31/13       
Undistributed ordinary income      46,692,710   
Undistributed long-term capital gain      52,952,654   
Other temporary differences      (5,077
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      264,121,820   

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 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 realized gain  on
investments
 
     Six months
ended

2/28/14
     Year
ended
8/31/13
 
Class A      $64,919,406         $—   
Class B      4,186,982           
Class C      15,593,082           
Class I      35,717,827           
Class R1      937,201           
Class R2      6,122,546           
Class R3      12,790,928           
Class R4      19,003,758           
Class R5      22,264,000           
Class 529A      451,752           
Class 529B      33,273           
Class 529C      167,555           
Total      $182,188,310         $—   

(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 0.90% of the fund’s average daily net assets. The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.80% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion up to $2.5 billion and 0.75% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $563,109, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $23,796, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.84% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Prior to January 1, 2014, the investment adviser had agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses, such that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed the following rates annually of each class’s average daily net assets:

 

Classes  
A   B     C     I     R1     R2     R3     R4     R5     529A     529B     529C  
1.41%     2.16%        2.16%        1.16%        2.16%        1.66%        1.41%        1.16%        1.10%        1.46%        2.21%        2.21%   

This written agreement terminated on December 31, 2013. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s actual operating expenses did not exceed the limit and therefore, the investment adviser did not pay any portion of the fund’s expenses related to this agreement.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $138,319 and $1,700 for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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 class shares 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.

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%         0.24%         $960,148   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         206,375   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         769,760   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         46,823   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         167,924   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         174,045   
Class 529A              0.25%         0.25%         0.22%         6,120   
Class 529B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.98%         1,642   
Class 529C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         7,983   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $2,340,820   

 

(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 February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, this rebate

 

33


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

  amounted to $19,882, $236, $120, $1,940, $689, $25, and $1 for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R3, 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 for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $2,591   
Class B      22,269   
Class C      11,434   
Class 529B        
Class 529C      100   

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 December 31, 2014, unless MFD elects to extend the waiver. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this waiver amounted to $1,705 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $2,448         $1,224   
Class 529B      164         82   
Class 529C      798         399   
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $3,410         $1,705   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $150,777, which equated to 0.0142% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment

 

34


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $972,068.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0122% 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. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $112 and is included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $4,291 at February 28, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $6,960 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $999, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On September 11, 2013, MFS redeemed 5,066 shares of Class R5 for an aggregate amount of $148,181.

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than in-kind transactions and short-term obligations, aggregated $964,838,295 and $815,614,350, 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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     5,030,019         $135,651,818         13,280,657         $317,286,546   

Class B

     214,442         5,044,395         413,203         8,490,226   

Class C

     1,243,502         29,168,629         2,088,673         43,663,588   

Class I

     5,690,129         162,354,340         9,044,050         226,138,227   

Class R1

     62,495         1,458,774         119,137         2,448,027   

Class R2

     662,186         17,122,107         1,281,338         28,806,578   

Class R3

     1,974,752         53,320,040         2,302,409         53,724,050   

Class R4

     2,430,415         67,316,307         2,656,356         63,852,249   

Class R5

     977,486         27,842,570         1,766,087         42,150,539   

Class 529A

     17,402         460,473         34,989         806,060   

Class 529B

     2,298         52,353         3,557         69,765   

Class 529C

     7,929         181,828         18,424         354,241   
     18,313,055         $499,973,634         33,008,880         $787,790,096   

Shares issued to shareholders in

reinvestment of distributions

           

Class A

     2,328,346         $59,512,523                 $—   

Class B

     163,235         3,627,076                   

Class C

     515,039         11,464,768                   

Class I

     902,424         24,789,597                   

Class R1

     42,426         937,201                   

Class R2

     223,362         5,490,231                   

Class R3

     500,819         12,790,928                   

Class R4

     718,763         18,939,409                   

Class R5

     809,012         22,264,000                   

Class 529A

     18,151         451,745                   

Class 529B

     1,538         33,273                   

Class 529C

     7,745         167,520                   
     6,230,860         $160,468,271                 $—   

 

36


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (12,439,393      $(338,344,202      (6,057,209      $(136,602,612

Class B

     (175,560      (4,103,082      (440,250      (8,819,700

Class C

     (566,203      (13,225,005      (1,172,917      (23,417,729

Class I

     (2,464,765      (70,426,463      (3,638,323      (86,932,110

Class R1

     (72,352      (1,686,515      (144,665      (2,881,900

Class R2

     (443,398      (11,504,218      (681,686      (14,889,511

Class R3

     (937,968      (24,983,332      (1,056,634      (23,946,508

Class R4

     (1,083,212      (29,783,878      (2,063,176      (48,545,028

Class R5

     (413,447      (11,964,325      (1,046,242      (25,688,737

Class 529A

     (14,381      (369,819      (23,748      (532,514

Class 529B

     (1,102      (25,969      (2,507      (50,279

Class 529C

     (6,374      (141,104      (4,901      (99,988
     (18,618,155      $(506,557,912      (16,332,258      $(372,406,616
Net change            

Class A

     (5,081,028      $(143,179,861      7,223,448         $180,683,934   

Class B

     202,117         4,568,389         (27,047      (329,474

Class C

     1,192,338         27,408,392         915,756         20,245,859   

Class I

     4,127,788         116,717,474         5,405,727         139,206,117   

Class R1

     32,569         709,460         (25,528      (433,873

Class R2

     442,150         11,108,120         599,652         13,917,067   

Class R3

     1,537,603         41,127,636         1,245,775         29,777,542   

Class R4

     2,065,966         56,471,838         593,180         15,307,221   

Class R5

     1,373,051         38,142,245         719,845         16,461,802   

Class 529A

     21,172         542,399         11,241         273,546   

Class 529B

     2,734         59,657         1,050         19,486   

Class 529C

     9,300         208,244         13,523         254,253   
     5,925,760         $153,883,993         16,676,622         $415,383,480   

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which the MFS funds-of-funds may invest. The MFS funds-of-funds do not invest in the underlying MFS funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS Growth Allocation Fund, MFS Moderate Allocation Fund, MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund, and MFS Conservative Allocation Fund were the owners of record of approximately 4%, 4%, 2%, and 1%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime 2010 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2015 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2025 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2035 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2040 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2045 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund, MFS Lifetime 2055 Fund, and MFS Lifetime Retirement Income Fund were each the owners of record of less than 1% of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

 

37


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $4,255 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     11,908,354        445,088,790         (443,988,816     13,008,328   
Underlying Affiliated Fund   

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—        $—         $13,245        $13,008,328   
Other Affiliated Issuers    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
Citi Trends, Inc.      1,312,543        67,680         (145,818     1,234,405   
Model N, Inc.      1,833,988        90,590         (203,664     1,720,914   
Rubicon Technology, Inc.             1,681,460         (141,663     1,539,797   
TearLab Corp.             2,291,068         (109,310     2,181,758   
Uroplasty, Inc.      1,567,473        80,840         (174,140     1,474,173   
Other Affiliated Issuers    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
Citi Trends, Inc.      $278,581        $—         $—        $20,244,246   
Model N, Inc.      (1,241,200                    18,912,845   
Rubicon Technology, Inc.      126,030                       19,878,779   
TearLab Corp.      (209,994                    17,563,152   
Uroplasty, Inc.      (2,171                    6,073,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $(1,048,754     $—         $—        $82,672,615   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(8) Redemptions In-Kind

On September 27, 2013, the fund recorded redemption proceeds for a distribution in-kind of portfolio securities and cash that were valued at $196,913,535. The redeeming shareholder generally receives a pro rata share of the securities held by the fund. The distribution of such securities generated a realized gain (loss) of $60,096,207 for the fund.

 

39


Table of Contents

BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

40


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

LOGO

 

RIF-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     11   
Statement of operations     13   
Statements of changes in net assets     14   
Financial highlights     15   
Notes to financial statements     28   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     41   
Proxy voting policies and information     41   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     41   
Further information     41   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     41   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
Novartis AG     3.3%   
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, “A”     3.1%   
Nestle S.A.     2.8%   
HSBC Holdings PLC     2.5%   
Rio Tinto Ltd.     2.3%   
GlaxoSmithKline PLC     2.0%   
Bayer AG     1.9%   
KDDI Corp.     1.9%   
Schneider Electric S.A.     1.8%   
Westpac Banking Corp.     1.8%   
Global equity sectors   
Financial Services     25.1%   
Capital Goods     23.2%   
Health Care     10.4%   
Energy     9.9%   
Consumer Staples     8.7%   
Consumer Cyclicals     8.1%   
Technology     7.7%   
Telecommunications/Cable Television     5.0%   
Issuer country weightings (x)   
Japan     18.8%   
United Kingdom     18.1%   
Switzerland     12.2%   
France     10.5%   
Germany     6.8%   
Netherlands     4.4%   
United States     4.4%   
Hong Kong     4.3%   
Australia     3.4%   
Other Countries     17.1%   
Currency exposure weightings (y)   
Euro     27.5%   
Japanese Yen     18.8%   
British Pound Sterling     18.1%   
Swiss Franc     12.2%   
Hong Kong Dollar     5.2%   
United States Dollar     4.4%   
Australian Dollar     3.4%   
Brazilian Real     2.3%   
Swedish Krona     2.3%   
Other Currencies     5.8%   

 

 

 

(x) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to issuer countries as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States includes Cash & Other.
(y) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to a particular currency as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States Dollar includes Cash & Other.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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
9/01/13
    Ending
Account Value
2/28/14
    Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
9/01/13-2/28/14
 
A   Actual     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,113.57        $5.82   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,019.29        $5.56   
B   Actual     1.86%        $1,000.00        $1,109.25        $9.73   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.86%        $1,000.00        $1,015.57        $9.30   
C   Actual     1.86%        $1,000.00        $1,108.87        $9.73   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.86%        $1,000.00        $1,015.57        $9.30   
I   Actual     0.86%        $1,000.00        $1,115.03        $4.51   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.86%        $1,000.00        $1,020.53        $4.31   
R1   Actual     1.86%        $1,000.00        $1,108.61        $9.72   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.86%        $1,000.00        $1,015.57        $9.30   
R2   Actual     1.36%        $1,000.00        $1,112.24        $7.12   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.36%        $1,000.00        $1,018.05        $6.80   
R3   Actual     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,113.01        $5.82   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,019.29        $5.56   
R4   Actual     0.86%        $1,000.00        $1,114.38        $4.51   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.86%        $1,000.00        $1,020.53        $4.31   
R5   Actual     0.77%        $1,000.00        $1,115.07        $4.04   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.77%        $1,000.00        $1,020.98        $3.86   
529A   Actual     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,113.73        $5.92   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,019.19        $5.66   
529B   Actual     1.91%        $1,000.00        $1,109.17        $9.99   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.91%        $1,000.00        $1,015.32        $9.54   
529C   Actual     1.91%        $1,000.00        $1,108.71        $9.99   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.91%        $1,000.00        $1,015.32        $9.54   

 

(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 181/365 (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 529A shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.03%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 98.1%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Alcoholic Beverages - 1.8%                 
Heineken N.V.      586,561      $ 39,663,791   
Pernod Ricard S.A.      799,345        94,103,543   
    

 

 

 
             $ 133,767,334   
Apparel Manufacturers - 2.1%                 
Li & Fung Ltd.      57,748,000      $ 75,602,848   
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A.      414,931        77,232,560   
    

 

 

 
             $ 152,835,408   
Automotive - 4.9%                 
Autoliv, Inc.      684,399      $ 65,935,000   
DENSO Corp.      2,364,300        126,380,977   
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.      3,238,200        116,043,189   
Kia Motors Corp.      902,070        46,814,687   
    

 

 

 
             $ 355,173,853   
Broadcasting - 1.6%                 
Nippon Television Holdings, Inc.      2,349,600      $ 39,086,890   
Publicis Groupe S.A.      798,722        75,850,367   
    

 

 

 
             $ 114,937,257   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.4%                 
Computershare Ltd.      2,655,510      $ 28,127,666   
Business Services - 3.1%                 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., “A” (a)      598,850      $ 62,316,331   
Compass Group PLC      2,987,974        47,258,198   
Experian Group Ltd.      2,373,664        42,967,820   
Mitsubishi Corp.      2,039,500        39,018,439   
Nomura Research, Inc.      1,079,100        35,309,060   
    

 

 

 
             $ 226,869,848   
Computer Software - 0.4%                 
Dassault Systems S.A.      277,379      $ 31,885,108   
Conglomerates - 0.9%                 
Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.      4,921,000      $ 66,327,335   
Consumer Products - 1.0%                 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC      864,781      $ 71,160,612   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Electrical Equipment - 4.0%                 
Legrand S.A.      421,393      $ 26,133,485   
Schneider Electric S.A.      1,466,167        131,037,866   
Siemens AG      967,615        129,232,591   
    

 

 

 
             $ 286,403,942   
Electronics - 2.4%                 
Infineon Technologies AG      3,957,319      $ 44,900,014   
MediaTek, Inc.      5,658,000        83,101,525   
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.      11,993,326        42,970,753   
    

 

 

 
             $ 170,972,292   
Energy - Independent - 1.7%                 
Cairn Energy PLC (a)      3,329,974      $ 11,085,508   
Cenovus Energy, Inc.      785,250        20,785,404   
Galp Energia SGPS S.A., “B”      992,805        16,691,096   
INPEX Corp.      2,567,200        32,540,906   
Oil Search Ltd.      2,820,570        21,771,484   
Reliance Industries Ltd.      1,604,309        20,706,147   
    

 

 

 
             $ 123,580,545   
Energy - Integrated - 4.4%                 
BG Group PLC      3,510,676      $ 63,990,804   
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., ADR      2,945,230        32,986,576   
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, “A”      6,152,691        224,399,230   
    

 

 

 
             $ 321,376,610   
Engineering - Construction - 1.0%                 
JGC Corp.      1,943,000      $ 71,843,461   
Food & Beverages - 4.8%                 
Groupe Danone      1,589,666      $ 112,300,003   
M. Dias Branco S.A. Industria e Comercio de Alimentos      869,500        30,370,850   
Nestle S.A.      2,675,124        202,573,347   
    

 

 

 
             $ 345,244,200   
Food & Drug Stores - 0.6%                 
Sundrug Co. Ltd.      854,500      $ 34,383,192   
Wumart Stores, Inc., “H”      5,678,000        6,723,856   
    

 

 

 
             $ 41,107,048   
Gaming & Lodging - 1.4%                 
Paddy Power PLC      434,075      $ 36,290,750   
Sands China Ltd.      8,160,800        68,247,214   
    

 

 

 
             $ 104,537,964   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.2%                 
OdontoPrev S.A.      4,197,600      $ 15,342,118   
Insurance - 4.7%                 
AIA Group Ltd.      20,631,200      $ 100,888,989   
Delta Lloyd N.V.      1,257,810        35,912,378   
Hiscox Ltd.      3,152,787        34,422,357   
ING Groep N.V. (a)      5,736,043        83,687,575   
Sony Financial Holdings, Inc.      1,573,500        25,372,050   
Zurich Insurance Group AG      202,780        62,136,680   
    

 

 

 
             $ 342,420,029   
Internet - 0.9%                 
Yahoo Japan Corp.      9,728,700      $ 61,658,755   
Machinery & Tools - 3.1%                 
Atlas Copco AB, “A”      3,478,281      $ 97,703,151   
Joy Global, Inc.      960,700        52,838,500   
Schindler Holding AG      515,925        77,374,085   
    

 

 

 
             $ 227,915,736   
Major Banks - 10.0%                 
BNP Paribas      1,320,256      $ 108,356,920   
HSBC Holdings PLC      17,318,469        182,617,155   
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.      11,477,800        66,202,895   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (a)      15,200,467        83,463,526   
Standard Chartered PLC      2,005,206        42,476,420   
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.      2,395,200        106,850,820   
Westpac Banking Corp.      4,385,255        130,974,156   
    

 

 

 
             $ 720,941,892   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.2%                 
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.      303,300      $ 17,166,238   
Medical Equipment - 0.6%                 
Sonova Holding AG      301,109      $ 42,590,062   
Metals & Mining - 3.4%                 
Gerdau S.A., ADR      4,598,810      $ 28,742,563   
Iluka Resources Ltd.      6,338,817        53,113,980   
Rio Tinto Ltd.      2,891,154        166,180,535   
    

 

 

 
             $ 248,037,078   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 2.6%                 
China Resources Gas Group Ltd.      8,932,000      $ 31,420,917   
GDF SUEZ      2,552,184        65,488,489   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Natural Gas - Distribution - continued                 
Snam Rete Gas S.p.A.      7,218,910      $ 41,092,625   
Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.      9,975,000        49,987,717   
    

 

 

 
             $ 187,989,748   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 0.2%                 
APA Group      2,048,601      $ 12,211,496   
Network & Telecom - 0.9%                 
Ericsson, Inc., “B”      5,279,470      $ 68,426,061   
Oil Services - 0.5%                 
Technip      350,130      $ 34,405,028   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 8.6%                 
Aeon Credit Service Co. Ltd.      1,173,700      $ 28,739,908   
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.      4,548,000        59,269,483   
Erste Group Bank AG      2,348,810        83,353,447   
HDFC Bank Ltd., ADR      972,490        32,665,939   
Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., ADR      1,260,951        16,795,867   
Julius Baer Group Ltd.      1,210,027        56,710,987   
Kasikornbank PLC, NVDR      5,742,400        30,010,090   
KBC Group N.V.      1,905,895        120,959,933   
Sberbank of Russia, ADR      1,639,352        16,901,719   
UBS AG      6,040,196        129,594,654   
UniCredit S.p.A.      6,313,932        50,242,682   
    

 

 

 
             $ 625,244,709   
Pharmaceuticals - 9.4%                 
Bayer AG      977,816      $ 138,882,048   
GlaxoSmithKline PLC      5,201,067        145,578,490   
Novartis AG      2,851,770        238,160,894   
Roche Holding AG      227,476        70,195,550   
Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.      1,837,100        85,834,829   
    

 

 

 
             $ 678,651,811   
Printing & Publishing - 0.4%                 
Reed Elsevier N.V.      1,400,166      $ 30,690,476   
Real Estate - 1.4%                 
Deutsche Wohnen AG (a)      1,371,529      $ 28,216,983   
Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.      2,992,000        70,647,303   
    

 

 

 
             $ 98,864,286   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Restaurants - 1.3%                 
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc.      286,760      $ 2,520,620   
Whitbread PLC      1,185,968        89,110,201   
    

 

 

 
             $ 91,630,821   
Specialty Chemicals - 4.6%                 
Akzo Nobel N.V.      1,524,204      $ 126,252,598   
Chugoku Marine Paints Ltd.      90,000        521,765   
JSR Corp.      2,951,000        50,541,348   
Linde AG      577,535        119,695,340   
Symrise AG      709,387        34,848,558   
    

 

 

 
             $ 331,859,609   
Specialty Stores - 0.7%                 
Industria de Diseno Textil S.A.      340,692      $ 49,047,835   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 3.0%                 
KDDI Corp.      2,264,900      $ 138,003,782   
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (a)      1,740,732        9,072,835   
Vodafone Group PLC      16,373,164        68,270,069   
    

 

 

 
             $ 215,346,686   
Telephone Services - 2.1%                 
Bezeq - The Israel Telecommunication Corp. Ltd.      7,016,570      $ 11,429,737   
BT Group PLC      4,979,202        34,168,828   
China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd.      17,692,000        23,572,463   
TDC A.S.      3,304,451        32,821,422   
Telecom Italia S.p.A. - Savings Shares      29,740,780        26,067,518   
Telefonica Brasil S.A., ADR      1,156,180        21,562,757   
    

 

 

 
             $ 149,622,725   
Tobacco - 1.1%                 
Japan Tobacco, Inc.      2,503,700      $ 79,512,218   
Trucking - 1.2%                 
Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.      4,196,600      $ 86,884,506   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.5%                 
Canadian Utilities Ltd.      355,450      $ 12,580,227   
Energias do Brasil S.A.      5,539,900        21,098,756   
    

 

 

 
             $ 33,678,983   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $6,038,560,260)      $ 7,096,289,389   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Money Market Funds - 1.4%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     101,415,944      $ 101,415,944   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $6,139,976,204)            $ 7,197,705,333   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.5%              33,584,243   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 7,231,289,576   

 

(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
NVDR   Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

10


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $6,038,560,260)

     $7,096,289,389   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     101,415,944   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $6,139,976,204)

     $7,197,705,333   

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $168,474)

     169,229   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     49,951,512   

Fund shares sold

     13,525,097   

Interest and dividends

     36,040,597   

Other assets

     42,331   

Total assets

     $7,297,434,099   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $59,159,730   

Fund shares reacquired

     3,412,957   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     273,941   

Shareholder servicing costs

     2,804,909   

Distribution and service fees

     29,905   

Program manager fees

     10   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     1,265   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     461,806   

Total liabilities

     $66,144,523   

Net assets

     $7,231,289,576   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $6,744,194,467   

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

     1,058,210,738   

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

     (644,801,964

Undistributed net investment income

     73,686,335   

Net assets

     $7,231,289,576   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     402,713,498   

 

11


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $1,214,741,506         68,030,556         $17.86   

Class B

     20,006,042         1,167,965         17.13   

Class C

     96,237,747         5,728,135         16.80   

Class I

     2,144,747,070         116,372,358         18.43   

Class R1

     4,244,610         256,255         16.56   

Class R2

     170,938,494         9,876,956         17.31   

Class R3

     230,589,215         13,055,383         17.66   

Class R4

     555,656,033         31,106,215         17.86   

Class R5

     2,790,442,428         156,905,673         17.78   

Class 529A

     2,424,899         137,651         17.62   

Class 529B

     214,087         12,835         16.68   

Class 529C

     1,047,445         63,516         16.49   

 

(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 $18.95 [100 / 94.25 x $17.86] and $18.69 [100 / 94.25 x $17.62], 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, R5, and 529A.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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

     $109,808,054   

Interest

     267,447   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     29,102   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (4,946,194

Total investment income

     $105,158,409   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $25,344,471   

Distribution and service fees

     2,733,178   

Program manager fees

     1,764   

Shareholder servicing costs

     2,129,968   

Administrative services fee

     236,501   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     52,714   

Custodian fee

     620,852   

Shareholder communications

     98,597   

Audit and tax fees

     37,014   

Legal fees

     28,328   

Miscellaneous

     191,023   

Total expenses

     $31,474,410   

Fees paid indirectly

     (57

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (551,503

Net expenses

     $30,922,850   

Net investment income

     $74,235,559   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $99,766,974   

Foreign currency

     (291,849

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $99,475,125   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $542,939,959   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     841,035   

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

     $543,780,994   

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

     $643,256,119   

Change in net assets from operations

     $717,491,678   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


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.

 

Change in net assets   

Six months ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Year ended
8/31/13
 
From operations                 

Net investment income

     $74,235,559        $101,775,627   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     99,475,125        294,914,718   

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

     543,780,994        380,101,957   

Change in net assets from operations

     $717,491,678        $776,792,302   
Distributions declared to shareholders                 

From net investment income

     $(103,250,534     $(97,500,392

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $425,891,813        $746,775,414   

Total change in net assets

     $1,040,132,957        $1,426,067,324   
Net assets                 

At beginning of period

     6,191,156,619        4,765,089,295   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $73,686,335 and $102,701,310, respectively)

     $7,231,289,576        $6,191,156,619   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


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. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $16.25        $14.25        $14.66        $12.93        $13.03        $16.14   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.17        $0.26        $0.28        $0.26        $0.21        $0.22   

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

    1.67        2.01        (0.45     1.67        (0.11     (2.92

Total from investment operations

    $1.84        $2.27        $(0.17     $1.93        $0.10        $(2.70
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.23     $(0.27     $(0.24     $(0.20     $(0.20     $(0.20

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.23     $(0.27     $(0.24     $(0.20     $(0.20     $(0.41

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $17.86        $16.25        $14.25        $14.66        $12.93        $13.03   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    11.36 (n)      16.08        (1.03     14.89        0.65        (16.22
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.13 (a)      1.18        1.21        1.19        1.25        1.35   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)      1.18        1.21        1.19        1.25        1.35   

Net investment income

    1.91 (a)      1.65        2.02        1.67        1.59        1.95   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,214,742        $1,108,795        $970,501        $1,008,654        $1,466,337        $1,254,399   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $15.52        $13.59        $13.96        $12.30        $12.39        $15.34   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.09        $0.12        $0.16        $0.11        $0.09        $0.13   

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

    1.60        1.94        (0.42     1.62        (0.09     (2.77

Total from investment operations

    $1.69        $2.06        $(0.26     $1.73        $—        $(2.64
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.08     $(0.13     $(0.11     $(0.07     $(0.09     $(0.10

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.08     $(0.13     $(0.11     $(0.07     $(0.09     $(0.31

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $17.13        $15.52        $13.59        $13.96        $12.30        $12.39   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    10.92 (n)      15.27        (1.82     14.02        (0.09     (16.85
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.88 (a)      1.93        1.96        1.95        1.99        2.05   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.86 (a)      1.93        1.96        1.94        1.99        2.05   

Net investment income

    1.12 (a)      0.83        1.19        0.76        0.71        1.25   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $20,006        $19,751        $23,369        $33,059        $40,476        $55,961   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $15.26        $13.39        $13.78        $12.16        $12.27        $15.23   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.13        $0.16        $0.12        $0.10        $0.14   

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

    1.56        1.90        (0.42     1.59        (0.10     (2.77

Total from investment operations

    $1.66        $2.03        $(0.26     $1.71        $—        $(2.63
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.12     $(0.16     $(0.13     $(0.09     $(0.11     $(0.12

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.12     $(0.16     $(0.13     $(0.09     $(0.11     $(0.33

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.80        $15.26        $13.39        $13.78        $12.16        $12.27   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    10.89 (n)      15.22        (1.80     14.05        (0.03     (16.88
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.88 (a)      1.93        1.96        1.95        2.00        2.05   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.86 (a)      1.93        1.96        1.95        2.00        2.05   

Net investment income

    1.18 (a)      0.87        1.23        0.80        0.78        1.30   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $96,238        $86,793        $84,133        $99,830        $101,267        $110,142   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class I     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $16.78        $14.71        $15.15        $13.35        $13.44        $16.65   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.20        $0.31        $0.35        $0.29        $0.26        $0.26   

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

    1.72        2.06        (0.49     1.74        (0.12     (3.01

Total from investment operations

    $1.92        $2.37        $(0.14     $2.03        $0.14        $(2.75
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.27     $(0.30     $(0.30     $(0.23     $(0.23     $(0.25

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.27     $(0.30     $(0.30     $(0.23     $(0.23     $(0.46

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $18.43        $16.78        $14.71        $15.15        $13.35        $13.44   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    11.50 (n)      16.32        (0.82     15.19        0.92        (16.00
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.88 (a)      0.93        0.96        0.95        1.00        1.05   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.86 (a)      0.93        0.96        0.95        1.00        1.05   

Net investment income

    2.22 (a)      1.89        2.45        1.86        1.90        2.31   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $2,144,747        $1,834,498        $1,143,621        $2,484,795        $1,926,221        $1,456,884   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R1      2013     2012     2011     2010      2009  
                                   

Net asset value, beginning
of period

     $15.02        $13.17        $13.57        $11.98        $12.10         $15.05   
Income (loss) from investment operations            

Net investment income (d)

     $0.09        $0.12        $0.15        $0.12        $0.10         $0.14   

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

     1.54        1.87        (0.40     1.57        (0.10      (2.74

Total from investment operations

     $1.63        $1.99        $(0.25     $1.69        $—         $(2.60
Less distributions declared to shareholders            

From net investment income

     $(0.09     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.10     $(0.12      $(0.14

From net realized gain on
investments

                                         (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.09     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.10     $(0.12      $(0.35

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $16.56        $15.02        $13.17        $13.57        $11.98         $12.10   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     10.86 (n)      15.24        (1.80     14.09        (0.09      (16.87
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
            

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.88 (a)      1.93        1.96        1.95        2.00         2.05   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.86 (a)      1.93        1.96        1.95        2.00         2.05   

Net investment income

     1.14 (a)      0.85        1.18        0.84        0.77         1.34   

Portfolio turnover

     15 (n)      32        37        43        56         88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $4,245        $4,034        $4,914        $6,288        $5,868         $6,311   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R2     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $15.75        $13.83        $14.26        $12.59        $12.70        $15.76   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.15        $0.21        $0.24        $0.20        $0.18        $0.20   

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

    1.61        1.95        (0.44     1.64        (0.11     (2.87

Total from investment operations

    $1.76        $2.16        $(0.20     $1.84        $0.07        $(2.67
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.20     $(0.24     $(0.23     $(0.17     $(0.18     $(0.18

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.20     $(0.24     $(0.23     $(0.17     $(0.18     $(0.39

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $17.31        $15.75        $13.83        $14.26        $12.59        $12.70   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    11.22 (n)      15.79        (1.32     14.61        0.45        (16.45
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.38 (a)      1.43        1.46        1.45        1.50        1.54   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.36 (a)      1.43        1.46        1.45        1.50        1.54   

Net investment income

    1.82 (a)      1.41        1.78        1.37        1.34        1.88   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $170,938        $136,444        $107,567        $91,693        $72,425        $60,790   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R3     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $16.08        $14.10        $14.53        $12.82        $12.92        $16.06   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.17        $0.25        $0.28        $0.23        $0.21        $0.23   

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

    1.64        2.00        (0.45     1.68        (0.10     (2.93

Total from investment operations

    $1.81        $2.25        $(0.17     $1.91        $0.11        $(2.70
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.23     $(0.27     $(0.26     $(0.20     $(0.21     $(0.23

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.23     $(0.27     $(0.26     $(0.20     $(0.21     $(0.44

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $17.66        $16.08        $14.10        $14.53        $12.82        $12.92   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    11.30 (n)      16.13        (1.06     14.88        0.72        (16.26
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.13 (a)      1.18        1.21        1.20        1.25        1.29   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)      1.18        1.21        1.20        1.25        1.29   

Net investment income

    1.98 (a)      1.63        2.05        1.54        1.55        2.09   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $230,589        $195,358        $168,989        $154,869        $151,073        $133,545   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R4     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $16.27        $14.26        $14.70        $12.96        $13.05        $16.19   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.20        $0.25        $0.32        $0.28        $0.24        $0.20   

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

    1.65        2.06        (0.46     1.69        (0.10     (2.88

Total from investment operations

    $1.85        $2.31        $(0.14     $1.97        $0.14        $(2.68
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.26     $(0.30     $(0.30     $(0.23     $(0.23     $(0.25

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.26     $(0.30     $(0.30     $(0.23     $(0.23     $(0.46

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $17.86        $16.27        $14.26        $14.70        $12.96        $13.05   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    11.44 (n)      16.42        (0.84     15.19        0.95        (16.03
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.88 (a)      0.93        0.96        0.95        1.00        1.00   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.86 (a)      0.93        0.96        0.95        1.00        1.00   

Net investment income

    2.26 (a)      1.60        2.28        1.83        1.77        1.72   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $555,656        $470,915        $825,288        $561,557        $482,217        $476,076   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R5 (y)     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning
of period

    $16.21        $14.20        $14.63        $12.90        $13.00        $16.14   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.20        $0.33        $0.17        $0.26        $0.23        $0.24   

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

    1.66        1.99        (0.31 )(g)      1.69        (0.11     (2.93

Total from investment operations

    $1.86        $2.32        $(0.14     $1.95        $0.12        $(2.69
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

    $(0.29     $(0.31     $(0.29     $(0.22     $(0.22     $(0.24

From net realized gain on
investments

                                       (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.29     $(0.31     $(0.29     $(0.22     $(0.22     $(0.45

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $17.78        $16.21        $14.20        $14.63        $12.90        $13.00   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    11.51 (n)      16.50        (0.85     15.07        0.81        (16.12
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.79 (a)      0.81        0.89        1.05        1.10        1.14   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)      0.81        0.89        1.05        1.10        1.14   

Net investment income

    2.33 (a)      2.09        1.20 (l)      1.71        1.73        2.25   

Portfolio turnover

    15 (n)      32        37        43        56        88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $2,790,442        $2,331,325        $1,433,832        $26,173        $24,820        $23,560   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529A      2013     2012     2011     2010      2009  
                                   

Net asset value, beginning
of period

     $16.03        $14.06        $14.49        $12.78        $12.88         $15.96   
Income (loss) from investment operations            

Net investment income (d)

     $0.17        $0.25        $0.27        $0.22        $0.20         $0.21   

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

     1.65        1.98        (0.45     1.68        (0.12      (2.89

Total from investment operations

     $1.82        $2.23        $(0.18     $1.90        $0.08         $(2.68
Less distributions declared to shareholders            

From net investment income

     $(0.23     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.19     $(0.18      $(0.19

From net realized gain on
investments

                                         (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.23     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.19     $(0.18      $(0.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $17.62        $16.03        $14.06        $14.49        $12.78         $12.88   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     11.37 (n)      16.05        (1.15     14.80        0.54         (16.32
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
            

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.23 (a)      1.28        1.31        1.30        1.35         1.45   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.13 (a)      1.21        1.26        1.29        1.35         1.45   

Net investment income

     1.94 (a)      1.62        1.96        1.47        1.47         1.90   

Portfolio turnover

     15 (n)      32        37        43        56         88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $2,425        $2,105        $1,762        $1,747        $1,512         $1,451   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529B      2013     2012     2011     2010      2009  
                                   

Net asset value, beginning
of period

     $15.14        $13.25        $13.57        $11.99        $12.11         $15.05   
Income (loss) from investment operations            

Net investment income (d)

     $0.09        $0.12        $0.13        $0.09        $0.09         $0.12   

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

     1.56        1.88        (0.38     1.58        (0.10      (2.74

Total from investment operations

     $1.65        $2.00        $(0.25     $1.67        $(0.01      $(2.62
Less distributions declared to shareholders            

From net investment income

     $(0.11     $(0.11     $(0.07     $(0.09     $(0.11      $(0.11

From net realized gain on
investments

                                         (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.11     $(0.11     $(0.07     $(0.09     $(0.11      $(0.32

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $16.68        $15.14        $13.25        $13.57        $11.99         $12.11   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     10.92 (n)      15.15        (1.84     13.90        (0.14      (16.99
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
            

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.98 (a)      2.03        2.06        2.04        2.10         2.15   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.91 (a)      1.98        2.01        2.04        2.10         2.15   

Net investment income

     1.16 (a)      0.82        1.03        0.66        0.69         1.19   

Portfolio turnover

     15 (n)      32        37        43        56         88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $214        $188        $199        $366        $461         $449   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    

Six months
ended

2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529C      2013     2012     2011     2010      2009  
                                   

Net asset value, beginning
of period

     $14.98        $13.17        $13.56        $12.00        $12.12         $15.06   
Income (loss) from investment operations            

Net investment income (d)

     $0.09        $0.12        $0.15        $0.11        $0.09         $0.13   

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

     1.54        1.86        (0.41     1.56        (0.10      (2.75

Total from investment operations

     $1.63        $1.98        $(0.26     $1.67        $(0.01      $(2.62
Less distributions declared to shareholders            

From net investment income

     $(0.12     $(0.17     $(0.13     $(0.11     $(0.11      $(0.11

From net realized gain on
investments

                                         (0.21

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.12     $(0.17     $(0.13     $(0.11     $(0.11      $(0.32

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $16.49        $14.98        $13.17        $13.56        $12.00         $12.12   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     10.87 (n)      15.17        (1.83     13.89        (0.11      (16.98
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
            

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.98 (a)      2.03        2.06        2.05        2.10         2.15   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.91 (a)      1.98        2.01        2.04        2.10         2.15   

Net investment income

     1.12 (a)      0.81        1.19        0.81        0.76         1.23   

Portfolio turnover

     15 (n)      32        37        43        56         88   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $1,047        $950        $914        $906        $796         $631   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

 

(a) Annualized.
(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.
(l) The net investment income ratio does not vary by the class specific expense differential because of the timing of sales of fund shares and the allocation of fund level income at such time.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.
(y) On May 10, 2012, sales of Class W shares (including exchanges) were suspended. On May 11, 2012, certain Class W shares were automatically converted to Class I shares. Shareholders of certain Class W shares became shareholders of Class I and received Class I shares with a total net asset value equal to their Class W shares at the time of the conversion. On May 30, 2012, remaining Class W shares, which represented MFS seed money, were redesignated Class R5. Class R5 shares are generally available only to certain eligible retirement plans and to funds distributed by MFD. Class R5 shares do not pay a 12b-1 distribution fee or sub-accounting costs. On June 1, 2012, Class R5 shares were offered for sale to the public.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Research International Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

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

In this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still

 

28


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are 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

 

29


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities:            

Japan

     $1,362,530,247         $—         $—         $1,362,530,247   

United Kingdom

     1,307,149,752                         1,307,149,752   

Switzerland

     879,336,259                         879,336,259   

France

     756,793,370                         756,793,370   

Germany

     495,775,535                         495,775,535   

Netherlands

     316,206,819                         316,206,819   

Hong Kong

     311,066,386                         311,066,386   

Australia

     246,198,783                         246,198,783   

United States

     181,089,831                         181,089,831   

Other Countries

     1,185,741,917         54,400,490                 1,240,142,407   
Mutual Funds      101,415,944                         101,415,944   
Total Investments      $7,143,304,843         $54,400,490         $—         $7,197,705,333   

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

Of the level 2 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $11,429,737 would have been considered level 1 investments at the beginning of the period. Of the level 1 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $1,758,437,904 would have been considered level 2 investments at the beginning of the period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded. The fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period.

Foreign Currency Translation – Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income, and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates

 

30


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. 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. 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. State Street provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, State Street 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, State Street assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, State Street 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. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund or short-term securities. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the 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 February 28, 2014, 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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.

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 passive foreign investment companies and wash sale loss deferrals.

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:

 

     8/31/13  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $97,500,392   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $6,194,232,655   
Gross appreciation      1,280,319,105   
Gross depreciation      (276,846,427
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $1,003,472,678   
As of 8/31/13       
Undistributed ordinary income      103,215,727   
Capital loss carryforwards      (690,020,638
Other temporary differences      (873,843
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      460,532,719   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after August 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of August 31, 2013 the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

8/31/18      $(690,020,638

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

 

33


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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
 
     Six months
ended
2/28/14
     Year
ended
8/31/13
 
Class A      $15,702,653         $18,082,585   
Class B      102,139         216,225   
Class C      675,749         914,829   
Class I      31,156,722         24,235,060   
Class R1      23,279         49,846   
Class R2      1,827,492         1,877,801   
Class R3      2,842,760         3,284,789   
Class R4      7,705,916         17,572,798   
Class R5      43,174,399         31,219,429   
Class 529A      30,527         33,635   
Class 529B      1,412         1,468   
Class 529C      7,486         11,927   
Total      $103,250,534         $97,500,392   

(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.90
Next $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.80
Average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion      0.70

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.65% of average daily net assets in excess of $5 billion up to $10 billion, and 0.60% of average daily net assets in excess of $10 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $464,331, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $77,228, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.73% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $42,276 and $502 for the six months ended February 28, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A and Class 529A shares of the fund, respectively.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares 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.

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%         0.25%         $1,485,191   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         102,019   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         465,755   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         21,056   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         382,612   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         267,551   
Class 529A              0.25%         0.25%         0.22%         2,881   
Class 529B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         1,008   
Class 529C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         5,105   
Total Distribution and Service Fees               $2,733,178   

 

(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 February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $5,106, $72, $52, $399, $312, and $1 for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R3, Class 529A, and Class 529B, 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 for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $268   
Class B      9,562   
Class C      1,599   
Class 529B        
Class 529C        

 

35


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 December 31, 2014, unless MFD elects to extend the waiver. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this waiver amounted to $881 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $1,153         $576   
Class 529B      101         50   
Class 529C      510         255   
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $1,764         $881   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $137,595, which equated to 0.0040% 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 R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $1,992,373.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0069% 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

 

36


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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, 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 $70 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $1,276. Both amounts are included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $1,260 at February 28, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $22,192 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $3,121, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

On September 11, 2013, MFS redeemed 7,903 shares of Class R5 for an aggregate amount of $135,774.

 

37


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $1,352,734,782 and $1,002,647,034, 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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     5,375,115         $94,273,560         16,279,457         $254,419,782   

Class B

     43,719         734,274         113,999         1,720,590   

Class C

     499,844         8,213,966         856,729         12,689,293   

Class I

     17,808,182         322,868,281         61,242,598         1,017,828,706   

Class R1

     24,459         396,695         60,541         876,339   

Class R2

     1,861,672         31,434,553         2,636,872         40,136,497   

Class R3

     2,485,453         42,980,112         3,459,308         53,661,367   

Class R4

     4,153,990         73,208,440         7,651,892         118,459,587   

Class R5

     13,189,098         230,497,883         48,012,029         741,180,408   

Class 529A

     13,692         235,565         19,927         308,135   

Class 529B

     2,005         33,156         940         13,451   

Class 529C

     4,775         77,726         5,559         79,642   
     45,462,004         $804,954,211         140,339,851         $2,241,373,797   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     740,280         $12,917,878         988,881         $14,783,775   

Class B

     5,142         86,227         12,620         181,228   

Class C

     21,795         358,525         34,473         486,411   

Class I

     1,243,827         22,388,889         1,092,849         16,840,811   

Class R1

     1,431         23,203         3,550         49,310   

Class R2

     101,560         1,719,409         120,670         1,752,131   

Class R3

     164,702         2,842,760         222,095         3,284,789   

Class R4

     428,261         7,473,150         1,161,239         17,348,909   

Class R5

     2,485,573         43,174,399         2,099,491         31,219,429   

Class 529A

     1,773         30,527         2,280         33,635   

Class 529B

     86         1,412         103         1,468   

Class 529C

     464         7,486         861         11,927   
     5,194,894         $91,023,865         5,739,112         $85,993,823   

 

38


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
2/28/14
    Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares reacquired         

Class A

     (6,322,786     $(111,078,527     (17,149,034     $(268,162,272

Class B

     (153,598     (2,594,409     (572,885     (8,623,274

Class C

     (482,735     (7,951,451     (1,487,418     (21,691,721

Class I

     (11,978,925     (216,974,459     (30,802,793     (503,136,411

Class R1

     (38,288     (625,803     (168,622     (2,424,736

Class R2

     (749,079     (12,747,362     (1,873,333     (28,103,295

Class R3

     (1,746,320     (30,227,907     (3,512,663     (54,511,524

Class R4

     (2,424,605     (42,385,427     (37,734,633     (579,114,162

Class R5

     (2,578,623     (45,231,287     (7,286,685     (114,338,763

Class 529A

     (9,073     (157,813     (16,241     (255,887

Class 529B

     (1,693     (27,768     (3,651     (52,851

Class 529C

     (5,167     (84,050     (12,369     (177,310
     (26,490,892     $(470,086,263     (100,620,327     $(1,580,592,206
Net change         

Class A

     (207,391     $(3,887,089     119,304        $1,041,285   

Class B

     (104,737     (1,773,908     (446,266     (6,721,456

Class C

     38,904        621,040        (596,216     (8,516,017

Class I

     7,073,084        128,282,711        31,532,654        531,533,106   

Class R1

     (12,398     (205,905     (104,531     (1,499,087

Class R2

     1,214,153        20,406,600        884,209        13,785,333   

Class R3

     903,835        15,594,965        168,740        2,434,632   

Class R4

     2,157,646        38,296,163        (28,921,502     (443,305,666

Class R5

     13,096,048        228,440,995        42,824,835        658,061,074   

Class 529A

     6,392        108,279        5,966        85,883   

Class 529B

     398        6,800        (2,608     (37,932

Class 529C

     72        1,162        (5,949     (85,741
     24,166,006        $425,891,813        45,458,636        $746,775,414   

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which the MFS funds-of-funds may invest. The MFS funds-of-funds do not invest in the underlying funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS International Diversification Fund, the MFS Moderate Allocation Fund, the MFS Growth Allocation Fund, the MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund, and the MFS Conservative Allocation Fund were the owners of record of approximately 17%, 5%, 5%, 2%, and 2%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime 2010 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2015 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2025 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2035 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2040 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2045 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2055 Fund, and the MFS Lifetime Retirement Income Fund were each the owners of record of less than 1% of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

 

39


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $13,987 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     30,851,777         600,680,821         (530,116,654     101,415,944   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $29,102        $101,415,944   

 

40


Table of Contents

BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

41


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

LOGO

 

SCT-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     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     22   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     36   
Proxy voting policies and information     36   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     36   
Further information     36   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     36   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

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Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings (i)  
Google, Inc., “A”     10.2%  
Apple, Inc.     6.1%   
Hewlett-Packard Co.     5.3%   
Visa, Inc., “A”     4.4%   
Amazon.com, Inc.     4.0%   
Oracle Corp.     3.9%   
Priceline.com, Inc.     3.8%   
Qualcomm, Inc.     3.3%   
EMC Corp.     3.2%   
eBay, Inc.     3.1%   
Top five industries (i)  
Internet     20.0%  
Computer Software-Systems     17.3%   
Computer Software     11.0%   
Electronics (s)     8.9%   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials     7.5%   
 

 

(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the market value of securities, less any securities sold short, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than market value.
(s) Includes securities sold short.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

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Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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.

 

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Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

 

Share
Class
      

Annualized
Expense

Ratio

    Beginning
Account Value
9/01/13
   

Ending

Account Value
2/28/14

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

9/01/13-2/28/14

 
A   Actual     1.36%        $1,000.00        $1,222.05        $7.49   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.36%        $1,000.00        $1,018.05        $6.80   
B   Actual     2.11%        $1,000.00        $1,217.47        $11.60   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.11%        $1,000.00        $1,014.33        $10.54   
C   Actual     2.11%        $1,000.00        $1,217.96        $11.60   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.11%        $1,000.00        $1,014.33        $10.54   
I   Actual     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,223.32        $6.12   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,019.29        $5.56   
R1   Actual     2.11%        $1,000.00        $1,217.76        $11.60   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.11%        $1,000.00        $1,014.33        $10.54   
R2   Actual     1.61%        $1,000.00        $1,220.69        $8.86   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.61%        $1,000.00        $1,016.81        $8.05   
R3   Actual     1.36%        $1,000.00        $1,222.05        $7.49   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.36%        $1,000.00        $1,018.05        $6.80   
R4   Actual     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,223.57        $6.12   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.11%        $1,000.00        $1,019.29        $5.56   
R5   Actual     1.02%        $1,000.00        $1,224.19        $5.63   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.02%        $1,000.00        $1,019.74        $5.11   

 

(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 181/365 (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

Expense ratios include 0.07% of investment related expenses from short sales (See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

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 shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.01%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 95.9%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Broadcasting - 6.2%                 
Discovery Communications, Inc., “C” (a)      45,070      $ 3,476,246   
Time Warner, Inc.      72,140        4,842,758   
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.      197,960        6,639,578   
Viacom, Inc., “B”      10,580        928,183   
Walt Disney Co.      27,900        2,254,599   
    

 

 

 
             $ 18,141,364   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 1.0%                 
IntercontinentalExchange Group, Inc.      13,913      $ 2,905,591   
Business Services - 3.8%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      31,130      $ 2,594,686   
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., “A” (a)      22,890        2,381,933   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.      57,460        3,195,351   
FleetCor Technologies, Inc. (a)      14,220        1,847,605   
IHS, Inc., “A” (a)      8,340        999,799   
    

 

 

 
             $ 11,019,374   
Cable TV - 1.1%                 
Charter Communications, Inc., “A” (a)      6,825      $ 865,205   
Time Warner Cable, Inc.      17,760        2,492,616   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,357,821   
Computer Software - 11.0%                 
Citrix Systems, Inc. (a)      50,710      $ 3,045,136   
Microsoft Corp.      57,440        2,200,526   
Oracle Corp.      293,180        11,466,270   
Qlik Technologies, Inc. (a)      70,400        2,147,200   
Red Hat, Inc. (a)      17,090        1,008,139   
Salesforce.com, Inc. (a)      130,355        8,130,241   
Symantec Corp.      101,470        2,179,576   
TIBCO Software, Inc. (a)      78,940        1,720,103   
    

 

 

 
             $ 31,897,191   
Computer Software - Systems - 18.9%                 
Apple, Inc. (s)      33,488      $ 17,622,725   
CDW Corp.      78,508        2,054,554   
EMC Corp.      357,930        9,438,614   
Fleetmatics Group PLC (a)      41,300        1,526,035   
Guidewire Software, Inc. (a)      16,520        885,637   

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Computer Software - Systems - continued                 
Hewlett-Packard Co. (s)      519,630      $ 15,526,544   
Ingram Micro, Inc., “A” (a)      59,600        1,755,220   
NCR Corp. (a)      29,610        1,008,221   
Qualys, Inc. (a)      21,680        587,745   
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (a)      35,570        1,375,848   
Teradata Corp. (a)      26,840        1,232,493   
Vantiv, Inc., “A” (a)      58,200        1,852,506   
Varonis Systems, Inc. (a)      1,830        80,520   
    

 

 

 
             $ 54,946,662   
Consumer Services - 3.8%                 
Priceline.com, Inc. (a)      8,151      $ 10,994,395   
Electrical Equipment - 2.5%                 
Amphenol Corp., “A”      38,120      $ 3,355,322   
TE Connectivity Ltd.      50,810        2,976,450   
W.W. Grainger, Inc.      4,038        1,029,771   
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,361,543   
Electronics - 9.9%                 
Aeroflex Holding Corp. (a)      117,300      $ 937,227   
Altera Corp.      196,280        7,126,927   
Avago Technologies Ltd.      18,000        1,110,600   
Freescale Semiconductor Ltd. (a)      55,060        1,252,615   
JDS Uniphase Corp. (a)      540,520        7,448,366   
Mellanox Technologies Ltd. (a)      23,070        842,516   
Microchip Technology, Inc.      169,040        7,699,772   
NXP Semiconductors N.V. (a)      15,450        868,754   
Rubicon Technology, Inc. (a)      111,670        1,441,660   
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,728,437   
Entertainment - 0.9%                 
AMC Networks, Inc., “A” (a)      36,430      $ 2,769,409   
Internet - 20.0%                 
ChannelAdvisor Corp. (a)      16,840      $ 764,199   
eBay, Inc. (a)      155,310        9,127,569   
Facebook, Inc., “A “ (a)      130,620        8,942,245   
Google, Inc., “A” (a)(s)      24,420        29,686,173   
LinkedIn Corp., “A” (a)      15,534        3,169,557   
Twitter, Inc. (a)(l)      11,140        611,697   
Yahoo!, Inc. (a)      110,530        4,274,195   
Yelp, Inc. (a)      17,400        1,642,908   
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,218,543   

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Network & Telecom - 5.3%                 
CommScope Holding Co., Inc. (a)      37,140      $ 898,417   
Finisar Corp. (a)      42,120        998,244   
Juniper Networks, Inc. (a)      147,340        3,939,872   
Qualcomm, Inc.      127,750        9,618,298   
    

 

 

 
             $ 15,454,831   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 7.5%                 
MasterCard, Inc., “A”      117,180      $ 9,107,230   
Visa, Inc., “A”      56,615        12,791,593   
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,898,823   
Specialty Stores - 4.0%                 
Amazon.com, Inc. (a)      31,915      $ 11,556,422   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $184,194,052)            $ 279,250,406   
Collateral for Securities Loaned - 0.2%                 
Navigator Securities Lending Prime Portfolio, 0.18%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (j)
     463,524      $ 463,524   
Issuer/Expiration Date/Strike Price    Number
of
Contracts
        
Put Options Purchased - 0.2%                 
International Business Machines Corp. - July 2014 @ $200      311      $ 570,685   
Electronics - 0.0%                 
ASML Holding N.V. - July 2014 @ $98      54      $ 71,280   
Total Put Options Purchased (Premiums Paid, $630,312)            $ 641,965   
Issuer    Shares/Par         
Money Market Funds - 4.6%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     13,368,581      $ 13,368,581   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $198,656,469)            $ 293,724,476   
Issuer/Expiration Date/Strike Price    Number
of
Contracts
        
Call Options Written - 0.0%                 
Electronics - 0.0%                 
NXP Semiconductors N.V. - March 2014 @ $58
(Premiums Received, $5,949)
     (51   $ (5,865

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Securities Sold Short - (1.5)%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Business Services - (0.2)%                 
Wipro Ltd., ADR      (42,800   $ (590,640
Electronics - (0.8)%                 
Broadcom Corp., “A”      (32,900   $ (977,788
Texas Instruments, Inc.      (32,800     (1,474,688
    

 

 

 
             $ (2,452,476
Utilities - Electric Power - (0.5)%                 
SolarCity Corp. (a)      (17,000   $ (1,444,320
Total Securities Sold Short
(Proceeds Received, $3,726,270)
           $ (4,487,436
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.6%              1,920,000   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 291,151,175   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(j) The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(l) A portion of this security is on loan.
(s) Security or a portion of the security was pledged to cover collateral requirements for securities sold short and/or certain derivative transactions.
(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.

At February 28, 2014, the fund had cash collateral of $4,782,377 and other liquid securities with an aggregate value of $2,698,743 to cover any commitments for securities sold short and/or certain derivative contracts. Cash collateral is comprised of “Deposits with brokers” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $185,287,888)

     $280,355,895   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     13,368,581   

Total investments, at value, including $446,528 of securities on loan
(identified cost, $198,656,469)

     $293,724,476   

Deposits with brokers

     4,782,377   

Receivables for

  

Premiums on options written

     5,949   

Fund shares sold

     918,957   

Interest and dividends

     194,206   

Other assets

     1,818   

Total assets

     $299,627,783   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Dividends on securities sold short

     $3,948   

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds received, $3,726,270)

     4,487,436   

Investments purchased

     2,867,117   

Fund shares reacquired

     404,989   

Written options outstanding, at value (premiums received, $5,949)

     5,865   

Collateral for securities loaned, at value

     463,524   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     11,584   

Shareholder servicing costs

     205,795   

Distribution and service fees

     4,876   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     1,258   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     20,216   

Total liabilities

     $8,476,608   

Net assets

     $291,151,175   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $190,767,047   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     94,306,925   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     8,214,681   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (2,137,478

Net assets

     $291,151,175   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     12,425,999   

 

9


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $169,261,593         7,134,079         $23.73   

Class B

     15,553,223         719,786         21.61   

Class C

     32,968,281         1,528,421         21.57   

Class I

     39,830,994         1,601,147         24.88   

Class R1

     1,953,313         90,718         21.53   

Class R2

     18,165,826         789,534         23.01   

Class R3

     11,094,997         467,748         23.72   

Class R4

     1,310,880         53,931         24.31   

Class R5

     1,012,068         40,635         24.91   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $25.18 [100 / 94.25 x $23.73]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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 loss         

Income

  

Dividends

     $1,113,799   

Interest

     14,386   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     2,010   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (1,905

Total investment income

     $1,128,290   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $985,518   

Distribution and service fees

     469,451   

Shareholder servicing costs

     233,217   

Administrative services fee

     21,069   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     11,588   

Custodian fee

     17,696   

Shareholder communications

     18,488   

Audit and tax fees

     28,379   

Legal fees

     1,035   

Dividend and interest expense on securities sold short

     86,026   

Miscellaneous

     67,583   

Total expenses

     $1,940,050   

Fees paid indirectly

     (11

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (7,759

Net expenses

     $1,932,280   

Net investment loss

     $(803,990
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $13,182,724   

Written options

     611,064   

Securities sold short

     (577,792

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     $13,215,996   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $41,178,910   

Written options

     (24,819

Securities sold short

     (858,571

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $40,295,520   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $53,511,516   

Change in net assets from operations

     $52,707,526   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment loss

     $(803,990      $(1,873,475

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     13,215,996         1,306,279   

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     40,295,520         32,996,324   

Change in net assets from operations

     $52,707,526         $32,429,128   

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $967,064         $(26,253,234

Total change in net assets

     $53,674,590         $6,175,894   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     237,476,585         231,300,691   

At end of period (including accumulated net investment loss of $2,137,478 and $1,333,488, respectively)

     $291,151,175         $237,476,585   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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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 by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $19.41        $16.80        $14.50        $11.80        $11.06        $12.46   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.05     $(0.12     $(0.17     $(0.09     $(0.11     $(0.03

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

    4.37        2.73        2.47        2.79        0.85        (1.37

Total from investment operations

    $4.32        $2.61        $2.30        $2.70        $0.74        $(1.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.73        $19.41        $16.80        $14.50        $11.80        $11.06   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    22.26 (n)      15.54        15.86        22.88        6.69        (11.24
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.37 (a)      1.55        1.45        1.52        1.63        1.85   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.36 (a)      1.54        1.45        1.52        1.57        1.48   

Net investment loss

    (0.50 )(a)      (0.70     (1.08     (0.61     (0.91     (0.34

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $169,262        $141,147        $143,595        $96,785        $82,976        $86,720   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    1.29 (a)      1.36        1.38        1.43        1.53        1.44   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.75        $15.48        $13.45        $11.03        $10.42        $11.82   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.12     $(0.23     $(0.27     $(0.18     $(0.19     $(0.08

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

    3.98        2.50        2.30        2.60        0.80        (1.32

Total from investment operations

    $3.86        $2.27        $2.03        $2.42        $0.61        $(1.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $21.61        $17.75        $15.48        $13.45        $11.03        $10.42   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    21.75 (n)      14.66        15.09        21.94        5.85        (11.84
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.12 (a)      2.30        2.20        2.27        2.37        2.58   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.11 (a)      2.29        2.20        2.27        2.32        2.19   

Net investment loss

    (1.25 )(a)      (1.44     (1.83     (1.35     (1.66     (0.98

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $15,553        $13,009        $12,911        $11,365        $11,849        $15,182   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    2.05 (a)      2.12        2.13        2.18        2.27        2.15   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.71        $15.45        $13.43        $11.01        $10.40        $11.80   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.12     $(0.24     $(0.27     $(0.19     $(0.19     $(0.08

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

    3.98        2.50        2.29        2.61        0.80        (1.32

Total from investment operations

    $3.86        $2.26        $2.02        $2.42        $0.61        $(1.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $21.57        $17.71        $15.45        $13.43        $11.01        $10.40   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    21.80 (n)      14.63        15.04        21.98        5.87        (11.86
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.11 (a)      2.30        2.20        2.27        2.38        2.57   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.11 (a)      2.30        2.20        2.27        2.33        2.19   

Net investment loss

    (1.25 )(a)      (1.45     (1.83     (1.37     (1.66     (1.00

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $32,968        $25,026        $23,940        $19,251        $16,858        $15,356   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    2.05 (a)      2.12        2.13        2.18        2.28        2.15   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class I     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.33        $17.56        $15.11        $12.26        $11.47        $12.88   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.03     $(0.08     $(0.14     $(0.06     $(0.08     $(0.00 )(w) 

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

    4.58        2.85        2.59        2.91        0.87        (1.41

Total from investment operations

    $4.55        $2.77        $2.45        $2.85        $0.79        $(1.41

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $24.88        $20.33        $17.56        $15.11        $12.26        $11.47   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    22.38 (n)      15.77        16.21        23.25        6.89        (10.95
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.12 (a)      1.30        1.20        1.27        1.38        1.56   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)      1.30        1.20        1.27        1.33        1.19   

Net investment loss

    (0.26 )(a)      (0.45     (0.83     (0.38     (0.66     (0.03

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $39,831        $30,615        $21,898        $10,833        $8,873        $6,726   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    1.05 (a)      1.12        1.12        1.18        1.29        1.15   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R1     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.68        $15.42        $13.41        $10.99        $10.39        $11.78   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.12     $(0.23     $(0.26     $(0.19     $(0.19     $(0.08

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

    3.97        2.49        2.27        2.61        0.79        (1.31

Total from investment operations

    $3.85        $2.26        $2.01        $2.42        $0.60        $(1.39

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $21.53        $17.68        $15.42        $13.41        $10.99        $10.39   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    21.78 (n)      14.66        14.99        22.02        5.77        (11.80
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.11 (a)      2.30        2.21        2.27        2.38        2.58   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    2.11 (a)      2.30        2.21        2.27        2.32        2.19   

Net investment loss

    (1.25 )(a)      (1.45     (1.82     (1.39     (1.66     (0.96

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $1,953        $1,542        $1,666        $1,831        $1,421        $1,585   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    2.05 (a)      2.12        2.13        2.18        2.28        2.15   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R2     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $18.85        $16.36        $14.15        $11.54        $10.85        $12.25   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.08     $(0.16     $(0.20     $(0.12     $(0.14     $(0.04

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

    4.24        2.65        2.41        2.73        0.83        (1.36

Total from investment operations

    $4.16        $2.49        $2.21        $2.61        $0.69        $(1.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.01        $18.85        $16.36        $14.15        $11.54        $10.85   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    22.07 (n)      15.22        15.62        22.62        6.36        (11.43
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.62 (a)      1.79        1.70        1.77        1.87        2.07   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.61 (a)      1.79        1.70        1.77        1.82        1.69   

Net investment loss

    (0.76 )(a)      (0.94     (1.33     (0.87     (1.16     (0.50

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $18,166        $15,890        $17,748        $15,911        $13,501        $13,775   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    1.55 (a)      1.62        1.63        1.68        1.78        1.65   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R3     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $19.41        $16.80        $14.49        $11.79        $11.06        $12.45   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.05     $(0.12     $(0.17     $(0.09     $(0.11     $(0.02

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

    4.36        2.73        2.48        2.79        0.84        (1.37

Total from investment operations

    $4.31        $2.61        $2.31        $2.70        $0.73        $(1.39

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $23.72        $19.41        $16.80        $14.49        $11.79        $11.06   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    22.21 (n)      15.54        15.94        22.90        6.60        (11.16
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.37 (a)      1.55        1.45        1.52        1.62        1.82   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.36 (a)      1.55        1.45        1.52        1.58        1.44   

Net investment loss

    (0.51 )(a)      (0.70     (1.08     (0.63     (0.90     (0.24

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $11,095        $8,863        $8,720        $5,949        $4,589        $3,133   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    1.30 (a)      1.37        1.38        1.43        1.53        1.40   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 8/31  
Class R4     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $19.86        $17.15        $14.76        $11.98        $11.21        $12.58   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment loss (d)

    $(0.03     $(0.08     $(0.14     $(0.05     $(0.08     $(0.00 )(w) 

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

    4.48        2.79        2.53        2.83        0.85        (1.37

Total from investment operations

    $4.45        $2.71        $2.39        $2.78        $0.77        $(1.37

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $24.31        $19.86        $17.15        $14.76        $11.98        $11.21   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    22.41 (n)      15.80        16.19        23.21        6.87        (10.89
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)      1.29        1.20        1.26        1.39        1.54   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)      1.29        1.20        1.26        1.36        1.18   

Net investment loss

    (0.23 )(a)      (0.45     (0.84     (0.32     (0.65     (0.02

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        68        106        182        226   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $1,311        $1,269        $823        $368        $445        $153   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

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

    1.05 (a)      1.12        1.12        1.17        1.31        1.15   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R5    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Year ended
8/31/13 (i)
 
     (unaudited)        

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $20.34        $17.68   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment loss (d)

     $(0.02     $(0.04

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

     4.59        2.70   

Total from investment operations

     $4.57        $2.66   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $24.91        $20.34   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     22.47 (n)      15.05 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     1.02 (a)      1.13 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.02 (a)      1.13 (a) 

Net investment loss

     (0.13 )(a)      (0.35 )(a) 

Portfolio turnover

     21 (n)      54   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $1,012        $116   
Supplemental Ratios (%):           

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

     0.96 (a)      1.01 (a) 

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(i) For the period from the class’s inception, January 2, 2013, through the stated period end.
(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 per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Technology Fund (the fund) is a non-diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests primarily in securities of issuers in the technology industry. Issuers in a single industry can react similarly to market, economic, political and regulatory conditions and developments.

In this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still

 

22


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Equity securities held short, for which there were no sales reported for that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily ask quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Exchange-traded options are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Exchange-traded options for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Options not traded on an exchange are generally valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Foreign currency options are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service. 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.

 

23


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as written options. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $279,892,371         $—         $—         $279,892,371   
Mutual Funds      13,832,105                         13,832,105   
Total Investments      $293,724,476         $—         $—         $293,724,476   
Short Sales      $(4,487,436      $—         $—         $(4,487,436
Other Financial Instruments                            
Written Options      $(5,865      $—         $—         $(5,865

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

 

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

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

The derivative instruments used by the fund were written options and purchased options. The fund’s period end derivatives, as presented in the Portfolio of Investments generally are indicative of the volume of its derivative activity during the period.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at February 28, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

         Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts    Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Equity   Purchased Equity Options      $641,965        $—   
Equity   Written Equity Options             (5,865

 

(a) The value of purchased options outstanding is included in total investments, at value, within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended February 28, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Investments
(Purchased
Options)
     Written
Options
 
Equity      $466,681         $611,064   

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended February 28, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Investments
(Purchased
Options)
     Written
Options
 
Equity      $11,655         $(24,819

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible by entering into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all

 

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transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. 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 ISDA counterparty is subject.

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

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 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.

Written Options – In exchange for a premium, the fund wrote call options on securities that it anticipated the price would decline and also wrote put options on securities that it anticipated the price would increase. At the time the option was written, the fund believed the premium received exceeded the potential loss that could result from adverse price changes in the options’ underlying securities. In a written option, the fund as the option writer grants the buyer the right to purchase from, or sell to, the fund a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price within a specified period of time.

The premium received is initially recorded as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The option is subsequently marked-to-market daily with the difference between the premium received and the market value of the written option being recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When a written option expires, the fund realizes a gain equal to the amount of the premium received. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing transaction is considered a realized gain or loss. When a written call option is exercised, the premium received is offset against the proceeds to determine the realized gain or loss. When a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security purchased by the fund.

 

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At the initiation of the written option contract, for exchange traded options, the fund is required to deposit securities or cash as collateral with the custodian for the benefit of the broker. For over-the-counter options, the fund may post collateral subject to the terms of an ISDA Master Agreement as generally described above if the market value of the options contract moves against it. The fund, as writer of an option, may have no control over whether the underlying securities may be sold (call) or purchased (put) and, as a result, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the securities underlying the written option. Losses from writing options can exceed the premium received and can exceed the potential loss from an ordinary buy and sell transaction. Although the fund’s market risk may be significant, the maximum counterparty credit risk to the fund is equal to the market value of any collateral posted to the broker. For over-the-counter options, this risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above.

The following table represents the written option activity in the fund during the six months ended February 28, 2014:

 

     

Number of

Contracts

    Premiums
Received
 
Outstanding, beginning of period      5,582        $250,473   
Options written      27,574        1,540,739   
Options closed      (5,542     (522,640
Options exercised      (6,402     (329,495
Options expired      (21,161     (933,128
Outstanding, end of period      51        $5,949   

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

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

Whether or not the option is exercised, the fund’s maximum risk of loss from purchasing an option is the amount of premium paid. All option contracts involve credit risk if the counterparty to the option contract fails to perform. For

 

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over-the-counter options, this risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Short Sales – The fund entered into short sales whereby it sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the value of that security. The fund will realize a gain if the security price decreases and a loss if the security price increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the borrowed security. Losses from short sales can exceed the proceeds of the security sold; and they can also exceed the potential loss from an ordinary buy and sell transaction. The amount of any premium, dividends, or interest the fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale will be recognized as a fund expense. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, this expense amounted to $86,026. The fund segregates cash or marketable securities in an amount that, when combined with the amount of proceeds from the short sale deposited with the broker, at least equals the current market value of the security sold short.

Security Loans – Under its Securities Lending Agency Agreement with the fund, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. 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. 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. State Street provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, State Street 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, State Street assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, State Street 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. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund or short-term securities. At period end, the fund had investment securities on loan with a fair value of $446,528 and a related liability of $463,524 for collateral received on securities loaned, both of which are presented gross on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral for securities loaned is carried at fair value, which is categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The collateral received on securities loaned exceeded the value of securities on loan at period end. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the 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.

 

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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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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.

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

 

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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 net operating losses, wash sale loss deferrals, and straddle loss deferrals.

The fund declared no distributions for the current period or for the year ended August 31, 2013.

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $199,288,451   
Gross appreciation      95,024,174   
Gross depreciation      (588,149
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $94,436,025   
As of 8/31/13       
Capital loss carryforwards      (2,831,415
Post-October capital loss deferral      (247,331
Late year ordinary loss deferral      (1,292,146
Other temporary differences      (1,209,620
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      53,257,114   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after August 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of August 31, 2013, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

8/31/17      $(2,831,415

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution and service 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 shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.

 

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(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.75
Average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion      0.70

MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $2,985, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.75% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $44,542 for the six months ended February 28, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares 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.

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%         0.24%         $194,372   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         70,700   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         140,935   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         9,063   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         42,276   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         12,105   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $469,451   

 

(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 February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $4,387, $106, $142, and $17 for Class A, Class B, Class C, and R3, respectively, and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

 

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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 for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $1,010   
Class B      10,217   
Class C      1,570   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $59,536, which equated to 0.0452% 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 R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $173,681.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0160% 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, 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

 

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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 $69 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $6,959. Both amounts are included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $1,253 at February 28, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $854 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $122, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

On December 31, 2012, MFS purchased 5,656 shares of Class R5 for an aggregate amount of $100,000. On September 11, 2013, MFS redeemed 13,238 shares of Class R4 for an aggregate amount of $274,821.

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than purchased option transactions short sales, and short-term obligations, aggregated $55,177,979 and $67,933,425, respectively.

 

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(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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13 (i)
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     1,105,970         $24,056,196         1,998,801         $35,474,800   

Class B

     72,160         1,444,219         143,289         2,310,258   

Class C

     218,465         4,397,215         296,811         4,831,432   

Class I

     312,253         7,206,173         1,041,965         18,680,506   

Class R1

     34,946         690,298         38,814         620,331   

Class R2

     166,821         3,516,977         270,131         4,615,415   

Class R3

     135,150         2,960,538         163,093         2,927,544   

Class R4

     21,499         481,144         35,406         647,688   

Class R5

     35,943         826,626         5,711         101,001   
     2,103,207         $45,579,386         3,994,021         $70,208,975   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (1,243,038      $(27,280,948      (3,272,672      $(56,758,621

Class B

     (85,463      (1,709,483      (244,390      (3,969,475

Class C

     (102,759      (1,997,590      (433,533      (7,011,725

Class I

     (217,065      (4,974,766      (783,374      (14,730,202

Class R1

     (31,452      (636,914      (59,602      (962,229

Class R2

     (220,305      (4,647,697      (512,114      (8,690,192

Class R3

     (124,089      (2,663,325      (225,398      (3,998,155

Class R4

     (31,438      (677,798      (19,529      (341,610

Class R5

     (1,019      (23,801                
     (2,056,628      $(44,612,322      (5,550,612      $(96,462,209
Net change            

Class A

     (137,068      $(3,224,752      (1,273,871      $(21,283,821

Class B

     (13,303      (265,264      (101,101      (1,659,217

Class C

     115,706         2,399,625         (136,722      (2,180,293

Class I

     95,188         2,231,407         258,591         3,950,304   

Class R1

     3,494         53,384         (20,788      (341,898

Class R2

     (53,484      (1,130,720      (241,983      (4,074,777

Class R3

     11,061         297,213         (62,305      (1,070,611

Class R4

     (9,939      (196,654      15,877         306,078   

Class R5

     34,924         802,825         5,711         101,001   
     46,579         $967,064         (1,556,591      $(26,253,234

 

(i) For Class R5, the period is from inception, January 2, 2013, through the stated period end.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a

 

34


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $542 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 

MFS Institutional Money

Market Portfolio

     5,062,331         55,766,608         (47,460,358     13,368,581   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $2,010        $13,368,581   

 

35


Table of Contents

BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

36


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® VALUE FUND

 

LOGO

 

EIF-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® VALUE FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     10   
Statement of operations     12   
Statements of changes in net assets     13   
Financial highlights     14   
Notes to financial statements     27   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     39   
Proxy voting policies and information     39   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     39   
Further information     39   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     39   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
JPMorgan Chase & Co.     3.9%   
Philip Morris International, Inc.     3.5%   
Johnson & Johnson     3.3%   
Pfizer, Inc.     3.2%   
Wells Fargo & Co.     3.0%   
Lockheed Martin Corp.     2.4%   
Exxon Mobil Corp.     2.2%   
Accenture PLC, “A”     2.1%   
United Technologies Corp.     2.0%   
3M Co.     2.0%   
Equity sectors  
Financial Services     22.5%   
Health Care     14.3%   
Consumer Staples     12.5%   
Industrial Goods & Services     11.3%   
Leisure     7.1%   
Energy     5.9%   
Retailing     4.7%   
Utilities & Communications     4.0%   
Technology     4.0%   
Basic Materials     3.8%   
Special Products & Services     2.9%   
Autos & Housing     2.7%   
Transportation     2.1%   
 

 

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period,

September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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
9/01/13
   

Ending

Account Value
2/28/14

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

9/01/13-2/28/14

 
A   Actual     0.88%        $1,000.00        $1,141.97        $4.67   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.88%        $1,000.00        $1,020.43        $4.41   
B   Actual     1.62%        $1,000.00        $1,137.96        $8.59   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.62%        $1,000.00        $1,016.76        $8.10   
C   Actual     1.63%        $1,000.00        $1,138.08        $8.64   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.63%        $1,000.00        $1,016.71        $8.15   
I   Actual     0.63%        $1,000.00        $1,143.38        $3.35   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.63%        $1,000.00        $1,021.67        $3.16   
R1   Actual     1.63%        $1,000.00        $1,137.80        $8.64   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.63%        $1,000.00        $1,016.71        $8.15   
R2   Actual     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,140.64        $6.00   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,019.19        $5.66   
R3   Actual     0.87%        $1,000.00        $1,142.05        $4.62   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.87%        $1,000.00        $1,020.48        $4.36   
R4   Actual     0.63%        $1,000.00        $1,143.37        $3.35   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.63%        $1,000.00        $1,021.67        $3.16   
R5   Actual     0.53%        $1,000.00        $1,144.34        $2.82   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.53%        $1,000.00        $1,022.17        $2.66   
529A   Actual     0.87%        $1,000.00        $1,142.35        $4.62   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.87%        $1,000.00        $1,020.48        $4.36   
529B   Actual     1.67%        $1,000.00        $1,137.64        $8.85   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.67%        $1,000.00        $1,016.51        $8.35   
529C   Actual     1.67%        $1,000.00        $1,137.69        $8.85   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.67%        $1,000.00        $1,016.51        $8.35   

 

(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 181/365 (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 529A and Class 529B shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.05%, and 0.01%, respectively. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 97.7%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 7.2%                 
Honeywell International, Inc.      6,498,610      $ 613,728,726   
Lockheed Martin Corp.      4,677,699        759,190,548   
Northrop Grumman Corp.      2,185,978        264,568,917   
United Technologies Corp.      5,601,045        655,434,286   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,292,922,477   
Alcoholic Beverages - 1.5%                 
Diageo PLC      15,120,065      $ 475,623,429   
Automotive - 1.9%                 
Delphi Automotive PLC      3,253,453      $ 216,582,366   
General Motors Co.      1,804,982        65,340,348   
Johnson Controls, Inc.      6,855,782        338,675,631   
    

 

 

 
             $ 620,598,345   
Broadcasting - 3.9%                 
Omnicom Group, Inc.      5,241,089      $ 396,645,616   
Time Warner, Inc.      1,455,680        97,719,798   
Viacom, Inc., “B”      3,092,728        271,325,027   
Walt Disney Co.      5,797,227        468,473,914   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,234,164,355   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 2.5%                 
BlackRock, Inc.      947,024      $ 288,690,796   
Franklin Resources, Inc.      7,063,472        376,129,884   
NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.      3,259,986        125,150,863   
    

 

 

 
             $ 789,971,543   
Business Services - 2.9%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      8,028,395      $ 669,166,723   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.      1,683,820        93,637,230   
Fiserv, Inc. (a)      3,018,734        175,237,509   
    

 

 

 
             $ 938,041,462   
Cable TV - 1.0%                 
Comcast Corp., “Special A”      6,445,818      $ 321,614,089   
Chemicals - 3.3%                 
3M Co.      4,699,379      $ 633,147,333   
PPG Industries, Inc.      2,193,843        433,986,022   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,067,133,355   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Computer Software - 1.4%                 
Oracle Corp.      11,410,697      $ 446,272,360   
Computer Software - Systems - 2.1%                 
Hewlett-Packard Co.      2,203,005      $ 65,825,789   
International Business Machines Corp.      3,194,467        591,519,454   
    

 

 

 
             $ 657,345,243   
Construction - 0.7%                 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.      2,833,009      $ 235,253,067   
Consumer Products - 0.5%                 
Procter & Gamble Co.      2,072,140      $ 162,994,532   
Containers - 0.4%                 
Crown Holdings, Inc. (a)      2,655,650      $ 119,557,363   
Electrical Equipment - 2.8%                 
Danaher Corp.      5,172,485      $ 395,643,378   
Pentair Ltd.      1,634,740        132,103,339   
Tyco International Ltd.      8,506,455        358,802,272   
    

 

 

 
             $ 886,548,989   
Electronics - 0.6%                 
Intel Corp.      7,171,000      $ 177,553,960   
Energy - Independent - 2.2%                 
Apache Corp.      1,611,334      $ 127,762,673   
EOG Resources, Inc.      654,945        124,059,682   
Occidental Petroleum Corp.      4,574,775        441,557,283   
    

 

 

 
             $ 693,379,638   
Energy - Integrated - 3.7%                 
Chevron Corp.      4,106,750      $ 473,631,478   
Exxon Mobil Corp.      7,463,612        718,521,927   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,192,153,405   
Food & Beverages - 5.2%                 
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.      2,585,230      $ 121,712,628   
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.      2,931,150        152,742,227   
General Mills, Inc.      9,425,902        471,577,877   
Groupe Danone      3,555,079        251,144,191   
Kellogg Co.      1,415,154        85,885,696   
Nestle S.A.      7,563,732        572,762,423   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,655,825,042   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Food & Drug Stores - 1.8%                 
CVS Caremark Corp.      7,886,059      $ 576,786,355   
General Merchandise - 1.7%                 
Kohl’s Corp.      1,354,252      $ 76,095,420   
Target Corp.      7,398,228        462,685,179   
    

 

 

 
             $ 538,780,599   
Insurance - 7.1%                 
ACE Ltd.      3,389,349      $ 331,715,587   
Aon PLC      3,546,726        303,599,746   
Chubb Corp.      2,186,119        191,241,690   
MetLife, Inc.      11,834,561        599,657,206   
Prudential Financial, Inc.      4,386,721        371,028,862   
Travelers Cos., Inc.      5,719,288        479,505,106   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,276,748,197   
Leisure & Toys - 0.5%                 
Hasbro, Inc.      2,811,014      $ 155,055,532   
Machinery & Tools - 1.3%                 
Eaton Corp. PLC      3,798,180      $ 283,762,028   
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.      1,660,527        136,993,478   
    

 

 

 
             $ 420,755,506   
Major Banks - 11.7%                 
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.      13,422,477      $ 429,519,264   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      3,701,037        616,037,609   
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      21,892,990        1,243,959,692   
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.      2,769,215        226,466,403   
State Street Corp.      4,205,810        276,195,543   
Wells Fargo & Co.      20,656,079        958,855,187   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,751,033,698   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 1.3%                 
Express Scripts Holding Co. (a)      4,299,460      $ 323,792,333   
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.      2,060,636        109,213,708   
    

 

 

 
             $ 433,006,041   
Medical Equipment - 4.7%                 
Abbott Laboratories      9,261,213      $ 368,411,053   
Covidien PLC      2,626,000        188,940,700   
Medtronic, Inc.      6,194,870        367,107,996   
St. Jude Medical, Inc.      3,594,308        241,968,815   
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.      2,817,033        350,833,290   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,517,261,854   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 1.2%                 
U.S. Bancorp      6,997,160      $ 287,863,162   
Western Union Co.      5,306,988        88,785,909   
    

 

 

 
             $ 376,649,071   
Pharmaceuticals - 8.2%                 
Johnson & Johnson      11,559,995      $ 1,064,906,739   
Merck & Co., Inc.      5,841,019        332,879,673   
Novartis AG      1,174,430        98,080,595   
Pfizer, Inc.      31,509,465        1,011,768,921   
Roche Holding AG      336,908        103,964,561   
Zoetis, Inc.      280,610        8,704,522   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,620,305,011   
Printing & Publishing - 0.7%                 
McGraw-Hill Cos., Inc.      1,677,960      $ 133,666,294   
Moody’s Corp.      1,183,739        93,515,381   
    

 

 

 
             $ 227,181,675   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.6%                 
Canadian National Railway Co.      3,475,922      $ 196,528,630   
Restaurants - 1.0%                 
McDonald’s Corp.      3,474,709      $ 330,618,561   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.1%                 
Valspar Corp.      409,010      $ 30,573,498   
Specialty Stores - 1.2%                 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.      1,479,630      $ 188,445,677   
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (a)      769,390        52,180,030   
Staples, Inc.      10,537,971        143,211,026   
    

 

 

 
             $ 383,836,733   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.7%                 
Vodafone Group PLC      55,520,991      $ 231,502,102   
Telephone Services - 2.6%                 
AT&T, Inc.      8,886,538      $ 283,747,158   
Verizon Communications, Inc.      2,677,047        126,945,569   
Verizon Communications, Inc.      8,829,220        420,094,288   
    

 

 

 
             $ 830,787,015   
Tobacco - 5.3%                 
Altria Group, Inc.      3,587,145      $ 130,069,878   
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC      1,571,088        64,114,229   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Tobacco - continued                 
Lorillard, Inc.      7,472,603      $ 366,605,903   
Philip Morris International, Inc.      14,032,322        1,135,355,173   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,696,145,183   
Trucking - 1.5%                 
United Parcel Service, Inc., “B”      5,056,269      $ 484,238,882   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.7%                 
Duke Energy Corp.      1,489,130      $ 105,549,534   
PPL Corp.      2,286,294        73,824,433   
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.      1,447,685        53,072,132   
    

 

 

 
             $ 232,446,099   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $21,390,756,012)      $ 31,277,192,896   
Convertible Preferred Stocks - 0.1%                 
Aerospace - 0.1%                 
United Technologies Corp., 7.5% (Identified Cost, $18,338,355)      364,100      $ 24,201,727   
Money Market Funds - 1.4%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     464,971,463      $ 464,971,463   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $21,874,065,830)            $ 31,766,366,086   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.8%              246,355,785   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 32,012,721,871   

 

(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:

 

PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

9


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $21,409,094,367)

     $31,301,394,623   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     464,971,463   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $21,874,065,830)

     $31,766,366,086   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     44,800,110   

Fund shares sold

     127,622,345   

Dividends

     144,547,230   

Other assets

     148,043   

Total assets

     $32,083,483,814   
Liabilities         

Payable for fund shares reacquired

     $53,924,772   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     819,830   

Shareholder servicing costs

     15,063,410   

Distribution and service fees

     237,317   

Program manager fees

     49   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     3,841   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     712,724   

Total liabilities

     $70,761,943   

Net assets

     $32,012,721,871   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $21,535,897,284   

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

     9,892,980,058   

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

     323,699,977   

Undistributed net investment income

     260,144,552   

Net assets

     $32,012,721,871   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     963,522,629   

 

10


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $9,218,370,969         277,818,977         $33.18   

Class B

     183,382,205         5,556,753         33.00   

Class C

     1,283,748,987         39,092,627         32.84   

Class I

     12,526,587,010         375,605,423         33.35   

Class R1

     33,105,577         1,014,605         32.63   

Class R2

     602,082,004         18,301,116         32.90   

Class R3

     1,496,073,583         45,214,439         33.09   

Class R4

     3,174,877,562         95,646,605         33.19   

Class R5

     3,476,637,221         104,728,656         33.20   

Class 529A

     13,146,493         398,694         32.97   

Class 529B

     1,042,439         31,973         32.60   

Class 529C

     3,667,821         112,761         32.53   

 

(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 $35.20 [100 / 94.25 x $33.18] and $34.98 [100 / 94.25 x $32.97], 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, R5, and 529A.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

11


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 2/28/14 (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

     $526,816,907   

Interest

     4,707   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     173,165   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (1,217,435

Total investment income

     $525,777,344   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $78,166,322   

Distribution and service fees

     21,248,275   

Program manager fees

     8,343   

Shareholder servicing costs

     13,989,033   

Administrative services fee

     236,501   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     124,459   

Custodian fee

     348,239   

Shareholder communications

     659,590   

Audit and tax fees

     26,860   

Legal fees

     123,601   

Miscellaneous

     604,590   

Total expenses

     $115,535,813   

Fees paid indirectly

     (193

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (2,863,640

Net expenses

     $112,671,980   

Net investment income

     $413,105,364   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $883,083,315   

Foreign currency

     263,801   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $883,347,116   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $2,602,246,365   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     728,360   

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

     $2,602,974,725   

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

     $3,486,321,841   

Change in net assets from operations

     $3,899,427,205   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


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.

 

Change in net assets

  

Six months ended
2/28/14

(unaudited)

    

Year ended
8/31/13

 
     
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $413,105,364         $456,013,931   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     883,347,116         174,130,167   

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

     2,602,974,725         4,167,786,045   

Change in net assets from operations

     $3,899,427,205         $4,797,930,143   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(244,715,130      $(430,454,430

From net realized gain on investments

     (534,397,478      (157,367,309

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(779,112,608      $(587,821,739

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $1,830,226,366         $2,245,166,320   

Total change in net assets

     $4,950,540,963         $6,455,274,724   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     27,062,180,908         20,606,906,184   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $260,144,552 and $91,754,318, respectively)

     $32,012,721,871         $27,062,180,908   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


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. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class A     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.81        $24.90        $21.83        $19.46        $19.39        $23.75   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.42        $0.50        $0.43        $0.34        $0.32        $0.34   

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

    3.78        5.08        3.05        2.35        0.06 (g)      (4.35

Total from investment
operations

    $4.20        $5.58        $3.48        $2.69        $0.38        $(4.01
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.25     $(0.48     $(0.41     $(0.32     $(0.31     $(0.35

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.83     $(0.67     $(0.41     $(0.32     $(0.31     $(0.35

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $33.18        $29.81        $24.90        $21.83        $19.46        $19.39   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    14.20 (n)      22.75        16.16        13.78        1.88        (16.75
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.90 (a)      0.93        0.95        0.95        0.98        1.09   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.88 (a)      0.92        0.93        0.94        0.98        1.09   

Net investment income

    2.64 (a)      1.80        1.86        1.49        1.54        1.94   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $9,218,371        $8,058,858        $6,628,244        $5,086,069        $4,980,816        $4,665,411   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class B     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.64        $24.76        $21.70        $19.34        $19.26        $23.59   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.30        $0.29        $0.26        $0.16        $0.16        $0.22   

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

    3.77        5.05        3.03        2.34        0.07 (g)      (4.34

Total from investment
operations

    $4.07        $5.34        $3.29        $2.50        $0.23        $(4.12
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.13     $(0.27     $(0.23     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.21

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.71     $(0.46     $(0.23     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.21

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $33.00        $29.64        $24.76        $21.70        $19.34        $19.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    13.80 (n)      21.82        15.28        12.92        1.14        (17.36
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.68        1.70        1.70        1.73        1.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.62 (a)      1.67        1.68        1.69        1.73        1.79   

Net investment income

    1.87 (a)      1.05        1.11        0.73        0.80        1.26   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $183,382        $169,208        $167,949        $182,654        $238,473        $371,270   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class C     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.50        $24.65        $21.62        $19.27        $19.21        $23.54   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.30        $0.29        $0.25        $0.17        $0.16        $0.22   

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

    3.75        5.03        3.02        2.33        0.06 (g)      (4.33

Total from investment
operations

    $4.05        $5.32        $3.27        $2.50        $0.22        $(4.11
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.13     $(0.28     $(0.24     $(0.15     $(0.16     $(0.22

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.71     $(0.47     $(0.24     $(0.15     $(0.16     $(0.22

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $32.84        $29.50        $24.65        $21.62        $19.27        $19.21   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    13.81 (n)      21.83        15.23        12.97        1.11        (17.35
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.68        1.69        1.70        1.73        1.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.63 (a)      1.67        1.68        1.69        1.73        1.79   

Net investment income

    1.91 (a)      1.05        1.11        0.74        0.79        1.24   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,283,749        $1,090,690        $906,572        $871,026        $832,696        $776,373   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class I     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.96        $25.02        $21.94        $19.55        $19.48        $23.87   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.47        $0.57        $0.49        $0.40        $0.37        $0.40   

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

    3.79        5.10        3.06        2.37        0.06 (g)      (4.38

Total from investment
operations

    $4.26        $5.67        $3.55        $2.77        $0.43        $(3.98
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.29     $(0.54     $(0.47     $(0.38     $(0.36     $(0.41

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.87     $(0.73     $(0.47     $(0.38     $(0.36     $(0.41

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $33.35        $29.96        $25.02        $21.94        $19.55        $19.48   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    14.34 (n)      23.06        16.42        14.10        2.12        (16.53
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.65 (a)      0.68        0.70        0.70        0.73        0.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.63 (a)      0.67        0.68        0.69        0.73        0.79   

Net investment income

    2.93 (a)      2.05        2.11        1.75        1.79        2.26   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $12,526,587        $10,568,573        $7,472,693        $5,272,157        $3,289,827        $2,335,922   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R1      2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $29.32        $24.50        $21.48        $19.15        $19.09        $23.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

     $0.28        $0.29        $0.25        $0.17        $0.16        $0.21   

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

     3.74        5.00        3.01        2.32        0.06 (g)      (4.31

Total from investment
operations

     $4.02        $5.29        $3.26        $2.49        $0.22        $(4.10
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

     $(0.13     $(0.28     $(0.24     $(0.16     $(0.16     $(0.23

From net realized gain on
investments

     (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.71     $(0.47     $(0.24     $(0.16     $(0.16     $(0.23

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

     $32.63        $29.32        $24.50        $21.48        $19.15        $19.09   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     13.78 (n)      21.83        15.29        12.95        1.13        (17.38
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.64 (a)      1.68        1.69        1.70        1.73        1.78   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.63 (a)      1.67        1.68        1.69        1.73        1.78   

Net investment income

     1.80 (a)      1.06        1.10        0.74        0.80        1.24   

Portfolio turnover

     8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $33,106        $33,485        $32,389        $33,806        $32,934        $30,690   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R2     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.56        $24.69        $21.66        $19.31        $19.24        $23.59   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.37        $0.43        $0.37        $0.28        $0.26        $0.30   

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

    3.76        5.04        3.01        2.34        0.07 (g)      (4.33

Total from investment
operations

    $4.13        $5.47        $3.38        $2.62        $0.33        $(4.03
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.21     $(0.41     $(0.35     $(0.27     $(0.26     $(0.32

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.79     $(0.60     $(0.35     $(0.27     $(0.26     $(0.32

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $32.90        $29.56        $24.69        $21.66        $19.31        $19.24   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    14.06 (n)      22.47        15.80        13.51        1.66        (16.96
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.14 (a)      1.18        1.20        1.20        1.23        1.29   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.13 (a)      1.17        1.18        1.19        1.23        1.28   

Net investment income

    2.34 (a)      1.55        1.61        1.24        1.29        1.73   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $602,082        $572,590        $517,005        $496,236        $426,938        $286,115   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R3     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.73        $24.83        $21.78        $19.41        $19.34        $23.71   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.42        $0.50        $0.43        $0.34        $0.31        $0.34   

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

    3.77        5.07        3.03        2.35        0.07 (g)      (4.35

Total from investment
operations

    $4.19        $5.57        $3.46        $2.69        $0.38        $(4.01
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.25     $(0.48     $(0.41     $(0.32     $(0.31     $(0.36

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.83     $(0.67     $(0.41     $(0.32     $(0.31     $(0.36

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $33.09        $29.73        $24.83        $21.78        $19.41        $19.34   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    14.20 (n)      22.77        16.11        13.82        1.90        (16.75
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.89 (a)      0.93        0.95        0.95        0.99        1.03   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.87 (a)      0.91        0.93        0.94        0.98        1.03   

Net investment income

    2.67 (a)      1.80        1.86        1.49        1.53        1.94   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,496,074        $1,299,126        $1,022,504        $763,670        $587,645        $341,993   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R4     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.82        $24.90        $21.84        $19.47        $19.39        $23.77   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.46        $0.57        $0.49        $0.40        $0.36        $0.37   

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

    3.78        5.08        3.04        2.35        0.08 (g)      (4.34

Total from investment
operations

    $4.24        $5.65        $3.53        $2.75        $0.44        $(3.97
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.29     $(0.54     $(0.47     $(0.38     $(0.36     $(0.41

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.87     $(0.73     $(0.47     $(0.38     $(0.36     $(0.41

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $33.19        $29.82        $24.90        $21.84        $19.47        $19.39   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    14.34 (n)      23.09        16.40        14.05        2.18        (16.56
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.65 (a)      0.68        0.70        0.70        0.74        0.77   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.63 (a)      0.67        0.68        0.69        0.73        0.77   

Net investment income

    2.88 (a)      2.07        2.10        1.74        1.77        2.10   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,174,878        $2,892,340        $2,907,088        $2,036,438        $1,266,492        $652,906   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class R5 (y)     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $29.82        $24.90        $21.81        $19.44        $19.37        $23.74   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.50        $0.60        $0.46        $0.37        $0.35        $0.37   

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

    3.77        5.07        3.08        2.35        0.06 (g)      (4.35

Total from investment
operations

    $4.27        $5.67        $3.54        $2.72        $0.41        $(3.98
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.31     $(0.56     $(0.45     $(0.35     $(0.34     $(0.39

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.89     $(0.75     $(0.45     $(0.35     $(0.34     $(0.39

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $33.20        $29.82        $24.90        $21.81        $19.44        $19.37   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    14.43 (n)      23.18        16.48        13.96        2.04        (16.61
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.55 (a)      0.57        0.77        0.80        0.83        0.89   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.53 (a)      0.56        0.76        0.79        0.83        0.88   

Net investment income

    3.16 (a)      2.12        1.98        1.63        1.70        2.12   

Portfolio turnover

    8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,476,637        $2,362,012        $940,695        $1,334,446        $1,393,429        $999,969   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529A      2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $29.62        $24.74        $21.70        $19.34        $19.28        $23.62   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

     $0.43        $0.49        $0.42        $0.32        $0.29        $0.32   

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

     3.75        5.05        3.02        2.34        0.06 (g)      (4.33

Total from investment
operations

     $4.18        $5.54        $3.44        $2.66        $0.35        $(4.01
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                           

From net investment income

     $(0.25     $(0.47     $(0.40     $(0.30     $(0.29     $(0.33

From net realized gain on
investments

     (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.83     $(0.66     $(0.40     $(0.30     $(0.29     $(0.33

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

     $32.97        $29.62        $24.74        $21.70        $19.34        $19.28   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     14.23 (n)      22.73        16.06        13.71        1.74        (16.84
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     0.99 (a)      1.03        1.05        1.05        1.08        1.19   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     0.87 (a)      0.93        0.98        1.03        1.08        1.19   

Net investment income

     2.69 (a)      1.79        1.80        1.40        1.44        1.84   

Portfolio turnover

     8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $13,146        $10,899        $8,195        $6,315        $5,192        $5,008   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529B      2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $29.29        $24.48        $21.45        $19.12        $19.06        $23.37   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

     $0.28        $0.27        $0.24        $0.14        $0.14        $0.20   

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

     3.73        4.99        3.01        2.32        0.06 (g)      (4.30

Total from investment
operations

     $4.01        $5.26        $3.25        $2.46        $0.20        $(4.10
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                           

From net investment income

     $(0.12     $(0.26     $(0.22     $(0.13     $(0.14     $(0.21

From net realized gain on
investments

     (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.70     $(0.45     $(0.22     $(0.13     $(0.14     $(0.21

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

     $32.60        $29.29        $24.48        $21.45        $19.12        $19.06   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     13.76 (n)      21.74        15.27        12.84        1.01        (17.46
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.74 (a)      1.78        1.79        1.80        1.83        1.89   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.67 (a)      1.71        1.73        1.78        1.83        1.89   

Net investment income

     1.80 (a)      1.00        1.05        0.64        0.70        1.15   

Portfolio turnover

     8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $1,042        $1,013        $963        $1,147        $1,198        $1,215   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
2/28/14
    Years ended 8/31  
Class 529C      2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

     $29.23        $24.43        $21.43        $19.11        $19.05        $23.35   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

     $0.28        $0.27        $0.24        $0.15        $0.14        $0.20   

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

     3.72        4.99        2.99        2.31        0.07 (g)      (4.30

Total from investment
operations

     $4.00        $5.26        $3.23        $2.46        $0.21        $(4.10
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                           

From net investment income

     $(0.12     $(0.27     $(0.23     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.20

From net realized gain on
investments

     (0.58     (0.19                            

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

     $(0.70     $(0.46     $(0.23     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.20

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

     $32.53        $29.23        $24.43        $21.43        $19.11        $19.05   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     13.77 (n)      21.80        15.18        12.82        1.06        (17.45
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

     1.74 (a)      1.78        1.79        1.80        1.83        1.89   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

     1.67 (a)      1.72        1.73        1.78        1.83        1.89   

Net investment income

     1.80 (a)      1.00        1.06        0.65        0.69        1.15   

Portfolio turnover

     8 (n)      12        14        17        22        33   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

     $3,668        $3,387        $2,610        $2,438        $2,180        $1,710   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

 

(a) Annualized.
(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.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.
(y) On May 10, 2012, sales of Class W shares (including exchanges) were suspended. On May 11, 2012, certain Class W shares were automatically converted to Class I shares. Shareholders of certain Class W shares became shareholders of Class I and received Class I shares with a total net asset value equal to their Class W shares at the time of the conversion. On May 30, 2012, remaining Class W shares, which represented MFS seed money, were redesignated Class R5. Class R5 shares are generally available only to certain eligible retirement plans and to funds distributed by MFD. Class R5 shares do not pay a 12b-1 distribution fee or sub-accounting costs. On June 1, 2012, Class R5 shares were offered for sale to the public.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Value Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 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 this reporting period, the fund adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities along with the related scope clarification provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosures on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities by requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to a an enforceable Master Netting Agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11, 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.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

 

27


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are 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

 

28


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $31,301,394,623         $—         $—         $31,301,394,623   
Mutual Funds      464,971,463                         464,971,463   
Total Investments      $31,766,366,086         $—         $—         $31,766,366,086   

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, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. 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. 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. State Street provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, State Street 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, State Street assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, State Street is responsible for the

 

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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. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund or short-term securities. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the 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 February 28, 2014, 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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

applicable foreign tax law. Foreign income taxes may be withheld by certain countries in which the fund invests. Additionally, capital gains realized by the fund on securities issued in or by certain foreign countries may be subject to capital gains tax imposed by those countries.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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:

 

     8/31/13  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $430,454,430   
Long-term capital gains      157,367,309   
Total distributions      $587,821,739   

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $22,029,757,540   
Gross appreciation      9,781,380,842   
Gross depreciation      (44,772,296
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $9,736,608,546   
As of 8/31/13       
Undistributed ordinary income      201,576,358   
Undistributed long-term capital gain      46,280,507   
Capital loss carryforwards      (25,656,270
Other temporary differences      (52,786
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      7,134,362,181   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after August 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or

 

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long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of August 31, 2013, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

8/31/16      $(25,656,270

The availability of $25,656,270 of the capital loss carryforwards, which were acquired on July 24, 2009 in connection with the MFS Strategic Value Fund merger, may be limited in a given year.

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 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

2/28/14
     Year
ended

8/31/13
     Six months
ended

2/28/14
     Year
ended

8/31/13
 
Class A      $67,816,590         $124,516,423         $158,274,114         $49,243,771   
Class B      703,554         1,678,264         3,249,251         1,211,702   
Class C      4,835,320         10,011,832         21,935,733         6,733,945   
Class I      102,647,912         176,018,883         207,624,418         57,935,944   
Class R1      138,970         339,938         629,904         240,515   
Class R2      3,910,194         8,205,027         10,778,017         3,801,881   
Class R3      10,931,812         19,969,447         25,565,924         7,763,177   
Class R4      27,731,183         61,227,720         55,241,972         22,718,740   
Class R5      25,886,856         28,283,283         50,791,793         7,624,734   
Class 529A      94,849         163,205         220,123         64,487   
Class 529B      3,893         9,739         18,765         7,173   
Class 529C      13,997         30,669         67,464         21,240   
Total      $244,715,130         $430,454,430         $534,397,478         $157,367,309   

(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $7.5 billion of average daily net assets      0.60
Next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets      0.53
Average daily net assets in excess of $10 billion      0.50

 

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The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.45% of average daily net assets in excess of $20 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $2,442,076, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $336,188, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.51% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $1,414,338 and $4,494 for the six months ended February 28, 2014, 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 class shares 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.

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%         0.25%         $10,907,709   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         892,993   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         5,985,000   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         171,033   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         1,488,808   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         1,764,524   
Class 529A              0.25%         0.25%         0.20%         15,076   
Class 529B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.99%         5,191   
Class 529C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         17,941   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $21,248,275   

 

(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 February 28, 2014 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

 

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  or its affiliates’ seed money. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $33,884, $416, $510, $4, $841, $28,427, $3,281, $36 and $26 for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, 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 for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $21,744   
Class B      75,914   
Class C      36,655   
Class 529B        
Class 529C      41   

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 December 31, 2014, unless MFD elects to extend the waiver. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, this waiver amounted to $4,172 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 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 February 28, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $6,030         $3,015   
Class 529B      519         260   
Class 529C      1,794         897   
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $8,343         $4,172   

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 February 28, 2014, the fee was $879,435, which equated to 0.0059% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment

 

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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 R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $13,109,598.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0016% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

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

Prior to December 31, 2001, the fund had an unfunded defined benefit plan (“DB plan”) for independent Trustees. As of December 31, 2001, the Board took action to terminate the DB plan with respect to then-current and any future independent Trustees, such that the DB plan covers only certain of those former independent Trustees who retired on or before December 31, 2001. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $111 and is included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended February 28, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $3,834 at February 28, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $96,059 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $13,779, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

 

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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. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On September 11, 2014, MFS redeemed 4,432 shares of Class R5 for an aggregate amount of $137,259.

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $3,589,054,863 and $2,367,945,495, 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
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     32,051,741         $1,027,197,064         67,116,915         $1,889,877,634   

Class B

     324,853         10,357,487         708,666         20,011,073   

Class C

     3,964,829         125,858,218         6,158,073         172,478,672   

Class I

     54,780,192         1,764,712,357         131,671,398         3,656,207,857   

Class R1

     95,747         3,012,349         285,909         7,814,415   

Class R2

     1,506,502         47,803,606         4,158,241         114,058,643   

Class R3

     7,179,657         230,142,187         12,097,117         336,373,199   

Class R4

     10,977,768         351,138,886         27,985,159         771,830,606   

Class R5

     27,659,979         894,666,753         43,743,094         1,209,937,672   

Class 529A

     43,460         1,399,101         63,689         1,774,775   

Class 529B

     2,638         84,273         3,293         90,545   

Class 529C

     10,309         327,038         23,338         635,837   
     138,597,675         $4,456,699,319         294,014,892         $8,181,090,928   
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
            

Class A

     6,504,105         $208,379,606         5,951,959         $157,662,290   

Class B

     112,546         3,600,788         100,309         2,617,280   

Class C

     540,819         17,216,873         403,650         10,521,773   

Class I

     6,472,132         208,180,009         5,760,185         153,740,898   

Class R1

     24,316         768,874         22,442         579,636   

Class R2

     442,537         14,071,132         438,901         11,500,677   

Class R3

     1,142,318         36,497,736         1,048,279         27,727,975   

Class R4

     2,487,613         79,618,420         3,091,705         81,724,939   

Class R5

     2,395,262         76,678,649         1,333,660         35,908,017   

Class 529A

     9,920         314,972         8,630         227,628   

Class 529B

     717         22,658         653         16,883   

Class 529C

     2,582         81,461         2,010         51,909   
     20,134,867         $645,431,178         18,162,383         $482,279,905   

 

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     Six months ended
2/28/14
     Year ended
8/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (31,109,565      $(999,054,315      (68,940,476      $(1,899,985,019

Class B

     (588,881      (18,873,950      (1,883,982      (51,710,790

Class C

     (2,381,817      (75,606,707      (6,368,042      (172,465,155

Class I

     (38,455,675      (1,234,354,500      (83,338,753      (2,318,973,834

Class R1

     (247,657      (7,897,938      (488,335      (13,148,405

Class R2

     (3,020,856      (96,070,679      (6,162,208      (167,459,751

Class R3

     (6,811,591      (218,743,462      (10,622,008      (294,129,563

Class R4

     (14,816,830      (474,095,634      (50,807,188      (1,394,609,059

Class R5

     (4,525,655      (145,779,197      (3,658,419      (104,034,634

Class 529A

     (22,593      (726,113      (35,610      (1,007,941

Class 529B

     (5,974      (191,297      (8,708      (239,427

Class 529C

     (16,007      (510,339      (16,277      (440,935
     (102,003,101      $(3,271,904,131      (232,330,006      $(6,418,204,513
Net change            

Class A

     7,446,281         $236,522,355         4,128,398         $147,554,905   

Class B

     (151,482      (4,915,675      (1,075,007      (29,082,437

Class C

     2,123,831         67,468,384         193,681         10,535,290   

Class I

     22,796,649         738,537,866         54,092,830         1,490,974,921   

Class R1

     (127,594      (4,116,715      (179,984      (4,754,354

Class R2

     (1,071,817      (34,195,941      (1,565,066      (41,900,431

Class R3

     1,510,384         47,896,461         2,523,388         69,971,611   

Class R4

     (1,351,449      (43,338,328      (19,730,324      (541,053,514

Class R5

     25,529,586         825,566,205         41,418,335         1,141,811,055   

Class 529A

     30,787         987,960         36,709         994,462   

Class 529B

     (2,619      (84,366      (4,762      (131,999

Class 529C

     (3,116      (101,840      9,071         246,811   
     56,729,441         $1,830,226,366         79,847,269         $2,245,166,320   

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which the MFS funds-of-funds may invest. The MFS funds-of-funds do not invest in the underlying funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS Growth Allocation Fund , the MFS Aggresive Growth Allocation Fund, the MFS Conservative Allocation Fund, and the MFS Moderate Allocation Fund were the owners of record of approximately 2%, 1%, 1% and 1%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime Retirement Income Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2010 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2015 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2025 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2035 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2040 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2045 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund, and the MFS Lifetime 2055 Fund were each the owners of record of less than 1% of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended February 28, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $61,107 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     382,071,026         1,965,500,006         (1,882,599,569     464,971,463   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $173,165        $464,971,463   

 

38


Table of Contents

BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

39


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® LOW VOLATILITY EQUITY FUND

 

LOGO

 

LVU-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® LOW VOLATILITY EQUITY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     3   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     10   
Statement of operations     12   
Statements of changes in net assets     13   
Financial highlights     14   
Notes to financial statements     19   
Board approval of investment advisory agreement     27   
Proxy voting policies and information     30   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     30   
Further information     30   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     30   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
Google, Inc., “A”     3.7%   
McDonald’s Corp.     3.3%   
Everest Re Group Ltd.     3.2%   
Exxon Mobil Corp.     3.2%   
Lorillard, Inc.     3.1%   
Perrigo Co. PLC     3.1%   
Henry Schein, Inc     3.0%   
Kroger Co.     2.8%   
Stericycle, Inc.     2.6%   
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.     2.3%   
Equity sectors  
Health Care     16.9%   
Utilities & Communications     13.9%   
Financial Services     13.6%   
Consumer Staples     13.5%   
Technology     11.9%   
Retailing     9.5%   
Industrial Goods & Services     6.5%   
Energy     5.2%   
Leisure     3.8%   
Basic Materials     2.1%   
Special Products & Services     1.7%   
Transportation     0.5%   
 

 

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period,

December 5, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 5, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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
12/05/13
   

Ending

Account Value

2/28/14

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)
12/05/13-2/28/14

 
A   Actual     1.17%        $1,000.00        $1,026.00        $2.79   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.17%        $1,000.00        $1,018.99        $5.86   
B   Actual     1.95%        $1,000.00        $1,024.00        $4.65   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.95%        $1,000.00        $1,015.12        $9.74   
C   Actual     1.95%        $1,000.00        $1,024.00        $4.65   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.95%        $1,000.00        $1,015.12        $9.74   
I   Actual     0.95%        $1,000.00        $1,027.00        $2.27   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.95%        $1,000.00        $1,020.08        $4.76   
R1   Actual     1.95%        $1,000.00        $1,024.00        $4.65   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.95%        $1,000.00        $1,015.12        $9.74   
R2   Actual     1.45%        $1,000.00        $1,025.00        $3.46   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.45%        $1,000.00        $1,017.60        $7.25   
R3   Actual     1.20%        $1,000.00        $1,026.00        $2.86   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.20%        $1,000.00        $1,018.84        $6.01   
R4   Actual     0.95%        $1,000.00        $1,027.00        $2.27   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.95%        $1,000.00        $1,020.08        $4.76   
R5   Actual     0.90%        $1,000.00        $1,027.00        $2.15   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.90%        $1,000.00        $1,020.33        $4.51   

 

(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 86/365 for Actual Expenses (for Hypothetical Expenses, multiplied by 181/365 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. For actual expenses paid, the calculation is based on the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through February 28, 2014. For hypothetical expenses paid, it is assumed that the fund was in existence for the entire six month period ended February 28, 2014.

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 and are outside of the expense limitation arrangement. For Class A shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.03%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 99.1%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 3.9%                 
General Dynamics Corp.      170      $ 18,622   
Honeywell International, Inc.      310        29,276   
Lockheed Martin Corp.      110        17,853   
United Technologies Corp.      310        36,276   
    

 

 

 
             $ 102,027   
Biotechnology - 1.0%                 
Amgen, Inc.      214      $ 26,540   
Business Services - 1.3%                 
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.      260      $ 20,223   
FleetCor Technologies, Inc. (a)      110        14,292   
    

 

 

 
             $ 34,515   
Chemicals - 0.5%                 
3M Co.      106      $ 14,281   
Computer Software - 2.1%                 
Intuit, Inc.      370      $ 28,916   
Microsoft Corp.      300        11,493   
Oracle Corp.      360        14,080   
    

 

 

 
             $ 54,489   
Computer Software - Systems - 2.0%                 
International Business Machines Corp.      282      $ 52,218   
Consumer Products - 2.7%                 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.      468      $ 29,404   
Kimberly-Clark Corp.      110        12,139   
Procter & Gamble Co.      360        28,318   
    

 

 

 
             $ 69,861   
Consumer Services - 0.4%                 
Priceline.com, Inc. (a)      8      $ 10,791   
Containers - 0.8%                 
Packaging Corp. of America      160      $ 11,662   
Silgan Holdings, Inc.      210        10,124   
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,786   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Electronics - 3.1%                 
Intel Corp.      440      $ 10,894   
KLA-Tencor Corp.      230        14,985   
Microchip Technology, Inc.      940        42,817   
Xilinx, Inc.      260        13,572   
    

 

 

 
             $ 82,268   
Energy - Integrated - 5.2%                 
Chevron Corp.      457      $ 52,706   
Exxon Mobil Corp.      860        82,792   
    

 

 

 
             $ 135,498   
Entertainment - 0.4%                 
Regal Entertainment Group, “A”      580      $ 10,672   
Food & Beverages - 5.4%                 
Bunge Ltd.      150      $ 11,942   
Coca-Cola Co.      420        16,044   
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.      270        14,070   
General Mills, Inc.      1,030        51,531   
Hershey Co.      90        9,524   
McCormick & Co., Inc.      250        16,600   
Mondelez International, Inc.      370        12,591   
PepsiCo, Inc.      120        9,608   
    

 

 

 
             $ 141,910   
Food & Drug Stores - 3.3%                 
CVS Caremark Corp.      180      $ 13,165   
Kroger Co.      1,770        74,234   
    

 

 

 
             $ 87,399   
General Merchandise - 4.5%                 
Costco Wholesale Corp.      260      $ 30,368   
Macy’s, Inc.      210        12,151   
Target Corp.      250        15,635   
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.      790        59,013   
    

 

 

 
             $ 117,167   
Insurance - 6.5%                 
Chubb Corp.      230      $ 20,120   
Everest Re Group Ltd.      569        84,918   
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.      120        11,461   
Travelers Cos., Inc.      380        31,859   
Validus Holdings Ltd.      590        21,718   
    

 

 

 
             $ 170,076   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Internet - 4.2%                 
Google, Inc., “A” (a)      80      $ 97,252   
Yahoo!, Inc. (a)      300        11,601   
    

 

 

 
             $ 108,853   
Major Banks - 1.2%                 
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.      210      $ 17,174   
Wells Fargo & Co.      280        12,998   
    

 

 

 
             $ 30,172   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 4.0%                 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.      400      $ 27,140   
Henry Schein, Inc. (a)      660        78,566   
    

 

 

 
             $ 105,706   
Medical Equipment - 2.5%                 
Abbott Laboratories      980      $ 38,984   
Becton, Dickinson & Co.      150        17,283   
Zimmer Holdings, Inc.      110        10,322   
    

 

 

 
             $ 66,589   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 1.2%                 
Sempra Energy      130      $ 12,281   
Spectra Energy Corp.      490        18,267   
    

 

 

 
             $ 30,548   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 0.8%                 
Kinder Morgan Management LLC (a)      307      $ 21,486   
Network & Telecom - 0.5%                 
Qualcomm, Inc.      180      $ 13,552   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 5.4%                 
BankUnited, Inc.      680      $ 22,766   
Discover Financial Services      390        22,378   
East West Bancorp, Inc.      300        10,707   
Fifth Third Bancorp      630        13,668   
MasterCard, Inc., “A”      539        41,891   
Visa, Inc., “A”      131        29,598   
    

 

 

 
             $ 141,008   
Pharmaceuticals - 9.3%                 
Eli Lilly & Co.      960      $ 57,226   
Johnson & Johnson      550        50,666   
Merck & Co., Inc.      790        45,022   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Pharmaceuticals - continued                 
Perrigo Co. PLC      492      $ 80,904   
Pfizer, Inc.      340        10,917   
    

 

 

 
             $ 244,735   
Pollution Control - 2.6%                 
Stericycle, Inc. (a)      593      $ 67,602   
Real Estate - 0.6%                 
Public Storage, Inc., REIT      90      $ 15,210   
Restaurants - 3.3%                 
McDonald’s Corp.      920      $ 87,538   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.7%                 
Praxair, Inc.      139      $ 18,121   
Specialty Stores - 1.7%                 
AutoZone, Inc. (a)      25      $ 13,461   
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a)      117        17,649   
TJX Cos., Inc.      230        14,136   
    

 

 

 
             $ 45,246   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.5%                 
American Tower Corp., REIT      150      $ 12,221   
Telephone Services - 3.0%                 
AT&T, Inc.      720      $ 22,990   
Verizon Communications, Inc.      1,140        54,241   
    

 

 

 
             $ 77,231   
Tobacco - 5.5%                 
Altria Group, Inc.      350      $ 12,691   
Lorillard, Inc.      1,650        80,949   
Philip Morris International, Inc.      440        35,600   
Reynolds American, Inc.      270        13,724   
    

 

 

 
             $ 142,964   
Trucking - 0.5%                 
United Parcel Service, Inc., “B”      140      $ 13,408   
Utilities - Electric Power - 8.5%                 
Alliant Energy Corp.      230      $ 12,475   
American Electric Power Co., Inc.      470        23,594   
Consolidated Edison, Inc.      170        9,529   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Utilities - Electric Power - continued                 
Duke Energy Corp.      150      $ 10,632   
ITC Holdings Corp.      110        11,286   
MGE Energy, Inc.      500        19,290   
NextEra Energy, Inc.      310        28,331   
OGE Energy Corp.      1,300        46,800   
PG&E Corp.      400        17,624   
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.      160        8,904   
Southern Co.      520        22,022   
Wisconsin Energy Corp.      260        11,430   
    

 

 

 
             $ 221,917   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $2,526,772)            $ 2,595,605   
Money Market Funds - 4.1%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     105,881      $ 105,881   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $2,632,653)            $ 2,701,486   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (3.2)%              (83,528
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 2,617,958   

 

(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:

 

PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

9


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $2,526,772)

     $2,595,605   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     105,881   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $2,632,653)

     $2,701,486   

Cash

     57   

Receivables for

  

Fund shares sold

     52,500   

Dividends

     7,135   

Receivable from investment adviser

     17,860   

Total assets

     $2,779,038   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $114,893   

Payable to affiliates

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     563   

Distribution and service fees

     19   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     79   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     45,526   

Total liabilities

     $161,080   

Net assets

     $2,617,958   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $2,553,347   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     68,833   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (10,539

Undistributed net investment income

     6,317   

Net assets

     $2,617,958   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     255,127   

 

10


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $376,499         36,703         $10.26   

Class B

     107,618         10,507         10.24   

Class C

     173,251         16,914         10.24   

Class I

     112,957         11,003         10.27   

Class R1

     102,419         10,000         10.24   

Class R2

     102,540         10,000         10.25   

Class R3

     102,601         10,000         10.26   

Class R4

     102,661         10,000         10.27   

Class R5

     1,437,412         140,000         10.27   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $10.89 [100 / 94.25 x $10.26]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Class I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Period ended 2/28/14 (c) (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

     $12,319   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     31   

Total investment income

     $12,350   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $4,077   

Distribution and service fees

     1,030   

Shareholder servicing costs

     688   

Administrative services fee

     4,124   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     207   

Custodian fee

     2,592   

Shareholder communications

     2,336   

Audit and tax fees

     8,688   

Legal fees

     283   

Registration fees

     30,611   

Miscellaneous

     2,557   

Total expenses

     $57,193   

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (51,160

Net expenses

     $6,033   

Net investment income

     $6,317   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments         

Realized gain (loss) on investments (identified cost basis)

     $(10,539

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     $68,833   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $58,294   

Change in net assets from operations

     $64,611   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

This statement describes the increases and/or decreases in net assets resulting from operations, any distributions, and any shareholder transactions.

 

Change in net assets    Period ended
2/28/14 (c)
(unaudited)
 
From operations         

Net investment income

     $6,317   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (10,539

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     68,833   

Change in net assets from operations

     $64,611   

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $2,553,347   

Total change in net assets

     $2,617,958   
Net assets         

At beginning of period

       

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $6,317)

     $2,617,958   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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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 by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

Class A   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.04   

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

     0.22   

Total from investment operations

     $0.26   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     2.60 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.55 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.17 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.57 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $376   
Class B   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01   

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

     0.23   

Total from investment operations

     $0.24   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.24   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     2.40 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.36 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.95 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.28 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $108   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class C   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01   

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

     0.23   

Total from investment operations

     $0.24   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.24   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     2.40 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.35 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.95 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.35 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $173   

 

Class I   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.24   

Total from investment operations

     $0.27   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.27   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     2.70 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.36 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.95 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.31 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $113   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R1   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01   

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

     0.23   

Total from investment operations

     $0.24   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.24   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     2.40 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.36 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.95 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.28 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $102   

 

Class R2   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.02   

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

     0.23   

Total from investment operations

     $0.25   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.25   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     2.50 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.86 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.45 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.78 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $103   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R3   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.02   

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

     0.24   

Total from investment operations

     $0.26   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     2.60 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.61 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.20 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.02 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $103   

 

Class R4   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.24   

Total from investment operations

     $0.27   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.27   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     2.70 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.36 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.95 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.28 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $103   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R5   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.24   

Total from investment operations

     $0.27   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.27   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     2.70 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.31 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.90 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.32 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $1,437   

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net asset values which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 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 June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are 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 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 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 February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $2,595,605         $—         $—         $2,595,605   
Mutual Funds      105,881                         105,881   
Total Investments      $2,701,486         $—         $—         $2,701,486   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

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

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. 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 payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend 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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. For the period ended February 28, 2014, custody fees were not reduced.

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.

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.

 

21


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $2,632,653   
Gross appreciation      99,800   
Gross depreciation      (30,967
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $68,833   

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution and service 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 shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.

(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.75
Next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets      0.70
Average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion      0.65

MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.60% of the fund’s average daily net assets annually up to $1 billion, and 0.55% of the fund’s average daily net assets annually in excess of $1 billion. This written agreement will remain in effect until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue until at least December 31, 2014. For the period ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $815, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the period ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $14, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the period ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.60% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses, such that total fund operating expenses do not exceed the following rates annually of each class’s average daily net assets:

 

Classes  
A     B     C     I     R1     R2     R3     R4     R5  
  1.20%        1.95%        1.95%        0.95%        1.95%        1.45%        1.20%        0.95%        0.91%   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the period ended February 28, 2014, this reduction amounted to $50,317 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $1,152 for the period ended February 28, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares 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.

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%         0.22%         $106   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         236   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         275   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         236   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         118   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         59   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,030   

 

(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) 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 period ended February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $13 for Class A 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 shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within six years of purchase. There were no contingent deferred sales charges imposed during the period ended February 28, 2014.

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 period ended February 28, 2014, the fee was $124, which equated to 0.0227% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. Class R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the period ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $564.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the period ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.7582% 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.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the period ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $9 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $1, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

On December 5, 2013, MFS purchased 140,000 shares of Class R5 and 10,000 shares of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, and Class R4 for an aggregate amount of $2,200,000.

At February 28, 2014, MFS held 95%, 59%, and 91% of the outstanding shares of Class B, Class C, and Class I, respectively, and 100% of the outstanding shares each of Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, and Class R5.

 

24


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $2,786,544 and $249,232, 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:

 

     Period ended
2/28/14 (c)
 
     Shares      Amount  
Shares sold      

Class A

     36,704         $368,215   

Class B

     10,507         105,147   

Class C

     16,914         170,000   

Class I

     11,003         110,000   

Class R1

     10,000         100,000   

Class R2

     10,000         100,000   

Class R3

     10,000         100,000   

Class R4

     10,000         100,000   

Class R5

     140,000         1,400,000   
     255,128         $2,553,362   
Shares reacquired      

Class A

     (1      $(15
Net change      

Class A

     36,703         $368,200   

Class B

     10,507         105,147   

Class C

     16,914         170,000   

Class I

     11,003         110,000   

Class R1

     10,000         100,000   

Class R2

     10,000         100,000   

Class R3

     10,000         100,000   

Class R4

     10,000         100,000   

Class R5

     140,000         1,400,000   
     255,127         $2,553,347   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread.

 

25


Table of Contents

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
             2,460,424         (2,354,543     105,881   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $31        $105,881   

(8) Subsequent Event

The fund, beginning March 27, 2014, and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter.

 

26


Table of Contents

BOARD APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that both the full Board of Trustees and a majority of the non-interested (“independent”) Trustees, voting separately, initially approve the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS (the “Agreement”) and, beginning on the second anniversary of the initial effective date of the Agreement, annually approve the continuation of the Agreement. In July 2013 and September 2013, the Board met to consider the initial approval of the Agreement (“the initial review meetings”). The independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Agreement by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately from MFS. The independent Trustees were also assisted in this process by the MFS Funds’ Independent Chief Compliance Officer, a full-time senior officer appointed by and reporting to the independent Trustees.

In connection with their deliberations regarding the initial approval of the Agreement, the Trustees, including the independent Trustees, considered such information and factors as they believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them and their own business judgment, to be relevant. As described below, the Trustees considered the nature, quality, and extent of the various investment advisory, administrative, and shareholder services to be performed by MFS under the Agreement and other arrangements with the Fund.

In connection with their initial review meetings, the Trustees received and relied upon materials that included, among other items: (i) information provided by Lipper Inc., an independent third party, on the Fund’s proposed advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Lipper Inc. (the “Lipper expense group”), (ii) information provided by MFS on the fees it charges to other registered funds managed in a similar style to the Fund, and (iii) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers, reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” would be observed for the Fund. In addition, in connection with the independent Trustees’ meetings in May, June and July, 2013 (the “contract review meetings”) for the purpose of considering whether to approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreements for the other investment companies that the Board oversees (the “MFS Funds”), the independent Trustees received: (i) information provided by MFS on fees it charges to institutional accounts managed in styles similar to other MFS Funds, (ii) information regarding MFS’ financial results and financial condition, including MFS’ and certain of its affiliates’ estimated profitability from services performed for the MFS Funds as a whole, and compared to MFS’ institutional business (iii) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (iv) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (v) information regarding the overall organization of MFS, including information about MFS’ senior management and other personnel that would provide investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative fee and expense information prepared and provided by Lipper Inc. was not independently verified and the independent Trustees did not independently verify any information provided to them by MFS.

 

27


Table of Contents

Board Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

The Trustees’ conclusion as to the initial approval of the Agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees and not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. Because the Fund is newly organized and had not yet commenced investment operations at the time of the initial review meetings, the Fund had no investment performance for the Trustees to review. The Trustees also considered that MFS will observe an expense limitation for the Fund, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval.

In assessing the reasonableness of the Fund’s advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Fund’s proposed advisory fee and the estimated total expense ratio of the Fund’s Class A shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Lipper Inc. The Trustees considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account any proposed fee reductions or expense limitations for the Fund), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate would be lower than the Lipper expense group median and the Fund’s total expense ratio would be approximately at the Lipper expense group median.

The Trustees also considered whether the Fund may benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund and/or growth in assets of the MFS Funds as a whole. They noted that the Fund’s proposed advisory fee rate schedule is subject to contractual breakpoints that reduce the Fund’s advisory fee rate on average daily net assets over $1 billion and $2.5 billion, and that MFS has agreed in writing to implement a reduced advisory fee rate on the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion and to further reduce its advisory fee on the Fund’s average daily net assets over $1 billion, each of which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also noted that MFS has agreed in writing to waive a portion of the management fees of certain MFS Funds, including the Fund, if the total combined assets of certain funds within the MFS Funds’ complex increase above agreed upon thresholds (the “group fee waiver”), enabling the Fund’s shareholders to share in the benefits from any economies of scale at the complex level. The group fee waiver is reviewed and renewed annually between the Board and MFS. The Trustees concluded that the proposed breakpoints and the group fee waiver were sufficient to allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale as its assets and overall complex assets grow.

The Trustees did not consider MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the Fund because the Fund had not yet commenced operations. The Trustees considered information prepared by MFS relating to MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the MFS Funds considered as a group, and other investment companies and institutional accounts advised by MFS, as well as MFS’ methodologies used to determine and allocate its costs to the MFS Funds and other accounts and products for purposes of estimating profitability.

 

28


Table of Contents

Board Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

After reviewing these and other factors described herein, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Agreement, that the advisory fee to be charged to the Fund represents reasonable compensation in light of the services to be provided by MFS to the Fund.

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

The Trustees also considered the nature, quality, cost, and extent of administrative, transfer agency, and distribution services to be provided to the Fund by MFS and its affiliates under agreements and plans other than the Agreement, including any 12b-1 fees the Fund will pay to MFS Fund Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of MFS. The Trustees also considered the nature, extent and quality of certain other services MFS may perform or arrange for on the Fund’s behalf, which may include securities lending programs, directed expense payment programs, class action recovery programs, and MFS’ interaction with third-party service providers, principally custodians and sub-custodians. The Trustees concluded that the various non-advisory services to be provided by MFS and its affiliates on behalf of the Fund were satisfactory.

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

Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board of Trustees, including the independent Trustees, concluded that the Fund’s Agreement with MFS should be approved for an initial two-year period, commencing upon its effective date, as set forth in the Agreement.

A discussion regarding the Board’s approval of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement with MFS is available by clicking on the fund’s name under “Mutual Funds” in the “Products” section of the MFS Web site (mfs.com).

 

29


Table of Contents

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

 

30


Table of Contents

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® LOW VOLATILITY GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

LOGO

 

LVO-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® LOW VOLATILITY GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     11   
Statement of operations     13   
Statements of changes in net assets     14   
Financial highlights     15   
Notes to financial statements     20   
Board approval of investment advisory agreement     29   
Proxy voting policies and information     32   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     32   
Further information     32   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     32   
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 Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy appears to have slowed early in 2014 after a strong second half of 2013. Harsh winter weather likely contributed to at least a temporary softening of consumer demand. Looking at the longer term, the pace of U.S. economic growth has

been modest since the recovery began late in 2009. Corporate profits remain healthy overall. A major plus is the removal of a highly confrontational atmosphere in the U.S. Congress, which had clouded business decision-making since 2011.

Globally, recent months have been dominated by volatility, including emerging market currency jitters and rising geopolitical tensions. These add to the possibility of economic uncertainty and financial market unease. However, the eurozone continues to show signs of recovery, while Japan is making progress as it seeks to break free of deflation.

China’s transition toward a more consumer-oriented and less export-driven economy — one with a more stable and sustainable growth rate — could be positive in the long term. However, in the near term, any deceleration in China’s rate of growth could have a ripple effect on its many global trading partners.

In uncertain times such as these, it is particularly important to remember that managing risk should always be a top priority. At MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of our collaborative process. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities that span continents, investment disciplines and asset classes. Our goal is to build better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We understand and appreciate the economic challenges investors face, and we believe in the value of maintaining a long-term view and applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We are confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

April 14, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
OBIC Co. Ltd.     3.6%   
Discover Financial Services     3.4%   
Lockheed Martin Corp.     3.3%   
Kroger Co.     3.3%   
General Mills, Inc.     3.3%   
Roche Holding AG     2.9%   
Amgen, Inc.     2.6%   
Exxon Mobil Corp.     2.5%   
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR     2.5%   
Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.     2.4%   
Equity sectors  
Financial Services     14.4%   
Consumer Staples     14.1%   
Health Care     13.8%   
Utilities & Communications     12.4%   
Retailing     9.0%   
Technology     8.8%   
Leisure     8.4%   
Energy     7.0%   
Industrial Goods & Services     3.9%   
Special Products & Services     2.2%   
Transportation     1.9%   
Autos & Housing     1.5%   
Basic Materials     1.2%   
Issuer country weightings (x)  
United States     49.6%   
Japan     12.5%   
Switzerland     6.9%   
Hong Kong     6.5%   
United Kingdom     5.8%   
Canada     3.2%   
China     2.6%   
Taiwan     2.5%   
Israel     2.3%   
Other Countries     8.1%   
Currency exposure weightings (y)   
United States Dollar     53.1%   
Japanese Yen     12.5%   
Hong Kong Dollar     9.1%   
Swiss Franc     6.9%   
British Pound Sterling     5.8%   
Euro     3.8%   
Taiwan Dollar     2.5%   
Israeli Shekel     2.3%   
Danish Krone     1.6%   
Other Currencies     2.4%   
 

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

 

(x) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to issuer countries as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States includes Cash & Other.
(y) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to a particular currency as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States Dollar includes Cash & Other.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 2/28/14.

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

 

3


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, December 5, 2013 through February 28, 2014

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 5, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

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.

 

4


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

 

Share
Class
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Beginning
Account Value
12/05/13
    Ending
Account Value
2/28/14
    Expenses
Paid During
Period  (p)
12/05/13-2/28/14
 
A   Actual     1.24%        $1,000.00        $1,044.00        $2.99   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.24%        $1,000.00        $1,018.65        $6.21   
B   Actual     2.10%        $1,000.00        $1,042.00        $5.05   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.10%        $1,000.00        $1,014.38        $10.49   
C   Actual     2.10%        $1,000.00        $1,042.00        $5.05   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.10%        $1,000.00        $1,014.38        $10.49   
I   Actual     1.10%        $1,000.00        $1,045.00        $2.65   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.10%        $1,000.00        $1,019.34        $5.51   
R1   Actual     2.10%        $1,000.00        $1,042.00        $5.05   
  Hypothetical (h)     2.10%        $1,000.00        $1,014.38        $10.49   
R2   Actual     1.60%        $1,000.00        $1,044.00        $3.85   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.60%        $1,000.00        $1,016.86        $8.00   
R3   Actual     1.35%        $1,000.00        $1,044.00        $3.25   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.35%        $1,000.00        $1,018.10        $6.76   
R4   Actual     1.10%        $1,000.00        $1,045.00        $2.65   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.10%        $1,000.00        $1,019.34        $5.51   
R5   Actual     1.05%        $1,000.00        $1,045.00        $2.53   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.05%        $1,000.00        $1,019.59        $5.26   

 

(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 86/365 for Actual Expenses (for Hypothetical Expenses, multiplied by 181/365 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. For actual expenses paid, the calculation is based on the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through February 28, 2014. For hypothetical expenses paid, it is assumed that the fund was in existence for the entire six month period ended February 28, 2014.

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 and are outside of the expense limitation arrangement. For Class A shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.11%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

5


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

2/28/14 (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 - 98.6%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 3.3%                 
Lockheed Martin Corp.      500      $ 81,152   
Airlines - 1.2%                 
Copa Holdings S.A., “A”      135      $ 18,287   
Southwest Airlines Co.      510        11,444   
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,731   
Automotive - 0.4%                 
General Motors Co.      300      $ 10,860   
Biotechnology - 2.6%                 
Amgen, Inc.      514      $ 63,746   
Broadcasting - 1.2%                 
Television Broadcasts Ltd.      4,900      $ 30,276   
Business Services - 2.2%                 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc. (a)      290      $ 37,680   
Nomura Research, Inc.      500        16,360   
    

 

 

 
             $ 54,040   
Cable TV - 4.2%                 
DIRECTV, “A” (a)      180      $ 13,968   
Liberty Global PLC, “A” (a)      430        37,217   
Naspers Ltd.      125        15,077   
Time Warner Cable, Inc.      130        18,246   
Ziggo N.V.      410        18,760   
    

 

 

 
             $ 103,268   
Chemicals - 0.6%                 
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.      3,000      $ 13,531   
Computer Software - 4.1%                 
Dassault Systems S.A.      95      $ 10,920   
OBIC Co. Ltd.      2,800        88,179   
    

 

 

 
             $ 99,099   
Computer Software - Systems - 1.1%                 
EMC Corp.      450      $ 11,867   
NICE Systems Ltd., ADR      340        13,967   
    

 

 

 
             $ 25,834   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Construction - 0.6%                 
Geberit AG      49      $ 15,410   
Consumer Products - 3.1%                 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.      174      $ 10,932   
Kimberly-Clark Corp.      250        27,588   
Procter & Gamble Co.      480        37,757   
    

 

 

 
             $ 76,277   
Electronics - 2.5%                 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR      3,320      $ 59,992   
Energy - Independent - 0.4%                 
Dragon Oil PLC      1,040      $ 10,554   
Energy - Integrated - 5.7%                 
Chevron Corp.      146      $ 16,838   
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.      26,000        23,083   
Exxon Mobil Corp.      630        60,650   
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, “B”      958        37,330   
    

 

 

 
             $ 137,901   
Food & Beverages - 7.6%                 
Chr. Hansen Holding A.S.      518      $ 21,490   
General Mills, Inc.      1,590        79,548   
Mondelez International, Inc.      380        12,931   
Nestle S.A.      282        21,354   
Sligro Food Group N.V.      392        16,070   
Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.      1,000        33,605   
    

 

 

 
             $ 184,998   
Food & Drug Stores - 6.5%                 
CVS Caremark Corp.      190      $ 13,897   
Kroger Co.      1,900        79,686   
Lawson, Inc.      600        41,623   
METRO, Inc., “A”      180        10,059   
Sundrug Co. Ltd.      300        12,071   
    

 

 

 
             $ 157,336   
Furniture & Appliances - 0.4%                 
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.      230      $ 10,750   
Insurance - 3.8%                 
Beazley Group PLC      3,081      $ 13,621   
Catlin Group Ltd.      2,576        22,905   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Insurance - continued                 
Intact Financial Corp.      220      $ 13,233   
Suncorp-Metway Ltd.      3,009        32,597   
Travelers Cos., Inc.      110        9,222   
    

 

 

 
             $ 91,578   
Internet - 1.2%                 
Google, Inc., “A” (a)      25      $ 30,391   
Machinery & Tools - 0.6%                 
Schindler Holding AG      90      $ 13,671   
Major Banks - 3.9%                 
Bank of Nova Scotia      260      $ 14,880   
BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.      7,500        22,759   
Royal Bank of Canada      190        12,358   
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.      800        35,688   
Wells Fargo & Co.      210        9,748   
    

 

 

 
             $ 95,433   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.4%                 
Miraca Holdings, Inc.      200      $ 9,119   
Medical Equipment - 0.5%                 
Abbott Laboratories      300      $ 11,934   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.5%                 
Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.      3,000      $ 12,469   
Oil Services - 0.9%                 
Rowan Cos., Inc., “A” (a)      400      $ 13,344   
Tenaris S.A.      435        9,121   
    

 

 

 
             $ 22,465   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 4.8%                 
China Construction Bank      19,000      $ 13,049   
Discover Financial Services      1,440        82,627   
Provident Financial PLC      691        21,719   
    

 

 

 
             $ 117,395   
Pharmaceuticals - 10.3%                 
AstraZeneca PLC      240      $ 16,413   
Johnson & Johnson      560        51,587   
Novartis AG      200        16,703   
Pfizer, Inc.      1,670        53,624   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Pharmaceuticals - continued                 
Roche Holding AG      229      $ 70,666   
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., ADR      860        42,905   
    

 

 

 
             $ 251,898   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.7%                 
Canadian National Railway Co.      280      $ 15,831   
Real Estate - 1.9%                 
Allreal Holding AG      130      $ 18,181   
Champion, REIT      29,000        13,004   
Link, REIT      3,500        16,259   
    

 

 

 
             $ 47,444   
Restaurants - 2.9%                 
McDonald’s Corp.      414      $ 39,392   
Whitbread PLC      403        30,280   
    

 

 

 
             $ 69,672   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.7%                 
Symrise AG      325      $ 15,966   
Specialty Stores - 2.5%                 
Home Depot, Inc.      210      $ 17,226   
Industria de Diseno Textil S.A.      83        11,949   
Ross Stores, Inc.      440        32,032   
    

 

 

 
             $ 61,207   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 2.4%                 
China Mobile Ltd.      3,000      $ 28,510   
KDDI Corp.      500        30,466   
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,976   
Telephone Services - 2.0%                 
BCE, Inc.      250      $ 10,900   
Swisscom AG      20        11,848   
TDC A.S.      1,602        15,912   
Verizon Communications, Inc.      210        9,992   
    

 

 

 
             $ 48,652   
Tobacco - 3.4%                 
Altria Group, Inc.      290      $ 10,515   
Japan Tobacco, Inc.      400        12,703   
Lorillard, Inc.      500        24,530   
Reynolds American, Inc.      200        10,166   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Tobacco - continued                 
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.      530      $ 25,509   
    

 

 

 
             $ 83,423   
Utilities - Electric Power - 7.5%                 
Alliant Energy Corp.      190      $ 10,306   
American Electric Power Co., Inc.      360        18,072   
Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.      9,000        58,681   
Consolidated Edison, Inc.      260        14,573   
Dominion Resources, Inc.      150        10,410   
Duke Energy Corp.      200        14,176   
Hongkong Electric Holdings Ltd.      2,000        16,713   
PG&E Corp.      910        40,095   
    

 

 

 
             $ 183,026   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $2,313,434)            $ 2,405,305   
Money Market Funds - 2.3%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.08%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     55,400      $ 55,400   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $2,368,834)            $ 2,460,705   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (0.9)%              (21,300
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 2,439,405   

 

(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
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

10


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 2/28/14 (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, $2,313,434)

     $2,405,305   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     55,400   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $2,368,834)

     $2,460,705   

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $640)

     641   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     87,605   

Fund shares sold

     12,500   

Dividends

     9,682   

Receivable from investment adviser

     18,607   

Receivable from distributor

     13   

Total assets

     $2,589,753   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $102,057   

Payable to affiliates

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     562   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     79   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     47,650   

Total liabilities

     $150,348   

Net assets

     $2,439,405   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $2,336,769   

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

     91,887   

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

     4,218   

Undistributed net investment income

     6,531   

Net assets

     $2,439,405   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     233,618   

 

11


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $246,570         23,618         $10.44   

Class B

     104,211         10,000         10.42   

Class C

     104,211         10,000         10.42   

Class I

     104,456         10,000         10.45   

Class R1

     104,211         10,000         10.42   

Class R2

     104,334         10,000         10.43   

Class R3

     104,396         10,000         10.44   

Class R4

     104,457         10,000         10.45   

Class R5

     1,462,559         140,000         10.45   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $11.08 [100 / 94.25 x $10.44]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Class I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Period ended 2/28/14 (c) (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

     $13,624   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     27   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (291

Total investment income

     $13,360   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $4,921   

Distribution and service fees

     1,010   

Shareholder servicing costs

     688   

Administrative services fee

     4,124   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     207   

Custodian fee

     4,242   

Shareholder communications

     2,336   

Audit and tax fees

     9,162   

Legal fees

     283   

Registration fees

     30,611   

Miscellaneous

     2,558   

Total expenses

     $60,142   

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (53,313

Net expenses

     $6,829   

Net investment income

     $6,531   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $6,461   

Foreign currency

     (2,243

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $4,218   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $91,871   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     16   

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

     $91,887   

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

     $96,105   

Change in net assets from operations

     $102,636   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

This statement describes the increases and/or decreases in net assets resulting from operations, any distributions, and any shareholder transactions.

 

Change in net assets    Period ended
2/28/14 (c)
(unaudited)
 
From operations         

Net investment income

     $6,531   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     4,218   

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

     91,887   

Change in net assets from operations

     $102,636   

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $2,336,769   

Total change in net assets

     $2,439,405   
Net assets         

At beginning of period

       

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $6,531)

     $2,439,405   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


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 by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

Class A   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.41   

Total from investment operations

     $0.44   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.44   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     4.40 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.07 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.24 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.33 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $247   
Class B   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01   

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

     0.41   

Total from investment operations

     $0.42   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.42   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     4.20 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.83 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     2.10 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.33 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class C   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01   

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

     0.41   

Total from investment operations

     $0.42   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.42   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

     4.20 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.83 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     2.10 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.33 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   
Class I   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.42   

Total from investment operations

     $0.45   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.45   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     4.50 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.84 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.10 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.34 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R1   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.01   

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

     0.41   

Total from investment operations

     $0.42   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.42   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     4.20 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.83 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     2.10 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.33 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   
Class R2   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.02   

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

     0.41   

Total from investment operations

     $0.43   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.43   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     4.30 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.33 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.60 (a) 

Net investment income

     0.83 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R3   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.41   

Total from investment operations

     $0.44   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.44   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     4.40 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     11.08 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.35 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.07 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   
Class R4   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.42   

Total from investment operations

     $0.45   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.45   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     4.50 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.83 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.10 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.33 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $104   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R5   

Period ended
2/28/14 (c)

(unaudited)

 
    

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (d)

     $0.03   

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

     0.42   

Total from investment operations

     $0.45   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $10.45   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     4.50 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     10.79 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     1.05 (a) 

Net investment income

     1.37 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     5 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $1,463   

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net asset values 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

 

19


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust I (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

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

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 (“ASU 2013-08”) Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are 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

 

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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 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

 

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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 February 28, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities:            

United States

     $1,176,225         $—         $—         $1,176,225   

Japan

     305,815                         305,815   

Switzerland

     167,833                         167,833   

Hong Kong

     157,692                         157,692   

United Kingdom

     142,269                         142,269   

Canada

     64,028         13,233                 77,261   

China

     64,642                         64,642   

Taiwan

     59,992                         59,992   

Israel

     56,873                         56,873   

Other Countries

     196,703                         196,703   
Mutual Funds      55,400                         55,400   
Total Investments      $2,447,472         $13,233         $—         $2,460,705   

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.

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. 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 payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend 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

 

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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 according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. For the period ended February 28, 2014, custody fees were not reduced.

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

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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.

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

 

As of 2/28/14       
Cost of investments      $2,368,835   
Gross appreciation      127,105   
Gross depreciation      (35,235
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $91,870   

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution and service 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

 

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separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.

(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 the following annual rates:

 

First $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.90
Next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets      0.75
Average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion      0.65

MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.75% of the fund’s average daily net assets annually up to $1 billion, and 0.70% of the fund’s average daily net assets annually in excess of $1 billion. This written agreement will remain in effect until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue until at least December 31, 2014. For the period ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $820, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the period ended February 28, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $14, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the period ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.75% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses, such that total fund operating expenses do not exceed the following rates annually of each class’s average daily net assets:

 

Classes  
A     B     C     I     R1     R2     R3     R4     R5  
  1.35%        2.10%        2.10%        1.10%        2.10%        1.60%        1.35%        1.10%        1.06%   

This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until December 31, 2014. For the period ended February 28, 2014, this reduction amounted to $52,425 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $954 for the period ended February 28, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares 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

 

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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.

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%         0.14%         $122   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         237   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         237   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         237   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         118   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         59   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,010   

 

(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) 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 period ended February 28, 2014, this rebate amounted to $53 for Class A 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 shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within six years of purchase. There were no contingent deferred sales charges imposed during the period ended February 28, 2014.

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 period ended February 28, 2014, the fee was $124, which equated to 0.0227% 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 R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the period ended February 28, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $564.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee

 

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based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the period ended February 28, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.7534% 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.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the period ended February 28, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $9 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $1, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

On December 5, 2013, MFS purchased 140,000 shares of Class R5 and 10,000 shares of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, and Class R4 for an aggregate amount of $2,200,000.

At February 28, 2014, MFS held 100% of the outstanding shares each of Class B, Class C, Class I, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, and Class R5.

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $2,430,863 and $123,890, respectively.

 

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(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:

 

     Period ended
2/28/14 (c)
 
     Shares      Amount  
Shares sold      

Class A

     24,629         $246,790   

Class B

     10,000         100,000   

Class C

     10,000         100,000   

Class I

     10,000         100,000   

Class R1

     10,000         100,000   

Class R2

     10,000         100,000   

Class R3

     10,000         100,000   

Class R4

     10,000         100,000   

Class R5

     140,000         1,400,000   
     234,629         $2,346,790   
Shares reacquired      

Class A

     (1,011      $(10,021
Net change      

Class A

     23,618         $236,769   

Class B

     10,000         100,000   

Class C

     10,000         100,000   

Class I

     10,000         100,000   

Class R1

     10,000         100,000   

Class R2

     10,000         100,000   

Class R3

     10,000         100,000   

Class R4

     10,000         100,000   

Class R5

     140,000         1,400,000   
     233,618         $2,336,769   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, December 5, 2013, through the stated period end.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread.

 

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(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
             2,332,301         (2,276,901     55,400   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $27        $55,400   

(8) Subsequent Event

The fund, beginning March 27, 2014, and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter.

 

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BOARD APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that both the full Board of Trustees and a majority of the non-interested (“independent”) Trustees, voting separately, initially approve the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS (the “Agreement”) and, beginning on the second anniversary of the initial effective date of the Agreement, annually approve the continuation of the Agreement. In July 2013 and September 2013, the Board met to consider the initial approval of the Agreement (“the initial review meetings”). The independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Agreement by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately from MFS. The independent Trustees were also assisted in this process by the MFS Funds’ Independent Chief Compliance Officer, a full-time senior officer appointed by and reporting to the independent Trustees.

In connection with their deliberations regarding the initial approval of the Agreement, the Trustees, including the independent Trustees, considered such information and factors as they believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them and their own business judgment, to be relevant. As described below, the Trustees considered the nature, quality, and extent of the various investment advisory, administrative, and shareholder services to be performed by MFS under the Agreement and other arrangements with the Fund.

In connection with their initial review meetings, the Trustees received and relied upon materials that included, among other items: (i) information provided by Lipper Inc., an independent third party, on the Fund’s proposed advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Lipper Inc. (the “Lipper expense group”), (ii) information provided by MFS on the fees it charges to other registered funds managed in a similar style to the Fund, and (iii) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers, reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” would be observed for the Fund. In addition, in connection with the independent Trustees’ meetings in May, June and July, 2013 (the “contract review meetings”) for the purpose of considering whether to approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreements for the other investment companies that the Board oversees (the “MFS Funds”), the independent Trustees received: (i) information provided by MFS on fees it charges to institutional accounts managed in styles similar to other MFS Funds, (ii) information regarding MFS’ financial results and financial condition, including MFS’ and certain of its affiliates’ estimated profitability from services performed for the MFS Funds as a whole, and compared to MFS’ institutional business (iii) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (iv) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (v) information regarding the overall organization of MFS, including information about MFS’ senior management and other personnel that would provide investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative fee and expense information prepared and provided by Lipper Inc. was not independently verified and the independent Trustees did not independently verify any information provided to them by MFS.

 

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The Trustees’ conclusion as to the initial approval of the Agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees and not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. Because the Fund is newly organized and had not yet commenced investment operations at the time of the initial review meetings, the Fund had no investment performance for the Trustees to review. The Trustees also considered that MFS will observe an expense limitation for the Fund, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval.

In assessing the reasonableness of the Fund’s advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Fund’s proposed advisory fee and the estimated total expense ratio of the Fund’s Class A shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Lipper Inc. The Trustees considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account any proposed fee reductions or expense limitations for the Fund), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate and total expense ratio would each be lower than the Lipper expense group median.

The Trustees also considered whether the Fund may benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund and/or growth in assets of the MFS Funds as a whole. They noted that the Fund’s proposed advisory fee rate schedule is subject to contractual breakpoints that reduce the Fund’s advisory fee rate on average daily net assets over $1 billion and $2.5 billion, and that MFS has agreed in writing to implement a reduced advisory fee rate on the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion and to further reduce its advisory fee on the Fund’s average daily net assets over $1 billion, each of which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also noted that MFS has agreed in writing to waive a portion of the management fees of certain MFS Funds, including the Fund, if the total combined assets of certain funds within the MFS Funds’ complex increase above agreed upon thresholds (the “group fee waiver”), enabling the Fund’s shareholders to share in the benefits from any economies of scale at the complex level. The group fee waiver is reviewed and renewed annually between the Board and MFS. The Trustees concluded that the proposed breakpoints and the group fee waiver were sufficient to allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale as its assets and overall complex assets grow.

The Trustees did not consider MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the Fund because the Fund had not yet commenced operations. The Trustees considered information prepared by MFS relating to MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the MFS Funds considered as a group, and other investment companies and institutional accounts advised by MFS, as well as MFS’ methodologies used to determine and allocate its costs to the MFS Funds and other accounts and products for purposes of estimating profitability.

After reviewing these and other factors described herein, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Agreement, that the advisory fee to be charged to the Fund represents reasonable compensation in light of the services to be provided by MFS to the Fund.

 

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

The Trustees also considered the nature, quality, cost, and extent of administrative, transfer agency, and distribution services to be provided to the Fund by MFS and its affiliates under agreements and plans other than the Agreement, including any 12b-1 fees the Fund will pay to MFS Fund Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of MFS. The Trustees also considered the nature, extent and quality of certain other services MFS may perform or arrange for on the Fund’s behalf, which may include securities lending programs, directed expense payment programs, class action recovery programs, and MFS’ interaction with third-party service providers, principally custodians and sub-custodians. The Trustees concluded that the various non-advisory services to be provided by MFS and its affiliates on behalf of the Fund were satisfactory.

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

Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board of Trustees, including the independent Trustees, concluded that the Fund’s Agreement with MFS should be approved for an initial two-year period, commencing upon its effective date, as set forth in the Agreement.

A discussion regarding the Board’s approval of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement with MFS is available by clicking on the fund’s name under “Mutual Funds” in the “Products” section of the MFS Web site (mfs.com).

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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

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

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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.

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

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS

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

 

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

Not applicable 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.

 

  (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) MFS SERIES TRUST I

 

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

Date: April 14, 2014

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

 

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

Date: April 14, 2014

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
  David L. DiLorenzo, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: April 14, 2014

 

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