MFS SPECIAL VALUE TRUST N-CSRS
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-05912

MFS SPECIAL VALUE TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Susan S. Newton

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

111 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Name and address of agents for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: October 31

Date of reporting period: April 30, 2014


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


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SEMIANNUAL REPORT

April 30, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® SPECIAL VALUE TRUST

 

LOGO

 

MFV-SEM

 


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Managed Distribution Policy Disclosure

The MFS Special Value Trust’s (the fund) Board of Trustees has adopted a managed distribution policy. The fund seeks to pay monthly distributions based on an annual rate of 10.00% of the fund’s average monthly net asset value. The fund’s total return in relation to changes in net asset value is presented in the Financial Highlights. You should not draw any conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution or from the terms of the fund’s managed distribution policy. The Board may amend or terminate the managed distribution policy at any time without prior notice to fund shareholders; however, at this time, there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the managed distribution policy.

With each distribution, the fund will issue a notice to shareholders and an accompanying press release which will provide detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the distribution and other related information. In accordance with the amounts and sources of distributions reported in the Notice to Shareholders – the Sources of Distributions are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Under a managed distribution policy the fund may at times distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may result in a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the fund is paid back to you. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’.

 


Table of Contents

MFS® SPECIAL VALUE TRUST

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: MFV

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Portfolio managers’ profiles     4   
Other notes     4   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     22   
Statement of operations     23   
Statements of changes in net assets     24   
Financial highlights     25   
Notes to financial statements     27   
Report of independent registered public accounting firm     38   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     39   
Proxy voting policies and information     39   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     39   
Further information     39   
Contact information    back cover   

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


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LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

After gaining momentum late last year, the U.S. economy slipped this winter, as severe weather curtailed activity. More recently, however, labor market data, consumer

confidence, retail sales and industrial output have indicated that the U.S. economy could be regaining traction.

Europe emerged from its recession midway through 2013. However, its pace of growth has been slow, high unemployment persists and the risk of deflation exists. Asia remains vulnerable. China’s economic growth has slowed, and Japan’s early progress toward an economic turnaround continues to face obstacles. Emerging markets have also displayed much higher volatility, affected by the early transition from aggressive central bank monetary easing.

With so much uncertainty, global financial markets began 2014 with much greater volatility than last year’s broad-based rally. For equity investors, attention to company fundamentals has taken on more importance. Bond investors have been attuned to heightened risks from possible interest rate increases.

As always at MFS®, active risk management is an integral part of how we manage your investments. We use a collaborative process, sharing insights across asset classes, regions and economic sectors. Our global team of investment professionals uses a multidisciplined, long-term, diversified investment approach.

We understand that these are challenging economic times. We believe that we can serve you best by applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification, over the long term. We are confident that this approach can serve you well as you work with your financial advisors to reach your goals in the years ahead.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

June 13, 2014

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

 

1


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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings (i)  
Johnson & Johnson     1.4%   
JPMorgan Chase & Co.     1.3%   
Philip Morris International, Inc.     1.3%   
IBM Corp.     1.2%   
Verizon Communications, Inc.     1.2%   
Travelers Cos., Inc.     1.2%   
Occidental Petroleum Corp.     1.2%   
CVS Caremark Corp.     1.2%   
United Technologies Corp.     1.2%   
Nestle S.A., ADR     1.1%   
Equity sectors  
Financial Services     7.4%   
Health Care     5.1%   
Consumer Staples     4.1%   
Industrial Goods & Services     3.0%   
Retailing     2.2%   
Technology     2.2%   
Leisure     1.9%   
Basic Materials     1.5%   
Utilities & Communications     1.2%   
Energy     1.2%   
Special Products & Services     0.8%   
Autos & Housing (o)     0.0%   
Fixed income sectors (i)  
High Yield Corporates     58.3%   
Emerging Markets Bonds     4.6%   
High Grade Corporates     1.7%   
Floating Rate Loans     1.0%   
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities     0.6%   
Non-U.S. Government Bonds     0.2%   
Municipal Bonds     0.1%   
Collateralized Debt Obligations (o)     0.0%   
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
BBB     1.9%   
BB     18.6%   
B     34.6%   
CCC     11.3%   
CC (o)     0.0%   
C     0.1%   
Not Rated (o)     0.0%   
Non-Fixed Income     30.6%   
Cash & Other     2.9%   
 

 

2


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Portfolio Composition – continued

 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Non-Fixed Income includes equity securities (including convertible bonds and equity derivatives) and commodities. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these agencies.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the market value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than market value. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts.
(o) Less than 0.1%.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.

Cash & Other includes cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 4/30/14.

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

 

3


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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS’ PROFILES

 

Portfolio Manager   Primary Role   Since   Title and Five Year History
William Adams   Lower Quality

Debt Instruments

Portfolio Manager

  2011   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2009.
Ward Brown   Emerging Markets

Debt Instruments

Portfolio Manager

  2012   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2005.
Nevin Chitkara   Equity Securities

Portfolio Manager

  2012   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1997.
David Cole   Lower Quality

Debt Instruments

Portfolio Manager

  2006   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2004.
Matthew Ryan   Emerging Markets

Debt Instruments

Portfolio Manager

  2012   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1997.

OTHER NOTES

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

The fund’s monthly distributions may include a return of capital to shareholders to the extent that the fund’s net investment income and net capital gains are insufficient to meet the fund’s target annual distribution rate. Distributions that are treated for federal income tax purposes as a return of capital will reduce each shareholder’s basis in his or her shares and, to the extent the return of capital exceeds such basis, will be treated as gain to the shareholder from a sale of shares. It may also result in a recharacterization of what economically represents a return of capital to ordinary income in those situations where a fund has long term capital gain and a capital loss carryforward. Returns of shareholder capital have the effect of reducing the fund’s assets and increasing the fund’s expense ratio.

The fund’s target annual distribution rate is calculated based on an annual rate of 10.00% of the fund’s average monthly net asset value, not a fixed share price, and the fund’s dividend amount will fluctuate with changes in the fund’s average daily net assets.

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.

 

4


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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

4/30/14 (unaudited)

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

 

Bonds - 64.3%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 1.6%                 
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., 5.25%, 10/01/21 (n)    $ 30,000      $ 31,090   
Bombardier, Inc., 7.75%, 3/15/20 (n)      55,000        62,700   
Bombardier, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (n)      40,000        40,900   
CPI International, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/18      115,000        120,463   
Gencorp, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      100,000        108,500   
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      185,000        203,963   
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., 10%, 6/01/17      210,000        221,025   
    

 

 

 
             $ 788,641   
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.3%                 
Hanesbrands, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/20    $ 60,000      $ 65,400   
PVH Corp., 4.5%, 12/15/22      60,000        59,025   
    

 

 

 
             $ 124,425   
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 0.5%                 
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 6.461%, 2/10/51 (z)    $ 328,951      $ 173,686   
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.892%, 12/10/49      220,000        30,976   
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 14.747%, 1/05/25 (i)(z)      31,896        10,207   
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., “C”, FRN, 6.206%, 2/15/51      95,000        53,780   
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., FRN, 1.412%, 4/28/39 (i)(z)      158,233        991   
Preferred Term Securities XII Ltd., CDO, 0%, 12/24/33 (a)(c)(z)      225,000        2   
Preferred Term Securities XVI Ltd., CDO, 0%, 3/23/35 (a)(c)(z)      300,000        0   
Preferred Term Securities XVII Ltd., CDO, 0%, 6/23/35 (a)(c)(z)      187,000        0   
    

 

 

 
             $ 269,642   
Automotive - 1.9%                 
Accuride Corp., 9.5%, 8/01/18    $ 150,000      $ 156,000   
Allison Transmission, Inc., 7.125%, 5/15/19 (n)      175,000        189,000   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 6.5%, 3/01/21      140,000        151,550   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 7%, 5/15/22      40,000        44,100   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 8.125%, 5/15/21 (n)      300,000        339,375   
Lear Corp., 8.125%, 3/15/20      28,000        30,520   
Lear Corp., 4.75%, 1/15/23 (n)      25,000        24,563   
    

 

 

 
             $ 935,108   
Broadcasting - 3.3%                 
AMC Networks, Inc., 7.75%, 7/15/21    $ 136,000      $ 152,320   
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., 9%, 3/01/21      202,000        214,625   

 

5


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Broadcasting - continued                 
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., 6.5%, 11/15/22    $ 25,000      $ 26,625   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., 6.5%, 11/15/22      85,000        90,950   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “A”, 7.625%, 3/15/20      5,000        5,350   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “B”, 7.625%, 3/15/20      35,000        37,713   
GrafTech International Co., 6.375%, 11/15/20      80,000        81,800   
IAC/InterActive Corp., 4.875%, 11/30/18      15,000        15,675   
IAC/InterActive Corp., 4.75%, 12/15/22      55,000        54,038   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 6.625%, 12/15/22 (n)      75,000        77,063   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 6.625%, 12/15/22      105,000        107,888   
Intelsat Luxembourg S.A., 8.125%, 6/01/23      135,000        141,750   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.5%, 7/15/29      110,000        122,650   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.25%, 2/01/30      35,000        38,325   
Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 2/01/21      70,000        72,800   
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/20      80,000        85,600   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.25%, 5/15/20 (n)      10,000        9,600   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 5.875%, 10/01/20 (n)      10,000        10,438   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23 (z)      15,000        13,875   
Univision Communications, Inc., 6.875%, 5/15/19 (n)      25,000        26,719   
Univision Communications, Inc., 7.875%, 11/01/20 (n)      100,000        109,875   
Univision Communications, Inc., 8.5%, 5/15/21 (n)      130,000        143,000   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,638,679   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.4%                 
E*TRADE Financial Corp., 6.375%, 11/15/19    $ 195,000      $ 211,819   
Building - 2.3%                 
Allegion U.S. Holding Co., Inc., 5.75%, 10/01/21 (n)    $ 70,000      $ 74,200   
Boise Cascade Co., 6.375%, 11/01/20      65,000        69,875   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 7%, 2/15/20 (n)      45,000        47,813   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.75%, 5/01/21 (n)      30,000        32,475   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20 (n)      75,000        81,563   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 9.25%, 5/12/20      130,000        141,375   
HD Supply, Inc., 8.125%, 4/15/19      60,000        66,450   
HD Supply, Inc., 7.5%, 7/15/20      190,000        205,675   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/19 (n)      35,000        36,838   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.625%, 4/01/19      30,000        32,250   
Nortek, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      150,000        165,375   
Roofing Supply Group LLC/Roofing Supply Finance, Inc.,
10%, 6/01/20 (n)
     89,000        98,123   
USG Corp., 7.875%, 3/30/20 (n)      45,000        50,175   
USG Corp., 5.875%, 11/01/21 (n)      20,000        21,250   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,123,437   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Business Services - 1.2%                 
Equinix, Inc., 4.875%, 4/01/20    $ 55,000      $ 56,100   
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 4/01/23      35,000        35,613   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 3/15/22      75,000        78,516   
First Data Corp., 10.625%, 6/15/21      80,000        90,700   
iGATE Corp., 4.75%, 4/15/19 (n)      35,000        35,394   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/21      11,000        11,605   
Lender Processing Services, Inc., 5.75%, 4/15/23      35,000        37,450   
NeuStar, Inc., 4.5%, 1/15/23      35,000        30,450   
Rolta LLC, 10.75%, 5/16/18 (n)      200,000        202,500   
    

 

 

 
             $ 578,328   
Cable TV - 2.3%                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 8.125%, 4/30/20    $ 120,000      $ 131,550   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 6.5%, 4/30/21      25,000        26,688   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/24      70,000        70,613   
Cequel Communications Holdings, 6.375%, 9/15/20 (n)      65,000        68,088   
DISH DBS Corp., 6.75%, 6/01/21      60,000        67,800   
DISH DBS Corp., 5%, 3/15/23      60,000        61,200   
Nara Cable Funding Ltd., 8.875%, 12/01/18 (n)      200,000        216,000   
Numericable Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/22 (z)      200,000        204,750   
Telenet Finance Luxembourg, 6.375%, 11/15/20 (n)    EUR 100,000        148,769   
Ziggo Bond Co. B.V., 8%, 5/15/18 (n)    EUR 100,000        149,140   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,144,598   
Chemicals - 1.4%                 
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 5.875%, 6/15/21    $ 63,000      $ 68,985   
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 4.625%, 11/15/22      20,000        20,100   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp., 6.625%, 4/15/20      40,000        41,550   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia Finance, 8.875%, 2/01/18      120,000        124,950   
Huntsman International LLC, 8.625%, 3/15/21      140,000        156,100   
Polypore International, Inc., 7.5%, 11/15/17      50,000        52,845   
Taminco Global Chemical Corp., 9.75%, 3/31/20 (n)      95,000        106,994   
Tronox Finance LLC, 6.375%, 8/15/20      130,000        132,600   
    

 

 

 
             $ 704,124   
Computer Software - 0.4%                 
Syniverse Holdings, Inc., 9.125%, 1/15/19    $ 135,000      $ 146,475   
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/23      35,000        33,513   
    

 

 

 
             $ 179,988   
Computer Software - Systems - 0.4%                 
Audatex North America, Inc., 6%, 6/15/21 (n)    $ 45,000      $ 48,263   
Audatex North America, Inc., 6.125%, 11/01/23 (n)      15,000        16,031   

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Computer Software - Systems - continued                 
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 12.535%, 10/12/17    $ 5,000      $ 5,225   
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 8.5%, 4/01/19      110,000        120,313   
    

 

 

 
             $ 189,832   
Conglomerates - 1.3%                 
Amsted Industries Co., 5%, 3/15/22 (n)    $ 90,000      $ 89,775   
BC Mountain LLC, 7%, 2/01/21 (n)      85,000        82,663   
Dynacast International LLC, 9.25%, 7/15/19      75,000        83,250   
Entegris, Inc., 6%, 4/01/22 (n)      80,000        81,000   
Renaissance Acquisition, 6.875%, 8/15/21 (n)      145,000        148,806   
Silver II Borrower, 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)      150,000        162,750   
    

 

 

 
             $ 648,244   
Construction - 0.3%                 
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.9%, 2/04/21    $ 125,000      $ 127,500   
Consumer Products - 0.6%                 
Elizabeth Arden, Inc., 7.375%, 3/15/21    $ 100,000      $ 109,750   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 8.125%, 2/01/20      30,000        33,600   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/21 (n)      35,000        35,875   
Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 11/15/20      85,000        92,225   
    

 

 

 
             $ 271,450   
Consumer Services - 1.0%                 
ADT Corp., 6.25%, 10/15/21 (n)    $ 100,000      $ 104,250   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)      60,000        63,225   
Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., 7.875%, 11/30/17      150,000        151,875   
Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, 4/01/20      95,000        101,056   
QVC, Inc., 7.375%, 10/15/20 (n)      50,000        53,841   
    

 

 

 
             $ 474,247   
Containers - 1.6%                 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)    $ 200,000      $ 221,500   
Berry Plastics Group, Inc., 9.75%, 1/15/21      55,000        63,800   
Beverage Packaging Holdings Group, 6%, 6/15/17 (n)      10,000        10,300   
Crown American LLC, 4.5%, 1/15/23      70,000        66,850   
Reynolds Group, 7.125%, 4/15/19      175,000        184,625   
Reynolds Group, 5.75%, 10/15/20      50,000        52,000   
Reynolds Group, 8.25%, 2/15/21      115,000        124,344   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22 (z)      75,000        75,750   
    

 

 

 
             $ 799,169   
Defense Electronics - 0.3%                 
Ducommun, Inc., 9.75%, 7/15/18    $ 133,000      $ 148,295   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Electrical Equipment - 0.2%                 
Avaya, Inc., 9.75%, 11/01/15    $ 70,000      $ 70,168   
Avaya, Inc., 7%, 4/01/19 (n)      25,000        24,875   
    

 

 

 
             $ 95,043   
Electronics - 0.6%                 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 6.75%, 3/01/19 (n)    $ 90,000      $ 93,375   
Nokia Corp., 5.375%, 5/15/19      80,000        85,600   
Nokia Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/39      25,000        26,844   
Sensata Technologies B.V., 6.5%, 5/15/19 (n)      105,000        112,088   
    

 

 

 
             $ 317,907   
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.2%                 
Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 11.75%, 10/05/15 (n)    $ 124,000      $ 120,900   
Emerging Market Sovereign - 0.2%                 
Republic of Venezuela, 7%, 3/31/38    $ 160,000      $ 107,600   
Energy - Independent - 5.3%                 
Afren PLC, 11.5%, 2/01/16 (n)    $ 200,000      $ 226,000   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 6%, 12/01/20      70,000        74,900   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 5.375%, 11/01/21 (n)      65,000        66,463   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22 (z)      65,000        65,731   
Bill Barrett Corp., 7%, 10/15/22      115,000        120,750   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 8.625%, 10/15/20      50,000        54,500   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 7.875%, 4/15/22      120,000        129,900   
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., 7.5%, 9/15/20      45,000        49,275   
Chaparral Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 11/15/22      90,000        95,850   
Concho Resources, Inc., 5.5%, 4/01/23      20,000        20,825   
Denbury Resources, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23      70,000        66,588   
Energy XXI Gulf Coast, Inc., 9.25%, 12/15/17      70,000        76,038   
EP Energy LLC, 6.875%, 5/01/19      35,000        37,581   
EP Energy LLC, 9.375%, 5/01/20      145,000        167,113   
EP Energy LLC, 7.75%, 9/01/22      150,000        167,063   
EPL Oil & Gas, Inc., 8.25%, 2/15/18      115,000        124,200   
Halcon Resources Corp., 8.875%, 5/15/21      200,000        207,250   
Hilcorp Energy I/Hilcorp Finance Co., 8%, 2/15/20 (n)      40,000        43,150   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 9.5%, 2/15/19      25,000        27,500   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/22 (n)      30,000        30,600   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 7.375%, 5/01/22      30,000        33,075   
LINN Energy LLC, 8.625%, 4/15/20      5,000        5,394   
LINN Energy LLC, 7.75%, 2/01/21      110,000        117,700   
MEG Energy Corp., 6.5%, 3/15/21 (n)      55,000        57,888   
MEG Energy Corp., 7%, 3/31/24 (n)      55,000        58,300   
Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, 2/01/22 (n)      100,000        102,750   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Energy - Independent - continued                 
Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.875%, 3/15/22 (n)    $ 100,000      $ 108,500   
Rice Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 5/01/22 (z)      30,000        30,038   
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8.125%, 10/15/22      145,000        156,963   
SM Energy Co., 6.5%, 11/15/21      105,000        112,875   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,634,760   
Engineering - Construction - 0.1%                 
BakerCorp International, Inc., 8.25%, 6/01/19    $ 25,000      $ 25,750   
Entertainment - 0.6%                 
Activision Blizzard, Inc., 6.125%, 9/15/23 (n)    $ 60,000      $ 65,250   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.25%, 3/15/21      105,000        106,575   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 5.125%, 12/15/22      50,000        50,000   
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      90,000        90,900   
    

 

 

 
             $ 312,725   
Financial Institutions - 3.3%                 
Aviation Capital Group, 4.625%, 1/31/18 (n)    $ 55,000      $ 57,596   
Aviation Capital Group, 6.75%, 4/06/21 (n)      25,000        27,958   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.25%, 3/15/18      40,000        42,900   
CIT Group, Inc., 6.625%, 4/01/18 (n)      119,000        132,834   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.5%, 2/15/19 (n)      118,000        127,145   
CIT Group, Inc., 5%, 8/15/22      35,000        35,788   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 6%, 8/01/20 (n)      45,000        47,475   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 5.875%, 2/01/22 (n)      110,000        111,650   
International Lease Finance Corp., 7.125%, 9/01/18 (n)      137,000        158,920   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 10.875%, 4/01/15      60,000        60,375   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 8/01/18      60,000        60,450   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 7.875%, 10/01/20      305,000        311,863   
PHH Corp., 7.375%, 9/01/19      45,000        49,725   
PHH Corp., 6.375%, 8/15/21      40,000        41,400   
SLM Corp., 8.45%, 6/15/18      55,000        64,831   
SLM Corp., 4.875%, 6/17/19      21,000        21,604   
SLM Corp., 8%, 3/25/20      165,000        190,575   
SLM Corp., 7.25%, 1/25/22      60,000        66,075   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,609,164   
Food & Beverages - 0.7%                 
Constellation Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 5/01/21    $ 10,000      $ 9,775   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 4.25%, 5/01/23      95,000        93,338   
Darling Escrow Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      75,000        77,063   
Hawk Acquisition Sub, Inc., 4.25%, 10/15/20 (n)      70,000        68,985   
Sun Merger Sub, Inc., 5.875%, 8/01/21 (n)      85,000        89,356   
    

 

 

 
             $ 338,517   

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Forest & Paper Products - 0.4%                 
Appvion, Inc., 9%, 6/01/20 (n)    $ 70,000      $ 71,050   
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, 7.75%, 11/15/19 (n)    EUR 50,000        74,050   
Tembec Industries, Inc., 11.25%, 12/15/18    $ 60,000        65,400   
    

 

 

 
             $ 210,500   
Gaming & Lodging - 2.5%                 
Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc., 8.5%, 2/15/20    $ 50,000      $ 43,125   
CCM Merger, Inc., 9.125%, 5/01/19 (n)      150,000        160,875   
Chester Downs & Marina LLC, 9.25%, 2/01/20 (n)      45,000        44,550   
Greektown Holdings LLC, 8.875%, 3/15/19 (n)      85,000        87,550   
Hilton Worldwide Finance Co., 5.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      100,000        104,250   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/20      70,000        73,675   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/21      20,000        19,950   
MGM Resorts International, 11.375%, 3/01/18      110,000        142,725   
MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, 12/15/21      90,000        99,027   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 8.75%, 5/15/20      70,000        76,510   
PNK Finance Corp., 6.375%, 8/01/21 (n)      55,000        57,750   
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT, 5%, 4/15/21      85,000        84,788   
Seven Seas Cruises S. DE R.L., 9.125%, 5/15/19      130,000        143,000   
Wynn Las Vegas LLC, 7.75%, 8/15/20      95,000        104,985   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,242,760   
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.1%                 
Wellcare Health Plans, Inc., 5.75%, 11/15/20    $ 35,000      $ 37,363   
Industrial - 1.4%                 
Dematic S.A., 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)    $ 180,000      $ 191,925   
Howard Hughes Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/21 (n)      105,000        112,875   
Hyva Global B.V., 8.625%, 3/24/16 (n)      200,000        201,250   
Mueller Water Products, Inc., 8.75%, 9/01/20      66,000        73,590   
SPL Logistics Escrow LLC, 8.875%, 8/01/20 (n)      90,000        100,125   
    

 

 

 
             $ 679,765   
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.3%                 
XL Group PLC, 6.5% to 4/15/17, FRN to 12/29/49    $ 175,000      $ 172,375   
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.2%                 
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 5/25/16    $ 35,000      $ 37,100   
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 6/26/17      40,000        42,800   
    

 

 

 
             $ 79,900   
Machinery & Tools - 1.0%                 
CNH America LLC, 7.25%, 1/15/16    $ 50,000      $ 54,625   
H&E Equipment Services Co., 7%, 9/01/22      110,000        121,000   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Machinery & Tools - continued                 
Jurassic Holdings III, Inc., 6.875%, 2/15/21 (n)    $ 80,000      $ 82,800   
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., 8.25%, 2/01/21      140,000        156,625   
United Rentals North America, Inc., 7.625%, 4/15/22      48,000        54,000   
    

 

 

 
             $ 469,050   
Major Banks - 1.9%                 
Bank of America Corp., FRN, 5.2%, 12/31/49    $ 175,000      $ 164,500   
Barclays Bank PLC, 7.625%, 11/21/22      200,000        227,125   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6% to 8/01/23, FRN to 12/29/49      165,000        164,175   
RBS Capital Trust II, 6.425% to 1/03/34, FRN to 12/29/49      95,000        94,525   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 6.99% to 10/04/17, FRN to 10/29/49 (n)      100,000        110,000   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.648% to 9/30/31, FRN to 8/29/49      150,000        165,000   
    

 

 

 
             $ 925,325   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 3.1%                 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21 (z)    $ 15,000      $ 15,300   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22 (z)      170,000        176,163   
Davita, Inc., 6.625%, 11/01/20      290,000        309,213   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.875%, 1/31/22 (n)      15,000        15,975   
HCA, Inc., 7.5%, 2/15/22      150,000        171,075   
HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/22      45,000        48,263   
HCA, Inc., 5%, 3/15/24      30,000        29,775   
HealthSouth Corp., 8.125%, 2/15/20      175,000        189,875   
IASIS Healthcare LLC/IASIS Capital Corp., 8.375%, 5/15/19      90,000        95,625   
Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc., 5.5%, 12/01/21 (n)      105,000        109,200   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 5%, 3/01/19 (z)      15,000        15,038   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8%, 8/01/20      165,000        179,438   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.5%, 4/01/21      15,000        14,558   
Universal Health Services, Inc., 7%, 10/01/18      30,000        31,650   
Universal Health Services, Inc., 7.625%, 8/15/20      105,000        112,350   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,513,498   
Medical Equipment - 0.4%                 
Biomet, Inc., 6.5%, 8/01/20    $ 56,000      $ 61,250   
Physio-Control International, Inc., 9.875%, 1/15/19 (n)      62,000        68,975   
Teleflex, Inc., 6.875%, 6/01/19      50,000        53,375   
    

 

 

 
             $ 183,600   
Metals & Mining - 2.4%                 
ArcelorMittal S.A., 6.75%, 2/25/22    $ 30,000      $ 33,225   
ArcelorMittal S.A., 7.25%, 3/01/41      55,000        55,963   
Arch Coal, Inc., 8%, 1/15/19 (n)      45,000        44,888   

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Metals & Mining - continued                 
Arch Coal, Inc., 7.25%, 10/01/20    $ 70,000      $ 53,025   
Century Aluminum Co., 7.5%, 6/01/21 (n)      100,000        103,000   
Commercial Metals Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      75,000        72,000   
Consol Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 4/01/20      150,000        163,313   
Consol Energy, Inc., 6.375%, 3/01/21      35,000        36,881   
Consol Energy, Inc., 5.875%, 4/15/22 (n)      10,000        10,300   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 10/15/19 (n)      200,000        205,500   
FMG Resources, 6.875%, 4/01/22 (n)      25,000        26,750   
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., 8.25%, 11/01/19 (n)      90,000        99,450   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20 (z)      30,000        31,800   
Suncoke Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 8/01/19      75,000        80,250   
TMS International Corp., 7.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      70,000        74,725   
Walter Energy, Inc., 9.5%, 10/15/19 (n)      50,000        50,875   
Walter Energy, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      95,000        56,525   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,198,470   
Municipals - 0.1%                 
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 4.5%, 6/01/23    $ 50,000      $ 48,441   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.6%                 
AmeriGas Finance LLC, 6.75%, 5/20/20    $ 145,000      $ 157,688   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.5%, 5/01/21      60,000        63,000   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.75%, 1/15/22 (n)      95,000        99,988   
    

 

 

 
             $ 320,676   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 2.1%                 
Access Midstream Partners Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23    $ 165,000      $ 167,063   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 4.75%, 11/15/21      25,000        23,750   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 5.875%, 8/01/23      70,000        69,125   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6%, 12/15/20      80,000        84,000   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6.125%, 3/01/22 (n)      55,000        57,475   
El Paso Corp., 7.75%, 1/15/32      170,000        183,688   
Energy Transfer Equity LP, 7.5%, 10/15/20      135,000        155,588   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 5.5%, 2/15/23      95,000        98,563   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/23      145,000        146,450   
Summit Mid Holdings LLC, 7.5%, 7/01/21      65,000        69,875   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,055,577   
Network & Telecom - 0.9%                 
Centurylink, Inc., 7.65%, 3/15/42    $ 95,000      $ 92,388   
Citizens Communications Co., 9%, 8/15/31      100,000        103,500   
Frontier Communications Corp., 8.125%, 10/01/18      30,000        34,913   

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Network & Telecom - continued                 
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22    $ 25,000      $ 25,375   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      55,000        55,825   
Windstream Corp., 7.75%, 10/15/20      80,000        86,400   
Windstream Corp., 7.75%, 10/01/21      40,000        43,300   
    

 

 

 
             $ 441,701   
Oil Services - 1.0%                 
Bristow Group, Inc., 6.25%, 10/15/22    $ 105,000      $ 112,613   
Dresser-Rand Group, Inc., 6.5%, 5/01/21      45,000        47,925   
Edgen Murray Corp., 8.75%, 11/01/20 (n)      45,000        51,975   
Pacific Drilling S.A., 5.375%, 6/01/20 (n)      95,000        92,388   
Shale-Inland Holdings LLC/Finance Co., 8.75%, 11/15/19 (n)      80,000        82,400   
Unit Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/21      115,000        121,900   
    

 

 

 
             $ 509,201   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.5%                 
Groupe BPCE S.A., 12.5% to 9/30/19, FRN to 8/29/49 (n)    $ 200,000      $ 266,000   
Pharmaceuticals - 1.1%                 
Capsugel FinanceCo. SCA, 9.875%, 8/01/19 (n)    EUR    100,000      $ 151,422   
Endo Health Solutions, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22    $ 65,000        71,013   
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 6%, 1/15/21 (n)      45,000        48,263   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7%, 10/01/20 (n)      150,000        160,500   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      55,000        59,950   
Vantage Point Imaging, 7.5%, 7/15/21 (n)      45,000        50,175   
    

 

 

 
             $ 541,323   
Precious Metals & Minerals - 0.4%                 
Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.125%, 12/15/20 (n)    $ 80,000      $ 80,200   
IAMGOLD Corp., 6.75%, 10/01/20 (n)      120,000        106,800   
    

 

 

 
             $ 187,000   
Printing & Publishing - 0.3%                 
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18 (z)    $ 23,764      $ 25,606   
Gannett Co., Inc., 6.375%, 10/15/23 (n)      60,000        63,600   
Lamar Media Corp., 5%, 5/01/23      70,000        70,350   
    

 

 

 
             $ 159,556   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.1%                 
Watco Cos. LLC, 6.375%, 4/01/23 (n)    $ 65,000      $ 65,813   
Real Estate - 1.2%                 
Aviv Healthcare Properties LP/Aviv Healthcare, 6%, 10/15/21    $ 60,000      $ 63,000   
CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., REIT, 7.25%, 4/15/19      75,000        78,750   

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Real Estate - continued                 
DuPont Fabros Technology LP, REIT, 5.875%, 9/15/21    $ 135,000      $ 140,738   
ERP Properties, REIT, 5.75%, 8/15/22      65,000        69,979   
Felcor Lodging LP, REIT, 5.625%, 3/01/23      50,000        50,625   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.375%, 2/15/22      160,000        171,600   
    

 

 

 
             $ 574,692   
Retailers - 1.2%                 
Academy Ltd., 9.25%, 8/01/19 (n)    $ 37,000      $ 40,284   
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/21      95,000        97,375   
Bon Ton Stores, Inc., 8%, 6/15/21      55,000        52,388   
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., 10%, 2/15/19      100,000        110,500   
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19 (n)(p)      80,000        83,400   
Limited Brands, Inc., 6.95%, 3/01/33      40,000        41,100   
Rite Aid Corp., 9.25%, 3/15/20      110,000        125,400   
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/19      45,000        49,219   
    

 

 

 
             $ 599,666   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.1%                 
Chemtura Corp., 5.75%, 7/15/21    $ 65,000      $ 67,438   
Specialty Stores - 0.6%                 
Michaels Stores, Inc., 7.75%, 11/01/18    $ 50,000      $ 52,938   
Michaels Stores, Inc., 5.875%, 12/15/20 (n)      20,000        20,300   
Office Depot de Mexico S.A. de C.V., 6.875%, 9/20/20 (n)      200,000        209,250   
    

 

 

 
             $ 282,488   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 3.7%                 
Altice Financing S.A., 7.875%, 12/15/19 (n)    $ 200,000      $ 218,404   
Digicel Group Ltd., 7.125%, 4/01/22 (n)      200,000        201,000   
Eileme 2 AB, 11.625%, 1/31/20 (n)      200,000        239,000   
Sprint Capital Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/28      105,000        103,688   
Sprint Corp., 7.875%, 9/15/23 (n)      145,000        159,863   
Sprint Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/24 (n)      55,000        57,750   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 9%, 11/15/18 (n)      50,000        60,938   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 6%, 11/15/22      110,000        110,825   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/22      10,000        10,513   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/24      40,000        41,950   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.464%, 4/28/19      25,000        26,500   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.25%, 4/01/21      140,000        149,100   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.633%, 4/28/21      15,000        16,200   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.25%, 2/15/18 (n)      200,000        210,500   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21 (z)      200,000        205,500   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,811,731   

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Telephone Services - 0.3%                 
Cogent Communications Group, Inc., 8.375%, 2/15/18 (n)    $ 45,000      $ 48,600   
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 9.375%, 4/01/19      65,000        71,825   
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 8.625%, 7/15/20      45,000        50,400   
    

 

 

 
             $ 170,825   
Transportation - 0.3%                 
Far Eastern Shipping Co., 8%, 5/02/18 (n)    $ 200,000      $ 141,000   
Transportation - Services - 1.6%                 
Aguila American Resources Ltd., 7.875%, 1/31/18 (n)    $ 150,000      $ 158,813   
Avis Budget Car Rental LLC, 8.25%, 1/15/19      37,000        39,405   
Avis Budget Car Rental LLC, 9.75%, 3/15/20      40,000        45,600   
Ceva Group PLC, 7%, 3/01/21 (z)      150,000        154,313   
Jack Cooper Holdings Corp., 9.25%, 6/01/20 (n)      105,000        116,025   
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp., 8.125%, 11/15/21 (n)      95,000        99,038   
Navios Maritime Holding, Inc., 7.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      100,000        101,000   
Navios South American Logistics, Inc./Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/22 (z)      20,000        20,050   
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd., 8.875%, 6/15/21      56,000        61,040   
    

 

 

 
             $ 795,284   
Utilities - Electric Power - 2.2%                 
AES Corp., 7.375%, 7/01/21    $ 40,000      $ 45,800   
AES Corp., 5.5%, 3/15/24      15,000        15,000   
Calpine Corp., 7.875%, 7/31/20 (n)      96,000        105,240   
Calpine Corp., 6%, 1/15/22 (n)      10,000        10,625   
Covanta Holding Corp., 7.25%, 12/01/20      95,000        104,144   
Energy Future Holdings Corp., 10%, 12/01/20      123,000        130,226   
Energy Future Holdings Corp., 10.25%, 12/01/20 (n)      110,000        116,463   
InterGen N.V., 7%, 6/30/23 (n)      200,000        210,000   
NRG Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 9/01/20      195,000        215,231   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      45,000        46,519   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.625%, 3/15/23      80,000        83,600   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,082,848   
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $30,879,821)            $ 31,753,758   
Common Stocks - 30.1%                 
Aerospace - 1.2%                 
United Technologies Corp.      4,800      $ 567,984   
Alcoholic Beverages - 0.8%                 
Diageo PLC, ADR      3,270      $ 401,491   

 

16


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Automotive - 0.0%                 
Accuride Corp. (a)      2,414      $ 13,615   
Broadcasting - 0.8%                 
Viacom, Inc., “B”      4,930      $ 418,951   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 2.0%                 
BlackRock, Inc.      1,437      $ 432,537   
NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.      14,429        532,430   
    

 

 

 
             $ 964,967   
Business Services - 0.8%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      4,860      $ 389,869   
Chemicals - 1.5%                 
3M Co.      3,181      $ 442,445   
PPG Industries, Inc.      1,632        315,988   
    

 

 

 
             $ 758,433   
Computer Software - 0.8%                 
Oracle Corp.      9,680      $ 395,718   
Computer Software - Systems - 1.2%                 
International Business Machines Corp.      3,130      $ 614,951   
Electrical Equipment - 1.9%                 
Danaher Corp.      6,810      $ 499,718   
Tyco International Ltd.      10,560        431,904   
    

 

 

 
             $ 931,622   
Energy - Independent - 1.2%                 
Occidental Petroleum Corp.      6,190      $ 592,693   
Food & Beverages - 2.0%                 
General Mills, Inc.      7,720      $ 409,314   
Nestle S.A., ADR      7,350        567,273   
    

 

 

 
             $ 976,587   
Food & Drug Stores - 1.2%                 
CVS Caremark Corp.      8,120      $ 590,486   
General Merchandise - 0.7%                 
Target Corp.      5,360      $ 330,980   

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Common Stocks - continued                 
Insurance - 2.1%                 
MetLife, Inc.      7,760      $ 406,236   
Travelers Cos., Inc.      6,690        605,980   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,012,216   
Major Banks - 2.2%                 
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.      12,210      $ 413,553   
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      11,720        656,086   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,069,639   
Medical Equipment - 2.5%                 
Abbott Laboratories      12,660      $ 490,448   
St. Jude Medical, Inc.      5,410        343,373   
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.      3,710        422,940   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,256,761   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.9%                 
U.S. Bancorp      11,030      $ 449,803   
Pharmaceuticals - 2.5%                 
Johnson & Johnson      6,700      $ 678,643   
Pfizer, Inc.      17,750        555,220   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,233,863   
Printing & Publishing - 0.1%                 
American Media Operations, Inc. (a)      6,090      $ 34,226   
Restaurants - 0.9%                 
McDonald’s Corp.      4,481      $ 454,284   
Specialty Stores - 0.3%                 
Staples, Inc.      13,640      $ 170,500   
Telephone Services - 1.2%                 
Verizon Communications, Inc.      12,980      $ 606,555   
Tobacco - 1.3%                 
Philip Morris International, Inc.      7,610      $ 650,122   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $11,384,500)            $ 14,886,316   
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - 1.0%                 
Aerospace - 0.1%                 
TransDigm, Inc., Term Loan C, 3.75%, 2/28/20    $ 52,118      $ 51,816   

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued                 
Conglomerates - 0.1%                 
Silver II U.S. Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4%, 12/13/19    $ 50,583      $ 50,341   
Consumer Services - 0.1%                 
Realogy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.15%, 3/05/20    $ 34,113      $ 33,963   
Energy - Independent - 0.1%                 
MEG Energy Corp., Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/31/20    $ 45,840      $ 45,652   
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
Cedar Fair LP, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/06/20    $ 43,957      $ 43,968   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.0%                 
Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan D, 4.25%, 1/22/21    $ 15,716      $ 15,758   
Metals & Mining - 0.1%                 
FMG Resources Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/30/19    $ 50,425      $ 50,354   
Retailers - 0.1%                 
Toys “R” Us Property Co. I LLC, Term Loan B, 6%, 8/21/19    $ 56,315      $ 53,668   
Transportation - Services - 0.3%                 
Commercial Barge Line Co., Term Loan, 7.5%, 9/20/19    $ 164,541      $ 164,746   
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $511,765)            $ 510,266   
Preferred Stocks - 0.3%                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.3%                 
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (z)      60      $ 59,423   
GMAC Capital Trust I, 8.125%      3,325        91,404   
Total Preferred Stocks (Identified Cost, $140,693)            $ 150,827   
Convertible Bonds - 0.2%                 
Network & Telecom - 0.2%                 
Nortel Networks Corp., 2.125%, 4/15/14
(Identified Cost, $68,906) (d)
   $ 70,000      $ 71,400   
Money Market Funds - 3.3%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.09%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     1,631,844      $ 1,631,844   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $44,617,529)            $ 49,004,411   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.8%              381,840   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 49,386,251   

 

19


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(c) The rate shown represents a current effective yield, not a coupon rate.
(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.
(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.
(i) Interest only security for which the fund receives interest on notional principal (Par amount). Par amount shown is the notional principal and does not reflect the cost of the security.
(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 $11,888,369, representing 24.1% of net assets.
(p) Payment-in-kind security for which interest income may be received in additional securities and/or cash. During the period, the following amount of interest income was received in additional securities and/or cash:

 

Payment-in-kind Securities    Cash     

Additional

Securities

 
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19      $3,900         $—   

 

(r) Remaining maturities of floating rate loans may be less than stated maturities shown as a result of contractual or optional prepayments by the borrower. Such prepayments cannot be predicted with certainty. These loans may be subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans generally have rates of interest which are determined periodically by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(z) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The fund holds the following restricted securities:

 

Restricted Securities   

Acquisition

Date

   Cost      Value  
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (Preferred Stock)    4/13/11-4/14/11      $56,250         $59,423   
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18    12/22/10      24,017         25,606   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22    4/16/14-4/17/14      65,569         65,731   
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 6.461%, 2/10/51    6/19/08      242,339         173,686   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21    1/15/14      15,000         15,300   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22    1/15/14-4/24/14      175,220         176,163   
Ceva Group PLC, 7%, 3/01/21    3/14/14-4/04/14      152,972         154,313   
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 14.747%, 1/05/25    1/29/03      2,418         10,207   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    4/24/14      63,148         63,225   
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., FRN, 1.412%, 4/28/39    7/20/04      1,490         991   
Navios South American Logistics, Inc./Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/22    4/08/14      20,000         20,050   
Numericable Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/22    4/23/14      203,500         204,750   
Preferred Term Securities XII Ltd., CDO, 0%, 12/24/33    1/07/05      127,734         2   
Preferred Term Securities XVI Ltd., CDO, 0%, 3/23/35    12/08/04      187,576         0   

 

20


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Restricted Securities – continued   

Acquisition

Date

   Cost      Value  
Preferred Term Securities XVII Ltd., CDO, 0%, 6/23/35    3/09/05      $114,513         $0   
Rice Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 5/01/22    4/16/14      30,000         30,038   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22    4/07/14-4/25/14      75,675         75,750   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23    4/24/14      13,894         13,875   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20    4/29/14      31,575         31,800   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 5%, 3/01/19    3/05/14      15,000         15,038   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21    4/08/14      200,000         205,500   
Total Restricted Securities         $1,341,448   
% of Net assets         2.7%   

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

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

Abbreviations indicate amounts shown in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. A list of abbreviations is shown below:

 

EUR   Euro

Derivative Contracts at 4/30/14

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 4/30/14

 

Type   Currency  

Counter-

party

 

Contracts

to

Deliver/
Receive

   

Settlement

Date Range

   

In

Exchange

For

   

Contracts

at Value

   

Net

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Liability Derivatives                                   
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     383,733        7/11/14        $529,700        $532,286        $(2,586
             

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 4/30/14 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments-

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $42,985,685)

     $47,372,567   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     1,631,844   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $44,617,529)

     $49,004,411   

Cash

     124,349   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     32,357   

Interest and dividends

     617,619   

Other assets

     16,308   

Total assets

     $49,795,044   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $460   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     2,586   

Investments purchased

     317,187   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     2,406   

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     353   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     22,379   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     63,422   

Total liabilities

     $408,793   

Net assets

     $49,386,251   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $60,102,466   

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

     4,384,486   

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

     (13,586,528

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (1,514,173

Net assets

     $49,386,251   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     7,035,171   

Net asset value per share (net assets of $49,386,251 / 7,035,171 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)

     $7.02   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 4/30/14 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income   

Income

  

Interest

     $1,200,561   

Dividends

     197,264   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     555   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (2,917

Total investment income

     $1,395,463   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $215,424   

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     7,663   

Administrative services fee

     8,679   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     6,825   

Stock exchange fee

     11,785   

Custodian fee

     7,512   

Shareholder communications

     29,329   

Audit and tax fees

     34,598   

Legal fees

     293   

Miscellaneous

     10,368   

Total expenses

     $332,476   

Fees paid indirectly

     (13

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

     (35

Net expenses

     $332,428   

Net investment income

     $1,063,035   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $921,989   

Foreign currency

     (14,579

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $907,410   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $286,693   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     3,281   

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

     $289,974   

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

     $1,197,384   

Change in net assets from operations

     $2,260,419   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

     Six months ended
4/30/14
     Year ended
10/31/13
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $1,063,035         $2,301,746   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     907,410         1,576,485   

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

     289,974         2,417,159   

Change in net assets from operations

     $2,260,419         $6,295,390   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(1,063,035      $(2,737,377

From tax return of capital

             (2,128,348

From other sources

     (1,405,464        

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(2,468,499      $(4,865,725

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $192,487         $376,605   

Total change in net assets

     $(15,593      $1,806,270   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     49,401,844         47,595,574   

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $1,514,173 and $108,709, respectively)

     $49,386,251         $49,401,844   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

   

Six months

ended

4/30/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
      2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $7.05        $6.84        $6.73        $7.23        $6.71        $5.36   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.15        $0.33        $0.39        $0.40        $0.44        $0.56   

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

    0.17        0.58        0.39        (0.18     0.77        1.32   

Total from investment operations

    $0.32        $0.91        $0.78        $0.22        $1.21        $1.88   

Less distributions declared to shareholders

  

                                       

From net investment income

    $(0.15     $(0.39     $(0.41     $(0.42     $(0.51     $(0.54

From tax return of capital

           (0.31     (0.26     (0.30     (0.18       

From other sources

    (0.20                                   

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.35     $(0.70     $(0.67     $(0.72     $(0.69     $(0.54

Net increase from repurchase of capital
shares

    $—        $—        $—        $—        $—        $0.01   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $7.02        $7.05        $6.84        $6.73        $7.23        $6.71   

Market value, end of period

    $7.62        $7.29        $7.46        $6.86        $7.95        $6.23   

Total return at market value (%)

    9.82 (n)      7.94        19.99        (4.67     40.46        46.76   

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

    4.62 (n)      13.85        12.15        2.81        18.63        40.08   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.36 (a)      1.39        1.49        1.42        1.53        1.64   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.36 (a)      1.39        1.45        1.39        1.47        1.64   

Net investment income

    4.34 (a)      4.73        5.73        5.65        6.36        10.17   

Portfolio turnover

    19 (n)      40        49        53        55        78   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $49,386        $49,402        $47,596        $46,438        $49,461        $45,646   

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(j) Total return at net asset value is calculated using the net asset value of the fund, not the publicly traded price and therefore may be different than the total return at market value.
(n) Not annualized.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(s) From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns at net asset value per share have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Special Value Trust (the fund) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified closed-end management investment company.

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

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

The fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets

 

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and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific master netting agreement counterparty is subject. Balance sheet offsetting disclosures, to the extent applicable to the fund, have been included in the fund’s Significant Accounting Policies note under the captions for each of the fund’s in-scope financial instruments and transactions.

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Debt instruments and floating rate loans (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as provided by a third-party pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates provided by a third-party pricing service for proximate time periods. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The values of foreign securities and other assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the mean of bid and asked prices for rates provided by a third-party pricing service.

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

 

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to have a material effect on the value of securities traded in foreign markets. Accordingly, the fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of April 30, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

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

United States

     $13,974,730         $59,423        $34,226         $14,068,379   

Switzerland

     567,273                        567,273   

United Kingdom

     401,491                        401,491   
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt              308,400                308,400   
Municipal Bonds              48,441                48,441   
U.S. Corporate Bonds              23,683,410                23,683,410   
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities              269,640                269,640   
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)              2        0         2   
Foreign Bonds              7,515,265                7,515,265   
Floating Rate Loans              510,266                510,266   
Mutual Funds      1,631,844                        1,631,844   
Total Investments      $16,575,338         $32,394,847        $34,226         $49,004,411   
Other Financial Instruments                           
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts      $—         $(2,586     $—         $(2,586

 

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

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

 

    Equity Securities     Asset-Backed
Securities
    Total  
Balance as of 10/31/13     $30,328        $0        $30,328   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    3,898               3,898   
Balance as of 4/30/14     $34,226        $0        $34,226   

The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments still held as level 3 at April 30, 2014 is $3,898. At April 30, 2014, the fund held two level 3 securities valued at $0.

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

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

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

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at April 30, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Liability Derivatives  
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange   $ (2,586

 

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The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended April 30, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Foreign Currency  
Foreign Exchange      $(14,736

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended April 30, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk   

Translation

of Assets
and

Liabilities in

Foreign
Currencies

 
Foreign Exchange      $3,381   

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible by entering into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific ISDA counterparty is subject.

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

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign

 

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currency at a fixed price on a future date. These contracts may be used to hedge the fund’s currency risk or for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency that the fund will receive from or use in its normal investment activities. The fund may also use contracts to hedge against declines in the value of foreign currency denominated securities due to unfavorable exchange rate movements. For non-hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts with the intent of changing the relative exposure of the fund’s portfolio of securities to different currencies to take advantage of anticipated exchange rate changes.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any unrealized gains or losses are recorded as a receivable or payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts until the contract settlement date. On contract settlement date, any gain or loss on the contract is recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency.

Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from unanticipated movements in the value of the contract and from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Generally, the fund’s maximum risk due to counterparty credit risk is the unrealized gain on the contract due to the use of Continuous Linked Settlement, an industry accepted settlement system. This risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments – The fund invests in loans and loan participations or other receivables. These investments may include standby financing commitments, including revolving credit facilities, which obligate the fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. Loan participations involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary.

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. The fund earns certain fees in connection with its floating rate loan purchasing activities. These fees are in addition to interest payments earned and may include amendment fees, commitment fees, facility fees, consent fees, and prepayment fees. Commitment fees are recorded on an accrual basis as income in the accompanying financial statements. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded when the fund is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained

 

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subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

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

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended April 30, 2014, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

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

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The fund seeks to pay monthly distributions based on an annual rate of 10% of the fund’s average monthly net asset value. As a result, distributions may exceed actual earnings which may result in a tax return of capital or, to the extent the fund has long-term gains, distributions of current year long-term gains may be recharacterized as ordinary income. 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 from other sources, 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.

 

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Book/tax differences primarily relate to amortization and accretion of debt securities and deferred trustee compensation.

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

 

     10/31/13  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains) (a)
     $2,737,377   
Tax return of capital (b)      2,128,348   
Total distributions      $4,865,725   

 

(a) Included in the fund’s distributions from ordinary income for the year ended October 31, 2013 is $403,310 in excess of investment company taxable income which, in accordance with applicable U.S. tax law, is taxable to shareholders as ordinary income distributions.
(b) Distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a tax return of capital.

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

 

As of 4/30/14       
Cost of investments      $44,984,189   
Gross appreciation      5,276,537   
Gross depreciation      (1,256,315
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $4,020,222   
As of 10/31/13       
Capital loss carryforwards      (14,122,873
Other temporary differences      (114,386
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      3,729,124   

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

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

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

 

10/31/16      $(9,321,635
10/31/17      (4,711,246
10/31/18      (89,992
Total      $(14,122,873

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with MFS to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.68% of the fund’s average daily net assets and 3.40% of gross income. Gross income is calculated based on tax elections that generally include the accretion of discount and exclude the amortization of premium, which may differ from investment income reported in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reduce its management fee to the lesser of the contractual management fee as set forth above or 0.90% of the average daily net assets. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until October 31, 2014. For the six months ended April 30, 2014, the fund’s average daily net assets and gross income did not meet the thresholds required to waive the management fee under this agreement. The management fee, from net assets and gross income, incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.88% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Transfer Agent – The fund engages Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) as the sole transfer agent for the fund. MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC) monitors and supervises the activities of Computershare for an agreed upon fee approved by the Board of Trustees. For the six months ended April 30, 2014, these fees paid to MFSC amounted to $1,099.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0354% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

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

Prior to December 31, 2001, the fund had an unfunded defined benefit plan (“DB plan”) for independent Trustees. As of December 31, 2001, the Board took action to terminate the DB plan with respect to then-current and any future independent Trustees, such that the DB plan covers only certain of those former independent Trustees who retired on or before December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, accrued benefits under the DB plan for then-current independent Trustees who continued were credited to an unfunded retirement deferral plan (the “Retirement Deferral plan”), which was established for and exists solely with respect to these credited amounts, and is not available for other deferrals by these or other independent Trustees. Although the Retirement Deferral plan is unfunded, amounts

 

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deferred under the plan are periodically adjusted for investment experience as if they had been invested in shares of the fund. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $309 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $2,221. Both amounts are included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended April 30, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $21,258 at April 30, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended April 30, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $157 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $35, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $8,871,958 and $10,516,787, respectively.

(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest

The fund’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. The Trustees have authorized the repurchase by the fund of up to 10% annually of its own shares of beneficial interest. During the six months ended April 30, 2014 and the year ended October 31, 2013, the fund did not repurchase any shares. Other transactions in fund shares were as follows:

 

     Six months ended
4/30/14
     Year ended
10/31/13
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
     27,162         $192,487         53,968         $376,605   

 

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(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended April 30, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $107 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     1,299,694         6,939,808         (6,607,658      1,631,844   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $555         $1,631,844   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of MFS Special Value Trust:

We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of MFS Special Value Trust (the Fund), including the portfolio of investments, as of April 30, 2014, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and financial highlights for the six-month period ended April 30, 2014. These interim financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management.

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

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

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended October 31, 2013, and financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended October 31, 2013, and in our report dated December 16, 2013, we expressed an unqualified opinion on such statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

June 13, 2014

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are available without charge, upon request, by calling
1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2013 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

 

39


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LOGO

 

CONTACT US

TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR, AND

DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

CALL

1-800-637-2304

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

WRITE

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

 

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: MFV


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

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

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

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

 

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

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

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

There were no changes during the period.


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

 

MFS Special Value 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
 

11/01/13-11/30/13

     0         N/A         0         696,770   

12/01/13-12/31/13

     0         N/A         0         696,770   

  1/01/14-1/31/14

     0         N/A         0         696,770   

  2/01/14-2/28/14

     0         N/A         0         696,770   

  3/01/14-3/31/14

     0         N/A         0         702,165   

  4/01/14-4/30/14

     0         N/A         0         702,165   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2014 plan year is 702,165.

 

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

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

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

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


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

 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (3) Notices to Trust’s common shareholders in accordance with Investment Company Act Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1.

 

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


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Notice

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


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SIGNATURES

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

Registrant MFS SPECIAL VALUE TRUST

 

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

Date: June 13, 2014

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

 

By (Signature and Title)*     JOHN M. CORCORAN
 

John M. Corcoran, President

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: June 13, 2014

 

By (Signature and Title)*     DAVID L. DILORENZO
 

David L. DiLorenzo, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer

and Accounting Officer)

Date: June 13, 2014

 

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