MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-4992

 

 

MFS HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Susan S. Newton

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

500 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Name and address of agents for service)

 

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

 

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

 

Date of reporting period: November 30, 2007


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


LOGO

LOGO

Annual report

MFS® High Yield Municipal Trust

(Formerly Colonial Municipal Income Trust)

11/30/07

CMU-ANN


 

MFS® High Yield Municipal Trust

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO    1
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION    2
MANAGEMENT REVIEW    3
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY    5
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF THE FUND    7
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS’ PROFILES    9
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN    10
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS    12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES    32
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS    33
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS    34
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS    35
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    37
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
   46
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS    47
BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
   53
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND
INFORMATION
   53
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE    53
FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION    53
MFS® PRIVACY NOTICE    54
CONTACT INFORMATION      BACK COVER

New York Stock Exchange Symbol:  CMU

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ

NO BANK OR CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE Ÿ NOT A DEPOSIT Ÿ

NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR

NCUA/NCUSIF


LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Shareholders:

The past year has been a great example of why investors should keep their eyes on the long term.

In 2006 the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned 19% and was fairly stable. This year we have seen a greater level of volatility than has been experienced in recent years. The Dow hit several new highs but also experienced swift drops as a global credit crisis swept through markets, spurred by defaults on U.S. subprime loans and a liquidity crunch. Still, even with this volatility, the Dow ended the first three quarters of 2007 with a return near 13%.

U.S. Treasury bonds gained ground, especially in the third quarter as investors sought less risky asset classes. The spreads of many lower-quality debt investments widened.

In 2007 the U.S. dollar fell against the euro, oil prices hit their highest levels yet, and gold spiked to its steepest price in 28 years. Around the globe, stocks sold off as risk aversion mounted. As we have said before, markets can be volatile, and investors should make sure they have an investment plan that can carry them through the peaks and troughs.

If you are focused on a long-term investment strategy, the short-term ups and downs of the markets should not necessarily dictate portfolio action on your part. In our view, investors who remain committed to a long-term plan are more likely to achieve their financial goals.

In any market environment, we believe individual investors are best served by following a three-pronged investment strategy of allocating their holdings across the major asset classes, diversifying within each class, and regularly rebalancing their portfolios to maintain their desired allocations. Of course, these strategies cannot guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. Investing and planning for the long term require diligence and patience, two traits that in our experience are essential to capitalizing on the many opportunities the financial markets can offer — through both up and down economic cycles.

Respectfully,

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer

MFS Investment Management®

January 15, 2008

 

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


PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (f)(i)

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  

Healthcare Revenue — Long Term Care

  22.2%
Healthcare Revenue — Hospitals   17.4%
Tax Assessment   8.8%
Multi-Family Housing Revenue   6.3%

Tobacco

  5.1%
Credit quality of bonds (r)  
AAA   18.2%
AA   1.7%
A   7.4%
BBB   25.7%
BB   5.0%
B   2.9%
CCC   1.8%
Not Rated   37.3%
Portfolio facts  
Average Duration (d)(i)   7.1
Average Life (i)(m)   13.7 yrs.
Average Maturity (i)(m)   15.9 yrs.
Average Credit Quality of Rated Securities (long-term) (a)   A-
Average Credit Quality of Rated Securities (short-term) (a)   A-1

 

(a) The average credit quality of rated securities is based upon a market weighted average of portfolio holdings that are rated by public rating agencies.

 

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

 

(f) For purposes of this presentation, the cash component includes the total market value of any derivative holdings and may result in negative cash.

 

(i) For purposes of this presentation, the bond component includes accrued interest amounts.

 

(m) The average maturity shown is calculated using the final stated maturity on the portfolio’s holdings without taking into account any holdings which have been pre-refunded or pre-paid to an earlier date or which have a mandatory put date prior to the stated maturity. The average life shown takes into account these earlier dates.

 

(r) Each security is assigned a rating from Moody’s Investors Service. If not rated by Moody’s, the rating will be that assigned by Standard & Poor’s. Likewise, if not assigned a rating by Standard & Poor’s, it will be based on the rating assigned by Fitch, Inc. For those portfolios that hold a security which is not rated by any of the three agencies, the security is considered Not Rated. Holdings in U.S. Treasuries and government agency mortgage-backed securities, if any, are included in the “AAA”-rating category. Percentages are based on the total market value of investments as of 11/30/07.
* The fund holds short treasury futures with equivalent bond exposure of (46.6)% for the purpose of managing the fund’s duration.

Percentages are based on net assets, including preferred shares, as of 11/30/07, unless otherwise noted.

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

 

2


 

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

The MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (the “fund”) is a closed-end fund investing in investment-grade and high-yield municipal debt. Effective close of business June 29, 2007, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Inc. (“MFS Investment Management”) became the investment adviser to the fund. Prior to June 30, 2007, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC was the fund’s investment adviser.

For the twelve months ended November 30, 2007, shares of the MFS High Yield Municipal Trust provided a total return of –5.73%, at net asset value. This compares with a return of 2.71% for the fund’s benchmark, the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. Total return for the fund is also calculated using the New York Stock Exchange price which can differ from the net asset value and accordingly the total return that is calculated based on the net asset value and the New York Stock Exchange price can be different. See the Performance Summary for additional information.

Market Environment

Despite seemingly robust growth rates during the second and third quarters of 2007, underlying economic activity in the U.S. remained muted relative to other major economies. Overall, global economies witnessed moderate to strong growth during the reporting period as domestic demand improved and world trade accelerated.

With the strong global growth, however, concerns emerged about rising global inflation, especially as capacity became more constrained, wages rose, and energy and food prices advanced. During the reporting period, global central banks tightened monetary conditions, which in turn pushed global bond yields to their highest levels during this economic expansion.

However, financial markets – particularly in the mortgage and structured-products areas – experienced substantial volatility in recent months. Beginning in late July, heightened uncertainty and distress concerning the subprime mortgage market caused several global credit markets to tighten up, forcing central banks to inject liquidity and to reassess their tightening biases as sovereign bond yields declined and credit spreads widened. While credit conditions improved somewhat by late October as the Federal Reserve Board cut interest rates, the level of market turbulence remained significant into November. Increased market turmoil was also exacerbated by U.S. home foreclosures and uncertainties surrounding falling housing prices. Despite increased volatility across all asset classes and the widening in credit spreads, U.S. labor markets were resilient and wages rose modestly. More broadly, global equity markets rebounded following summer losses and generally held those gains through the end of the reporting period.

 

3


Management review – continued

 

Factors affecting performance

The fund’s longer duration(d) stance held back relative results as interest rates on municipal bonds with maturities beyond ten years generally increased during the reporting period. This rise in the municipal bond rates was in contrast to what took place in the U.S. Treasury market, where rates declined across the maturity spectrum. Therefore, our strategy to shorten duration using U.S. Treasury futures proved to be another negative factor in relative performance as Treasury prices rose.

The fund’s relative performance was hampered by holdings of below-investment-grade debt securities. During the reporting period, spreads for these credit sectors widened due, in part, to increased uncertainty in the domestic economy, which caused prices of these securities to fall. (The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is composed primarily of investment-grade securities with no bonds rated below “BBB”(s)).

The decreased demand for municipal debt during the period also hampered investment results. This lack of demand for municipal debt was a primary reason behind the increase in interest rates on longer-dated municipal bonds. In recent years, non-traditional buyers of municipal bonds, such as arbitragers and leveraged accounts, became important investors in the municipal markets. These investors, in many instances, became net sellers of municipal debt over the investment period. This selling pressure tipped the balance between supply and demand causing rates to rise on the long end of the curve.

Additionally, the fund underperformed the benchmark due to its relative overweight in airline bonds, bonds backed by the municipal tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and healthcare bonds rated below investment-grade.

Respectfully,

 

Gary Lasman   Geoffrey Schechter
Portfolio Manager   Portfolio Manager

Note to Shareholders: Effective June 2007, Gary Lasman and Geoffrey Schechter became portfolio managers of the fund.

 

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

 

(s) Bonds rated “BBB”, “Baa”, or higher are considered investment grade; bonds rated “BB”, “Ba”, or below are considered non-investment grade. The primary source for bond quality ratings is Moody’s Investors Service. If not available, ratings by Standard & Poor’s are used, else ratings by Fitch, Inc. For securities which are not rated by any of the three agencies, the security is considered Not Rated.

The views expressed in this report are those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover and do not necessarily reflect the views of MFS or any other person in the MFS organization. These views are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions, and MFS disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied upon as investment advice or an indication of trading intent on behalf of any MFS portfolio. References to specific securities are not recommendations of such securities, and may not be representative of any MFS portfolio’s current or future investments.

 

4


 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY THROUGH 11/30/07

The following chart represents the fund’s historical performance in comparison to its benchmark(s). Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. The performance shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the sale of fund shares.

 

Price Summary Year Ended 11/30/07                  
        Date      Price     
     Net Asset Value      11/30/07      $5.34  
            11/30/06      $5.98  
     New York Stock Exchange Price      11/30/07      $4.90  
           

  5/21/07 (high) (t)

     $6.14  
           

11/23/07 (low) (t)

     $4.86  
                11/30/06      $5.96    

Total Returns vs Index

Year Ended 11/30/07

       
   New York Stock Exchange Price (r)      (13.21)%  
   Net Asset Value (r)        (5.73)%  
   Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index (f)          2.71%  
     Lipper High Yield Municipal Debt Funds Average (b)        (0.70)%    

 

(b) Effective June 30, 2007, MFS no longer compares the fund’s performance to a Lipper average as the benchmark(s) listed above more closely correspond to the fund’s investment policies and objectives.

 

(f) Source: FactSet Research Systems Inc.

 

(r) Includes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

(t) For the period December 1, 2006 through November 30, 2007.

Index Definition

Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index – a market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the tax-exempt bond market.

Lipper High Yield Municipal Debt Funds Average – Funds that invest at least 50% of assets in lower-rated municipal debt issues.

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

5


Performance summary – continued

 

Notes to Performance Summary

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

From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.

 

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the fund hereby gives notice that it may from time to time repurchase shares of the fund in the open market at the option of the Board of Trustees and on such terms as the Trustees shall determine.

 

6


 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF THE FUND

Investment Objective

The fund’s objective is to seek high current income exempt from federal income tax, but may also consider capital appreciation. The fund’s objective may be changed without shareholder approval.

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in tax-exempt bonds and tax-exempt notes. This policy may not be changed without shareholder approval. Tax-exempt bonds and notes are municipal instruments, the interest of which is exempt from federal income tax. Interest from the fund’s investments may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

MFS may invest 25% or more of the fund’s total assets in municipal instruments that finance similar projects, such as those relating to education, healthcare, housing, utilities, water, or sewers.

MFS may invest up to 100% of the fund’s assets in lower quality debt instruments, including those that are in default.

MFS may use derivatives for different purposes, including to earn income and enhance returns, to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market, to manage or adjust the risk profile of the fund, or as alternatives to direct investments.

MFS uses a bottom-up investment approach in buying and selling investments for the fund. Investments are selected primarily based on fundamental analysis of instruments and their issuers in light of current market, economic, political, and regulatory conditions. Factors considered may include the instrument’s credit quality, collateral characteristics, and indenture provisions, and the issuer’s management ability, capital structure, leverage, and ability to meet its current obligations. Quantitative analysis of the structure of the instrument and its features may also be considered.

The fund uses leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and investing the proceeds pursuant to its investment strategies.

Principal Risks

The portfolio’s yield and share prices change daily based on the credit quality of its investments and changes in interest rates. In general, the value of debt securities will decline when interest rates rise and will increase when interest rates fall. Debt securities with longer maturity dates will generally be subject to

 

7


Investment Objective, Principal Investment Strategies and Risks of the Fund – continued

 

greater price fluctuations than those with shorter maturities. Municipal instruments can be volatile and significantly affected by adverse tax or court rulings, legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers and/or insurers of municipal instruments. If the Internal Revenue Service determines an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable and the security could decline significantly in value. Derivatives can be highly volatile and involve risks in addition to those of the underlying indicator’s in whose value the derivative is based. Gains or losses from derivatives can be substantially greater than the derivatives’ original cost. Lower quality debt securities involve substantially greater risk of default and their value can decline significantly over time. To the extent that investments are purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares, the fund’s net asset value will increase or decrease at a greater rate than a comparable unleveraged fund. When you sell your shares, they may be worth more or less than the amount you paid for them. Please see the prospectus for further information regarding these and other risk considerations.

A copy of the fund’s prospectus is available on the EDGAR database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

8


 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS’ PROFILES

 

Gary Lasman     Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2002; Senior Municipal Analyst for Liberty Funds Group prior to 2002. Portfolio manager of the Fund since June 2007.
Geoffrey Schechter     Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1993. Portfolio manager of the Fund since June 2007.

Note to Shareholders: Effective June 2007, Gary Lasman and Geoffrey Schechter became portfolio managers of the fund.

 

9


 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN

Shareholders may elect to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains automatically reinvested by Computershare (the “Plan Agent”), as agent under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the provisions of which are described below, shareholders not making such an election will receive all such amounts in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder by the Plan Agent, as the dividend paying agent.

If the Trustees of the Fund declare a dividend or determine to make a capital gain distribution payable either in shares of the Fund or in cash, as shareholders may have elected, non participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in shares of the Fund. If the market price of the shares on the payment date for the dividend or distribution is equal to or exceeds their net asset value, participants will be issued shares of the Fund at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the market price. If the net asset value exceeds the market price of Fund shares at such time, or if the Fund declares a dividend or other distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for Plan participants, buy Fund shares in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value of the Fund’s shares, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the net asset value of the Fund’s shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund.

Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to the Plan Agent. When a participant withdraws from the Plan or upon termination of the Plan as provided below, certificates for whole shares credited to the participant’s account under the Plan will be issued and a cash payment will be made for any fraction of a share credited to such account.

Participants in the Plan have the option of making additional cash payments to the Plan Agent semi-annually, for investment in the Fund’s shares. Such payments may be made in any amount from $100 to $500. State Street will use all funds received from participants (as well as any dividends and distributions received in cash) to purchase Fund shares in the open market semiannually. Interest will not be paid on any uninvested cash payments.

In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees holding shares for others who are the beneficial owners of those shares, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the shareholder of record as representing the total amount registered

 

10


Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan – continued

 

in such shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are to participate in the Plan.

There is no charge to Plan participants for reinvesting dividends or distributions. The Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by the Fund. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of dividends or distributions payable either in stock or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions as well as from voluntary cash payments. Brokerage charges for purchasing small amounts of stock for individual accounts under the voluntary cash purchase provisions of the Plan are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charges for individual transactions of comparable size, because the Plan Agent will be purchasing shares for all participants in blocks and charging to cash purchase Plan participants a pro rated portion of the lower commissions usually obtainable on such block purchases.

The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions. The Plan may be amended or terminated on 30 days written notice to the Plan participants. Contact the Plan Agent for more information regarding the Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N.A. by mail at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078, or by phone at 1-800-637-2304.

 

11


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

11/30/07

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

 

Municipal Bonds - 157.7%             
Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Airport & Port Revenue - 5.8%             
Branson, MO, Regional Airport Transportation Development District Airport Rev., “B”, 6%, 2037    $ 460,000   $ 438,610
Dallas Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev. Improvement, “B”, FSA, 5%, 2025      3,000,000     3,033,030
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Terminal One Group Assn.), 5.5%, 2021      500,000     527,280
Port Authority, NY & NJ, Cons Thirty Seventh, FSA, 5.125%, 2030 (f)      4,450,000     4,588,796
        
           $ 8,587,716
General Obligations - General Purpose - 3.0%             
New York, NY, “H”, IBC, “N”, MBIA, 5.125%, 2025    $ 3,510,000   $ 3,571,601
Puerto Rico Government Development Bank, “B”, 5%, 2015      400,000     421,248
State of California, 5.25%, 2023      380,000     411,479
        
           $ 4,404,328
General Obligations - Schools - 0.5%             
Irving, TX, Independent School District, “A”, 0%, 2016    $ 1,000,000   $ 716,500
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - 27.6%             
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “A”, 5%, 2028    $ 435,000   $ 385,397
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “A”, 5.375%, 2040      625,000     566,675
Cass County, MO, Hospital Rev., 5.625%, 2038      185,000     184,321
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (National Jewish Medical & Research Center), 5.375%, 2016      1,500,000     1,513,230
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (National Jewish Medical & Research Center), 5.375%, 2023      340,000     338,076
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Parkview Medical Center), 5%, 2025      550,000     550,231
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Vail Valley Medical Center), 5%, 2020      500,000     497,280
Conway, AR, Hospital Rev. (Conway Regional Medical Center), “A”, 6.4%, 2029      350,000     360,272
Conway, AR, Hospital Rev. (Conway Regional Medical Center), “B”, 6.4%, 2029      850,000     874,947
Delaware County, PA, Authority Rev. (Mercy Health Corp.), ETM, 6%, 2016 (c)      1,400,000     1,432,312
Delaware County, PA, Authority Rev. (Mercy Health Corp.), ETM, 6%, 2026 (c)      500,000     511,540
Dickinson County, MI, Healthcare System Hospital Rev., 5.7%, 2018      770,000     781,781

 

12


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
Forsyth County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Baptist Health Care System), ETM, 6%, 2008 (c)    $ 170,000   $ 173,767
Garden City, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Garden City Hospital), 5%, 2038      500,000     426,490
Genesee County, NY, Industrial Development Agency Civic Facility Rev. (United Memorial Medical Center), 5%, 2027      90,000     82,944
Glendale, AZ, Industrial Development Authority (John C. Lincoln Health), 5%, 2042      280,000     255,936
Highland County, OH, Joint Township, Hospital District Facilities Rev., 6.75%, 2009 (c)      670,000     719,024
Idaho Health Facilities Authority Rev. (IHC Hospitals, Inc.), ETM, 6.65%, 2021 (c)      2,750,000     3,450,040
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Kewanee Hospital), 5.1%, 2031      435,000     385,788
Illinois Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Swedish American Hospital), 6.875%, 2010 (c)      500,000     539,965
Illinois Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Thorek Hospital & Medical Center), 5.375%, 2028      500,000     493,505
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), 5.5%, 2037      1,125,000     1,076,107
Indiana Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana ), “A”, 6%, 2034      425,000     431,294
Jefferson County, IA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Jefferson County Hospital), “C”, 5.8%, 2032      780,000     756,077
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Lake Charles Memorial Hospital), 6.375%, 2034      830,000     845,006
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Rev. (Touro Infirmary Project), “A”, 5.5%, 2019      250,000     251,095
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Rev. (Touro Infirmary Project), “A”, 5.625%, 2029      525,000     517,513
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.5%, 2032      60,000     59,756
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.5%, 2037      60,000     59,307
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Adventist Healthcare), “A”, 5%, 2016      365,000     368,602
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Adventist Healthcare), “A”, 5.75%, 2025      400,000     407,148
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (Boston Biomedical Research), 5.65%, 2019      620,000     627,973
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Civic Investments, Inc.), “A”, 9%, 2012 (c)      750,000     893,873
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Jordan Hospital), “E”, 6.75%, 2033      250,000     257,957

 

13


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Milford-Whitinsville Hospital), “C”, 5.25%, 2018    $ 500,000   $ 501,180
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Milford-Whitinsville Hospital), “D”, 6.35%, 2012 (c)      250,000     283,703
Miami County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Upper Valley Medical Center), 5.25%, 2018      300,000     312,231
Minneapolis & St. Paul Redevelopment Authority Rev. (HealthPartners), 5.625%, 2022      200,000     204,324
Montgomery, AL, Medical Clinic Board Health Care Facility Rev. (Jackson Hospital & Clinic), 5.25%, 2031      125,000     119,185
Montgomery, AL, Medical Clinic Board Health Care Facility Rev. (Jackson Hospital & Clinic), 5.25%, 2036      620,000     583,488
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Catholic Medical Center), “A”, 6.125%, 2012 (c)      175,000     196,768
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Catholic Medical Center), “A”, 6.125%, 2032      25,000     25,808
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Littleton Regional Hospital), “A”, 6%, 2028      625,000     625,513
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Littleton Regional Hospital), “B”, 5.9%, 2028      675,000     670,208
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Memorial Hospital), 5.25%, 2021      530,000     528,982
New Hampshire Higher Educational & Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Littleton Regional Hospital), “A”, 5.9%, 2018      500,000     505,540
New Mexico State Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Rev. (Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital), “A”, 5%, 2017      285,000     271,294
New York State Dormitory Authority Rev. (NYU Hospital Center), “B”, 5.625%, 2037      300,000     293,433
New York State Dormitory Authority Rev. (NYU Hospitals Center), “B”, 5.25%, 2024      240,000     231,247
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Orlando Regional Healthcare), 5.75%, 2012 (c)      150,000     166,050
Philadelphia, PA, Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Temple University Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 2030      625,000     609,981
Salida, CO, Hospital District Rev., 5.25%, 2036      735,000     657,935
Saline County, MO, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (John Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital, Inc.), 5.625%, 2035      985,000     947,708
Sandusky County OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Memorial Hospital), 5.15%, 2008      270,000     270,054
Skagit County, WA, Public Hospital District No. 001, 5.75%, 2032      90,000     91,228
South Dakota Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Sioux Valley Hospitals & Health Systems), “A”, 5.25%, 2034      525,000     531,641

 

14


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital, Inc.), 6.375%, 2034    $ 250,000   $ 259,615
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.375%, 2015      500,000     509,610
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.5%, 2020      550,000     555,803
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.125%, 2026      500,000     482,760
St. Paul, MN, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Hospital Rev. (Healtheast), “A”, 5.7%, 2015      2,000,000     2,022,140
St. Paul, MN, Port Authority Lease Rev. (Regions Hospital), “1”, 5%, 2036      700,000     640,353
Sullivan County, TN, Health Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Wellmont Health Systems Project), “C”, 5.25%, 2036      490,000     476,501
Turlock, CA, Health Facilities Rev. (Emanuel Medical Center), 5.375%, 2034      1,000,000     985,250
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.25%, 2032      230,000     218,652
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.375%, 2037      190,000     181,961
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (Mother Frances Hospital), 6%, 2012 (c)      750,000     832,913
Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Financing Agency Rev. (Brattleboro Memorial Hospital), 5.375%, 2028      500,000     491,780
West Orange, FL, Healthcare District, “A”, 5.65%, 2022      400,000     414,624
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Charleston Medical Center), 6.75%, 2010 (c)      605,000     666,063
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), 6.4%, 2033      350,000     363,930
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Fort Healthcare, Inc.), 6.1%, 2034      750,000     771,533
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare), 5.75%, 2012 (c)      450,000     494,523
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare), “A”, 5.125%, 2033      660,000     625,238
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare), “B”, 5.125%, 2030      260,000     248,074
        
           $ 40,944,053
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - 35.0%             
Abilene, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Sears Methodist Retirement), “A”, 5.9%, 2025    $ 750,000   $ 745,867

 

15


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Abilene, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Sears Methodist Retirement), “A”, 7%, 2033    $ 200,000   $ 209,482
Boston, MA, Industrial Development Financing Authority Rev. (Springhouse, Inc.), 5.875%, 2020      235,000     237,075
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Retirement Community Rev. (Anns Choice, Inc.), “A”, 6.25%, 2035      250,000     254,270
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 2027      90,000     88,868
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 2037      120,000     115,730
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Retirement Community Rev. (Ann’s Choice, Inc.), 6.125%, 2025      500,000     508,700
Burlington County, NJ (The Evergreens), 5.625%, 2038      305,000     297,854
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Eskaton Properties, Inc.), 8.25%, 2010 (c)      700,000     798,476
Capital Projects Finance Authority, FL (Glenridge on Palmer Ranch), “A”, 8%, 2012 (c)      500,000     596,825
Carlton, MN, Health & Housing Facilities Rev. (Inter-Faith Social Services, Inc.), 7.5%, 2010 (c)      250,000     272,807
Chartiers Valley, PA, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (Friendship Village), “A”, 5.75%, 2020      1,000,000     1,014,330
Chartiers Valley, PA, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority Rev. (Asbury Health Center), 6.375%, 2024      1,000,000     1,020,140
Cole County, MO, Industrial Development Authority, Senior Living Facilities Rev. (Lutheran Senior Services), 5.5%, 2035      750,000     753,435
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (American Housing Foundation, Inc.), 8.5%, 2031      530,000     547,792
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Christian Living Communities Project), “A”, 5.75%, 2037      500,000     475,635
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.), 5%, 2035      1,100,000     992,926
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Volunteers of America Care Facilities), “A”, ETM, 5.45%, 2008 (c)      55,000     55,660
Columbus, GA, Housing Authority Rev. (Calvary Community, Inc.), 7%, 2019      450,000     434,826
Connecticut Development Authority Rev. (Elim Park Baptist Home, Inc.), 5.85%, 2033      430,000     441,778
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities (Canterbury Court), “A”, 6.125%, 2026      500,000     499,675
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities, First Mortgage (Lenbrook Square Foundation, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 2029      1,500,000     1,339,755
HFDC of Central Texas, Inc., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Legacy at Willow Bend), “A”, 5.75%, 2036      600,000     563,868

 

16


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Houston, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., (Buckingham Senior Living Community), “A”, 7%, 2014 (c)    $ 500,000   $ 598,845
Howard County, MD, Retirement Facilities Rev. (Vantage House Corp.), “A”, 5.25%, 2033      200,000     183,986
Huntington, NY, Housing Authority Rev. (Gurwin Senior Jewish Residences), “A”, 5.875%, 2019      420,000     420,676
Huntington, NY, Housing Authority Rev. (Gurwin Senior Jewish Residences), “A”, 6%, 2029      650,000     647,628
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Washington & Jane Smith Community), “A”, 6.25%, 2035      1,000,000     1,009,910
Illinois Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Ministries, Inc.), 7.375%, 2011 (c)      650,000     746,889
Illinois Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Washington & Jane Smith Community), “A”, 7%, 2032      525,000     553,849
Indiana Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Hoosier Care, Inc.), 7.125%, 2034      1,020,000     1,028,558
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), 9.25%, 2011 (c)      950,000     1,143,211
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “B”, 5.75%, 2018      550,000     555,984
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “B”, 5.75%, 2028      1,475,000     1,467,890
James City County, VA, Economic Development (Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc.), “A”, 5.4%, 2027      320,000     304,048
James City County, VA, Economic Development (Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2037      520,000     483,506
Jefferson, GA, Development Authority Rev. (Senior Living Facilities), “A”, 5.875%, 2038      500,000     470,615
Johnson City, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board (Appalachian Christian Village), “A”, 6.25%, 2032      250,000     256,410
Juneau, AK, City & Boro Non-recourse Rev. (St. Ann’s Care Project), 6.875%, 2025      925,000     895,835
Kent County, DE, Assisted Living (Heritage at Dover LLC), 7.625%, 2030      1,160,000     1,084,542
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Health Facilities Rev. (AHF/Kentucky-IOWA, Inc.), 6.5%, 2029      395,000     437,403
Kentwood, MI, Economic Development Ltd. (Holland Home), “A”, 5.375%, 2036      750,000     719,715
La Verne, CA, COP (Brethren Hillcrest Homes), “B”, 6.625%, 2025      525,000     553,822
Lancaster, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Garden Spot Village), “A”, 7.625%, 2010 (c)      325,000     360,480
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Health Care Facilities Rev. (Shell Point Village), “A”, 5.5%, 2009 (c)      400,000     419,876

 

17


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Lynchburg, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Residential Care Facilities Rev. (Westminster-Canterbury of Lynchburg, Inc.), 5%, 2031    $ 45,000   $ 40,034
Manhattan, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Meadowlark Hills Retirement Foundation), “A”, 6.375%, 2009 (c)      250,000     263,280
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Adventcare), “A”, 6.75%, 2037      695,000     675,818
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Alliance Health of Brockton, Inc.), “A”, 7.1%, 2032      1,090,000     1,091,613
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2027      185,000     175,759
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A”, 5.75%, 2035      45,000     43,483
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Loomis Communities, Inc.), “A”, 6.9%, 2032      125,000     130,900
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Loomis Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.625%, 2015      250,000     253,235
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency Rev. (GF/Massachusetts, Inc.), 8.3%, 2023      805,000     760,113
Meridian, MI, Economic Development Corp., First Mortgage (Burcham Hills Retirement Center), “A-1”, 5.25%, 2026      250,000     232,868
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson Counties, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board Rev. (Blakeford at Green Hills), 5.65%, 2024      575,000     575,518
Montana Facility Finance Authority Rev. (St. Johns Lutheran), “A”, 6.125%, 2036      300,000     303,096
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care), 6.125%, 2028      150,000     152,808
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care), 6.25%, 2035      600,000     610,308
New Hampshire Higher Education & Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Rivermead at Peterborough Retirement Community), 5.75%, 2028      1,100,000     1,102,805
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate Project), “A”, 5.875%, 2037      300,000     298,533
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate), “A”, 5.75%, 2025      400,000     401,360
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), 5.25%, 2026      500,000     476,345
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), 5.25%, 2036      500,000     458,365
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), “A”, 8.25%, 2010 (c)      700,000     801,311
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seashore Gardens), 5.375%, 2036      350,000     326,008

 

18


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., First Mortgage (Winchester), “A”, 5.75%, 2024    $ 500,000   $ 508,505
North Carolina Medical Care Commission Retirement Facilities Rev. (United Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc.), 5.25%, 2024      500,000     479,995
North Carolina Medical Care Commission, First Mortgage (DePaul Community Facilities, Inc.), 7.625%, 2009 (c)      980,000     1,068,484
Rochester, MN, Health Care & Housing Authority (Madonna Meadows), “A”, 5.3%, 2037      550,000     484,776
Roseville, MN, Elder Care Facilities (Care Institute, Inc.), 7.75%, 2023      1,630,000     1,402,876
Sartell, MN, Health Care & Housing Authority Rev. (The Foundation for Health Care), “A”, 6.625%, 2029      1,025,000     1,040,918
Savannah, GA, Economic Development Authority, First Mortgage (Marshes of Skidway), “A”, 7.4%, 2034      350,000     370,419
Shelby County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Germantown Village), “A”, 7.25%, 2034      300,000     304,053
Shelby County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Trezevant Manor), “A”, 5.625%, 2026      500,000     484,485
Shelby County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Trezevant Manor), “A”, 5.75%, 2037      400,000     382,432
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 2027      280,000     280,610
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 2042      260,000     254,410
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority, Health & Facilities Rev., First Mortgage (Wesley Commons), 5.125%, 2026      400,000     361,220
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority, Health Facilities Rev. (Wesley Commons), 5.3%, 2036      200,000     176,674
St. John’s County, FL, Industrial Development Authority (Glenmoor Project), “A”, 5.25%, 2026      500,000     475,880
Suffolk, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Retirement Facilities Rev. (Lake Prince Center, Inc.), 5.3%, 2031      250,000     237,678
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. (Edgemere Project), “A”, 6%, 2036      500,000     495,905
Washington County, MN, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Rev. (Aspen Cottages), 9.25%, 2022      905,000     905,290
Westminster, MD, Economic Development Rev. (Carroll Lutheran Village), “A”, 6.25%, 2034      500,000     514,285
Westmoreland County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Redstone Retirement Community), “A”, 5.875%, 2032      600,000     590,478
Westmoreland County, PA, Industrial Development Retirement Authority Rev. (Redstone Retirement Community), “A”, 5.75%, 2026      1,250,000     1,244,375
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (AE Nursing), “A”, 8.5%, 2033      600,000     605,610

 

19


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Attic Angel Community, Inc.), 5.75%, 2008 (c)    $ 875,000   $ 911,750
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Clement Manor, Inc.), 5.75%, 2024      1,000,000     1,000,640
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Three Pillars), 5.75%, 2026      500,000     510,155
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (United Lutheran Home), 5.7%, 2028      750,000     750,863
Wisconsin Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (All Saints Assisted Living Project), 5.9%, 2027      90,000     89,059
Wisconsin Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (All Saints Assisted Living Project), 6%, 2037      185,000     181,457
        
           $ 51,896,294
Healthcare Revenue - Other - 0.5%             
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Blood Center Southeastern Project), 5.75%, 2034    $ 750,000   $ 757,665
Industrial Revenue - Airlines - 5.0%             
Alliance Airport Authority, TX (American Airlines, Inc.), 5.25%, 2029    $ 1,330,000   $ 1,077,087
Charlotte, NC, Douglas International Airport Special Facilities Rev. (U.S. Airways, Inc.), 5.6%, 2027      250,000     233,652
Charlotte, NC, Douglas International Airport Special Facilities Rev. (U.S. Airways, Inc.), 7.75%, 2028      500,000     519,325
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Special Facilities Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 5.5%, 2030      1,745,000     1,568,842
Cleveland, OH, Airport Special Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 5.7%, 2019      875,000     822,167
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Facilities Improvement Corp. Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 9%, 2029 (a)      750,000     861,127
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 9%, 2033 (a)      1,250,000     1,436,625
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 7.625%, 2025      365,000     400,515
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Special Facility Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 8.5%, 2028      500,000     550,225
        
           $ 7,469,565
Industrial Revenue - Chemicals - 0.3%             
Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District (Dow Chemical Co.), “B-2”, 4.95%, 2033    $ 400,000   $ 392,048

 

20


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Industrial Revenue - Environmental Services - 1.1%             
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste
Disposal Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), “C”, 5.25%, 2023 (a)
   $ 500,000   $ 512,500
Carbon County, UT, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Allied Waste Industries), “A”, 7.5%, 2010      250,000     250,718
Carbon County, UT, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Laidlaw Environmental), “A”, 7.45%, 2017      500,000     510,035
Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority, TX (Waste Management of Texas), “A”, 5.2%, 2028      360,000     343,861
        
           $ 1,617,114
Industrial Revenue - Metals - 0.4%             
Director of Nevada Department of Business & Industry (Wheeling/Pittsburgh Steel), “A”, 8%, 2014    $ 170,000   $ 174,974
Greensville County, VA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Wheeling/Pittsburgh Steel), “A”, 7%, 2014      490,000     486,492
        
           $ 661,466
Industrial Revenue - Other - 4.5%             
Annawan, IL, Tax Increment Rev. (Patriot Renewable Fuels LLC), 5.625%, 2018    $ 350,000   $ 335,828
Cartersville, GA, Development Authority Waste & Water Facilities Rev. (Anheuser Busch Project), 5.95%, 2032      1,000,000     1,030,260
Gulf Coast, TX, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Citgo Petroleum Corp.), 8%, 2028      375,000     407,734
Houston, TX, Industrial Development Corp. (United Parcel Service, Inc.), 6%, 2023      495,000     503,954
Indianapolis, IN, Airport Authority Rev., Special Facilities (FedEx Corp.), 5.1%, 2017      500,000     513,540
Michigan Strategic Fund Rev. (Michigan Sugar Co.), “A”, 6.25%, 2015      1,000,000     1,019,020
Mississippi Business Finance Corp. (Northrop Grumman Ship Systems), 4.55%, 2028      500,000     459,375
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (GMT Realty LLC), “B”, 6.875%, 2037      1,000,000     1,052,600
Virgin Islands Government Refinery Facilities Rev. (Hovensa Coker Project), 6.5%, 2021      250,000     264,543
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, Refinery Facilities Rev. (Hovensa Coker Project), 5.875%, 2022      400,000     414,176
Will-Kankakee, IL, Regional Development Authority Rev. (Flanders Corp.), 6.5%, 2017      655,000     659,434
        
           $ 6,660,464

 

21


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Industrial Revenue - Paper - 2.9%             
Beauregard Parish, LA (Boise Cascade Corp.), 6.8%, 2027    $ 1,000,000   $ 1,043,820
Bedford County, VA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Nekooska Packaging Corp.), 5.6%, 2025      400,000     376,668
Camden, AL, Industrial Development Board Exempt Facilities Rev., “B” (Weyerhaeuser Co.), 6.375%, 2024      400,000     429,656
Courtland AL, Industrial Development Board Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Champion International Corp.), 6%, 2029      1,000,000     1,026,920
Escambia County, FL, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper Co.), “A”, 4.75%, 2030      290,000     255,618
Lowndes County, MS, Solid Waste Disposal & Pollution Control Rev. (Weyerhaeuser Co.), “B”, 6.7%, 2022      595,000     690,206
Phenix City, AL, Industrial Development Board Environmental Improvement Rev., “A” (MeadWestvaco Coated), 6.35%, 2035      400,000     417,064
        
           $ 4,239,952
Miscellaneous Revenue - Entertainment & Tourism - 2.6%      
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, CA, 5.6%, 2013 (z)    $ 775,000   $ 802,807
Cabazon Band Mission Indians, CA, 8.375%, 2015 (z)      170,000     180,241
Cabazon Band Mission Indians, CA, 8.75%, 2019 (z)      720,000     760,781
Cow Creek Band Umpqua Tribe of Indians, OR, “C”, 5.625%, 2026 (n)      650,000     642,219
Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe, CT, “B”, 0%, 2018 (n)      1,100,000     630,520
Mohegan Tribe Indians, CT, Gaming Authority Rev., 6.25%, 2031 (n)      200,000     202,346
New York Liberty Development Corp. Rev. (National Sports Museum), “A”, 6.125%, 2019      400,000     409,148
Seminole Tribe, FL, Special Obligation, “A”, 5.25%, 2027 (n)      280,000     268,657
        
           $ 3,896,719
Miscellaneous Revenue - Other - 2.1%             
Capital Trust Agency, FL (Aero Syracuse LLC), 6.75%, 2032    $ 350,000   $ 367,185
Lake County, OH, Economic Development Rev. (North Madison Properties Ltd.), 8.819%, 2011      470,000     471,321
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airports Improvement Corp. (LAX Fuel Corp.), AMBAC, 5.25%, 2023      500,000     515,860
Maryland Economic Development Corp. (Chesapeake Bay), “A”, 5%, 2031      750,000     665,700
Philadelphia, PA, Industrial Development Airport Rev. (Aero Philadelphia LLC), 5.25%, 2009      135,000     135,259
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Twinsburg Township), “D”, 5.125%, 2025      655,000     655,190
V Lakes Utility District Ranking Water Systems Rev., 7%, 2037      300,000     293,019
        
           $ 3,103,534

 

22


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Multi-Family Housing Revenue - 10.0%             
Broward County, FL, Housing Finance Authority Rev. (Chaves Lakes Apartments Ltd.), “A”, 7.5%, 2040    $ 500,000   $ 521,200
Capital Trust Agency, FL, Housing Authority Rev. (Atlantic Housing Foundation), “C”, 5.875%, 2028      660,000     670,613
Charter Mac Equity Issuer Trust, 6%, 2019 (n)      1,000,000     1,079,730
Charter Mac Equity Issuer Trust, “B”,, 7.6%, 2010 (a)(n)      500,000     540,970
Clay County, FL, Housing Finance Authority Rev. (Madison Commons Apartments), “A”, 7.45%, 2040      500,000     517,500
District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (Henson Ridge), 5.1%, 2037      655,000     646,144
Durham, NC, Durham Housing Authority Rev. (Magnolia Pointe Apartments), 5.65%, 2038 (a)      1,000,000     963,060
El Paso County, TX, Housing Finance Corp. (American Housing Foundation), “D”, 10%, 2032      295,000     303,676
El Paso County, TX, Housing Finance Corp. (American Housing Foundation, Inc.), “C”, 8%, 2032      290,000     298,967
GMAC Municipal Mortgage Trust, “B-1”, 5.6%, 2039 (a)(n)      500,000     518,910
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Rev., “B”, 5%, 2030      500,000     505,240
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Rev., “E”, 5%, 2028      500,000     496,145
Mississippi Home Corp., Rev. (Kirkwood Apartments), 6.8%, 2037      605,000     609,858
Montgomery County, OH, Multi-Family Housing Rev. (Chevy Chase Apartments), 4.95%, 2035      250,000     249,170
Munimae Te Bond Subsidiary LLC, 5.8%, 2049 (n)      1,000,000     1,032,760
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, Multi-Family Housing Rev. (Sun Pointe Apartments), “E”, 4.8%, 2040      500,000     468,665
New York, NY, City Housing Development Corp., “F-1”, 4.65%, 2025      750,000     738,323
North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities Rev., “A”, (ARC), 5.8%, 2034      800,000     828,952
Resolution Trust Corp., Pass-Through Certificates, “1993”, 8.5%, 2016 (z)      455,481     452,939
Seattle, WA, Housing Authority Rev., Capped Fund Program (High Rise Rehab), “I”, FSA, 5%, 2025      500,000     494,730
White Bear Lake, MN, Multi-Family Housing Rev. (Birch Lake), “A”, 10.25%, 2019      1,770,000     1,752,300
White Bear Lake, MN, Multi-Family Rev. (Birch Lake), “B”, 0%, 2019      620,000     268,144
Wilmington, DE, Multi-Family Housing Rev. (Electra Arms Senior Associates), 6.25%, 2028      870,000     830,424
        
           $ 14,788,420
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - 7.3%             
Bolingbrook, IL, Sales Tax Rev., 0% to 2008, 6.25% to 2024    $ 500,000   $ 493,755
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, State Tax Rev., MBIA, 0%, 2013      5,000,000     3,982,600

 

23


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - continued             
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, State Tax Rev., FGIC, 0%, 2014    $ 3,990,000   $ 3,104,779
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, State Tax Rev., MBIA, 0%, 2015      3,000,000     2,233,170
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, State Tax Rev., ETM, FGIC, 0%, 2014 (c)      1,010,000     795,547
Wyandotte County, KS, Unified Government Special Obligation Rev. (Sales Tax - Second Lien Area B), 5%, 2020      225,000     224,069
        
           $ 10,833,920
Single Family Housing - Local - 1.1%             
Minneapolis & St. Paul Housing Authority Rev. (City Living), “A-2”, GNMA, 5%, 2038    $ 740,797   $ 715,891
Pittsburgh, PA, Urban Redevelopment Authority Rev., “C”, 4.8%, 2028      1,000,000     992,240
        
           $ 1,708,131
Single Family Housing - State - 0.3%             
Kentucky Counties Single Family Mortgage Rev., “A”, MBIA, 9%, 2016    $ 5,000   $ 5,010
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Rev., “A”, 4.85%, 2021      500,000     493,625
        
           $ 498,635
Solid Waste Revenue - 1.4%             
Delaware County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Resource Recovery Facilities Rev. (American Ref-Fuel Co.), “A”, 6.2%, 2019    $ 1,000,000   $ 1,015,040
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Rev. (Ogden Haverhill Associates), “A”, 5.5%, 2013      1,000,000     1,012,330
        
           $ 2,027,370
State & Agency - Other - 0.4%             
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Mepsi Campus), “A”, 6.25%, 2024    $ 100,000   $ 103,324
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Mepsi Campus), “A”, 6.5%, 2037      500,000     516,910
        
           $ 620,234
State & Local Agencies - 3.2%             
Compton, CA, COP (Civic Center), “A”, 5.5%, 2015    $ 1,000,000   $ 1,024,280
Dorchester County, SC, School District No. 2, Growth Remedy Opportunity Tax Hike, 5.25%, 2029      500,000     513,820
Laurens County, SC, School District No. 55, Installment Purchase Rev., 5.25%, 2030      700,000     709,107
Michigan Building Authority Rev., Facilities Program, “I”, 5%, 2024      1,000,000     1,029,270
Newberry, SC, Investing in Children’s Education (Newberry County School District Program), 5%, 2030      400,000     394,620

 

24


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
State & Local Agencies - continued             
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corp., “E”, ETM, 6%, 2026 (c)    $ 80,000   $ 97,787
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corp., Unrefunded, “E”, 6%, 2026      820,000     1,002,319
        
           $ 4,771,203
Tax - Other - 0.9%             
Dallas County, TX, Flood Control District, 7.25%, 2032    $ 750,000   $ 767,437
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Cigarette Tax), 5.75%, 2029      500,000     502,605
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Cigarette Tax), 5.5%, 2031      120,000     117,827
        
           $ 1,387,869
Tax Assessment – 13.9%             
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation (Eastside Project), “B”, 5.4%, 2020    $ 500,000   $ 479,855
Ave Maria, FL, Stewardship Community, “A”, 5.125%, 2038      150,000     120,135
Celebration Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.4%, 2034      720,000     773,129
Channing Park Community Development District, FL, 5.3%, 2038      400,000     326,340
Chicago, IL, Tax Increment Allocation (Pilsen Redevelopment), “B”, 6.75%, 2022      310,000     323,017
Colonial Country Club Community Development District, FL, 6.4%, 2033      480,000     522,648
Double Branch Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.7%, 2034      485,000     534,916
Du Page County, IL, Special Service Area No. 31 Special Tax (Monarch Landing Project), 5.625%, 2036      250,000     229,062
Durbin Crossing Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., “B-1”, 4.875%, 2010      275,000     261,998
Grand Bay at Doral Community Development, FL, “A”, 6%, 2039      90,000     81,669
Grand Bay at Doral Community Development, FL, “B”, 6%, 2017      545,000     519,385
Heritage Harbour North Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 6.375%, 2038      325,000     311,334
Homestead 50 Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6%, 2037      380,000     344,637
Homestead 50 Community Development District, FL, “B”, 5.9%, 2013      170,000     164,201
Huntington Beach, CA, Community Facilities District, Special Tax (Grand Coast Resort), “2000-1”, 6.45%, 2031      500,000     520,090
Islands at Doral Southwest Community Development District, FL, 6.375%, 2013 (c)      245,000     276,534
Lexington Oaks Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.125%, 2019      650,000     623,467
Lincoln, CA, Special Tax (Community Facilities District ), “2003-1”, 5.55%, 2013 (c)      440,000     491,762
Lincolnshire, IL, Special Service Area No. 1 (Sedgebrook Project), 6.25%, 2034      250,000     251,810

 

25


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tax Assessment - continued             
Magnolia Park Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., “A”, 6.15%, 2039    $ 680,000   $ 633,685
Northwest Metropolitan District No. 3, CO, 6.25%, 2035      500,000     454,800
Oakdale, CA, Public Financing Authority Tax Allocation Rev. (Central City Redevelopment Project), 5.375%, 2033      1,125,000     1,141,898
Oakmont Grove Community Development District, CA, “A”, 5.4%, 2038      300,000     241,455
Ohio County, WV, Commision Tax Increment Rev. (Fort Henry Centre), “A”, 5.85%, 2034      125,000     119,655
Orange County, CA, Community Facilities Tax No 99, (Ladera Ranch), “A”, 6.5%, 2009 (c)      1,000,000     1,071,860
Orange County, CA, Improvement Act 1915, “B”, 5.75%, 2033      500,000     502,640
Orlando, FL, Special Assessment Rev. (Conroy Road Interchange Project), “A”, 5.5%, 2010      65,000     64,093
Orlando, FL, Special Assessment Rev. (Conroy Road Interchange Project), “A”, 5.8%, 2026      300,000     285,969
Plano, IL, Special Service Area No. 4 (Lakewood Springs Project Unit 5-B), 6%, 2035      1,500,000     1,491,870
Pontiac, MI, Tax Increment Finance Authority Rev., 6.375%, 2031      450,000     451,746
Portage, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Ameriplex Project), 5%, 2027      260,000     246,228
Redwood City, CA, Special Tax Community Facilities, (District 1 Redwood), “B”, 6%, 2033      300,000     303,897
San Diego, CA, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation, FSA, 0%, 2018      1,015,000     640,059
Sarasota National Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., 5.3%, 2039      800,000     641,616
Seven Oaks, FL, Community Development District II Special Assessment Rev., “B”, 5%, 2009      610,000     596,745
Stoneybrook, FL, Community Development District, “A”, 6.1%, 2019      215,000     205,800
Sweetwater Creek Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.5%, 2038      200,000     162,844
Temecula Valley, CA, Unified School District, Community Facilities District No. 02-1, 6.125%, 2033      355,000     362,341
Tolomato Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., 6.65%, 2040      585,000     577,290
Tuscany Reserve Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., “B”, 5.25%, 2016      185,000     166,089
Volo Village, IL, Special Service Area No. 3, Special Tax (Symphony Meadows Project), “1”, 6%, 2036      484,000     458,798
West Villages Improvement District, FL, Special Assessment Rev. (Unit of Development No. 3), 5.5%, 2037      500,000     425,000

 

26


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tax Assessment - continued             
Westchester, FL, Community Development District No. 1 (Community Infrastructure), 6.125%, 2035    $ 275,000   $ 255,255
Westridge, FL, Community Development District, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.8%, 2037      1,000,000     884,940
Wyandotte County-Kansas City, KS, Unified Government Transportation Development District (Legends Village West Project), 4.875%, 2028      595,000     535,958
Yorba Linda, CA, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation Rev., “A”, MBIA, 0%, 2024      1,325,000     590,208
        
           $ 20,668,728
Tobacco - 8.1%             
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-2”, 5.875%, 2030    $ 1,610,000   $ 1,556,323
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-2”, 5.875%, 2047      495,000     470,062
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-2”, 6.5%, 2047      1,300,000     1,335,412
California County, CA, Tobacco Securitization Agency, Tobacco Settlement Rev. (Los Angeles County), 0%, 2046      3,500,000     214,305
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 6.25%, 2013 (c)      1,600,000     1,758,016
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 5.75%, 2047      1,000,000     936,850
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-1”, 5.125%, 2047      1,135,000     962,923
Inland Empire, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “C-1”, 0%, 2036      1,815,000     268,620
Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A”, 6%, 2048      1,710,000     1,657,332
Tobacco Securitization Authority of Southern California Rev., Asset Backed (San Diego Country Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp.), 0%, 2046      6,000,000     440,760
Tobacco Settlement Authority of Washington Rev., Asset Backed, 6.625%, 2032      500,000     510,525
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., NJ, 6.75%, 2013 (c)      1,000,000     1,164,820
Virginia Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “B-1”, 5%, 2047      830,000     689,224
        
           $ 11,965,172
Toll Roads - 4.4%             
E-470 Public Highway Authority, CO, “B”, 0%, 2010 (c)    $ 8,750,000   $ 1,212,137
E-470 Public Highway Authority, CO, “B”, MBIA, 0%, 2018      3,000,000     1,883,850

 

27


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Toll Roads - continued             
Northwest Parkway, CO, Public Highway Authority (First Tier), “D”, 7.125%, 2011 (c)    $ 1,000,000   $ 1,136,650
San Joaquin Hills, CA, Transportation Corridor Agency Toll Road Rev., “A”, MBIA, 0%, 2015      3,000,000     2,238,540
        
           $ 6,471,177
Universities - Colleges - 1.5%             
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Loyola College), “A”, 5.125%, 2045    $ 500,000   $ 505,905
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Philadelphia), “A”, 5.125%, 2025      570,000     571,710
Southfield, MI, Economic Development Corp. (Lawrence Technological University), “A”, 5.4%, 2018      750,000     753,570
West Virginia University Rev. (West Virginia University Project), “A”, AMBAC, 0%, 2025      750,000     330,338
        
           $ 2,161,523
Universities - Dormitories - 0.3%             
Minneapolis, MN, Student Housing Rev. (Riverton Community Housing Project), “A”, 5.7%, 2040    $ 500,000   $ 480,655
Universities - Secondary Schools - 1.3%             
California Statewide Community Development Authority Rev., COP, (Crossroads Schools for the Arts & Sciences), 6%, 2028    $ 1,035,000   $ 1,067,406
Colorado Housing Finance Development Rev. (Evergreen Country Day School), 5.875%, 2037      425,000     417,116
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lee Charter Foundation), “A”, 5.375%, 2037      535,000     488,300
        
           $ 1,972,822
Utilities - Cogeneration - 2.3%             
Carbon County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Panther Creek Partners), 6.65%, 2010    $ 100,000   $ 101,724
Port Authority NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev., 6.75%, 2011      2,000,000     2,027,020
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Central Facilities (Cogeneration Facilities - AES Puerto Rico Project), 6.625%, 2026      320,000     339,248
Suffolk County, NY, Industrial Development Agency Rev. (Nissequoque Cogeneration Partners Facilities), 5.5%, 2023      550,000     528,737
Western Generation Agency, OR, Cogeneration Project Rev. (Wauna Cogeneration Project), “B”, 5%, 2016      500,000     487,910
        
           $ 3,484,639

 

28


Portfolio of Investments – continued

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Utilities - Investor Owned - 5.4%             
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), “C”, 5.75%, 2036 (a)    $ 220,000   $ 216,374
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), “C”, 6.75%, 2038      555,000     552,930
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), “D”, 5.4%, 2029 (a)      45,000     43,066
Bryant, IL, Pollution Control Rev. (Central Illinois Light Co.), 5.9%, 2023      1,000,000     1,001,100
Campbell County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Black Hills Power, Inc. Project), 5.35%, 2024      1,000,000     1,028,240
Clark County, NV, Industrial Development Rev. (Nevada Power Co. Project), “A”, 5.9%, 2032      1,500,000     1,500,165
Mississippi Business Finance Corp., Pollution Control Rev. (Systems Energy Resources Project), 5.875%, 2022      1,500,000     1,502,715
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service of New Hampshire), “B”, MBIA, 4.75%, 2021      250,000     255,078
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Rev. (Reliant Energy Seward), “A”, 6.75%, 2036      400,000     425,208
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Tucson Electric Power Co.), “A”, 6.1%, 2025      750,000     752,205
Sabine River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), 5.2%, 2028      185,000     158,391
Sabine River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), 5.75%, 2030 (a)      155,000     152,446
West Feliciana Parish, LA, Pollution Control Rev. (Entergy Gulf States), 6.6%, 2028      500,000     500,770
        
           $ 8,088,688
Utilities - Municipal Owned - 1.1%             
Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., GA, Project Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 2028    $ 335,000   $ 332,102
North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency System Rev., “F”, 5.5%, 2016      430,000     457,507
Salt Verde Financial Corp., AZ, Senior Gas Rev., 5%, 2037      845,000     808,352
        
           $ 1,597,961
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue - 3.5%             
Houston, TX, Water & Sewer Systems Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 0%, 2012    $ 3,000,000   $ 2,501,010
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, “D”, MBIA, 5%, 2024      2,000,000     2,031,540
Surprise, AZ, Municipal Property Corp., 4.9%, 2032      700,000     669,291
        
           $ 5,201,841
Total Municipal Bonds (Identified Cost, $231,513,395)          $ 234,076,406

 

29


Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)  
    
Floating Rate Demand Notes - 0.1%               
New York, NY, 3.43%, due 12/03/07    $ 200,000   $ 200,000  
Total Floating Rate Demand Notes, at Identified Cost          $ 200,000  
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $231,713,395) (k)          $ 234,276,406  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 2.8%            4,162,925  
Preferred Shares (Issued by the Fund) - (60.6)%            (90,000,000 )
Net assets applicable to common shares - 100.0%          $ 148,439,331  

 

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

 

(c) Refunded bond.

 

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

 

(k) As of November 30, 2007, the trust held securities fair valued in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, aggregating $234,076,406 and 99.91% of market value. All of these security values were provided by an independent pricing service using an evaluated bid.

 

(n) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate value of these securities was $4,916,113 representing 3.3% of net assets applicable to common shares.

 

(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
   Acquisition
Cost
   Current
Market
Value
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, CA, 5.6%, 2013    7/22/03    $776,212    $   802,807
Cabazon Band Mission Indians, CA, 8.375%, 2015    10/04/04    170,000    180,241
Cabazon Band Mission Indians, CA, 8.75%, 2019    10/04/04    720,000    760,781
Resolution Trust Corp., Pass-Through Certificates, “1993”, 8.5%, 2016    10/17/01-1/14/02    455,481    452,939
Total Restricted Securities          $2,196,768
% of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares          1.5%

 

30


Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Derivative Contracts at 11/30/07

Futures contracts outstanding at 11/30/07

 

Description    Contracts    Value    Expiration
Date
   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
U.S. Treasury Bond (Short)    137    $ 16,054,688    Mar-08    $ (29,378 )
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)    860      97,354,688    Mar-08      50,740  
            $ 21,362  
                 

At November 30, 2007, the fund had sufficient cash and/or other liquid securities to cover any commitments under these derivative contracts.

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

 

COP   Certificate of Participation

 

ETM   Escrowed to Maturity

 

Insurers
AMBAC    AMBAC Indemnity Corp.
FGIC    Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
FSA    Financial Security Assurance Inc.
GNMA    Government National Mortgage Assn.
MBIA    MBIA Insurance Corp.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

31


Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 11/30/07

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

 

Assets            
Investments, at value (identified cost, $231,713,395)    $234,276,406     
Cash    24,527     
Receivable for daily variation margin on open futures contracts    139,375     
Receivable for investments sold    1,177,167     
Interest receivable    3,626,599     
Other assets    29,920       
Total assets           $239,273,994
Liabilities            
Distributions payable on common shares    $39,022     
Distributions payable on preferred shares    71,270     
Payable for investments purchased    521,607     
Payable to affiliates      

Management fee

   8,504     

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

   1,172     

Administrative services fee

   256     
Payable for independent trustees’ compensation    29,927     
Accrued expenses and other liabilities    162,905       
Total liabilities           $834,663
Preferred shares            
Preferred shares (3,600 shares issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share) at liquidation value           $90,000,000
Net assets applicable to common shares           $148,439,331
Net assets consist of:            
Paid-in capital – common shares    $199,450,088     
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments    2,584,373     
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments    (54,058,047 )   
Undistributed net investment income    462,917       
Net assets applicable to common shares           $148,439,331
Preferred shares, at value (3,600 shares issued and outstanding
at $25,000 per share)
          $90,000,000
Net assets including preferred shares           $238,439,331
Common shares of beneficial interest outstanding           27,810,284
Net asset value per common share (net assets of
$148,439,331 / 27,810,284 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)
          $5.34

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

32


Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year ended 11/30/07

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           $14,864,360  
Expenses      

Management fee

   $1,629,198     

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

   54,889     

Administrative services fee

   20,491     

Independent trustees’ compensation

   21,747     

Stock exchange fee

   14,213     

Preferred shares remarketing agent fee

   225,257     

Custodian fee

   78,222     

Shareholder communications

   37,288     

Auditing fees

   64,500     

Legal fees

   19,308     

Miscellaneous

   67,747         
Total expenses           $2,232,860  

Fees paid indirectly

   (1,904 )   

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

   (314 )       
Net expenses           $2,230,642  
Net investment income           $12,633,718  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments              
Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)      

Investment transactions

   $(112,717 )   

Futures contracts

   (8,320,797 )   

Swap transactions

   275,714         
Net realized gain (loss) on investments           $(8,157,800 )
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      

Investments

   $(10,508,958 )   

Futures contracts

   82,250     

Swap transactions

   83,954         
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments           $(10,342,754 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments           $(18,500,554 )
Distributions declared to preferred shareholders           $(3,347,414 )
Change in net assets from operations           $(9,214,250 )

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

33


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.

 

    Years ended 11/30  
    2007        2006  
Change in net assets               
From operations               
Net investment income   $12,633,718        $12,369,395  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   (8,157,800 )      (7,070,355 )
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (10,342,754 )      13,347,291  
Distributions declared to preferred shareholders   (3,347,414 )      (3,050,923 )
Change in net assets from operations   $(9,214,250 )      $15,595,408  
Distributions declared to common shareholders               
From net investment income   $(8,531,867 )      $(9,603,287 )
Change in net assets from share transactions   $249,082        $152,038  
Total change in net assets   $(17,497,035 )      $6,144,159  
Net assets applicable to common shares               
At beginning of period   165,936,366        159,792,207  
At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $462,917 and accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $132,475)   $148,439,331        $165,936,366  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

34


Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund’s financial performance for the past 5 years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate 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.

 

     Years ended 11/30  
     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
Net asset value, beginning of period    $5.98     $5.76     $5.69     $5.85     $5.82  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (d)

   $0.45 (z)   $0.45     $0.45     $0.45     $0.47  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   (0.66 )(z)   0.23     0.08     (0.15 )   0.02  

Distributions declared to preferred shareholders

   (0.12 )   (0.11 )   (0.08 )   (0.04 )   (0.03 )
Total from investment operations    $(0.33 )   $0.57     $0.45     $0.26     $0.46  
Less distributions declared to common shareholders                    

From net investment income

   $(0.31 )   $(0.35 )   $(0.38 )   $(0.42 )   $(0.43 )
Net asset value, end of period    $5.34     $5.98     $5.76     $5.69     $5.85  
Common share market value, end of period    $4.90     $5.96     $5.36     $5.66     $5.65  
Total return at common share market value (%)    (13.21 )   17.99     1.36     7.86     7.35  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets applicable to common shares) and Supplemental data:                               
Expenses before expense reductions (f)    1.39     1.39     1.40     1.42     1.39  
Expenses after expense reductions (f)    1.39     N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  
Net investment income (p)    7.87 (z)   7.62     7.73     7.79     8.17  
Portfolio turnover    29     33     18     16     15  
Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)    $148,439     $165,936     $159,792     $157,757     $161,994  

 

35


Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Years ended 11/30
     2007     2006    2005    2004    2003
Supplemental Ratios (%):                     
Net investment income available to common shares    5.78     5.74    6.46    7.15    7.61
Senior Securities:                     
Total preferred shares outstanding    3,600     3,600    3,600    3,600    3,600
Asset coverage per preferred share (k)    $66,233     $71,093    $69,387    $68,821    $69,998
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share    $25,000 (o)   $25,015    $25,010    $25,004    $25,006
Average market value per preferred share    $25,000     $25,000    $25,000    $25,000    $25,000
(d) Per share data are based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly.
(k) Calculated by subtracting the fund’s total liabilities from the fund’s total assets and dividing this number by the number of preferred shares outstanding.
(o) Amount excludes accrued unpaid distributions to preferred shareholders.
(p) Ratio excludes dividend payment on preferred shares.
(z) The fund applied a change in estimate for amortization of premium on certain debt securities in the current year that resulted in an increase of $0.01 per share to net investment income, a decrease of $0.01 per share to net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, and an increase of 0.15% to the net investment income ratio for the year ended November 30, 2007. The change in estimate had no impact on net assets, net asset value per share or total return.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

36


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1)   Business and Organization

MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (the fund) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end management investment company. At the annual meeting of the shareholders of the fund held in June 2007, the shareholders, among other things, approved a new advisory agreement between MFS and the fund and elected new Trustees. Effective the close of business June 29, 2007, the existing advisory agreement between Columbia Management Advisors LLC and the fund was terminated, the fund was removed from existing service agreements among the fund, Columbia and certain affiliated funds, and new agreements became effective between MFS and the fund for investment advisory and administrative services; State Street Bank and the fund for custody, fund accounting and securities lending services; and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and the fund for transfer agency services. At the same time, the fund changed its name to MFS High Yield Municipal Trust and the then serving Trustees and officers of the fund resigned, and the newly elected Trustees and newly appointed officers took office.

 

(2)   Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The fund can invest in high-yield securities rated below investment grade. Investments in high-yield securities involve greater degrees of credit and market risk than investments in higher rated securities and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions.

Municipal securities backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the projects or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service determines an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, the security could decline in value, interest from the security could become taxable and the fund may be required to issue Forms 1099-DIV.

Investment Valuations – Debt instruments (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as reported by an independent pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less may be

 

37


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Swaps are generally valued at an evaluated bid as reported by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as reported by an independent pricing service on the market on which they are primarily traded. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation as reported by an independent pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from an independent pricing service may also be valued at a broker-dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from pricing services can utilize both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques, which take into account factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many types of debt instruments and certain types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from independent pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. The adviser may rely on independent 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 investments used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investments.

 

38


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

In September 2006, FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (the “Statement”) was issued, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for all interim periods within those fiscal years. This Statement provides a single definition of fair value, a hierarchy for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is evaluating the application of the Statement to the fund, and believes the impact will be limited to expanded disclosures resulting from the adoption of this Statement in the fund’s financial statements.

Derivative Risk – The fund may invest in derivatives 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 gain market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost. Derivative instruments include futures contracts and swap agreements.

Futures Contracts – The fund may enter into futures contracts for the delayed delivery of securities or currency, or contracts based on financial indices at a fixed price on a future date. In entering such contracts, the fund is required to deposit with the broker either in cash or securities an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. Subsequent payments are made or received by the fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the fund. Upon entering into such contracts, the fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss.

Swap Agreements – The fund may enter into swap agreements. A swap is an exchange of cash payments between the fund and another party. Net cash payments are exchanged at specified intervals and are recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap is adjusted daily and the change in value, including accruals of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations. A liquidation payment received or made upon early termination is recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. Collateral, in the form of cash or securities, may be required to be held in segregated accounts with the fund’s custodian in connection with these agreements. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include the possible lack of a liquid market, failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements, and unfavorable market movement of the underlying instrument. All swap agreements entered into by the fund with the same counterparty are generally governed by a single master agreement, which

 

39


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

provides for the netting of all amounts owed by the parties under the agreement upon the occurrence of an event of default, thereby reducing the credit risk to which such party is exposed.

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

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

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

Legal fees and other related expenses incurred to preserve and protect the value of a security owned are added to the cost of the security; other legal fees are expensed. Capital infusions made directly to the security issuer, which are generally non-recurring, incurred to protect or enhance the value of high-yield debt securities, are reported as additions to the cost basis of the security. Costs that are incurred to negotiate the terms or conditions of capital infusions or that are expected to result in a plan of reorganization are reported as realized losses. Ongoing costs incurred to protect or enhance an investment, or costs incurred to pursue other claims or legal actions, are expensed.

As a result of a change in estimate for the amortization of premium and accretion of discount on certain debt securities, interest income has been increased by $239,616 with a corresponding reduction in the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

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 year ended November 30, 2007, is shown as a reduction of total expenses on the Statement of Operations.

 

40


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income, including realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is required in the financial statements.

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

Book/tax differences primarily relate to defaulted bonds and expiration of capital loss carryforwards.

The tax character of distributions declared to shareholders is as follows:

 

     11/30/07    11/30/06
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)    $390    $14,913
Tax-exempt income    11,878,891    12,639,297
Total distributions    $11,879,281    $12,654,210

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

 

As of 11/30/07       
Cost of investments    $231,520,047  
Gross appreciation    10,200,993  
Gross depreciation    (7,444,634 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $2,756,359  
Undistributed ordinary income    2,428  
Undistributed tax-exempt income    644,729  
Capital loss carryforwards    (50,458,165 )
Post-October capital loss deferral    (3,771,868 )
Other temporary differences    (184,240 )

 

41


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

As of November 30, 2007, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such losses expire as follows:

 

11/30/08    $(13,036,764 )
11/30/09    (3,114,307 )
11/30/10    (7,684,792 )
11/30/11    (4,393,912 )
11/30/12    (4,060,511 )
11/30/14    (7,119,782 )
11/30/15    (11,048,097 )
   $(50,458,165 )

In June 2006, FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the “Interpretation”) was issued, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the SEC delayed the implementation of the Interpretation for regulated investment companies for an additional six months. This Interpretation prescribes a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and requires certain expanded disclosures. Management has evaluated the application of the Interpretation to the fund, and has determined that there is no impact resulting from the adoption of this Interpretation on the fund’s financial statements.

 

(3)   Transactions with Affiliates

Information in the fund’s financial statements regarding expenses includes expenses paid by the Colonial Municipal Income Trust prior to June 30, 2007.

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

Prior to June 30, 2007, the fund had an investment advisory agreement with Columbia Management Advisors, LLC (“Columbia”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of America Corporation. Under this agreement, Columbia received a monthly investment advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the fund’s average weekly net assets (including the value of auction preferred shares).

Transfer Agent – Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) is the transfer agent for the fund. Effective June 30, 2007, MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC) monitors and supervises the activities of Computershare for an agreed upon fee approved by the Board of Trustees. For the period from June 30, 2007 through November 30, 2007, these fees paid to MFSC amounted

 

42


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

to $6,055. MFSC may also receive payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses paid by MFSC on behalf of the fund. For the year ended November 30, 2007, no out-of-pocket expenses were incurred by the fund.

Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees – For the period December 15, 2006 through June 29, 2007, the fund entered into a Financial Reporting Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company (“State Street”) and Columbia (the “Financial Reporting Services Agreement”) pursuant to which State Street provided financial reporting services to the fund. Also effective December 15, 2006 through June 29, 2007, the fund entered into an Accounting Services Agreement with State Street and Columbia (collectively with the Financial Reporting Services Agreement, the “State Street Agreements”) pursuant to which State Street provided accounting services to the fund. Under these former agreements with State Street, the fund paid State Street an annual fee of $38,000 paid monthly. In addition, the fund paid State Street a monthly fee based on an annualized percentage rate of average daily net assets of the fund for the month. The fund also reimbursed State Street for certain out-of-pocket expenses and charges.

For the period December 15, 2006 through June 29, 2007, the fund entered into a Pricing and Bookkeeping Oversight and Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Columbia. Under the Services Agreement, Columbia provided services related to the fund’s expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and provided oversight of the accounting and financial reporting services provided by State Street. Under the Services Agreement, the fund reimbursed Columbia for out-of-pocket expenses and direct internal costs relating to accounting oversight and for services relating to the fund’s expenses and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Prior to December 15, 2006, Columbia was responsible for providing pricing and bookkeeping services to the fund under a pricing and bookkeeping agreement and was entitled to receive an annual fee at the same fee structure described above under the State Street Agreements. Under separate agreements between Columbia and State Street, Columbia delegated certain functions to State Street. The fund also reimbursed Columbia and State Street for out-of-pocket expenses and charges, including fees payable to third parties for pricing the fund’s portfolio securities and direct internal costs incurred by Columbia in connection with providing fund accounting oversight and monitoring and certain other services.

For the period from December 1, 2006 through June 29, 2007, the total amount paid to affiliates by the fund, under these agreements, inclusive of out-of-pocket expenses, was $14,869, which was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0103% of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of auction preferred shares). This amount is included in the custodian fee in the Statement of Operations.

 

43


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

Administrator – Effective June 30, 2007, 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 a fixed amount plus a fee based on average daily net assets (including the value of auction preferred shares). The fund’s annual fixed amount is $17,500.

The administrative services fee incurred for the period from June 30, 2007 through November 30, 2007 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0194% of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of auction preferred shares).

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

Prior to June 30, 2007, all former officers of the fund were employees of Columbia or its affiliates and, with the exception of the fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, received no compensation from the fund. The former Board of Trustees had appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to the fund in accordance with federal securities regulations. The fund, along with other funds managed by Columbia, paid its pro-rata share of the expenses associated with the Chief Compliance Officer. The fund’s expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer did not exceed $15,000 per year. The former trustees, officers, and Chief Compliance Officer resigned effective the close of business June 29, 2007.

Deferred Trustee Compensation – The fund’s former independent trustees participated in a Deferred Compensation Plan (the Plan). The fund’s current independent trustees are not allowed to defer compensation under the Plan. Deferred amounts represent an unsecured obligation of the fund until distributed in accordance with the Plan. Included in other assets and payable for independent trustees’ compensation is $29,920 of deferred trustees’ compensation.

Other – This fund and certain other MFS funds (the funds) have entered into a services agreement (the Agreement) which provides for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) for the funds. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreement. For the period from June 30, 2007 through November 30, 2007,

 

44


Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

the fee paid to Tarantino LLC was $317. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the funds to Tarantino LLC in the amount of $314, which is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO.

 

(4)   Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. government securities, purchased option transactions, and short-term obligations, aggregated $72,447,450 and $90,154,955, 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:

 

    

Year ended

11/30/07

  

Year ended

11/30/06

     Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
   42,670    $249,082    25,960    $152,038

 

(6)   Line of Credit

The fund is permitted to have bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes to fund shareholder redemptions. The fund has established borrowing arrangements with certain banks. The interest rate on the borrowings is equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus 0.30%. The fund had no significant borrowings during the year.

 

(7)   Auction Preferred Shares

The fund issued 3,600 shares of Auction Preferred Shares (APS). Dividends are cumulative at a rate that is reset every seven days through an auction process. During the year ended November 30, 2007, the dividend rates ranged from 3.40% to 4.30%. The fund pays an annual fee equivalent to 0.25% of the preferred share liquidation value for remarketing efforts associated with the preferred auction. The APS are redeemable at the option of the fund in whole or in part at the redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The APS are also subject to mandatory redemption if certain requirements relating to its asset maintenance coverage are not satisfied. The fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the APS as defined in the fund’s By-Laws and the Investment Company Act of 1940. Should these requirements not be met, or should dividends accrued on the APS not be paid, the fund may be restricted in its ability to declare dividends to common shareholders or may be required to redeem certain APS. At November 30, 2007, there were no such restrictions on the fund.

 

45


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (formerly Colonial Municipal Income Trust) (the Fund), including the portfolio of investments, as of November 30, 2007, and the related statement of operations, the statement of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit. The statement of changes in net assets for the period ended November 30, 2006 and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm whose report, dated January 25, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion on that statement of changes in net assets and those financial highlights.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2007, by correspondence with the Fund’s custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MFS High Yield Municipal Trust at November 30, 2007, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and its financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

January 16, 2008

 

46


 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS — IDENTIFICATION AND BACKGROUND

The Trustees and officers of the Trust, as of January 1, 2008, are listed below, together with their principal occupations during the past five years. (Their titles may have varied during that period.) The address of each Trustee and officer is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

 

Name, Date of Birth

 

Position(s) Held
with Fund

   Trustee/Officer
Since(h)
  

Principal Occupations During
the Past Five Years & Other
Directorships(j)

INTERESTED TRUSTEES      
Robert J. Manning(k)
(born 10/20/63)
  Trustee    February 2004    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Investment Officer and Director
Robert C. Pozen(k)
(born 8/08/46)
  Trustee    February 2004    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Chairman (since February 2004); MIT Sloan School (education), Senior Lecturer (since 2006); Secretary of Economic Affairs, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (January 2002 to December 2002); Fidelity Investments, Vice Chairman (June 2000 to December 2001); Fidelity Management & Research Company (investment adviser), President (March 1997 to July 2001); Bell Canada Enterprises (telecommunications), Director; Medtronic, Inc. (medical technology), Director; Telesat (satellite communications), Director
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES      
J. Atwood Ives
(born 5/01/36)
  Trustee and Chair of Trustees    February 1992    Private investor; Eastern Enterprises (diversified services company), Chairman, Trustee and Chief Executive Officer (until November 2000)
Robert E. Butler(n)
(born 11/29/41)
  Trustee    January 2006    Consultant – regulatory and compliance matters (since July 2002); PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (professional services firm), Partner (until 2002)

 

47


Name, Date of Birth

 

Position(s) Held
with Fund

   Trustee/Officer
Since(h)
  

Principal Occupations During
the Past Five Years & Other
Directorships(j)

Lawrence H. Cohn, M.D.
(born 3/11/37)
  Trustee    August 1993    Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Chief of Cardiac Surgery (2005); Harvard Medical School, Professor of Cardiac Surgery; Physician Director of Medical Device Technology for Partners HealthCare
David H. Gunning
(born 5/30/42)
  Trustee    January 2004    Retired; Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (mining products and service provider), Vice Chairman/Director (until May 2007); Portman Limited (mining), Director (since 2005); Encinitos Ventures (private investment company), Principal (1997 to April 2001); Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (welding equipment manufacturer), Director
William R. Gutow
(born 9/27/41)
  Trustee    December 1993    Private investor and real estate consultant; Capitol Entertainment Management Company (video franchise), Vice Chairman; Atlantic Coast Tan (tanning salons), Vice Chairman (since 2002)
Michael Hegarty
(born 12/21/44)
  Trustee    December 2004    Retired; AXA Financial (financial services and insurance), Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer (until May 2001); The Equitable Life Assurance Society (insurance), President and Chief Operating Officer (until May 2001)
Lawrence T. Perera
(born 6/23/35)
  Trustee    July 1981    Hemenway & Barnes (attorneys), Partner
J. Dale Sherratt
(born 9/23/38)
  Trustee    August 1993    Insight Resources, Inc. (acquisition planning specialists), President; Wellfleet Investments (investor in health care companies), Managing General Partner (since 1993); Cambridge Nutraceuticals (professional nutritional products), Chief Executive Officer (until May 2001)

 

48


Name, Date of Birth

 

Position(s) Held
with Fund

   Trustee/Officer
Since(h)
  

Principal Occupations During
the Past Five Years & Other
Directorships(j)

Laurie J. Thomsen
(born 8/05/57)
  Trustee    March 2005    New Profit, Inc. (venture philanthropy), Partner (since 2006); Private investor; Prism Venture Partners (venture capital), Co-founder and General Partner (until June 2004); The Travelers Companies (commercial property liability insurance), Director
Robert W. Uek
(born 5/18/41)
  Trustee    January 2006    Retired (since 1999); PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (professional services firm), Partner (until 1999); Consultant to investment company industry (since 2000); TT International Funds (mutual fund complex), Trustee (2000 until 2005); Hillview Investment Trust II Funds (mutual fund complex), Trustee (2000 until 2005)
OFFICERS        
Maria F. Dwyer(k)
(born 12/01/58)
  President    November 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer (since March 2004) Chief Compliance Officer (since December 2006); Fidelity Management & Research Company, Vice President (prior to March 2004); Fidelity Group of Funds, President and Treasurer (prior to March 2004)
Tracy Atkinson(k)
(born 12/30/64)
  Treasurer    September 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President (since September 2004); PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Partner (prior to September 2004)
Christopher R. Bohane(k)
(born 1/18/74)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    July 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Senior Counsel (since April 2003); Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP (law firm), Associate (prior to April 2003)
Ethan D. Corey(k)
(born 11/21/63)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    July 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel (since April 2006); Special Counsel (prior to April 2006); Dechert LLP (law firm), Counsel (prior to December 2004)

 

49


Name, Date of Birth

 

Position(s) Held
with Fund

   Trustee/Officer
Since(h)
  

Principal Occupations During
the Past Five Years & Other
Directorships(j)

David L. DiLorenzo(k)
(born 8/10/68)
  Assistant Treasurer    July 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President (since June 2005); JP Morgan Investor Services, Vice President (prior to June 2005)
Timothy M. Fagan(k)
(born 7/10/68)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    September 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Senior Counsel (since September 2005); John Hancock Advisers, LLC, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (September 2004 to August 2005), Senior Attorney (prior to September 2004); John Hancock Group of Funds, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (September 2004 to December 2004)
Mark D. Fischer(k)
(born 10/27/70)
  Assistant Treasurer    July 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President (since May 2005); JP Morgan Investment Management Company, Vice President (prior to May 2005)
Brian E. Langenfeld(k)
(born 3/07/73)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    June 2006    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Assistant Vice President and Counsel (since May 2006); John Hancock Advisers, LLC, Assistant Vice President and Counsel (May 2005 to April 2006); John Hancock Advisers, LLC, Attorney and Assistant Secretary (prior to May 2005)
Ellen Moynihan(k)
(born 11/13/57)
  Assistant Treasurer    April 1997    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President
Susan S. Newton(k)
(born 3/07/50)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    May 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel (since April 2005); John Hancock Advisers, LLC, Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (prior to April 2005); John Hancock Group of Funds, Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (prior to April 2005)

 

50


 

Name, Date of Birth

 

Position(s) Held
with Fund

   Trustee/Officer
Since(h)
  

Principal Occupations During
the Past Five Years & Other
Directorships(j)

Susan A. Pereira(k)
(born 11/05/70)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    July 2005    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Senior Counsel (since June 2004); Bingham McCutchen LLP (law firm), Associate (prior to June 2004)
Mark N. Polebaum(k)
(born 5/01/52)
  Secretary and Clerk    January 2006    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (since January 2006); Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (law firm), Partner (prior to January 2006)
Frank L. Tarantino
(born 3/07/44)
  Independent Chief Compliance Officer    June 2004    Tarantino LLC (provider of compliance services), Principal (since June 2004); CRA Business Strategies Group (consulting services), Executive Vice President (April 2003 to June 2004); David L. Babson & Co. (investment adviser), Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer and Director (prior to March 2003)
Richard S. Weitzel(k)
(born 7/16/70)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk    October 2007    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel (since 2007); Vice President and Senior Counsel (since May 2004); Massachusetts Department of Business and Technology, General Counsel (February 2003 to April 2004); Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General (April 2001 to February 2003); Ropes and Gray, Associate (prior to April 2001)
James O. Yost(k)
(born 6/12/60)
  Assistant Treasurer    September 1990    Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President

(h) Date first appointed to serve as Trustee/officer of an MFS fund. Each Trustee has served continuously since appointment unless indicated otherwise.
(j) Directorships or trusteeships of companies required to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (i.e., “public companies”).
(k) “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (referred to as the 1940 Act), which is the principal federal law governing investment companies like the fund, as a result of position with MFS. The address of MFS is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
(n)

In 2004 and 2005, Mr. Butler provided consulting services to the independent compliance consultant retained by MFS pursuant to its settlement with the SEC concerning market timing and related matters. The

 

51


 

 

terms of that settlement required that compensation and expenses related to the independent compliance consultant be borne exclusively by MFS and, therefore, MFS paid Mr. Butler for the services he rendered to the independent compliance consultant. In 2004 and 2005, MFS paid Mr. Butler a total of $351,119.29.

The Fund holds annual shareholder meetings for the purpose of electing Trustees, and Trustees are elected for fixed terms. The Board of Trustees is currently divided into three classes, each having a term of three years.

Each year the term of one class expires. Each Trustee’s term of office expires on the date of the third annual meeting following the election to office of the Trustee’s class. Each Trustee and officer will serve until next elected or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.

Messrs. Butler, Gutow, Sherratt and Uek and Ms. Thomsen are members of the Fund’s Audit Committee.

Each of the Fund’s Trustees and officers holds comparable positions with certain other funds of which MFS or a subsidiary is the investment adviser or distributor, and, in the case of the officers, with certain affiliates of MFS. As of January 1, 2008, the Trustees served as board members of 100 funds within the MFS Family of Funds.

The Statement of Additional Information for the Fund and further information about the Trustees are available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-225-2606.

On June 25, 2007, Christopher L. Wilson, as Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, certified to the New York Stock Exchange that as of the date of his certification he was not aware of any violation by the Fund of the corporate governance listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Fund filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the certifications of its principal executive officer and principal financial officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2003 as an exhibit to the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period covered by this report.


 

Investment Adviser   Custodian
Massachusetts Financial Services Company   State Street Bank and Trust Company
500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116-3741   225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
Portfolio Manager   Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Gary Lasman   Ernst & Young LLP
Geoffrey Schechter   200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116

 

52


 

BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

A discussion regarding the Board’s most recent review and renewal of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is available by clicking on the fund’s name under “Products and Performance – Closed-End Funds” on 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. The fund’s Form N-Q 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. The fund’s Form N-Q is available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information 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.

A shareholder can also obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com.

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)

The fund will notify shareholders of amounts for use in preparing 2007 income tax forms in January 2008. The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Of the dividends paid from net investment income during the fiscal year, 100% is designated as exempt interest dividends for federal income tax purposes. If the fund has earned income on private activity bonds, a portion of the dividends paid may be considered a tax preference item for purposes of computing a shareholder’s alternative minimum tax.

 

53


 

MFS® PRIVACY NOTICE

Privacy is a concern for every investor today. At MFS Investment Management® and the MFS funds, we take this concern very seriously. We want you to understand our policies about the investment products and services that we offer, and how we protect the nonpublic personal information of investors who have a direct relationship with us and our wholly owned subsidiaries.

Throughout our business relationship, you provide us with personal information. We maintain information and records about you, your investments, and the services you use. Examples of the nonpublic personal information we maintain include

 

  Ÿ  

data from investment applications and other forms

  Ÿ  

share balances and transactional history with us, our affiliates, or others

  Ÿ  

facts from a consumer reporting agency

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law. We may share nonpublic personal information with third parties or certain of our affiliates in connection with servicing your account or processing your transactions. We may share information with companies or financial institutions that perform marketing services on our behalf or with other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing arrangements, subject to any legal requirements.

Authorization to access your nonpublic personal information is limited to appropriate personnel who provide products, services, or information to you. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to help protect the personal information we collect about you.

If you have any questions about the MFS privacy policy, please call 1-800-225-2606 any business day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Note: If you own MFS products or receive MFS services in the name of a third party such as a bank or broker-dealer, their privacy policy may apply to you instead of ours.

 

54


 

CONTACT INFORMATION AND NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS

Investor Information

Transfer Agent, Registrar and Dividend Disbursing Agent

 

Call    1-800-637-2304 any business day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time
Write to:   

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

Number of Shareholders

As of November 30, 2007, our records indicate that there are 1,626 registered shareholders and approximately 6,667 shareholders owning fund shares in “street” name, such as through brokers, banks, and other financial intermediaries.

If you are a “street” name shareholder and wish to directly receive our reports, which contain certain important information about the fund, please write or call:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

1-800-637-2304

LOGO

500 Boylson Street, Boston, MA 02116


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

The Registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and as defined in Form N-CSR that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. On June 29, 2007, the Registrant amended and restated its Code of Ethics as that term is defined in paragraph (b) of Item 2 of Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Messrs. Robert E. Butler and Robert W. Uek and Ms. Laurie J. Thomsen, members of the Audit Committee, have been determined by the Board of Trustees in their reasonable business judgment to meet the definition of “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Form N-CSR. In addition, Messrs. Butler, and Uek and Ms. Thomsen are “independent” members of the Audit Committee (as such term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). The Securities and Exchange Commission has stated that the designation of a person as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item 3 on the Form N-CSR does not impose on such a person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Items 4(a) through 4(d) and 4(g):

Prior to June 29, 2007, the Board of Trustees had appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PWC”) to serve as independent accountants to the Registrant (hereinafter the “Registrant” or the “Fund”). The tables below set forth the audit fees billed to the Fund as well as fees for non-audit services provided to the Fund and/or to the Fund’s former investment adviser, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC (“Columbia”), and to various entities either controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Columbia that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Columbia Related Entities”). On June 29, 2007, the Board of Trustees appointed Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) to serve as independent accountants to the Registrant. The tables below set forth the audit fees billed to the Fund as well as fees for non-audit services provided to the Fund and/or to the Fund’s investment adviser as of June 29, 2007, Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”), and to various entities either controlling, controlled by, or under common control with MFS that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“MFS Related Entities”).


For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006, audit fees billed to the Fund by PWC and E&Y, as the case may be, were as follows:

Fees billed by PWC:

 

     Audit Fees
      2007    2006

MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

   0    32,000

Fees billed by E&Y:

 

      2007    2006

MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

   45,200    N/A

For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006, fees billed by PWC for audit-related, tax and other services provided to the Fund and for audit-related, tax and other services provided to Columbia and Columbia Related Entities were as follows:

Fees billed by PWC:

 

     Audit-Related Fees1    Tax Fees2    All Other Fees3
      2007    2006    2007    2006    2007    2006

To MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

   5,600    13,730    3,500    3,904    0    0

To Columbia and Columbia Related Entities of MFS High Yield Municipal Trust*

   0    0    0    0    357,970    505,490

Aggregate fees for non-audit services:

 

     2007    2006

To MFS High Yield Municipal Trust, Columbia and Columbia Related Entities#

   367,070    523,124

For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006, billed by E&Y for audit-related, tax and other services provided to the Fund and for audit-related, tax and other services provided to MFS and MFS Related Entities were as follows:

Fees billed by E&Y:

 

     Audit-Related Fees1    Tax Fees2    All Other Fees3
      2007    2006    2007    2006    2007    2006

To MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

   0    N/A    8,550    N/A    0    N/A

To MFS and MFS Related Entities of MFS High Yield Municipal Trust**

   0    N/A    0    N/A    0    N/A


Aggregate fees for non-audit services:

 

     2007    2006

To MFS High Yield Municipal Trust, MFS and MFS Related Entities# #

   123,959    N/A

 

*

This amount reflects the fees billed to Columbia and Columbia Related Entities for non-audit services relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund.

 

# This amount reflects the aggregate fees billed by PWC for non-audit services rendered to the Fund and for non-audit services rendered to Columbia and the Columbia Related Entities.

 

**

This amount reflects the fees billed to MFS and MFS Related Entities for non-audit services relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund (portions of which services also related to the operations and financial reporting of other funds within the MFS Funds complex).

 

## This amount reflects the aggregate fees billed by E&Y for non-audit services rendered to the Fund and for non-audit services rendered to MFS and the MFS Related Entities.

 

1

The fees included under “Audit-Related Fees” are fees for products and services provided by PWC or E&Y related to assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements, but not reported under “Audit Fees,” including accounting consultations, agreed-upon procedure reports, attestation reports, comfort letters, rating agency reviews, and internal control reviews.

 

2

The fees included under “Tax Fees” are fees for products and services provided by PWC or E&Y associated with tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, including services relating to the filing or amendment of federal, state or local income tax returns, regulated investment company qualification reviews and tax distribution and analysis.

 

3

The fees included under “All Other Fees” are fees for products and services provided by PWC or E&Y other than those reported under “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees,” including fees for the subscription to tax treatise and for services related to analysis of fund administrative expenses, compliance program and records management projects.

 

Item 4(e)(1):

Set forth below are the policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees on June 29, 2007 relating to the pre-approval of audit and non-audit related services:

To the extent required by applicable law, pre-approval by the Audit Committee of the Board is needed for all audit and permissible non-audit services rendered to the Fund and all permissible non-audit services rendered to MFS or MFS Related Entities if the services relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant. Pre-approval is currently on an engagement-by-engagement basis. In the event pre-approval of such


services is necessary between regular meetings of the Audit Committee and it is not practical to wait to seek pre-approval at the next regular meeting of the Audit Committee, pre-approval of such services may be referred to the Chair of the Audit Committee for approval; provided that the Chair may not pre-approve any individual engagement for such services exceeding $50,000 or multiple engagements for such services in the aggregate exceeding $100,000 between such regular meetings of the Audit Committee. Any engagement pre-approved by the Chair between regular meetings of the Audit Committee shall be presented for ratification by the entire Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Item 4(e)(2):

For any period covered by this Form N-CSR and prior to June 29, 2007, none or 0%, of the services relating to the Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees paid by the Fund and Columbia and Columbia Related Entities relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant disclosed above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraphs (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (which permits audit committee approval after the start of the engagement with respect to services other than audit, review or attest services, if certain conditions are satisfied). For any period covered by this Form N-CSR on or after June 29, 2007, none, or 0%, of the services relating to the Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees paid by the Fund and MFS and MFS Related Entities relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant disclosed above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraphs (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (which permits audit committee approval after the start of the engagement with respect to services other than audit, review or attest services, if certain conditions are satisfied).

Item 4(f): Not applicable.

Item 4(h): For any period covered by this Form N-CSR and prior to June 29, 2007, the Registrant’s Audit Committee considered whether the provision by PWC of non-audit services to Columbia and Columbia Related Entities that were not pre-approved by the Committee (because such services were provided prior to the effectiveness of SEC rules requiring pre-approval or because such services did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant) was compatible with maintaining the independence of PWC as the Registrant’s principal auditors. For any period covered by this Form N-CSR on or after June 29, 2007, the Registrant’s Audit Committee considered whether the provision by a E&Y of non-audit services to MFS and MFS Related Entities that were not pre-approved by the Committee (because such services were provided prior to the effectiveness of SEC rules requiring pre-approval or because such services did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant) was compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm as the Registrant’s principal auditors.


ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

The Registrant has an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Robert E. Butler, William R. Gutow, J. Dale Sherratt and Robert W. Uek and Ms. Laurie J. Thomsen.

 

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

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

 

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

On June 29, 2007, Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) became the investment adviser to the Registrant. The Board of Trustees and the Board of Managers of the investment companies (the “MFS Funds”) advised by MFS have delegated to MFS the right and obligation to vote proxies for shares that are owned by the MFS Funds, in accordance with MFS’ proxy voting policies and procedures (the “MFS Proxy Policies”). The MFS Proxy Policies are set forth below:

MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

March 1, 2007

Massachusetts Financial Services Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. and MFS’ other investment adviser subsidiaries (collectively, “MFS”) have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures, as set forth below (“MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures”), with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has the power to vote proxies, including the registered investment companies sponsored by MFS, other than the MFS Union Standard Equity Fund (the “MFS Funds”). References to “clients” in these policies and procedures include the MFS Funds and other clients of MFS, such as funds organized offshore, sub-advised funds and separate account clients, to the extent these clients have delegated to MFS the responsibility to vote proxies on their behalf under the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include:

 

  A. Voting Guidelines;

 

  B. Administrative Procedures;

 

  C. Monitoring System;

 

  D. Records Retention; and

 

  E. Reports.


A. VOTING GUIDELINES

 

1. General Policy; Potential Conflicts of Interest

MFS’ policy is that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in the interests of any other party or in MFS’ corporate interests, including interests such as the distribution of MFS Fund shares, administration of 401(k) plans, and institutional relationships.

MFS periodically reviews matters that are presented for shareholder vote by either management or shareholders of public companies. Based on the overall principle that all votes cast by MFS on behalf of its clients must be in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of such clients, MFS has adopted proxy voting guidelines, set forth below, that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote. In all cases, MFS will exercise its discretion in voting on these matters in accordance with this overall principle. In other words, the underlying guidelines are simply that – guidelines. Proxy items of significance are often considered on a case-by-case basis, in light of all relevant facts and circumstances, and in certain cases MFS may vote proxies in a manner different from these guidelines.

As a general matter, MFS maintains a consistent voting position on similar proxy proposals with respect to various issuers. In addition, MFS generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client accounts. However, MFS recognizes that there are gradations in certain types of proposals that might result in different voting positions being taken with respect to different proxy statements. There also may be situations involving matters presented for shareholder vote that are not governed by the guidelines. Some items that otherwise would be acceptable will be voted against the proponent when it is seeking extremely broad flexibility without offering a valid explanation. MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular shareholder vote when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients.

From time to time, MFS receives comments on these guidelines as well as regarding particular voting issues from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these guidelines each year and revises them as appropriate.

These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its affiliates that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see Sections B.2 and E below), and shall ultimately vote the relevant proxies in


what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring and reporting with respect to such potential material conflicts of interest.

 

2. MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues

Election of Directors

MFS believes that good governance should be based on a board with at least a simple majority of directors who are “independent” of management, and whose key committees (e.g., compensation, nominating, and audit committees) are comprised entirely of “independent” directors. While MFS generally supports the board’s nominees in uncontested elections, we will withhold our vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a nominee to a board of a U.S. issuer if, as a result of such nominee being elected to the board, the board would be comprised of a majority of members who are not “independent” or, alternatively, the compensation, nominating or audit committees would include members who are not “independent.”

MFS will also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a nominee to a board if we can determine that he or she failed to attend at least 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason stated in the proxy materials. In addition, MFS will withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, all nominees standing for re-election to a board if we can determine: (1) since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval, the board or its compensation committee has re-priced underwater stock options; or (2) since the last annual meeting, the board has either implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval or has not taken responsive action to a majority shareholder approved resolution recommending that the “poison pill” be rescinded. Responsive action would include the rescission of the “poison pill”(without a broad reservation to reinstate the “poison pill” in the event of a hostile tender offer), or assurance in the proxy materials that the terms of the “poison pill” would be put to a binding shareholder vote within the next five to seven years.

MFS will also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a nominee (other than a nominee who serves as the issuer’s Chief Executive Officer) standing for re-election if such nominee participated (as a director or committee member) in the approval of a senior executive compensation package MFS deems to be “excessive.” In the event that MFS determines that an issuer has adopted an “excessive” executive compensation package, MFS will withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, the re-election of the issuer’s Chief Executive Officer as director regardless of whether the Chief Executive Officer participated in the approval of the package. MFS will determine whether a senior executive compensation package is excessive on a case by case basis. Examples of “excessive” executive compensation packages include packages that contain egregious employment contract terms or pension payouts, backdated stock options, overly generous hiring bonuses for chief executive officers or packages which include excessive perks.


MFS evaluates a contested election of directors on a case-by-case basis considering the long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry, management’s track record, the qualifications of the nominees for both slates and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders.

MFS votes for reasonably crafted proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company’s bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g., contested elections) (“Majority Vote Proposals”).

MFS considers voting against Majority Vote Proposals if the company has adopted, or has proposed to adopt in the proxy statement, formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and provide an adequate response to both new nominees as well as incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast.

MFS believes that a company’s election policy should address the specific circumstances at that company. MFS considers whether a company’s election policy articulates the following elements to address each director nominee who fails to receive an affirmative majority of votes cast in an election:

 

   

Establish guidelines for the process by which the company determines the status of nominees who fail to receive an affirmative majority of votes cast and disclose the guidelines in the annual proxy statement;

 

   

Guidelines should include a reasonable timetable for resolution of the nominee’s status and a requirement that the resolution be disclosed together with the reasons for the resolution;

 

   

Vest management of the process in the company’s independent directors, other than the nominee in question; and

 

   

Outline the range of remedies that the independent directors may consider concerning the nominee.

Classified Boards

MFS opposes proposals to classify a board (e.g., a board in which only one-third of board members are elected each year). MFS supports proposals to declassify a board.

Non-Salary Compensation Programs

MFS votes against stock option programs for officers, employees or non-employee directors that do not require an investment by the optionee, that give “free rides” on the stock price, or that permit grants of stock options with an exercise price below fair market value on the date the options are granted.


MFS also opposes stock option programs that allow the board or the compensation committee, without shareholder approval, to reprice underwater options or to automatically replenish shares (i.e., evergreen plans). MFS will consider on a case-by-case basis proposals to exchange existing options for newly issued options (taking into account such factors as whether there is a reasonable value-for-value exchange).

MFS opposes stock option programs and restricted stock plans that provide unduly generous compensation for officers, directors or employees, or could result in excessive dilution to other shareholders. As a general guideline, MFS votes against restricted stock plans, stock option, non-employee director, omnibus stock plans and any other stock plan if all such plans for a particular company involve potential dilution, in the aggregate, of more than 15%. However, MFS may accept a higher percentage (up to 20%) in the case of startup or small companies which cannot afford to pay large salaries to executives, or in the case where MFS, based upon the issuer’s public disclosures, believes that the issuer has been responsible with respect to its recent compensation practices, including the mix of the issuance of restricted stock and options.

Expensing of Stock Options

MFS supports shareholder proposals to expense stock options because we believe that the expensing of options presents a more accurate picture of the company’s financial results to investors. We also believe that companies are likely to be more disciplined when granting options if the value of stock options were treated as an expense item on the company’s income statements.

Executive Compensation

MFS believes that competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. Therefore, except as provided in paragraph 2 above with respect to “excessive compensation” and the election of directors, MFS opposes shareholder proposals that seek to set restrictions on executive compensation. MFS also opposes shareholder requests for disclosure on executive compensation beyond regulatory requirements because we believe that current regulatory requirements for disclosure of executive compensation are appropriate and that additional disclosure is often unwarranted and costly. Although we support linking executive stock option grants to a company’s performance, MFS opposes shareholder proposals that mandate a link of performance-based options to a specific industry or peer group stock index. MFS believes that compensation committees should retain the flexibility to propose the appropriate index or other criteria by which performance-based options should be measured.

MFS supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals that (i) require the issuer to adopt a policy to recover the portion of performance-based bonuses and awards paid to senior executives that were not earned based upon a significant negative restatement of earnings unless the company already has adopted a clearly satisfactory policy on the matter, or (ii) expressly prohibit any future backdating of stock options.


Employee Stock Purchase Plans

MFS supports the use of a broad-based employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value and do not result in excessive dilution.

“Golden Parachutes”

From time to time, shareholders of companies have submitted proxy proposals that would require shareholder approval of severance packages for executive officers that exceed certain predetermined thresholds. MFS votes in favor of such shareholder proposals when they would require shareholder approval of any severance package for an executive officer that exceeds a certain multiple of such officer’s annual compensation that is not determined in MFS’ judgment to be excessive.

Anti-Takeover Measures

In general, MFS votes against any measure that inhibits capital appreciation in a stock, including proposals that protect management from action by shareholders. These types of proposals take many forms, ranging from “poison pills” and “shark repellents” to super-majority requirements.

MFS will vote for proposals to rescind existing “poison pills” and proposals that would require shareholder approval to adopt prospective “poison pills.” Nevertheless, MFS will consider supporting the adoption of a prospective “poison pill” or the continuation of an existing “poison pill” if we can determine that the following two conditions are met: (1) the “poison pill” allows MFS clients to hold an aggregate position of up to 15% of a company’s total voting securities (and of any class of voting securities); and (2) either (a) the “poison pill” has a term of not longer than five years, provided that MFS will consider voting in favor of the “poison pill” if the term does not exceed seven years and the “poison pill” is linked to a business strategy or purpose that MFS believes is likely to result in greater value for shareholders; or (b) the terms of the “poison pill” allow MFS clients the opportunity to accept a fairly structured and attractively priced tender offer (e.g., a “chewable poison pill” that automatically dissolves in the event of an all cash, all shares tender offer at a premium price).

MFS will consider on a case-by-case basis proposals designed to prevent tenders which are disadvantageous to shareholders such as tenders at below market prices and tenders for substantially less than all shares of an issuer.

Reincorporation and Reorganization Proposals

When presented with a proposal to reincorporate a company under the laws of a different state, or to effect some other type of corporate reorganization, MFS considers the underlying purpose and ultimate effect of such a proposal in determining whether or not to


support such a measure. While MFS generally votes in favor of management proposals that it believes are in the best long-term economic interests of its clients, MFS may oppose such a measure if, for example, the intent or effect would be to create additional inappropriate impediments to possible acquisitions or takeovers.

Issuance of Stock

There are many legitimate reasons for the issuance of stock. Nevertheless, as noted above under “Non-Salary Compensation Programs,” when a stock option plan (either individually or when aggregated with other plans of the same company) would substantially dilute the existing equity (e.g. by approximately 15% or more), MFS generally votes against the plan. In addition, MFS votes against proposals where management is asking for authorization to issue common or preferred stock with no reason stated (a “blank check”) because the unexplained authorization could work as a potential anti-takeover device. MFS may also vote against the authorization or issuance of common or preferred stock if MFS determines that the requested authorization is not warranted.

Repurchase Programs

MFS supports proposals to institute share repurchase plans in which all shareholders have the opportunity to participate on an equal basis. Such plans may include a company acquiring its own shares on the open market, or a company making a tender offer to its own shareholders.

Confidential Voting

MFS votes in favor of proposals to ensure that shareholder voting results are kept confidential. For example, MFS supports proposals that would prevent management from having access to shareholder voting information that is compiled by an independent proxy tabulation firm.

Cumulative Voting

MFS opposes proposals that seek to introduce cumulative voting and for proposals that seek to eliminate cumulative voting. In either case, MFS will consider whether cumulative voting is likely to enhance the interests of MFS’ clients as minority shareholders. In our view, shareholders should provide names of qualified candidates to a company’s nominating committee, which (for U.S. listed companies) must be comprised solely of “independent” directors.

Written Consent and Special Meetings

Because the shareholder right to act by written consent (without calling a formal meeting of shareholders) can be a powerful tool for shareholders, MFS generally opposes proposals that would prevent shareholders from taking action without a formal meeting or would take away a shareholder’s right to call a special meeting of company shareholders.


Independent Auditors

MFS believes that the appointment of auditors for U.S. issuers is best left to the board of directors of the company and therefore supports the ratification of the board’s selection of an auditor for the company. Some shareholder groups have submitted proposals to limit the non-audit activities of a company’s audit firm or prohibit any non-audit services by a company’s auditors to that company. MFS opposes proposals recommending the prohibition or limitation of the performance of non-audit services by an auditor, and proposals recommending the removal of a company’s auditor due to the performance of non-audit work for the company by its auditor. MFS believes that the board, or its audit committee, should have the discretion to hire the company’s auditor for specific pieces of non-audit work in the limited situations permitted under current law.

Other Corporate Governance, Corporate Responsibility and Social Issues

There are many groups advocating social change or changes to corporate governance or corporate responsibility standards, and many have chosen the publicly-held corporation as a vehicle for advancing their agenda. Generally, MFS votes with management on such proposals unless MFS can determine that the benefit to shareholders will outweigh any costs or disruptions to the business if the proposal were adopted. Common among the shareholder proposals that MFS generally votes against are proposals requiring the company to use corporate resources to further a particular social objective outside the business of the company, to refrain from investing or conducting business in certain countries, to adhere to some list of goals or principles (e.g., environmental standards), to disclose political contributions made by the issuer, to separate the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions, or to promulgate special reports on various activities or proposals for which no discernible shareholder economic advantage is evident.

The laws of various states may regulate how the interests of certain clients subject to those laws (e.g., state pension plans) are voted with respect to social issues. Thus, it may be necessary to cast ballots differently for certain clients than MFS might normally do for other clients.

Foreign Issuers

Many of the items on foreign proxies involve repetitive, non-controversial matters that are mandated by local law. Accordingly, the items that are generally deemed routine and which do not require the exercise of judgment under these guidelines (and therefore voted in favor) for foreign issuers include the following: (i) receiving financial statements or other reports from the board; (ii) approval of declarations of dividends; (iii) appointment of shareholders to sign board meeting minutes; (iv) discharge of management and supervisory boards; and (v) approval of share repurchase programs.

MFS generally supports the election of a director nominee standing for re-election in uncontested elections unless it can be determined that (1) he or she failed to attend at least 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a


valid reason given in the proxy materials; (2) since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval, the board or its compensation committee has re-priced underwater stock options; or (3) since the last annual meeting, the board has either implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval or has not taken responsive action to a majority shareholder approved resolution recommending that the “poison pill” be rescinded. MFS will also withhold its vote for, or vote against, as applicable, a director nominee standing for re-election of an issuer that has adopted an excessive compensation package for its senior executives as described above in the section entitled “Voting Guidelines-MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues-Election of Directors.”

MFS generally supports the election of auditors, but may determine to vote against the election of a statutory auditor in certain markets if MFS reasonably believes that the statutory auditor is not truly independent. MFS will evaluate all other items on proxies for foreign companies in the context of the guidelines described above, but will generally vote against an item if there is not sufficient information disclosed in order to make an informed voting decision.

In accordance with local law or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting (“share blocking”). Depending on the country in which a company is domiciled, the blocking period may begin a stated number of days prior to the meeting (e.g., one, three or five days) or on a date established by the company. While practices vary, in many countries the block period can be continued for a longer period if the shareholder meeting is adjourned and postponed to a later date. Similarly, practices vary widely as to the ability of a shareholder to have the “block” restriction lifted early (e.g., in some countries shares generally can be “unblocked” up to two days prior to the meeting whereas in other countries the removal of the block appears to be discretionary with the issuer’s transfer agent). Due to these restrictions, MFS must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. For companies in countries with share blocking periods, the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock regardless of changing conditions generally outweighs the advantages of voting at the shareholder meeting for routine items. Accordingly, MFS will not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote.

 

B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

1. MFS Proxy Voting Committee

The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment Support Departments. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee:

 

  a. Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;


  b. Determines whether any potential material conflicts of interest exist with respect to instances in which (i) MFS seeks to override these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and (ii) votes on ballot items not clearly governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; and

 

  c. Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time.

 

2. Potential Conflicts of Interest

The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its affiliates that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. Any significant attempt to influence MFS’ voting on a particular proxy matter should be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

In cases where proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist. In cases where (i) MFS is considering overriding these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, or (ii) matters presented for vote are not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, or delegees, will follow these procedures:

 

  a. Compare the name of the issuer of such proxy against a list of significant current and potential (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, (ii) retirement plans administered by MFS or its affiliate MFS Retirement Services, Inc. (“RSI”), and (iii) MFS institutional clients (the “MFS Significant Client List”);

 

  b. If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;

 

  c. If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests; and

 

  d. For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuer’s relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS’ Conflicts Officer.


The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Client List, in consultation with MFS’ distribution, institutional business units and RSI. The MFS Significant Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.

 

3. Gathering Proxies

Most proxies received by MFS and its clients originate at Automatic Data Processing Corp. (“ADP”) although a few proxies are transmitted to investors by corporate issuers through their custodians or depositories. ADP and issuers send proxies and related material directly to the record holders of the shares beneficially owned by MFS’ clients, usually to the client’s custodian or, less commonly, to the client itself. This material will include proxy cards, reflecting the shareholdings of Funds and of clients on the record dates for such shareholder meetings, as well as proxy statements with the issuer’s explanation of the items to be voted upon.

MFS, on behalf of itself and the Funds, has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (the “Proxy Administrator”), pursuant to which the Proxy Administrator performs various proxy vote related administrative services, such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions for MFS’ Funds and institutional client accounts. The Proxy Administrator receives proxy statements and proxy cards directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system by an MFS holdings datafeed. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders’ meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

4. Analyzing Proxies

Proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator at the prior direction of MFS automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. With respect to proxy matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, MFS considers and votes on those proxy matters. MFS receives research from ISS which it may take into account in deciding how to vote. In addition, MFS expects to rely on ISS to identify circumstances in which a board may have approved excessive executive compensation. Representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.


As a general matter, portfolio managers and investment analysts have little or no involvement in specific votes taken by MFS. This is designed to promote consistency in the application of MFS’ voting guidelines, to promote consistency in voting on the same or similar issues (for the same or for multiple issuers) across all client accounts, and to minimize the potential that proxy solicitors, issuers, or third parties might attempt to exert inappropriate influence on the vote. In limited types of votes (e.g., corporate actions, such as mergers and acquisitions), a representative of MFS Proxy Voting Committee may consult with or seek recommendations from portfolio managers or analysts.1 However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee would ultimately determine the manner in which all proxies are voted.

As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.

 

5. Voting Proxies

In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS’ clients.

 

C. MONITORING SYSTEM

It is the responsibility of the Proxy Administrator and MFS’ Proxy Voting Committee to monitor the proxy voting process. When proxy materials for clients are received, they are forwarded to the Proxy Administrator and are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system. Through an interface with the portfolio holdings database of MFS, the Proxy Administrator matches a list of all MFS Funds and clients who hold shares of a company’s stock and the number of shares held on the record date with the Proxy Administrator’s listing of any upcoming shareholder’s meeting of that company.

When the Proxy Administrator’s system “tickler” shows that the voting cut-off date of a shareholders’ meeting is approaching, a Proxy Administrator representative checks that the vote for MFS Funds and clients holding that security has been recorded in the computer system. If a proxy card has not been received from the client’s custodian, the Proxy Administrator calls the custodian requesting that the materials be forwarded immediately. If it is not possible to receive the proxy card from the custodian in time to be voted at the meeting, MFS may instruct the custodian to cast the vote in the manner specified and to mail the proxy directly to the issuer.

 

1

From time to time, due to travel schedules and other commitments, an appropriate portfolio manager or research analyst is not available to provide a recommendation on a merger or acquisition proposal. If such a recommendation cannot be obtained prior to the cut-off date of the shareholder meeting, certain members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may determine to abstain from voting.


D. RECORDS RETENTION

MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Board of Managers of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. Proxy solicitation materials, including electronic versions of the proxy cards completed by representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, together with their respective notes and comments, are maintained in an electronic format by the Proxy Administrator and are accessible on-line by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including records generated by the Proxy Administrator’s system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each company’s proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable law.

 

E. REPORTS

MFS Funds

MFS will report the results of its voting to the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Board of Managers of the MFS Funds. These reports will include: (i) a summary of how votes were cast; (ii) a review of situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the guidelines and the rationale therefore; (iii) a review of the procedures used by MFS to identify material conflicts of interest; and (iv) a review of these policies and the guidelines and, as necessary or appropriate, any proposed modifications thereto to reflect new developments in corporate governance and other issues. Based on these reviews, the Trustees, Directors and Managers of the MFS Funds will consider possible modifications to these policies to the extent necessary or advisable.

All MFS Advisory Clients

At any time, a report can be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue.

Generally, MFS will not divulge actual voting practices to any party other than the client or its representatives (unless required by applicable law) because we consider that information to be confidential and proprietary to the client.


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

General. Information regarding the portfolio manager(s) of the MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (the “Fund”) is set forth below.

 

Portfolio Manager

   Primary Role    Since   

Title and Five Year History

Gary Lasman    Portfolio Manager    June 29, 2007    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2002; Senior Municipal Analyst for Liberty Funds Group prior to 2002.
Geoffrey L. Schechter    Portfolio Manager    June 29, 2007    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1993.

Compensation. Portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:

 

   

Base Salary – Base salary represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation (generally below 33%) than incentive compensation.

 

   

Performance Bonus – Performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, with more weight given to the former (generally over 60 %) and less weight given to the latter.

 

   

The quantitative portion is based on pre-tax performance of all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which includes the Fund and any other accounts managed by the portfolio manager) over a one-, three- and five-year period relative to the appropriate Lipper peer group universe and/or benchmark index with respect to each account. (Generally the benchmark index used is a benchmark index set forth in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders to which the Fund’s performance is compared. With respect to funds with multiple portfolio managers, the index used may differ for each portfolio manager, and may not be a benchmark index set forth in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders, but will be an appropriate benchmark index based on the respective portfolio manager’s role in managing the fund.) Additional or different appropriate peer group or benchmark indices may also be used. Primary weight is given to portfolio performance over three-year and five-year time periods with lesser consideration given to portfolio performance over a one-year period (adjusted as appropriate if the portfolio manager has served for less than five years).

 

   

The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (conducted by other portfolio managers, analysts and traders) and management’s assessment of overall portfolio manager contributions to investor relations and the investment process (distinct from fund and other account performance).


Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests and/or options to acquire equity interests in MFS or its parent company are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process, and other factors.

Finally, portfolio managers are provided with a benefits package including a defined contribution plan, health coverage and other insurance, which are available to other employees of MFS on substantially similar terms. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager’s compensation depends upon the length of the individual’s tenure at MFS and salary level, as well as other factors.

Ownership of Fund Shares. The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities of the Fund beneficially owned by the Fund’s portfolio manager as of the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2007. The following dollar ranges apply:

N. None

A. $1 - $10,000

B. $10,001 - $50,000

C. $50,001 - $100,000

D. $100,001 - $500,000

E. $500,001 - $1,000,000

F. Over $1,000,000

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in Fund
Gary Lasman    N
Geoffrey L. Schechter    N

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the Fund’s portfolio manager is responsible (either individually or jointly) for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, the number and total assets of which as of the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

     Registered Investment
Companies
   Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
   Other Accounts

Name

   Number of
Accounts*
   Total Assets*    Number of
Accounts
   Total Assets    Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets

Gary Lasman

   4    $ 2.6 billion    0      N/A    0    N/A

Geoffrey L. Schechter

   13    $ 6.8 billion    1    $ 245.1 million    0    N/A

 

* Includes the Fund.


Advisory fees are not based upon performance of any of the accounts identified in the table above.

Potential Conflicts of Interest. MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager’s management of both the Fund and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts.

The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for the Fund’s portfolio as well as for accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries with similar investment objectives. A Fund’s trade allocation policies may give rise to conflicts of interest if the Fund’s orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of the Fund’s investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform investments selected for the Fund.

When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed by MFS to be fair and equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned. In most cases, however, MFS believes that the Fund’s ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Fund.

MFS does not receive a performance fee for its management of the Fund. As a result, MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the Fund - for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance fee.


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

MFS High Yield Municipal Trust

 

Period

   (a)
Total number
of Shares
Purchased
   (b)
Average Price
Paid per Share
   (c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   (d)
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans
or Programs

12/1/06-12/31/06

   0    N/A    0    0

1/1/07-1/31/07

   0    N/A    0    0

2/1/07-2/28/07

   0    N/A    0    0

3/1/07-3/31/07

   0    N/A    0    0

4/1/07-4/30/07

   0    N/A    0    0

5/1/07-5/31/07

   0    N/A    0    0

6/1/07-6/30/07

   0    N/A    0    0

7/1/07-7/31/07

   0    N/A    0    0

8/1/07-8/31/07

   0    N/A    0    0

9/1/07-9/30/07

   0    N/A    0    0

10/1/07-10/31/07

   0    N/A    0    0

11/1/07-11/30/07

   0    N/A    0    0

Total

   0       0   

Note: The Board of Trustees approves procedures to repurchase shares annually. The notification to shareholders of the program is part of the semi-annual and annual reports sent to shareholders. These annual programs begin on March 1st of each year. The programs conform to the conditions of Rule 10b-18 of the securities Exchange Act of 1934 and limit the aggregate number of shares that may be purchased in each annual period (March 1 through the following February 28) to 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding shares as of the first day of the plan year (March 1). The aggregate number of shares available for purchase for the March 1, 2007 plan year is 0.

 

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 this Item.

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

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

 

(b)

Except as set forth below, 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 Registrant’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial


 

reporting. On June 29, 2007, Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) became the investment adviser and fund administrator to the Registrant. As a result of MFS’ appointment as investment adviser and fund administrator to the Registrant, the Registrant amended its internal controls over financial reporting to utilize the internal controls over financial reporting utilized by other investment management companies for which MFS provides investment advisory and fund administration services. Therefore, the internal controls over financial reporting of the Registrant prior to June 29, 2007 may materially differ from those currently utilized for the Registrant.

 

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: Code of Ethics attached hereto.

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

(3)Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the Registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.

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


Notice

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

SIGNATURES

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

Registrant MFS HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL TRUST

 

By (Signature and Title)*    MARIA F. DWYER
  Maria F. Dwyer, President

Date: January 17, 2008

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)*    MARIA F. DWYER
  Maria F. Dwyer, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: January 17, 2008

 

By (Signature and Title)*    TRACY ATKINSON
  Tracy Atkinson, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: January 17, 2008

 

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