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 811-21978
Pioneer Series Trust VI
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP code)
Terrence J. Cullen, Amundi Asset Management, Inc.,
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 742-7825
Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2021
Date of reporting period: November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund
Annual Report | October 31, 2021
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x1x1.gif)
visit us: www.amundi.com/us
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 1
President’s Letter
Dear Shareholders,
The past year and a half has created unprecedented challenges for investors, as the COVID-19 pandemic has not only dominated the headlines since March 2020, but has also led to significant changes in government and central-bank policies, both in the US and abroad, and affected the everyday lives of each of us. As we move into the final months of 2021, the situation, while improved, has continued to evolve.
Widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in late 2020 led to a general decline in virus-related hospitalizations in the US and had a positive effect on overall market sentiment during the first half of this calendar year. The passage of two additional fiscal stimulus packages by US lawmakers last December and January also helped drive a strong market rally. However, the emergence of highly infectious variants of the virus has caused a recent spike in cases and hospitalizations, especially outside of the US. That development has contributed to a slowdown in the global economic recovery, as some foreign governments have reinstated strict virus-containment measures that had been relaxed after the rollout of the vaccines.
In the US, while performance of most asset classes, especially equities, has been positive for the year to date, volatility has been high, and the third quarter of 2021 saw negative returns for several stock market indices. Investors’ concerns over global supply chain issues, rising inflation, “hawkish” signals concerning less-accommodative future monetary policies from the Federal Reserve System (Fed), and partisan debates in Washington, DC over future spending and tax policies, are among the many factors that have led to greater uncertainty and an increase in market volatility.
Despite those concerns and some of the recent difficulties that have affected the economy and the markets, we believe the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines has provided a potential light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. With that said, the long-term impact on the global economy from COVID-19, while currently unknown, is likely to be considerable, as it is clear that several industries have already felt greater effects than others, and could continue to struggle for quite some time.
After leaving our offices in March of 2020 due to COVID-19, we have re-opened our US locations and our employees have returned to the office as of mid-October. I am proud of the careful planning that has taken place.
2 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Throughout the pandemic, our business has continued to operate without any disruption, and we all look forward to regaining a bit of normalcy after so many months of remote working.
Since 1928, Amundi US’s investment process has been built on a foundation of fundamental research and active management, principles which have guided our investment decisions for more than 90 years. We believe active management – that is, making active investment decisions – can help mitigate the risks during periods of market volatility.
At Amundi US, active management begins with our own fundamental, bottom-up research process. Our team of dedicated research analysts and portfolio managers analyzes each security under consideration, communicating directly with the management teams of the companies issuing the securities and working together to identify those securities that best meet our investment criteria for our family of funds. Our risk management approach begins with each and every security, as we strive to carefully understand the potential opportunity, while considering any and all risk factors.
Today, as investors, we have many options. It is our view that active management can serve shareholders well, not only when markets are thriving, but also during periods of market stress.
As you consider your long-term investment goals, we encourage you to work with your financial professional to develop an investment plan that paves the way for you to pursue both your short-term and long-term goals.
We greatly appreciate the trust you have placed in us and look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.
Sincerely,
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x5x1.gif)
Lisa M. Jones
Head of the Americas, President and CEO of US
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
December 2021
Any information in this shareowner report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 3
Portfolio Management Discussion | 10/31/21
In the following interview, Jonathan Sharkey discusses the factors that influenced the bank-loan market and the performance of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021. Mr. Sharkey, a senior vice president and a portfolio manager at Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (Amundi US), is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Q | | How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | | Pioneer Floating Rate Fund’s Class A shares returned 7.25% at net asset value during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021, while the Fund’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s/Loan Syndications & Trading Association Leveraged Performing Loan Index (the S&P/LSTA Index), returned 8.89%. During the same period, the average return of the 236 mutual funds in Morningstar’s Bank Loan Funds category was 7.62%. |
Q | | How would you describe the environment for investing in bank loans during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | | Entering the period in November 2020, concerns about many issues, including the US presidential election and its potential effects on future government policy, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, dampened investors’ enthusiasm for riskier assets, including equities, high-yield bonds, and bank loans. |
However, once November’s election results were settled, market sentiment improved with the removal of the uncertainty, and then received a further boost when a pair of COVID-19 vaccines were granted emergency-use authorization in December. In addition, US lawmakers, after months of debate, finally reached agreement on a $900 billion pandemic relief package just before the end of the 2020 calendar year. Those factors combined to raise confidence about the US economic outlook heading into 2021. Market participants viewed the vaccines as the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel,” betting that they would help alleviate some of the public-health concerns about the pandemic and bring forward the timing of a return to some semblance of economic normalcy after months of lockdowns and other restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. The additional fiscal measures were
4 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
viewed as offering much needed support for many individuals and businesses. Then, early in 2021, the US government passed yet another ($1.9 trillion) stimulus package on the heels of the smaller December relief bill. In response, riskier assets rallied and Treasury yields moved higher through the end of March.
As the period progressed, the continued highly dovish posture on monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) further improved market sentiment, as the US central bank expressed its intention to remain “on the sidelines” with regard to major policy changes until at least 2023. The Fed based its projection on the view that near-term increases in inflation above the usual 2% target would be “transitory” and not structural. The Fed also messaged that it would look at average inflation over time, rather than feeling compelled to raise the federal funds rate’s target range based on isolated upticks in prices.
However, the “reflation trade” wobbled during June as investors navigated growing apprehension over the spread of COVID-19 variants and a somewhat “hawkish” Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting that month. Treasury market investors reacted to the updated Fed “dot plot” – a quarterly chart summarizing the outlook for the federal funds rate for each FOMC meeting participant – that pointed to a median year-end 2023 target rate of 0.625%, or 50 basis points (bps) higher than the March 2021 forecast. (A basis point is equal to 1/100th of a percentage point.)
Over the summer, the FOMC also shifted its discussions to the process and timing of “tapering” the Fed’s purchases of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities, the first step towards tightening monetary policy. The yield curve saw short-end yields rise and long-end yields fall, while longer-term inflation expectations stabilized. The market’s reaction suggested investors’ doubts regarding the Fed’s long-term commitment to its new average-inflation targeting framework. The hawks prevailed during the September FOMC debate with regard to when to start tapering the asset-purchase program the Fed had enacted at the outset of the pandemic, and at what pace. The FOMC signaled, and Chair Powell affirmed, that a tapering plan would likely be announced in November, and completed by the middle of next year.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 5
Bank loans finished the 12-month period well into positive territory. While new-issue loan supply was elevated for most of the period, technical conditions in the market were supportive, with strong collateralized loan obligation (CLO) activity and notably positive loan mutual fund flows. Performance within the market was led by lower-rated loans in the B- and CCC ratings categories, as investors continued to hunt for yield in a continued low-interest-rate environment.
Q | | What factors had the biggest effects on the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | | From an allocation standpoint, the relatively high-quality profile of the loans held in the Fund’s portfolio, across various ratings segments, was a key detractor from benchmark-relative returns during a period that saw lower-rated loans outperform higher-rated loans. In addition, we maintained a modest cash position in the portfolio, which was designed to help us take advantage of attractively priced new-issuance opportunities as they emerged. The cash position detracted from relative performance, given that the loan market was a good place to be fully invested over the 12-month period. |
One positive contributor from an allocation standpoint was the Fund’s exposure to high-yield corporate bonds. We have typically maintained a modest out-of-benchmark exposure to high-yield corporates, with the aim of seeking to improve the risk/reward and liquidity profile of the portfolio. The allocation to high yield aided the Fund’s relative performance, especially early in the 12-month period. We trimmed the portfolio’s high-yield exposure heading into the 2021 calendar year, based on our view that the risk/return balance had tilted toward loans, given a tight labor market that contributed to concerns about rising inflation and interest rates. While that thesis has yet to bear out, we believe our cautious stance on the high-yield asset category remains prudent.
Security selection within the loan market aided the Fund’s benchmark-relative results over the period. In sector terms, positive contributions were highlighted by selection results within the air transport and
6 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
building & development segments, where portfolio overweights versus the benchmark also aided relative performance. Selection results within electronics, and an underweight to the sector, likewise contributed positively to the Fund’s relative returns. On the other hand, selection results within the business equipment and services, oil and gas, and health care segments detracted from the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance, as did an underweight to the leisure sector.
With regard to individual positions, while there were few meaningful laggards in terms of loan names held by the Fund, an overweight to utility Eastern Power detracted from benchmark-relative performance. Investors became concerned that electricity demand from New York City would not recover fully from the pandemic; meanwhile, weak pricing in an electrical-grid-operator capacity auction further weighed on the loan price. The Fund’s position in RSA also detracted from relative returns for the period as the company, which provides enterprises with remote-user authentication technology, saw a drop-off in demand with the return of many workers to their office settings after months of working from home during the height of the pandemic.
Individual loan holdings in the portfolio that contributed positively to the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance included American Airlines, which performed well on optimism surrounding the economic reopening and the resumption of travel to more “normal” levels, and TeamHealth, as the market’s worries about the physician-staffing company’s legal issues concerning its billing practices began to ease.
Q | | Did the Fund have any exposure to derivative securities during the 12-month period? If so, did the derivatives have any material effect on the Fund’s results? |
A | | Yes, we invested the portfolio in index-based high-yield bond and investment-grade bond credit-default-swap contracts during the period. The use of the derivatives aided performance by allowing the Fund to gain tactical exposure to the credit markets, while helping to maintain sufficient portfolio liquidity to meet shareholder redemptions. |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 7
Q | | Did the Fund’s distributions* to shareholders change during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | | The Fund’s monthly distribution rate began and ended the 12-month period at the same level. The distribution rate did increase slightly between January and October 2021, before settling back at the November 2020 distribution rate. |
Q | | What is your investment outlook? |
A | | We have a constructive view of the current prospects for leveraged loans. We believe the fundamental backdrop in the loan market is positive, as we feel the US economy could be poised to perform well in the coming months. While COVID-19-driven economic support programs are waning, consumers in general still have high levels of savings, which could drive pent-up demand going forward. Some issues of concern at the present time include the labor shortages and supply chain difficulties, which have been constraining economic growth. |
The Fed seems likely to begin tapering its purchases of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities before the end of the calendar year, and has continued to maintain that it intends to keep short-term interest rates at near-zero levels for the rest of this year and into 2022. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the Fed will increase the federal funds rate target range until after it has completed tapering the bond purchases. We believe the prospect of higher interest rates combined with strong loan-market fundamentals could be supportive for the performance of bank loans as an asset class.
The loan market has continued to trade at a discount, with most loans priced slightly below par (face) value. In fact, loans have been generating income at levels nearly comparable to that of high-yield corporates, while also providing a certain degree of protection against rising interest rates should the Fed be insufficiently nimble in managing inflation.
The default rate on loans for the 12 months ended October 31, 2021, was 0.20% by loan volume, near the record low and well below the historical average of slightly under 3%. The default rate on loans by number of issuers was 0.35%, also below the long-term average. In addition, recovery rates for loans have exceeded that of their high-yield corporate counterparts in recent years. The default rate on loans held in the Fund’s portfolio has remained below that of the market, given our bias toward investing in higher-quality loans.
* Distributions are not guaranteed.
8 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Given the improving economic backdrop over the 12-month period, we took advantage of what we felt were attractive new-issue concessions to modestly increase the portfolio’s exposures to loans in the B-rating category, while lowering exposure to higher-rated BB and BBB loans. At the same time, we trimmed the Fund’s allocation to loans rated B-, and ended the period with an overall portfolio quality profile that remained higher than that of the benchmark S&P/LSTA Index. Going forward, we anticipate maintaining a focus on quality, while carefully evaluating individual loans under consideration for inclusion in the portfolio.
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 18–41 for a full listing of Fund securities.
All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility and heightened uncertainty. The market prices of securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, recessions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues or adverse investor sentiment. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread.
Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative. Below-investment-grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher-rated debt securities. The Fund may invest in high-yield securities of any rating, including securities that are in default at the time of purchase.
Securities with floating interest rates generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as prevailing interest rates. Unlike fixed-rate securities, floating-rate securities generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. Changes in interest rates also will affect the amount of interest income the Fund earns on its floating-rate investments.
Investing in foreign and/or emerging markets securities involves risks relating to interest rates, currency exchange rates, economic, and political conditions.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 9
These risks may increase share price volatility.
Before investing, consider the product’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Contact your advisor or Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., for a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
10 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Portfolio Summary | 10/31/21
Portfolio Diversification
(As a percentage of total investments)*
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x13x1.gif)
† Amount rounds to less than 0.1%.
10 Largest Holdings | |
(As a percentage of total investments)* | |
1. | Traverse Midstream Partners LLC, Advance Term Loan, 4.3% (SOFRRATE + | |
| 425 bps), 9/27/24 | 0.86% |
2. | Rackspace Technology Global, Inc., First Lien 2021 Term B Loan, 3.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 275 bps), 2/15/28 | 0.80 |
3. | Scientific Games International, Inc., Initial Term B-5 Loan, 2.837% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 8/14/24 | 0.73 |
4. | CoreLogic, Inc. (fka First American Corp.), First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 6/2/28 | 0.72 |
5. | Altice France S.A., USD Term Loan B-13 Incremental Term Loan, 4.125% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 8/14/26 | 0.70 |
6. | VeriFone Systems, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.129% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 8/20/25 | 0.70 |
7. | Garda World Security Corp., Term B-2 Loan, 4.34% (LIBOR + 425 bps), | |
| 10/30/26 | 0.69 |
8. | WireCo WorldGroup, Inc. (WireCo WorldGroup Finance LP), First Lien Initial | |
| Term Loan, 6.0% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 9/29/23 | 0.68 |
9. | Parfums Holding Co., Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.087% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 6/30/24 | 0.67 |
10. | Team Health Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 2/6/24 | 0.65 |
* | | Excludes temporary cash investments and all derivative contracts except for options purchased. The Fund is actively managed, and current holdings may be different. The holdings listed should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities. |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 11
Prices and Distributions | 10/31/21
Net Asset Value per Share
| | |
Class | 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 |
A | $6.51 | $6.28 |
C | $6.57 | $6.34 |
Y | $6.58 | $6.34 |
Distributions per Share: 11/1/20–10/31/21
| | | |
| Net Investment | Short-Term | Long-Term |
Class | Income | Capital Gains | Capital Gains |
A | $0.2216 | $ — | $ — |
C | $0.1724 | $ — | $ — |
Y | $0.2436 | $ — | $ — |
Index Definitions
The S&P/LSTA Leveraged Performing Loan Index provides broad and comprehensive total return metrics of the U.S. universe of syndicated term loans. Index returns are calculated monthly, assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The index defined here pertains to the “Value of $10,000 Investment” and “Value of $5 Million Investment” charts on pages 13–15.
10 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class A Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class A shares of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund at public offering price during the periods shown, compared to that of the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Performing Loan Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| Net | Public | S&P/LSTA |
| Asset | Offering | Leveraged |
| Value | Price | Performing |
Period | (NAV) | (POP) | Loan Index |
10 years | 3.52% | 3.05% | 4.89% |
5 years | 3.09 | 2.15 | 4.68 |
1 year | 7.25 | 2.43 | 8.89 |
Expense Ratio | |
Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021 |
Gross | Net |
1.18% | 1.06% |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x15x1.gif)
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
NAV results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. POP returns reflect deduction of maximum 4.50% sales charge. NAV returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation currently in effect through March 1, 2022, for Class A shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 13
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class C Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class C shares of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Performing Loan Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| | | S&P/LSTA |
| | | Leveraged |
| If | If | Performing |
Period | Held | Redeemed | Loan Index |
10 years | 2.83% | N/A | 4.89% |
5 years | 2.50 | N/A | 4.68 |
1 year | 6.39 | 5.56% | 8.89 |
Expense Ratio |
Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021 |
Gross |
1.85% |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x16x1.gif)
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class C shares held for less than one year are also subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). “If Held” results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. NAV returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. “If Redeemed” returns reflect deduction of the CDSC, assuming a complete redemption of shares at the last price calculated on the last business day of the period. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for a more current expense ratio.
14 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class Y Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million investment made in Class Y shares of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Performing Loan Index.
Average Annual Total Returns |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| Net | S&P/LSTA |
| Asset | Leveraged |
| Value | Performing |
Period | (NAV) | Loan Index |
10 years | 3.96% | 4.89% |
5 years | 3.59 | 4.68 |
1 year | 7.70 | 8.89 |
Expense Ratio |
Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021 |
Gross | Net |
0.87% | 0.76% |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x17x1.gif)
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class Y shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation currently in effect through March 1, 2022, for Class Y shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 15
Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses
As a shareowner in the Fund, you incur two types of costs:
(1) | | ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and |
(2) | | transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments. |
This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 at the beginning of the Fund’s latest six-month period and held throughout the six months.
Using the Tables
Actual Expenses
The first table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period as follows:
(1) | | Divide your account value by $1,000 |
Example: an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6
(2) | | Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class’s number in the third row under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Floating Rate Fund
Based on actual returns from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
| | | |
Share Class | A | C | Y |
Beginning Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value on 5/1/21 | | | |
Ending Account | $1,017.26 | $1,013.53 | $1,020.47 |
Value (after expenses) | | | |
on 10/31/21 | | | |
Expenses Paid | $5.34 | $9.39 | $3.82 |
During Period* | | | |
* | | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.05%, 1.85% and 0.75% multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
16 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) that are charged at the time of the transaction. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Floating Rate Fund
Based on a hypothetical 5% return per year before expenses, reflecting the period from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
Share Class | A | C | Y |
Beginning Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value on 5/1/21 | | | |
Ending Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value (after expenses) | | | |
on 10/31/21 | | | |
Expenses Paid | $5.35 | $9.40 | $3.82 |
During Period* | | | |
* | | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.05%, 1.85% and 0.75% multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 17
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 94.1% | |
| SENIOR SECURED FLOATING RATE LOAN | |
| INTERESTS — 85.7% of Net Assets*(a) | |
| Aerospace & Defense — 3.1% | |
825,000 | Air Canada, Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 8/11/28 | $ 834,625 |
845,563 | American Airlines, Inc., 2017 Class B Term Loan, 2.09% | |
| (LIBOR + 200 bps), 12/15/23 | 834,407 |
2,793,817 | American Airlines, Inc., 2018 Replacement Term Loan, 1.838% | |
| (LIBOR + 175 bps), 6/27/25 | 2,709,829 |
975,000^ | Grupo Aeromexico, SAB de CV, DIP Tranche 1 Facility, 9.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 800 bps), 12/30/21 | 983,531 |
966,423 | Jazz Acquisition, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.34% | |
| (LIBOR + 425 bps), 6/19/26 | 942,867 |
1,264,640 | MAG DS Corp., Initial Term Loan, 6.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 550 bps), 4/1/27 | 1,179,277 |
500,000 | Mileage Plus Holdings LLC (Mileage Plus Intellectual | |
| Property Assets, Ltd.), Initial Term Loan, 6.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 525 bps), 6/21/27 | 533,040 |
2,239,373 | Peraton Corp., First Lien Term B Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 2/1/28 | 2,246,371 |
260,000 | SkyMiles IP, Ltd. (Delta Air Lines, Inc.), Initial Term | |
| Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/20/27 | 277,176 |
595,500 | Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. (fka Mid-Western Aircraft Systems, | |
| Inc and Onex Wind Finance LP), Initial Term Loan, | |
| 6.0% (LIBOR + 525 bps), 1/15/25 | 599,222 |
500,000(b) | Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. (fka Mid-Western Aircraft Systems, | |
| Inc and Onex Wind Finance LP), Term Loan B, | |
| 1/15/25 | 502,187 |
746,250 | United AirLines, Inc., Class B Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 4/21/28 | 757,677 |
2,281,552 | WP CPP Holdings LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 4/30/25 | 2,235,209 |
| Total Aerospace & Defense | $ 14,635,418 |
| Airlines — 0.2% | |
775,000 | AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd. (American Airlines, Inc.), | |
| Initial Term Loan, 5.5% (LIBOR + 475 bps), 4/20/28 | $ 807,384 |
| Total Airlines | $ 807,384 |
| Automobile — 2.4% | |
797,279 | American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Tranche B Term Loan, | |
| 3.0% (LIBOR + 225 bps), 4/6/24 | $ 797,556 |
1,492,500 | CWGS Group LLC, Initial Term Loan, 3.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 6/3/28 | 1,487,526 |
562,754 | Dana, Inc., 2018 New Term Loan B Advance, 2.34% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 2/27/26 | 563,985 |
912,083 | Highline Aftermarket Acquisition LLC, First Lien Initial | |
| Term Loan, 5.25% (LIBOR + 450 bps), 11/9/27 | 916,263 |
1,577,302 | IXS Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 5.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 3/5/27 | 1,564,815 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Automobile — (continued) | |
1,778,829 | RVR Dealership Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 2/8/28 | $ 1,778,829 |
686,913 | Superior Industries International, Inc., Replacement Term | |
| Loan, 4.087% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 5/22/24 | 686,913 |
1,970,640 | Thor Industries, Inc., Term B-1 USD Loan, 3.125% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 2/1/26 | 1,974,335 |
1,207,917 | Visteon Corp., 2018 New Term Loan, 1.84% (LIBOR + | |
| 175 bps), 3/25/24 | 1,201,877 |
| Total Automobile | $ 10,972,099 |
| Automotive — 1.3% | |
997,500 | American Trailer World Corp., First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.5% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 3/3/28 | $ 994,133 |
1,521,188 | Autokiniton US Holdings, Inc., Closing Date Term B Loan, | |
| 5.0% (LIBOR + 450 bps), 4/6/28 | 1,524,991 |
850,790 | TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C., Refinancing US Term | |
| Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 12/16/26 | 852,385 |
1,496,250 | Trinseo Materials Operating SCA, 2021 Incremental Term | |
| Loan, 2.587% (LIBOR + 250 bps), 5/3/28 | 1,489,330 |
1,000,000 | Wheel Pros, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 5.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 450 bps), 5/11/28 | 997,431 |
| Total Automotive | $ 5,858,270 |
| Banking — 0.5% | |
498,750 | Azalea TopCo, Inc., First Lien 2021 Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 7/24/26 | $ 500,932 |
980,000 | Azalea TopCo, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 3.63% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 7/24/26 | 974,181 |
1,069,731 | Nouryon Finance BV, Initial Dollar Term Loan, 2.839% | |
| (LIBOR + 275 bps), 10/1/25 | 1,063,237 |
| Total Banking | $ 2,538,350 |
| Beverage, Food & Tobacco — 0.2% | |
1,023,484 | JBS USA Lux SA (fka JBS USA LLC), New Term Loan, 2.087% | |
| (LIBOR + 200 bps), 5/1/26 | $ 1,021,245 |
| Total Beverage, Food & Tobacco | $ 1,021,245 |
| Broadcasting & Entertainment — 1.3% | |
1,327,192 | Charter Communications Operating LLC, Term B-2 Loan, | |
| 1.84% (LIBOR + 175 bps), 2/1/27 | $ 1,319,501 |
483,826 | Creative Artists Agency LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, | |
| 3.837% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/27/26 | 482,124 |
1,581,456 | Gray Television, Inc., Term B-2 Loan, 2.332% (LIBOR + | |
| 225 bps), 2/7/24 | 1,579,370 |
528,021 | Gray Television, Inc., Term C Loan, 2.582% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 1/2/26 | 525,793 |
1,147,309 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc., Tranche B Term Loan, 2.34% | |
| (LIBOR + 225 bps), 1/3/24 | 1,133,206 |
808,500 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc., Tranche B-2b Term Loan, | |
| 2.59% (LIBOR + 250 bps), 9/30/26 | 798,773 |
| Total Broadcasting & Entertainment | $ 5,838,767 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 19
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Building Materials — 1.0% | |
1,616,578 | Circor International, Inc., New Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 12/11/24 | $ 1,616,830 |
580,699 | CPG International LLC (fka CPG International, Inc.), New | |
| Term Loan, 3.25% (LIBOR + 250 bps), 5/5/24 | 581,529 |
598,500 | Foundation Building Materials, Inc., First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 1/31/28 | 594,385 |
1,995,000 | Groupe Solmax, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 5.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 475 bps), 5/29/28 | 2,001,859 |
| Total Building Materials | $ 4,794,603 |
| Buildings & Real Estate — 1.6% | |
984,831 | C.H.I. Overhead Doors, Inc., First Lien Third Amendment | |
| Initial Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 7/31/25 | $ 988,831 |
1,482,373 | Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., Tranche B Term Loan, | |
| 3.75% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 4/12/28 | 1,483,145 |
893,250 | PAE, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 5.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 450 bps), 10/19/27 | 894,786 |
1,296,750 | SRS Distribution, Inc., 2021 Refinancing Term Loan, 4.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 6/2/28 | 1,298,209 |
2,828,578 | WireCo WorldGroup, Inc. (WireCo WorldGroup Finance LP), | |
| First Lien Initial Term Loan, 6.0% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 9/29/23 | 2,835,397 |
| Total Buildings & Real Estate | $ 7,500,368 |
| Chemicals — 3.4% | |
1,745,223 | ARC Falcon I, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 9/30/28 | $ 1,745,404 |
1,388,340 | Core & Main LP, Tranche B Term Loan, 2.588% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 7/27/28 | 1,381,182 |
1,890,500 | CPC Acquisition Corp., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 12/29/27 | 1,890,107 |
1,692,458 | Gemini HDPE LLC, 2027 Advance, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 12/31/27 | 1,694,926 |
1,750,000 | Geon Performance Solutions LLC (Fka. Echo US Holdings | |
| LLC), Initial Term Loan, 5.5% (LIBOR + 475 bps), 8/18/28 | 1,765,313 |
599,479 | Graham Packaging Co., Inc., 2021 Initial Term Loan, 3.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 300 bps), 8/4/27 | 598,968 |
1,246,875 | Herens Holdco S.a r.l., Facility B, 4.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 7/3/28 | 1,250,480 |
1,119,382 | LSF11 Skyscraper Holdco S.a r.l., Facility B3, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 9/29/27 | 1,123,230 |
1,500,000 | Pactiv Evergreen, Inc., Tranche B-3 U.S. Term Loan, 4.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 9/24/28 | 1,498,125 |
1,850,000(b) | Solenis International LP, Term Loan B, 9/21/28 | 1,849,711 |
475,417 | Tank Holding Corp., First Lien 2020 Incremental Term Loan, | |
| 5.75% (LIBOR + 500 bps/PRIME + 400 bps + | |
| 500 bps), 3/26/26 | 477,794 |
507,121 | Tronox Finance LLC, First Lien Refinancing Term Loan, | |
| 2.37% (LIBOR + 225 bps), 3/10/28 | 503,516 |
| Total Chemicals | $ 15,778,756 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber — 1.6% | |
1,495,000 | Avantor Funding, Inc., 2021 Incremental B-5 Dollar Term | |
| Loan, 2.75% (LIBOR + 225 bps), 11/8/27 | $ 1,495,748 |
549,795 | Axalta Coating Systems Dutch Holding B BV (Axalta Coating | |
| Systems U.S. Holdings, Inc.), Term B-3 Dollar | |
| Loan, 1.882% (LIBOR + 175 bps), 6/1/24 | 549,409 |
994,987 | Charter Next Generation, Inc., First Lien 2021 Initial Term | |
| Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 12/1/27 | 998,787 |
987,374 | Hexion, Inc., USD Term Loan, 3.64% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 7/1/26 | 988,608 |
354,600 | Innophos Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 3.837% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 2/5/27 | 355,154 |
1,000,000 | Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH, 2021 Initial Dollar Term | |
| Loan, 2.75% (LIBOR + 225 bps), 9/24/28 | 1,006,250 |
818,813 | Pactiv Evergreen, Inc., Tranche B-2 U.S. Term Loan, 3.337% | |
| (LIBOR + 325 bps), 2/5/26 | 814,910 |
245,000 | Tank Holding Corp., First Lien 2020 Refinancing Term Loan, | |
| 3.587% (LIBOR + 350 bps/PRIME + 250 bps + | |
| 225 bps), 3/26/26 | 244,132 |
57,571(b) | Trident TPI Holdings, Inc., Tranche B-3 Delayed Draw Term | |
| Loan, 4.2% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 9/15/28 | 57,762 |
1,007,143 | Trident TPI Holdings, Inc., Tranche B-3 Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.5% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 9/15/28 | 1,010,470 |
| Total Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber | $ 7,521,230 |
| Computers & Electronics — 5.1% | |
897,750 | Ahead DB Holdings LLC, First Lien Term B Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/18/27 | $ 901,959 |
987,462 | athenahealth, Inc., First Lien Term B-1 Loan, 4.377% | |
| (LIBOR + 425 bps), 2/11/26 | 991,659 |
1,400,000 | Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.25% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/16/28 | 1,398,250 |
272,938 | ECi Macola/MAX Holding LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.5% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/9/27 | 273,688 |
498,750 | Endurance International Group Holdings, Inc., Initial Term | |
| Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 2/10/28 | 490,645 |
1,107,026 | Energy Acquisition LP, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.351% | |
| (LIBOR + 425 bps), 6/26/25 | 1,099,877 |
895,500 | Indy US Bidco LLC, Tranche B-1 Term Loan, 4.087% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 3/6/28 | 898,579 |
1,488,750 | LogMeIn, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.834% (LIBOR + | |
| 475 bps), 8/31/27 | 1,488,402 |
2,200,000 | Magenta Buyer LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 5.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 500 bps), 7/27/28 | 2,199,771 |
1,000,000 | Mavenir Systems, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 5.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 475 bps), 8/18/28 | 1,005,417 |
895,500 | Netsmart, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 10/1/27 | 898,298 |
1,496,250 | Paysafe Group Holdings II, Ltd., Facility B1, 3.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 6/28/28 | 1,486,898 |
696,500 | Pitney Bowes, Inc., Refinancing Tranche B Term Loan, 4.09% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 3/17/28 | 698,895 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 21
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Computers & Electronics — (continued) | |
1,500,000 | Polaris Newco LLC, First Lien Dollar Term Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 6/2/28 | $ 1,505,343 |
1,750,000 | RealPage, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 4/24/28 | 1,747,994 |
1,000,000 | Redstone HoldCo 2 LP, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 5.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 475 bps), 4/27/28 | 969,375 |
1,500,000 | Skopima Consilio Parent LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.5% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 5/12/28 | 1,495,313 |
2,984,615 | VeriFone Systems, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.129% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 8/20/25 | 2,927,618 |
1,400,000 | Vision Solutions, Inc. (Precisely Software, Inc.), First | |
| Lien Third Amendment Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + |
| 400 bps), 4/24/28 | 1,400,882 |
| Total Computers & Electronics | $ 23,878,863 |
| Construction & Building — 1.5% | |
1,500,000 | Aegion Corp., Initial Term Loan, 5.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 475 bps), 5/17/28 | $ 1,516,407 |
1,745,625 | Artera Services LLC, Tranche B Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 3/6/25 | 1,741,261 |
1,995,000 | CP Atlas Buyer, Inc., Term B Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 11/23/27 | 1,985,591 |
547,503 | LBM Acquisition LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 12/17/27 | 541,686 |
1,243,750 | Potters Industries LLC, Initial Term Loan, 4.013% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 12/14/27 | 1,245,305 |
| Total Construction & Building | $ 7,030,250 |
| Consumer goods: Durable — 0.3% | |
1,413,750 | ADS Tactical, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 6.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 575 bps), 3/19/26 | $ 1,426,120 |
| Total Consumer goods: Durable | $ 1,426,120 |
| Consumer Nondurables — 0.5% | |
1,000,000 | Diamond (BC) BV, Amendment No. 3 Refinancing Term | |
| Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + 300 bps), 9/29/28 | $ 999,125 |
1,477,575 | Sunshine Luxembourg VII S.a r.l., Facility B3, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 10/1/26 | 1,483,744 |
| Total Consumer Nondurables | $ 2,482,869 |
| Containers, Packaging & Glass — 0.7% | |
939,010 | Plastipak Holdings, Inc., 2018 Tranche B Term Loan, 2.59% | |
| (LIBOR + 250 bps), 10/14/24 | $ 938,814 |
987,437 | Pregis TopCo LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.087% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 7/31/26 | 990,400 |
1,250,000 | Pregis TopCo LLC, First Lien Third Amendment Refinancing | |
| Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 7/31/26 | 1,255,860 |
| Total Containers, Packaging & Glass | $ 3,185,074 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Diversified & Conglomerate Manufacturing — 1.4% |
2,895,713 | Garda World Security Corp., Term B-2 Loan, 4.34% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 10/30/26 | $ 2,902,275 |
1,854,048 | Pelican Products, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 5/1/25 | 1,855,787 |
1,650,000(b) | WireCo WorldGroup, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 10/27/28 | 1,641,750 |
| Total Diversified & Conglomerate Manufacturing | $ 6,399,812 |
| Diversified & Conglomerate Service — 4.8% | |
1,488,693 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC (f/k/a USAGM Holdco, LLC), | |
| Initial U.S. Dollar Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 5/12/28 | $ 1,489,810 |
2,102,531 | CB Poly Investments LLC, First Lien Closing Date Term Loan, | |
| 5.5% (LIBOR + 450 bps), 8/16/23 | 2,094,910 |
433,575 | Change Healthcare Holdings LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, | |
| 3.5% (LIBOR + 250 bps), 3/1/24 | 433,589 |
494,864 | DG Investment Intermediate Holdings 2, Inc., First Lien | |
| Closing Date Initial Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 3/31/28 | 496,781 |
95,708(b) | DG Investment Intermediate Holdings 2, Inc., First Lien | |
| Delayed Draw Term Loan, 4.44% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 3/31/28 | 96,079 |
2,248,393 | DTI Holdco, Inc., Replacement B-1 Term Loan, 5.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 475 bps), 9/29/23 | 2,228,252 |
2,365,608 | First Brands Group LLC, First Lien 2021 Term Loan, 6.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 500 bps), 3/30/27 | 2,390,002 |
997,500 | FleetCor Technologies Operating Co. LLC, Term B-4 Loan, | |
| 1.837% (LIBOR + 175 bps), 4/28/28 | 996,520 |
1,447,151 | GHX Ultimate Parent Corp., First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.25% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 6/28/24 | 1,450,317 |
1,995,000 | Heartland Dental LLC, 2021 Incremental Term Loan, 4.086% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 4/30/25 | 1,992,921 |
970,000 | Ozark Holdings LLC, 2020 Refinancing Term Loan, 4.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 12/16/27 | 973,031 |
1,500,000 | Russell Investments US Institutional Holdco, Inc., 2025 Term | |
| Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 5/30/25 | 1,506,407 |
1,000,000 | Sitel Group, Initial Dollar Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 8/28/28 | 1,002,875 |
498,750 | Sound Inpatient Physicians, Inc., First Lien 2021 | |
| Incremental Term Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 6/27/25 | 498,672 |
989,770 | Sound Inpatient Physicians, Inc., First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 2.837% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 6/27/25 | 988,120 |
500,000 | Sound Inpatient Physicians, Inc., Second Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 6.837% (LIBOR + 675 bps), 6/26/26 | 501,666 |
2,865,000 | Team Health Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR | |
| + 275 bps), 2/6/24 | 2,735,359 |
500,000 | Tempo Acquisition LLC, Third Incremental Term Loan, 3.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 300 bps), 8/31/28 | 501,250 |
| Total Diversified & Conglomerate Service | $ 22,376,561 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 23
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Diversified Natural Resources, Precious Metals — 0.2% |
992,500 | 84 Lumber Co., Term B-1 Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 11/13/26 | $ 994,361 |
| Total Diversified Natural Resources, Precious Metals | $ 994,361 |
| Electric & Electrical — 1.3% | |
1,500,000 | Idera, Inc., First Lien Term B-1 Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 3/2/28 | $ 1,499,812 |
1,000,000(b) | MKS Instruments, Inc., Term Loan, 10/20/28 | 999,609 |
3,383,000 | Rackspace Technology Global, Inc., First Lien 2021 Term B | |
| Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 2/15/28 | 3,363,971 |
| Total Electric & Electrical | $ 5,863,392 |
| Electronics — 2.5% | |
3,000,000 | CoreLogic, Inc. (fka First American Corp.), First Lien | |
| Initial Term Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 6/2/28 | $ 3,003,750 |
2,545 | Flexera Software LLC, First Lien Term B-1 Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 3/3/28 | 2,549 |
1,452,686 | Natel Engineering Co., Inc., Initial Term Loan, 7.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 625 bps), 4/30/26 | 1,425,449 |
3,043,890 | Scientific Games International, Inc., Initial Term B-5 Loan, | |
| 2.837% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 8/14/24 | 3,035,331 |
2,250,000(b) | TIBCO Software, Inc., Term B-2 Loan, 6/30/26 | 2,217,656 |
1,803,499 | Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc., Second Amendment Term B Loan, | |
| 3.837% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 8/27/25 | 1,809,510 |
| Total Electronics | $ 11,494,245 |
| Entertainment & Leisure — 1.6% | |
1,300,000 | AIT Worldwide Logistics Holdings, Inc., First Lien Initial | |
| Term Loan, 5.5% (LIBOR + 475 bps), 4/6/28 | $ 1,305,362 |
450,000 | Bally’s Corp., Term B Facility Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 10/2/28 | 450,253 |
740,625 | Carnival Corp., Initial Advance Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 6/30/25 | 740,629 |
1,945,125 | Enterprise Development Authority, Term B Loan, 5.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 425 bps), 2/28/28 | 1,952,419 |
1,000,000 | Lakeshore Learning Materials LLC, First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 9/29/28 | 1,001,250 |
1,994,792 | Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., Term B Loan, 3.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 300 bps), 8/25/28 | 1,992,506 |
| Total Entertainment & Leisure | $ 7,442,419 |
| Environmental Services — 0.7% | |
1,164,733 | GFL Environmental, Inc., 2020 Refinancing Term Loan, 3.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 300 bps), 5/30/25 | $ 1,168,372 |
1,197,000 | LTR Intermediate Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 5.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 450 bps), 5/5/28 | 1,199,993 |
748,125 | WIN Waste Innovations Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, | |
| 3.25% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 3/24/28 | 749,294 |
| Total Environmental Services | $ 3,117,659 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Finance — 0.8% | |
1,835,000 | Bank of Industry, Ltd., 6.119% (LIBOR + 600 bps), 12/11/23 | $ 1,815,549 |
497,500 | Citadel Securities LP, 2021 Term Loan, 2.587% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 2/2/28 | 493,924 |
1,250,000(b) | EP Purchaser LLC, Term Loan B, 10/28/28 | 1,250,781 |
| Total Finance | $ 3,560,254 |
| Financial Services — 1.3% | |
1,838,250 | Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc., First Lien Term Loan, | |
| 3.087% (LIBOR + 300 bps), 6/15/25 | $ 1,827,090 |
1,000,000(b) | Chamberlain Group LLC, Term Loan B, 10/22/28 | 999,688 |
577,821 | EFS Cogen Holdings I LLC, Term Loan B Advance, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 10/1/27 | 579,265 |
2,457,037 | Vistra Group Holdings (BVI) II, Ltd., First Lien 2020 Dollar | |
| Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/27/25 | 2,463,691 |
| Total Financial Services | $ 5,869,734 |
| Food & Beverage — 0.3% | |
1,350,000(b) | Alltech, Inc., Term B Loan, 10/13/28 | $ 1,353,375 |
| Total Food & Beverage | $ 1,353,375 |
| Forest Products — 1.6% | |
1,039,500 | Chobani LLC, 2020 New Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 10/25/27 | $ 1,042,377 |
1,688,878 | ProAmpac PG Borrower LLC, First Lien 2020-1 Term Loan, | |
| 4.5% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/3/25 | 1,692,467 |
1,995,000 | Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., Term B Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 2/9/28 | 1,993,753 |
1,125,000 | Sylvamo Corp., Term Loan B, 5.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 450 bps), 8/18/28 | 1,122,188 |
1,650,000 | Vector WP Holdco, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 500 bps), 10/12/28 | 1,641,750 |
| Total Forest Products | $ 7,492,535 |
| Gaming & Hotels — 0.6% | |
1,000,000 | Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, Initial Term Loan, | |
| 3.5% (LIBOR + 300 bps), 8/2/28 | $ 1,003,250 |
2,000,000 | Lucky Bucks LLC, Initial Term Loan, 6.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 550 bps), 7/30/27 | 1,970,000 |
| Total Gaming & Hotels | $ 2,973,250 |
| Government — 0.3% | |
1,246,875 | Madison IAQ LLC, Initial Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 6/21/28 | $ 1,246,355 |
| Total Government | $ 1,246,355 |
| Healthcare — 3.8% | |
1,000,000 | AEA International Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., First Lien | |
| Initial Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 9/7/28 | $ 1,003,750 |
750,000 | AHP Health Partners, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 8/24/28 | 752,344 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 25
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Healthcare — (continued) | |
1,075,134 | Alkermes, Inc., 2026 Term Loan, 3.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 3/12/26 | $ 1,072,446 |
2,000,000(b) | ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Term Loan B, 5/24/27 | 2,012,500 |
1,200,000(b) | EyeCare Partners LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 10/14/28 | 1,198,200 |
497,500 | Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc., Incremental Term B-2 Loan, | |
| 2.5% (LIBOR + 200 bps), 3/15/28 | 496,922 |
1,750,000(b) | Medline Borrower LP, Initial Dollar Term Loan, 10/23/28 | 1,753,360 |
1,250,000 | Padagis LLC, Term B Loan, 5.25% (LIBOR + 475 bps), 7/6/28 | 1,253,906 |
1,241,884 | Phoenix Guarantor, Inc., First Lien Tranche B-3 Term Loan, | |
| 3.586% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 3/5/26 | 1,238,314 |
1,000,000 | Signify Health LLC, Initial Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 6/22/28 | 998,750 |
1,200,000 | Sotera Health Holdings LLC, First Lien Refinancing Loan, | |
| 3.25% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 12/11/26 | 1,197,000 |
1,500,000 | U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc., First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + 425 bps), 10/1/28 | 1,501,688 |
2,475,047 | Upstream Newco, Inc., First Lien August 2021 Incremental | |
| Term Loan, 4.337% (LIBOR + 425 bps), 11/20/26 | 2,476,903 |
992,500 | US Radiology Specialists, Inc. (US Outpatient Imaging | |
| Services, Inc.), Closing Date Term Loan, 6.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 550 bps), 12/15/27 | 997,374 |
| Total Healthcare | $ 17,953,457 |
| Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals — 2.0% | |
980,000 | Curium BidCo S.a r.l., Facility B, 4.132% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 7/9/26 | $ 981,225 |
1,053,934 | Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I S.a r.l., 2021 Term Loan, | |
| 5.75% (LIBOR + 500 bps), 3/27/28 | 1,031,757 |
1,729,431 | FC Compassus LLC, Term B-1 Loan, 5.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 12/31/26 | 1,738,727 |
2,324,851 | Kindred Healthcare LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, 4.625% | |
| (LIBOR + 450 bps), 7/2/25 | 2,328,726 |
657,550 | Loire UK Midco 3, Ltd., Facility B, 3.337% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 4/21/27 | 646,043 |
840,000(b) | Medical Solutions Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 10/6/28 | 841,786 |
1,407,298 | NMN Holdings III Corp., First Lien Closing Date Term Loan, | |
| 3.837% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/13/25 | 1,380,032 |
301,643 | NMN Holdings III Corp., First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan, | |
| 3.837% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/13/25 | 295,798 |
| Total Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | $ 9,244,014 |
| Healthcare, Education & Childcare — 2.9% | |
661,390 | Bausch Health Cos., Inc., First Incremental Term Loan, | |
| 2.837% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 11/27/25 | $ 660,563 |
1,015,671 | Bausch Health Cos., Inc., Initial Term Loan, 3.087% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 6/2/25 | 1,014,613 |
447,750 | CNT Holdings I Corp., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/8/27 | 449,029 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Healthcare, Education & Childcare — (continued) | |
1,489,994 | Gainwell Acquisition Corp., First Lien Term B Loan, 4.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 10/1/27 | $ 1,496,046 |
1,246,875 | Jazz Pharmaceuticals Public Co., Ltd., Initial Dollar Term | |
| Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 5/5/28 | 1,249,992 |
1,474,827 | KUEHG Corp. (fka KC MergerSub, Inc.), Term B-3 Loan, | |
| 4.75% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 2/21/25 | 1,464,688 |
613,384 | LifePoint Health, Inc. (fka Regionalcare Hospital Partners | |
| Holdings, Inc.), First Lien Term B Loan, 3.837% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 11/16/25 | 612,648 |
1,496,250 | One Call Corp., First Lien Term B Loan, 6.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 550 bps), 4/22/27 | 1,510,277 |
1,995,000 | Organon & Co., Dollar Term Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 6/2/28 | 2,002,326 |
760,008 | Quorum Health Corp., Term Loan, 8.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 700 bps), 4/29/25 | 764,441 |
1,470,000 | U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 5.125% (LIBOR + | |
| 500 bps), 6/26/26 | 1,464,488 |
1,000,000 | U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Term Loan, 6.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 550 bps), 6/26/26 | 994,062 |
| Total Healthcare, Education & Childcare | $ 13,683,173 |
| Home Furnishings — 0.5% | |
2,158,750 | Instant Brands Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 5.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 500 bps), 4/12/28 | $ 2,153,353 |
408,210 | Weber-Stephen Products LLC, Initial Term B Loan, 4.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 325 bps), 10/30/27 | 409,741 |
| Total Home Furnishings | $ 2,563,094 |
| Hotel, Gaming & Leisure — 2.1% | |
816,863 | 1011778 B.C. Unlimitd Liability Co., Term B-4 Loan, 1.837% | |
| (LIBOR + 175 bps), 11/19/26 | $ 802,159 |
1,476,982 | Caesars Resort Collection LLC, Term B Loan, 2.837% | |
| (LIBOR + 275 bps), 12/23/24 | 1,471,904 |
990,000 | Caesars Resort Collection LLC, Term B-1 Loan, 3.587% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 7/21/25 | 992,237 |
561,921 | Flutter Entertainment Plc, USD Term Loan, 2.382% (LIBOR + | |
| 225 bps), 7/21/26 | 560,597 |
1,966,428 | Golden Nugget, Inc., Initial B Term Loan, 3.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 10/4/23 | 1,958,507 |
1,750,000 | J & J Ventures Gaming LLC, Initial Term Loan, 4.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 4/26/28 | 1,759,296 |
497,500 | Playtika Holding Corp., Term B-1 Loan, 2.837% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 3/13/28 | 497,397 |
1,395,152 | Spectacle Gary Holdings LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, | |
| 11.0% (LIBOR + 900 bps), 12/23/25 | 1,524,204 |
101,097 | Spectacle Gary Holdings LLC, Delayed Draw Term Loan, | |
| 11.0% (LIBOR + 900 bps), 12/23/25 | 110,449 |
| Total Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | $ 9,676,750 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 27
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Industrial Services — 0.2% | |
1,000,000 | Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 6/23/28 | $ 998,438 |
| Total Industrial Services | $ 998,438 |
| Insurance — 0.9% | |
1,812,631 | Asurion LLC, New B-7 Term Loan, 3.087% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 11/3/24 | $ 1,801,679 |
750,000 | Asurion LLC, Second Lien New B-4 Term Loan, 5.337% | |
| (LIBOR + 525 bps), 1/20/29 | 747,812 |
977,500 | Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. (Lightning | |
| Cayman Merger Sub, Ltd.), 2019 Term Loan, 3.837% |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 9/3/26 | 976,522 |
841,903 | USI, Inc. (fka Compass Investors Inc.), 2017 New Term Loan, | |
| 3.132% (LIBOR + 300 bps), 5/16/24 | 836,792 |
| Total Insurance | $ 4,362,805 |
| Leasing — 1.3% | |
1,245,119 | Avolon TLB Borrower 1 (US) LLC, Term B-4 Loan, 2.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 150 bps), 2/12/27 | $ 1,236,063 |
775,064 | Fly Funding II S.a r.l., Replacement Term Loan, 1.88% | |
| (LIBOR + 175 bps), 8/11/25 | 762,793 |
570,000 | Fly Funding II S.a r.l., Term Loan B, 7.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 600 bps), 10/8/25 | 572,137 |
1,678,641 | Hertz Corp., Initial Term B Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 6/30/28 | 1,682,576 |
317,152 | Hertz Corp., Initial Term C Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 6/30/28 | 317,895 |
1,500,575 | IBC Capital I, Ltd., First Lien Tranche B-1 Term Loan, 3.87% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 9/11/23 | 1,478,535 |
| Total Leasing | $ 6,049,999 |
| Leisure & Entertainment — 0.7% | |
1,987,264 | AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (fka AMC Entertainment, | |
| Inc.), Term B-1 Loan, 3.086% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 4/22/26 | $ 1,839,700 |
1,487,659 | Fitness International LLC, Term B Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 4/18/25 | 1,384,762 |
| Total Leisure & Entertainment | $ 3,224,462 |
| Machinery — 2.3% | |
497,500 | Clark Equipment Co., Third Amendment Incremental Term | |
| Loan, 2.382% (LIBOR + 225 bps), 5/18/24 | $ 496,256 |
1,702,857 | CTC AcquiCo GmbH, Facility B2, 2.871% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 3/7/25 | 1,683,700 |
1,541,284 | Engineered Components and Systems LLC, First Lien Initial | |
| Term Loan, 6.5% (LIBOR + 600 bps), 8/2/28 | 1,537,431 |
2,000,000 | Grinding Media, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 400 bps), 10/12/28 | 2,007,500 |
2,210,615 | MHI Holdings LLC, Initial Term Loan, 5.087% (LIBOR + | |
| 500 bps), 9/21/26 | 2,227,195 |
134,617 | Terex Corp., Incremental U.S. 2018 Term Loan, 2.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 200 bps), 1/31/24 | 134,628 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Machinery — (continued) | |
498,750 | Triton Water Holdings, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.0% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 3/31/28 | $ 498,672 |
1,946,741 | Welbilt, Inc. (fka Manitowoc Foodservice, Inc.), 2018 | |
| Term B Loan, 2.587% (LIBOR + 250 bps), 10/23/25 | 1,941,874 |
| Total Machinery | $ 10,527,256 |
| Manufacturing — 0.2% | |
1,000,000 | Conair Holdings LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 5/17/28 | $ 1,001,406 |
| Total Manufacturing | $ 1,001,406 |
| Media — 2.2% | |
2,951,822 | Altice France SA, USD Term Loan B-13 Incremental Term | |
| Loan, 4.125% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 8/14/26 | $ 2,946,024 |
1,496,250 | Cable One, Inc., Incremental Term B-4 Loan, 2.087% | |
| (LIBOR + 200 bps), 5/3/28 | 1,486,898 |
2,556,610 | CSC Holdings LLC (fka CSC Holdings, Inc. (Cablevision)), | |
| October 2018 Incremental Term Loan, 2.34% (LIBOR + |
| 225 bps), 1/15/26 | 2,510,911 |
900,000 | DIRECTV Financing LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, 5.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 500 bps), 8/2/27 | 901,688 |
1,500,000(b) | Univision Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 5/5/28 | 1,500,938 |
1,015,000 | Ziggo Financing Partnership, Term Loan I Facility, 2.59% | |
| (LIBOR + 250 bps), 4/30/28 | 1,005,008 |
| Total Media | $ 10,351,467 |
| Metals & Mining — 0.9% | |
699,375 | Atkore International, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 2.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 200 bps), 5/26/28 | $ 698,501 |
498,750 | Harsco Corp., Term B-3 Loan, 2.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 225 bps), 3/10/28 | 497,971 |
2,186,618 | Phoenix Services International LLC, Term B Loan, 4.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 3/1/25 | 2,175,003 |
672,186 | TMS International Corp., Term B-2 Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 8/14/24 | 671,345 |
| Total Metals & Mining | $ 4,042,820 |
| Oil & Gas — 2.0% | |
1,945,000 | Centurion Pipeline Co. LLC, Initial Term Loan, 3.337% | |
| (LIBOR + 325 bps), 9/29/25 | $ 1,935,275 |
2,495 | Delek US Holdings, Inc., Initial Loan, 2.337% (LIBOR + | |
| 225 bps), 3/31/25 | 2,427 |
498,750 | DT Midstream, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 2.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 200 bps), 6/26/28 | 500,152 |
250,000 | ITT Holdings LLC, Initial Term Loan, 3.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 7/10/28 | 249,687 |
1,333,750 | NorthRiver Midstream Finance LP, Initial Term B Loan, | |
| 3.382% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 10/1/25 | 1,332,639 |
1,500,000 | Oryx Midstream Services Permian Basin LLC, Initial Term | |
| Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 10/5/28 | 1,496,250 |
3,607,502 | Traverse Midstream Partners LLC, Advance Term Loan, 4.3% | |
| (SOFRRATE + 425 bps), 9/27/24 | 3,611,691 |
| Total Oil & Gas | $ 9,128,121 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 29
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Personal and Non Durable Consumer Products | |
| (Mfg. Only) — 0.2% | |
843,625 | Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc., Tranche B-1 Term Loan, | |
| 4.25% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 12/22/26 | $ 821,655 |
| Total Personal and Non Durable Consumer Products |
| (Mfg. Only) | $ 821,655 |
| Personal, Food & Miscellaneous Services — 0.9% | |
297,750 | IRB Holding Corp., Fourth Amendment Incremental Term | |
| Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 12/15/27 | $ 298,153 |
650,000(b) | Option Care Health, Inc., 2021 First Lien Refinancing Term | |
| Loan, 10/27/28 | 649,864 |
2,795,157 | Parfums Holding Co., Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 4.087% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 6/30/24 | 2,791,663 |
650,000 | Whatabrands LLC, Initial Term B Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 8/3/28 | 650,406 |
| Total Personal, Food & Miscellaneous Services | $ 4,390,086 |
| Printing & Publishing — 0.7% | |
650,000 | Cengage Learning, Inc., First Lien Term B Loan, 5.75% | |
| (LIBOR + 475 bps), 7/14/26 | $ 654,585 |
748,125 | Cimpress Plc, Tranche B-1 Term Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 5/17/28 | 750,307 |
1,250,000(b) | McGraw-Hill Education, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 7/28/28 | 1,241,015 |
753,303 | Trader Corp., First Lien 2017 Refinancing Term Loan, 4.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 300 bps), 9/28/23 | 754,245 |
| Total Printing & Publishing | $ 3,400,152 |
| Professional & Business Services — 6.1% | |
1,393,000 | Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC, First Lien | |
| Tranche 2 Term Loan, 5.5% (LIBOR + 475 bps), 1/29/27 | $ 1,398,224 |
1,945,125 | Ankura Consulting Group LLC, First Lien Closing Date Term | |
| Loan, 5.25% (LIBOR + 450 bps), 3/17/28 | 1,954,850 |
950,000 | APi Group DE, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 2.587% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 10/1/26 | 949,209 |
1,000,000 | APX Group, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 7/10/28 | 998,333 |
750,000 | ArchKey Holdings, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 6.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 525 bps), 6/29/28 | 752,344 |
1,500,000 | Arcline FM Holdings LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 5.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 475 bps), 6/23/28 | 1,503,750 |
1,098,304 | Atlas CC Acquisition Corp., First Lien Term B Loan, 5.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 425 bps), 5/25/28 | 1,103,681 |
223,384 | Atlas CC Acquisition Corp., First Lien Term C Loan, 5.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 425 bps), 5/25/28 | 224,477 |
1,964,925 | Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., Term B Loan, 3.63% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 8/21/26 | 1,936,187 |
2,520,008 | Curia Global, Inc., First Lien 2021 Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 8/30/26 | 2,525,257 |
1,346,625 | Edelman Financial Engines Center LLC, First Lien 2021 | |
| Initial Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + 350 bps), 4/7/28 | 1,348,215 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
30 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Professional & Business Services — (continued) | |
965,899 | Elanco Animal Health, Inc., Term Loan, 1.832% (LIBOR + | |
| 175 bps), 8/1/27 | $ 958,655 |
496,203 | Ensemble RCM LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, 3.879% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 8/3/26 | 497,598 |
899,787 | Everi Holdings Inc., Term B Loan, 3.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 8/3/28 | 899,412 |
520,386 | First Advantage Holdings LLC, First Lien Term B-1 Loan, | |
| 2.837% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 1/31/27 | 520,321 |
1,350,000 | Hunter Holdco 3, Ltd., First Lien Initial Dollar Term Loan, | |
| 4.75% (LIBOR + 425 bps), 8/19/28 | 1,355,906 |
2,743,803 | Icon Public Co., Ltd., Lux Term Loan, 3.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 7/3/28 | 999,322 |
248,697 | Icon Public Co., Ltd., U.S. Term Loan, 3.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 7/3/28 | 248,982 |
2,000,000(b) | Loyalty Ventures Inc., Term B Loan, 10/8/27 | 1,996,666 |
498,750 | Maximus, Inc., Tranche B Term Loan, 2.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 200 bps), 5/28/28 | 499,685 |
1,144,250 | Petco Health and Wellness Co., Inc., First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 4.0% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 3/3/28 | 1,145,272 |
207,292 | PPD, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 2.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 200 bps), 1/13/28 | 207,201 |
1,259,716 | Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, | |
| 3.337% (LIBOR + 325 bps), 5/1/25 | 1,254,520 |
247,500 | Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., First Lien New Term Loan, | |
| 4.75% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 5/1/25 | 248,815 |
498,744 | Southern Veterinary Partners LLC, First Lien Initial Term | |
| Loan, 5.0% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 10/5/27 | 500,614 |
650,000 | Trader Interactive LLC (fka Dominion Web Solutions LLC), | |
| Initial Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 7/28/28 | 650,812 |
1,790,103 | Verscend Holding Corp., Term B-1 Loan, 4.087% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 8/27/25 | 1,795,473 |
| Total Professional & Business Services | $ 28,473,781 |
| Retail — 3.4% | |
1,000,000 | At Home Group, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 7/24/28 | $ 997,969 |
995,000 | Belron Group SA, Dollar Third Incremental Loan, 3.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 275 bps), 4/13/28 | 995,746 |
1,842,188 | Dealer Tire LLC, Term B-1 Loan, 4.337% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 12/12/25 | 1,846,563 |
2,550,725 | Great Outdoors Group LLC, Term B-1 Loan, 5.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 3/6/28 | 2,564,009 |
792,000 | Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc., 2021 Initial Term Loan, | |
| 3.25% (LIBOR + 275 bps), 10/19/27 | 790,961 |
1,496,250 | Michaels Cos., Inc., Term B Loan, 5.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 4/15/28 | 1,496,383 |
1,695,750 | PetSmart LLC, Initial Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 2/11/28 | 1,700,140 |
900,000 | Pilot Travel Centers LLC, Initial Tranche B Term Loan, | |
| 2.087% (LIBOR + 200 bps), 8/4/28 | 895,781 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 31
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Retail — (continued) | |
675,303 | Service Logic Acquisition, Inc., First Lien Closing Date | |
| Initial Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 10/29/27 | $ 677,836 |
1,894,661 | Staples, Inc., 2019 Refinancing New Term B-2 Loan, 4.626% | |
| (LIBOR + 450 bps), 9/12/24 | 1,852,370 |
1,000,000 | Torrid LLC, Closing Date Term Loan, 6.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 550 bps), 6/14/28 | 1,010,000 |
496,250 | TruGreen, Ltd. Partnership, First Lien Second Refinancing | |
| Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 11/2/27 | 497,491 |
491,010 | United Natural Foods, Inc., Facility O, 3.587% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 10/22/25 | 491,999 |
| Total Retail | $ 15,817,248 |
| Retail Stores — 0.5% | |
746,250 | Rent-A-Center, Inc., 2021 Initial Term Loan, 3.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 2/17/28 | $ 749,398 |
1,496,250 | Sotheby’s, 2021 Second Refinancing Term Loan, 5.0% | |
| (LIBOR + 450 bps), 1/15/27 | 1,502,485 |
| Total Retail Stores | $ 2,251,883 |
| Retailing — 0.3% | |
1,675,377(b) | Refficiency Holdings LLC, 2021 Initial Term Loan, 12/16/27 | 1,677,472 |
| Total Retailing | $ 1,677,472 |
| Securities & Trusts — 1.8% | |
1,492,500 | CCRR Parent, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR | |
| + 375 bps), 3/6/28 | $ 1,500,428 |
833,333 | CP Iris Holdco I, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 4.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/2/28 | 831,944 |
2,000,000 | KKR Apple Bidco LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan, 3.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 300 bps), 9/22/28 | 1,999,062 |
775,000 | LSF11 A5 Holdco LLC, Term Loan, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 10/15/28 | 775,313 |
512,500(b) | MIP V Waste Holdings LLC, Cov-Lite Term Loan B, 10/27/28 | 514,102 |
2,000,000 | Runner Buyer, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 6.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 550 bps), 10/23/28 | 1,990,000 |
887,097(b) | Zebra Buyer LLC, Term Loan, 4/21/28 | 890,331 |
| Total Securities & Trusts | $ 8,501,180 |
| Services: Consumer — 0.6% | |
2,599,456 | Prime Security Services Borrower LLC, First Lien 2021 | |
| Refinancing Term B-1 Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 275 bps), 9/23/26 | $ 2,598,866 |
| Total Services: Consumer | $ 2,598,866 |
| Software — 0.2% | |
888,889 | Osmosis Buyer, Ltd., Initial Term B Loan, 4.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 7/31/28 | 892,889 |
| Total Software | $ 892,889 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
32 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Telecommunications — 3.2% | |
1,719,298 | Commscope, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 3.337% (LIBOR + | |
| 325 bps), 4/6/26 | $ 1,698,613 |
2,493,750 | Gogo Intermediate Holdings LLC, Initial Term Loan, 4.5% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 4/30/28 | 2,490,633 |
1,973,981 | Level 3 Financing, Inc., Tranche B 2027 Term Loan, 1.837% | |
| (LIBOR + 175 bps), 3/1/27 | 1,950,848 |
2,256,047 | Lumen Technologies, Inc., Term B Loan, 2.337% (LIBOR + | |
| 225 bps), 3/15/27 | 2,233,017 |
2,000,000(b) | Radiate Holdco LLC, Amendment No. 6 Term Loan, 9/25/26 | 1,997,812 |
1,045,876 | Virgin Media Bristol LLC, Facility N, 2.59% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 1/31/28 | 1,036,797 |
1,633,992 | Windstream Services II LLC, Initial Term Loan, 7.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 625 bps), 9/21/27 | 1,643,592 |
1,750,000(b) | Xplornet Communications, Inc., First Lien Refinancing Term | |
| Loan, 10/2/28 | 1,749,818 |
| Total Telecommunications | $ 14,801,130 |
| Textile & Apparel — 0.6% | |
698,250 | Adient US LLC, Term B-1 Loan, 3.587% (LIBOR + | |
| 350 bps), 4/10/28 | $ 699,451 |
1,995,000 | BK LC Lux SPV S.a r.l., Facility B, 4.25% (LIBOR + | |
| 375 bps), 4/28/28 | 1,996,558 |
297,754 | Canada Goose Inc., 2021 Refinancing Term Loan, 4.25% | |
| (LIBOR + 350 bps), 10/7/27 | 298,746 |
| Total Textile & Apparel | $ 2,994,755 |
| Transportation — 1.5% | |
1,750,000 | Carriage Purchaser, Inc., Term B Loan, 5.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 425 bps), 9/30/28 | $ 1,750,000 |
995,000 | Daseke Cos., Inc., 2021 Initial Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 400 bps), 3/9/28 | 1,000,597 |
1,458,750 | Envision Healthcare Corp., Initial Term Loan, 3.837% | |
| (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/10/25 | 1,209,851 |
912,990 | First Student Bidco, Inc., Initial Term B Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 7/21/28 | 908,045 |
337,010 | First Student Bidco, Inc., Initial Term C Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 300 bps), 7/21/28 | 335,184 |
492,500 | Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Initial Term Loan, 2.132% (LIBOR + | |
| 200 bps), 12/30/26 | 490,179 |
650,000(b) | LaserShip, Inc., First Lien Initial Term Loan, 5/7/28 | 652,640 |
547,234 | Syncreon Group BV, Second Out Term Loan, 7.0% (LIBOR + | |
| 600 bps), 4/1/25 | 550,541 |
| Total Transportation | $ 6,897,037 |
| Utilities — 1.6% | |
697,196 | Calpine Construction Finance Co., LP, Term B Loan, 2.087% | |
| (LIBOR + 200 bps), 1/15/25 | $ 690,346 |
756,371 | Compass Power Generation LLC, Tranche B-1 Term Loan, | |
| 4.5% (LIBOR + 900 bps), 12/20/24 | 756,979 |
2,519,609 | Eastern Power LLC (Eastern Covert Midco LLC), Term Loan, | |
| 4.75% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 10/2/25 | 2,244,027 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 33
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Utilities — (continued) | |
977,496 | ExGen Renewables IV LLC, Term Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + | |
| 250 bps), 12/15/27 | $ 980,551 |
790,000 | Hamilton Projects Acquiror LLC, Term Loan, 5.75% (LIBOR + | |
| 475 bps), 6/17/27 | 791,481 |
987,500 | PG&E Corp., Term Loan, 3.5% (LIBOR + 300 bps), 6/23/25 | 978,551 |
922,047 | Vistra Operations Co. LLC (fka Tex Operations Co. LLC), 2018 | |
| Incremental Term Loan, 1.837% (LIBOR + | |
| 175 bps), 12/31/25 | 914,473 |
| Total Utilities | $ 7,356,408 |
| TOTAL SENIOR SECURED FLOATING RATE LOAN INTERESTS | |
| (Cost $396,673,273) | $399,135,422 |
Shares | | |
| COMMON STOCKS — 0.1% of Net Assets | |
| Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1% | |
14,289(c) | FTS International, Inc. | $ 378,659 |
| Total Energy Equipment & Services | $ 378,659 |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.0%† | |
6,293(c) | Summit Midstream Partners LP | $ 197,537 |
| Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | $ 197,537 |
| Specialty Retail — 0.0%† | |
54,675+^(c) | Targus Cayman SubCo, Ltd. | $ 83,653 |
| Total Specialty Retail | $ 83,653 |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | |
| (Cost $641,965) | $ 659,849 |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | |
| COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — | |
| 0.3% of Net Assets | |
379,779(a) | FREMF Mortgage Trust, Series 2020-KF74, Class C, 6.33% | |
| (1 Month USD LIBOR + 625 bps), 1/25/27 (144A) | $ 375,479 |
427,315(a) | FREMF Mortgage Trust, Series 2020-KF83, Class C, 9.08% | |
| (1 Month USD LIBOR + 900 bps), 7/25/30 (144A) | 432,772 |
625,000(a) | Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2019-BPR, Class D, | |
| 4.09% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 400 bps), 5/15/36 (144A) | 522,346 |
| TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES |
| (Cost $1,454,598) | $ 1,330,597 |
| CORPORATE BONDS — 2.8% of Net Assets | |
| Advertising — 0.1% | |
265,000 | Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 7.5%, 6/1/29 (144A) | $ 271,062 |
| Total Advertising | $ 271,062 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Banks — 0.2% | |
1,000,000(d)(e) | Citigroup, Inc., 4.7% (SOFRRATE + 323 bps) | $ 1,013,750 |
| Total Banks | $ 1,013,750 |
| Chemicals — 0.2% | |
500,000 | Olin Corp., 5.625%, 8/1/29 | $ 546,115 |
376,000 | Rain CII Carbon LLC/CII Carbon Corp., 7.25%, 4/1/25 (144A) | 383,990 |
| Total Chemicals | $ 930,105 |
| Commercial Services — 0.4% | |
500,000 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp., | |
| 9.75%, 7/15/27 (144A) | $ 537,500 |
1,000,000 | APX Group, Inc., 6.75%, 2/15/27 (144A) | 1,055,000 |
| Total Commercial Services | $ 1,592,500 |
| Diversified Financial Services — 0.3% | |
1,003,472(f) | Avation Capital SA, 8.25% (9.00% PIK 8.25% cash), 10/31/26 | |
| (144A) | $ 832,882 |
440,000 | Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc., 5.5%, 8/15/28 (144A) | 449,900 |
| Total Diversified Financial Services | $ 1,282,782 |
| Entertainment — 0.3% | |
1,520,000 | Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, 8.0%, 2/1/26 (144A) | $ 1,561,800 |
| Total Entertainment | $ 1,561,800 |
| Healthcare-Services — 0.0%† | |
145,000 | Molina Healthcare, Inc., 4.375%, 6/15/28 (144A) | $ 150,075 |
| Total Healthcare-Services | $ 150,075 |
| Housewares — 0.0%† | |
70,000 | CD&R Smokey Buyer, Inc., 6.75%, 7/15/25 (144A) | $ 73,937 |
| Total Housewares | $ 73,937 |
| Iron & Steel — 0.2% | |
625,000 | Carpenter Technology Corp., 6.375%, 7/15/28 | $ 661,146 |
260,000 | TMS International Corp., 6.25%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 268,450 |
| Total Iron & Steel | $ 929,596 |
| Leisure Time — 0.1% | |
500,000 | Viking Cruises, Ltd., 5.875%, 9/15/27 (144A) | $ 483,125 |
| Total Leisure Time | $ 483,125 |
| Lodging — 0.2% | |
1,000,000 | Station Casinos LLC, 4.5%, 2/15/28 (144A) | $ 1,007,500 |
| Total Lodging | $ 1,007,500 |
| Mining — 0.1% | |
390,000 | Hudbay Minerals, Inc., 6.125%, 4/1/29 (144A) | $ 410,475 |
| Total Mining | $ 410,475 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 35
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Pharmaceuticals — 0.2% | |
1,000,000 | Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 6.0%, | |
| 4/15/24 | $ 1,048,750 |
| Total Pharmaceuticals | $ 1,048,750 |
| REITs — 0.2% | |
750,000 | Uniti Group LP/Uniti Fiber Holdings, Inc./CSL Capital LLC, | |
| 7.875%, 2/15/25 (144A) | $ 788,775 |
| Total REITs | $ 788,775 |
| Retail — 0.3% | |
205,000 | Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., 4.5%, 3/1/28 | $ 208,587 |
221,000 | Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., 4.75%, 3/1/30 | 225,420 |
95,000 | Bath & Body Works, Inc., 6.625%, 10/1/30 (144A) | 106,372 |
295,000 | Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 4.125%, 5/15/29 (144A) | 290,206 |
205,000 | Macy’s Retail Holdings LLC, 5.875%, 4/1/29 (144A) | 218,466 |
442,000 | Party City Holdings, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/26 (144A) | 451,945 |
| Total Retail | $ 1,500,996 |
| TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | |
| (Cost $12,764,579) | $ 13,045,228 |
| INSURANCE-LINKED SECURITIES — 0.3% of |
| Net Assets# | |
| Event Linked Bonds — 0.1% | |
| Multiperil – U.S. — 0.0%† | |
250,000(a) | Residential Reinsurance 2021, 11.801%, 10/28/21 (144A) | $ 250,000 |
| Windstorm — U.S. Regional — 0.1% | |
250,000(a) | Matterhorn Re, 7.041% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 700 | |
| bps), 12/7/21 (144A) | $ 250,500 |
| Total Event Linked Bonds | $ 500,500 |
|
Face | | |
Amount USD ($) | | |
|
| Collateralized Reinsurance — 0.0%† | |
| Windstorm – Florida — 0.0%† | |
300,000+(c)(g) | Formby Re 2018, 2/28/23 | $ 36,840 |
| Total Collateralized Reinsurance | $ 36,840 |
|
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | |
| Reinsurance Sidecars — 0.2% | |
| Multiperil – U.S. — 0.0%† | |
600,000+(c)(g) | Carnoustie Re 2017, 11/30/22 | $ 79,080 |
400,000+(c)(h) | Harambee Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 400 |
400,000+(h) | Harambee Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 1,400 |
| | $ 80,880 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
36 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Multiperil – Worldwide — 0.2% | |
4,860+(h) | Alturas Re 2019-2, 3/10/23 | $ 6,443 |
47,461+(h) | Alturas Re 2020-2, 3/10/23 | 40,854 |
250,000+(c)(g) | Bantry Re 2016, 3/31/23 | 20,150 |
1,635,886+(c)(g) | Berwick Re 2018-1, 12/31/22 | 126,454 |
739,764+(c)(g) | Berwick Re 2019-1, 12/31/22 | 88,402 |
30,000+(g) | Eden Re II, 3/22/22 (144A) | 8,920 |
5,700+(g) | Eden Re II, 3/22/23 (144A) | 21,909 |
50,000+(c)(g) | Eden Re II, 3/22/24 (144A) | 26,575 |
700,000+(c)(h) | Lorenz Re 2018, 7/1/22 | — |
400,000+(c)(g) | Merion Re 2018-2, 12/31/22 | 66,200 |
600,000+(c)(g) | Pangaea Re 2018-1, 12/31/22 | 12,633 |
600,000+(c)(g) | Pangaea Re 2018-3, 7/1/22 | 12,446 |
491,548+(c)(g) | Pangaea Re 2019-1, 2/1/23 | 10,243 |
441,188+(c)(g) | Pangaea Re 2019-3, 7/1/23 | 15,870 |
486,388+(g) | Pangaea Re 2020-1, 2/1/24 | 10,322 |
150,000+(c)(g) | Sector Re V, 12/1/23 (144A) | 28,859 |
10,000+(g) | Sector Re V, 12/1/24 (144A) | 28,655 |
253,645+(c)(g) | Woburn Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 17,891 |
74,914+(c)(g) | Woburn Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 19,466 |
| | $ 562,292 |
| Total Reinsurance Sidecars | $ 643,172 |
| TOTAL INSURANCE-LINKED SECURITIES | |
| (Cost $1,699,501) | $ 1,180,512 |
| | | |
Shares | | | |
| | CLOSED-END FUND — 0.6% of Net Assets | |
| 75,000 | Invesco Senior Loan ETF | $ 1,656,000 |
| 22,225 | SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF | 1,020,127 |
| | TOTAL CLOSED-END FUND | |
| | (Cost $2,688,767) | $ 2,676,127 |
| | RIGHT/WARRANT — 0.0%† of Net Assets | |
| | Real Estate Management & Development — 0.0%† | |
| 18^(c)(i) | Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd. 10/13/27 | $ 20,154 |
| | Total Real Estate Management & Development | $ 20,154 |
| | TOTAL RIGHT/WARRANT | |
| | (Cost $0) | $ 20,154 |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 37
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 3.9% of |
| Net Assets | |
| REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS — 3.9% | |
6,000,000 | $6,000,00 ScotiaBank, 0.1%, dated 10/31/21 plus accrued | |
| interest on 11/1/21 collateralized by the following: |
| $3,340,492 Federal National Mortgage | |
| Association, 3.5% - 4.5, 8/1/33 - 12/1/50 | |
| $2,779,605 U.S. Treasury Note, 3.0%, 9/30/25 | $ 6,000,000 |
6,000,000 | $6,000,00 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, 0.1%, dated | |
| 10/31/21 plus accrued interest on 11/1/21 | |
| collateralized by $6,120,002 U.S. Treasury | |
| Notes, 0.25 - 1.63%, 4/30/23 - 6/15/24 | 6,000,000 |
6,000,000 | $6,000,00 RBC Capital Markets LLC, 0.1%, dated 10/31/21 | |
| plus accrued interest on 11/1/21 collateralized by | |
| $6,120,093 U.S. Treasury Bond, 2.8%, 11/15/47 | 6,000,000 |
| | $ 18,000,000 |
| TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS | |
| (Cost $18,000,000) | $ 18,000,000 |
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 93.7% |
| (Cost $433,922,683) | $436,047,889 |
| OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 6.3% | $ 29,371,582 |
| NET ASSETS — 100.0% | $465,419,471 |
FREMF | | Freddie Mac Multifamily Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans. LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate. |
PRIME | | U.S. Federal Funds Rate. REIT Real Estate Investment Trust. SOFRRATE Secured Overnight Financing Rate. |
(144A) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold normally to qualified institutional buyers in a transaction exempt from registration. At October 31, 2021, the value of these securities amounted to $11,287,475, or 2.4% of net assets. |
† | | Amount rounds to less than 0.1%. |
* | | Senior secured floating rate loan interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as LIBOR, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, (iii) the rate of a certificate of deposit or (iv) other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. The interest rate shown is the rate accruing at October 31, 2021. |
+ | | Security that used significant unobservable inputs to determine its value. |
^ | | Security is valued using fair value methods (other than supplied by independent pricing services). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
(a) | | Floating rate note. Coupon rate, reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2021. |
(b) | | This term loan will settle after October 31, 2021, at which time the interest rate will be determined. |
(c) | | Non-income producing security. |
38 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
(d) | | The interest rate is subject to change periodically. The interest rate and/or reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2021. |
(e) | | Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date. |
(f) | | Payment-in-kind (PIK) security which may pay interest in the form of additional principal amount. |
(g) | | Issued as participation notes. (h) Issued as preference shares. |
(i) | | Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd. warrants are exercisable into 18 shares. |
# | | Securities are restricted as to resale. |
| | | |
Restricted Securities | Acquisition date | Cost | Value |
Alturas Re 2019-2 | 12/19/2018 | $ 4,860 | $ 6,443 |
Alturas Re 2020-2 | 1/1/2020 | 47,461 | 40,854 |
Bantry Re 2016 | 2/6/2019 | 20,150 | 20,150 |
Berwick Re 2018-1 | 1/10/2018 | 238,948 | 126,454 |
Berwick Re 2019-1 | 12/31/2018 | 88,396 | 88,402 |
Carnoustie Re 2017 | 1/5/2017 | 142,655 | 79,080 |
Eden Re II | 1/22/2019 | 668 | 21,909 |
Eden Re II | 12/15/2017 | 1,793 | 8,920 |
Eden Re II | 12/23/2019 | 50,000 | 26,575 |
Formby Re 2018 | 7/9/2018 | 28,165 | 36,840 |
Harambee Re 2018 | 12/19/2017 | 14,427 | 400 |
Harambee Re 2019 | 12/20/2018 | — | 1,400 |
Lorenz Re 2018 | 6/26/2018 | 133,677 | — |
Matterhorn Re | 4/30/2020 | 250,000 | 250,500 |
Merion Re 2018-2 | 12/28/2017 | 16,461 | 66,200 |
Pangaea Re 2018-1 | 1/11/2018 | 85,805 | 12,633 |
Pangaea Re 2018-3 | 5/31/2018 | 144,517 | 12,446 |
Pangaea Re 2019-1 | 1/9/2019 | 5,160 | 10,243 |
Pangaea Re 2019-3 | 7/25/2019 | 13,236 | 15,870 |
Pangaea Re 2020-1 | 1/21/2020 | — | 10,322 |
Residential Reinsurance 2021 | — | 250,000 | 250,000 |
Sector Re V | 1/1/2020 | 10,000 | 28,655 |
Sector Re V | 12/4/2018 | 47,225 | 28,859 |
Woburn Re 2018 | 3/20/2018 | 89,024 | 17,891 |
Woburn Re 2019 | 2/14/2019 | 16,873 | 19,466 |
Total Restricted Securities | | | $1,180,512 |
% of Net assets | | | 0.3% |
SWAP CONTRACT | | | | | | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACT — SELL PROTECTION | |
| Reference | | Annual | | | | |
Notional | Obligation / | Pay/ | Fixed | Expiration | Premiums | Unrealized | Market |
Amount ($)(1) | Index | Receive(2) | Rate | Date | (Received) | Appreciation | Value |
4,600,000 | Markit CDX North | Receive | 5.00% | 6/20/25 | $(8,306) | $415,593 | $407,287 |
| America High | | | | | | |
| Yield Series 34 | | | | | | |
TOTAL CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP | | | | |
CONTRACT – SELL PROTECTION | | | | $(8,306) | $415,593 | $407,287 |
TOTAL SWAP CONTRACT | | | | $(8,306) | $415,593 | $407,287 |
(1) | | The notional amount is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay upon occurrence of a credit event. |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 39
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal amounts are denominated in U.S. dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise noted.
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for the year ended October 31, 2021 were as follows:
| Purchases | Sales |
Long-Term U.S. Government Securities | $ — | $ — |
Other Long-Term Securities | $264,571,417 | $137,627,172 |
The Fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions (“cross trades”) with certain funds and accounts for which Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser, as set forth in Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Under these procedures, cross trades are effected at current market prices. During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund did not engage in any cross trade activity.
At October 31, 2021, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on cost for federal tax purposes of $434,597,625 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which | |
there is an excess of value over tax cost | $ 5,086,580 |
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which | |
there is an excess of tax cost over value | (3,229,029) |
|
Net unrealized appreciation | $ 1,857,551 |
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels below.
Level 1 – | | unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
Level 2 – | | other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.). See Notes to Financial Statements —Note 1A. |
Level 3 – | | significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2021, in valuing the Fund’s investments:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Senior Secured Floating Rate | | | | |
Loan Interest | $ | $399,135,422 | $ | $399,135,422 |
Common Stock | | | | |
Energy Equipment & Services | 378,659 | | | 378,659 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 197,537 | | | 197,537 |
Specialty Retail | | | 83,653 | 83,653 |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed | | | | |
Security | | 1,330,597 | | 1,330,597 |
Corporate Bond | | 13,045,228 | | 13,045,228 |
Insurance-Linked Security | | | | |
Collateralized Reinsurance | | | | |
Windstorm - Florida | | | 36,840 | 36,840 |
Reinsurance Sidecars | | | | |
Multiperil - U.S. | | | 80,880 | 80,880 |
Multiperil - Worldwide | | | 562,292 | 562,292 |
All Other Insurance-Linked | | | | |
Security | | 500,500 | | 500,500 |
40 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Closed-End Fund | $2,676,127 | $ | $ | $ 2,676,127 |
Right/Warrant | | 20,154 | | 20,154 |
Repurchase Agreement | | 18,000,000 | | 18,000,000 |
Grand Total | $3,252,323 | $432,031,901 | $763,665 | $436,047,889 |
Other Financial Instruments | | | | |
Swap contract, at value | | 407,287 | | 407,287 |
Total Other | | | | |
Financial Instruments | $ | $ 407,287 | $ | $ 407,287 |
The following is a reconciliation of assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
| | Insurance- | |
| Common | Linked | |
| Stocks | Securities | Total |
Balance as of 10/31/20 | $72,171 | $ 2,915,717 | $ 2,987,888 |
Realized gain (loss) | — | (41,857) | (41,857) |
Changed in unrealized | 11,482 | (224,407) | (212,925) |
Accrued discounts/premiums | — | — | — |
Purchases | — | — | — |
Sales | — | (1,969,441) | (1,969,441) |
Transfers in to Level 3* | — | — | — |
Transfers out of Level 3* | — | — | — |
Balance as of 10/31/21 | $83,653 | $ 680,012 | $ 763,665 |
(1) | | Realized gain (loss) on these securities is included in the realized gain (loss) from investments on the Statement of Operations. |
(2) | | Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on these securities is included in the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments on the Statement of Operations. |
* | | Transfers are calculated on the beginning of year value. During the year ended October 31, 2021, there were no transfers in or our of level 3. |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Level 3 investments still held and considered Level 3 at October 31, 2021: $(170,253)
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 41
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 10/31/21
ASSETS: | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $433,922,683) | $436,047,889 |
Cash | 56,437,021 |
Swaps collateral | 316,881 |
Swap contracts, at value (net premiums paid $(8,306)) | 407,287 |
Unrealized appreciation on unfunded loan commitments | 7,738 |
Receivables — | |
Investment securities sold | 6,346,958 |
Fund shares sold | 2,428,271 |
Interest | 1,151,411 |
Due from the Adviser | 126,406 |
Other assets | 29,395 |
Total assets | $503,299,257 |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payables — | |
Investment securities purchased | $ 36,033,215 |
Fund shares repurchased | 840,758 |
Distributions | 250,118 |
Trustees’ fees | 1,261 |
Due to broker for swaps | 408,455 |
Variation margin for centrally cleared swap contracts | 9,658 |
Due to affiliates | 76,027 |
Accrued expenses | 260,294 |
Total liabilities | $ 37,879,786 |
NET ASSETS: | |
Paid-in capital | $522,681,531 |
Distributable earnings (loss) | (57,262,060) |
Net assets | $465,419,471 |
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: | |
No par value (unlimited number of shares authorized) | |
Class A (based on $84,417,177/12,960,940 shares) | $ 6.51 |
Class C (based on $14,537,600/2,213,693 shares) | $ 6.57 |
Class Y (based on $366,464,694/55,730,433 shares) | $ 6.58 |
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: | |
Class A (based on $6.51 net asset value per share/100%-4.50% | |
maximum sales charge) | $ 6.82 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
42 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statement of Operations
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 10/31/21
INVESTMENT INCOME: | | |
Interest from unaffiliated issuers | $13,931,322 | |
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers | 242,147 | |
Total investment income | | $14,173,469 |
EXPENSES: | | |
Management fees | $ 2,168,590 | |
Administrative expense | 146,838 | |
Transfer agent fees | | |
Class A | 184,517 | |
Class C | 13,663 | |
Class Y | 114,358 | |
Distribution fees | | |
Class A | 193,823 | |
Class C | 165,122 | |
Shareowner communications expense | 15,254 | |
Custodian fees | 48,236 | |
Registration fees | 89,510 | |
Professional fees | 98,091 | |
Printing expense | 51,655 | |
Pricing fees | 49,877 | |
Trustees’ fees | 10,089 | |
Insurance expense | 529 | |
Miscellaneous | 97,336 | |
Total expenses | | $ 3,447,488 |
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the Adviser | | (322,990) |
Net expenses | | $ 3,124,498 |
Net investment income | | $11,048,971 |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | | |
ON INVESTMENTS: | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $ (1,448,168) | |
Swap contracts | 230,986 | $ (1,217,182) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $13,800,224 | |
Swap contracts | 188,334 | |
Unfunded loan commitments | 4,515 | $13,993,073 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | $12,775,891 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $23,824,862 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 43
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
| Year Ended | Year Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 |
FROM OPERATIONS: | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ 11,048,971 | $ 13,118,409 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (1,217,182) | (22,788,846) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation | | |
(depreciation) on investments | 13,993,073 | (1,835,513) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | | |
from operations | $ 23,824,862 | $ (11,505,950) |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREOWNERS: | | |
Class A ($0.22 and $0.24 per share, respectively) | $ (2,633,249) | $ (3,496,835) |
Class C ($0.17 and $0.19 per share, respectively) | (435,079) | (902,478) |
Class Y ($0.24 and $0.27 per share, respectively) | (9,786,697) | (11,028,765) |
Total distributions to shareowners | $ (12,855,025) | $ (15,428,078) |
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | |
Net proceeds from sales of shares | $234,977,359 | $ 88,387,945 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 10,658,252 | 12,913,616 |
Cost of shares repurchased | (87,109,783) | (274,579,504) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from | | |
Fund share transactions | $158,525,828 | $ (173,277,943) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | $169,495,665 | $(200,211,971) |
NET ASSETS: | | |
Beginning of year | $295,923,806 | $ 496,135,777 |
End of year | $465,419,471 | $ 295,923,806 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
44 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/20 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class A | | | | |
Shares sold | 5,762,019 | $ 37,389,876 | 3,397,449 | $ 21,584,622 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 386,829 | 2,509,354 | 521,527 | 3,301,675 |
Less shares repurchased | (4,211,927) | (27,302,925) | (11,254,927) | (69,574,416) |
Net increase (decrease) | 1,936,921 | $ 12,596,305 | (7,335,951) | $ (44,688,119) |
Class C | | | | |
Shares sold | 576,926 | $ 3,784,136 | 409,166 | $ 2,633,324 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 62,237 | 406,737 | 128,934 | 819,494 |
Less shares repurchased | (1,795,606) | (11,723,528) | (3,116,988) | (19,375,279) |
Net decrease | (1,156,443) | $ (7,532,655) | (2,578,888) | $ (15,922,461) |
Class Y | | | | |
Shares sold | 29,529,703 | $193,803,347 | 10,023,366 | $ 64,169,999 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 1,181,269 | 7,742,161 | 1,383,095 | 8,792,447 |
Less shares repurchased | (7,351,746) | (48,083,330) | (30,121,043) | (185,629,809) |
Net increase (decrease) | 23,359,226 | $153,462,178 | (18,714,582) | $ (112,667,363) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 45
Financial Highlights
| | | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class A | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 6.28 | $ 6.57 | $ 6.73 | $ 6.80 | $ 6.79 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.19 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.31 | $ 0.26 | $ 0.24 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.26 | (0.26) | (0.15) | (0.06) | 0.01 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 0.45 | $ (0.05) | $ 0.16 | $ 0.20 | $ 0.25 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.22) | $ (0.24) | $ (0.32) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.24) |
Total distributions | $ (0.22) | $ (0.24) | $ (0.32) | $ — | $ (0.24) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.23 | $ (0.29) | $ (0.16) | $ (0.07) | $ 0.01 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 6.51 | $ 6.28 | $ 6.57 | $ 6.73 | $ 6.80 |
Total return (b) | 7.25% | (0.71)% | 2.42% | 2.96% | 3.71% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.05% | 1.12% | 1.07% | 1.01% | 1.02% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 2.89% | 3.31% | 4.64% | 3.89% | 3.54% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 41% | 45% | 13% | 42% | 69% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $84,417 | $69,248 | $120,559 | $161,020 | $193,193 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.26% | 1.17% | 1.11% | 1.01% | 1.02% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 2.68% | 3.26% | 4.60% | 3.89% | 3.54% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
46 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class C | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 6.34 | $ 6.57 | $ 6.74 | $ 6.80 | $ 6.79 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.14 | $ 0.17 | $ 0.26 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.19 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.26 | (0.21) | (0.16) | (0.05) | 0.01 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 0.40 | $ (0.04) | $ 0.10 | $ 0.16 | $ 0.20 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.17) | $ (0.19) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.22) | $ (0.19) |
Total distributions | $ (0.17) | $ (0.19) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.22) | $ (0.19) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.23 | $ (0.23) | $ (0.17) | $ (0.06) | $ 0.01 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 6.57 | $ 6.34 | $ 6.57 | $ 6.74 | $ 6.80 |
Total return (b) | 6.39% | (0.54)% | 1.52% | 2.35% | 2.93% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.85% | 1.80% | 1.77% | 1.76% | 1.77% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 2.12% | 2.63% | 3.94% | 3.15% | 2.78% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 41% | 45% | 13% | 42% | 69% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $14,538 | $21,352 | $39,105 | $68,364 | $79,057 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.86% | 1.84% | 1.81% | 1.76% | 1.77% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 2.11% | 2.59% | 3.90% | 3.15% | 2.78% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 47
Financial Highlights (continued)
| | | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class Y | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 6.34 | $ 6.59 | $ 6.75 | $ 6.82 | $ 6.81 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.21 | $ 0.24 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.29 | $ 0.26 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.27 | (0.22) | (0.15) | (0.07) | 0.01 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 0.48 | $ 0.02 | $ 0.18 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.27 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.24) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.34) | $ (0.29) | $ (0.26) |
Total distributions | $ (0.24) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.34) | $ (0.29) | $ (0.26) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.24 | $ (0.25) | $ (0.16) | $ (0.07) | $ 0.01 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 6.58 | $ 6.34 | $ 6.59 | $ 6.75 | $ 6.82 |
Total return (b) | 7.70% | 0.31% | 2.74% | 3.27% | 4.05% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.75% | 0.71% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 3.16% | 3.71% | 5.00% | 4.22% | 3.86% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 41% | 45% | 13% | 42% | 69% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $366,465 | $205,324 | $336,472 | $713,216 | $593,640 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 0.81% | 0.86% | 0.85% | 0.77% | 0.79% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 3.10% | 3.56% | 4.85% | 4.15% | 3.77% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
48 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Notes to Financial Statements | 10/31/21
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund (the “Fund”) is one of two portfolios comprising Pioneer Series Trust VI (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The investment objective of the Fund is to produce a high level of current income.
The Fund offers three classes of shares designated as Class A, Class C and Class Y shares. Class K shares did not have assets or shareholders as of October 31, 2021. Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different rates of class-specific fees and expenses, such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends from net investment income earned by each class. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust gives the Board of Trustees the flexibility to specify either per-share voting or dollar-weighted voting when submitting matters for shareowner approval. Under per-share voting, each share of a class of the Fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareowner’s voting power is determined not by the number of shares owned, but by the dollar value of the shares on the record date. Each share class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. There is no distribution plan for Class Y shares.
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Amundi and Amundi’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amundi USA, Inc., serves as the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). Prior to January 1, 2021, the Adviser was named Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc. Amundi Distributor US, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor”).
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-13 “Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”) which modifies disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, principally for Level 3 securities and transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Fund has adopted ASU 2018-13 for the year ended October 31, 2021. The impact to the Fund’s adoption was limited to changes in the Fund’s
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 49
disclosures regarding fair value, primarily those disclosures related to transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy and disclosure of the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value investments, when applicable.
In March 2020, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update, ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) — Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other LIBOR-based reference rates at the end of 2021. The temporary relief provided by ASU 2020-04 is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 on the Fund’s investments, derivatives, debt and other contracts, if applicable, that will undergo reference rate-related modifications as a result of the reference rate reform.
The Fund is an investment company and follows investment company accounting and reporting guidance under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP"). U.S. GAAP requires the management of the Fund to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income, expenses and gain or loss on investments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:
A. Security Valuation
The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
Loan interests are valued in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Trustees at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices from one or more brokers or dealers as obtained from Loan Pricing Corporation, an independent third party pricing service. If price information is not available from Loan Pricing Corporation, or if the price information is deemed to be unreliable, price information will be obtained from an alternative loan interest pricing service. If no reliable price quotes are available from either the primary or alternative pricing service, broker quotes will be solicited.
50 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Fixed-income securities are valued by using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market prices, market events, quotations from one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed-income securities and/or other factors. Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices, or when prices or market quotations are considered to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers.
Event-linked bonds are valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. Other insurance-linked securities (including reinsurance sidecars, collateralized reinsurance and industry loss warranties) may be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent pricing service, or through a third party using a pricing matrix or an insurance industry broker valuation model to provide an estimated value of the instrument.
Swap contracts, including interest rate swaps, caps and floors (other than centrally cleared swap contracts), are valued at the dealer quotations obtained from reputable International Swap Dealers Association members. Centrally cleared swaps are valued at the daily settlement price provided by the central clearing counterparty.
Shares of open-end registered investment companies (including money market mutual funds) are valued at such funds’ net asset value. Shares of exchange-listed closed-end funds are valued by using the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded.
Repurchase agreements are valued at par. Cash may include overnight time deposits at approved financial institutions.
Equity securities that have traded on an exchange are valued by using the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Equity securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued using the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale and bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 51
The value of foreign securities is translated into U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party pricing source. Trading in non-U.S. equity securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are determined as of such times. The Fund may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities.
Securities or loan interests for which independent pricing services or broker-dealers are unable to supply prices or for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by a fair valuation team comprised of certain personnel of the Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s fair valuation team uses fair value methods approved by the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s fair valuation team is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities and for discussing and assessing fair values on an ongoing basis, and at least quarterly, with the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. The Fund may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund’s net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund’s securities may differ significantly from exchange prices, and such differences could be material.
At October 31, 2021, three securities were valued using fair value methods (in addition to securities valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services, broker-dealers or a third party insurance industry broker valuation model) representing 0.23% of net assets. The value of these fair valued securities was $1,087,338.
B. Investment Income and Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence.
52 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Interest income, including interest on income-bearing cash accounts, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates and net of income accrued on defaulted securities.
Interest and dividend income payable by delivery of additional shares is reclassified as PIK (payment-in-kind) income upon receipt and is included in interest and dividend income, respectively.
Principal amounts of mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for monthly paydowns. Premiums and discounts related to certain mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted in proportion to the monthly paydowns. All discounts/premiums on purchase prices of debt securities are accreted/amortized for financial reporting purposes over the life of the respective securities, and such accretion/amortization is included in interest income.
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes.
C. Federal Income Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its net taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. As of October 31, 2021, the Fund did not accrue any interest or penalties with respect to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. Tax returns filed within the prior three years remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.
The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary over distributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
A portion of the dividend income recorded by the Fund is from distributions by publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and such distributions for tax purposes may also consist of capital gains and return of capital. The actual return of capital and capital gains portions of such
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distributions will be determined by formal notifications from the REITs subsequent to the calendar year-end. Distributions received from the REITs that are determined to be a return of capital are recorded by the Fund as a reduction of the cost basis of the securities held and those determined to be capital gain are reflected as such on the Statement of Operations.
At October 31, 2021, the Fund was permitted to carry forward indefinitely $9,338,213 of short-term and $49,895,991 of long-term losses.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 |
Distributions paid from: | | |
Ordinary income | $12,855,025 | $15,428,078 |
Total | $12,855,025 | $15,428,078 |
The following shows the components of distributable earnings (losses) on a federal income tax basis at October 31, 2021:
| 2021 |
Distributable earnings: | |
Undistributed ordinary income | $ 358,002 |
Capital loss carryforward | (59,234,204) |
Dividend payable | (250,118) |
Net unrealized appreciation | 1,864,260 |
Total | $(57,262,060) |
The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized depreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the mark to market of swap contracts, the tax treatment of premium and amortization, adjustments relating to Insurance-Linked Securities, the tax adjustments relating to credit default swaps, preferred stocks and other holdings.
D. Fund Shares
The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. The Distributor earned $5,336 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the year ended October 31, 2021.
E. Class Allocations
Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day.
54 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A and Class C shares of the Fund, respectively (see Note 4). Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the Fund’s transfer agent for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 3).
The Fund declares as daily dividends substantially all of its net investment income. All dividends are paid on a monthly basis. Short-term capital gain distributions, if any, may be declared with the daily dividends. Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates.
F. Risks
The value of securities held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. A general rise in interest rates could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities.
At times, the Fund’s investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. The Fund’s investments in foreign markets and countries with limited developing markets may subject the Fund to a greater degree of risk than investments in a developed market. These risks include disruptive political or economic conditions and the imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions.
The Fund invests primarily in floating rate loans and other floating rate investments. Floating rate loans typically are rated below investment grade. Debt securities rated below-investment-grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Below investment grade securities, including floating rate loans, involve greater risk of loss,
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are subject to greater price volatility, and may be less liquid and more difficult to value, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities.
Certain securities in which the Fund invests, including floating rate loans, once sold, may not settle for an extended period (for example, several weeks or even longer). The Fund will not receive its sale proceeds until that time, which may constrain the Fund’s ability to meet its obligations. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers that are in default or that are in bankruptcy. The value of collateral, if any, securing a floating rate loan can decline or may be insufficient to meet the issuer’s obligations or may be difficult to liquidate. No active trading market may exist for many floating rate loans, and many loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Any secondary market may be subject to irregular trading activity and extended settlement periods. There is less readily available, reliable information about most floating rate loans than is the case for many other types of securities. Normally, the Adviser will seek to avoid receiving material, nonpublic information about the issuer of a loan either held by, or considered for investment by, the Fund, and this decision could adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance. Loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections afforded by federal securities laws.
The Fund’s investments in certain foreign markets or countries with limited developing markets may subject the Fund to a greater degree of risk than in a developed market. These risks include disruptive political or economic conditions and the possible imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions.
The Fund’s investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). Plans are underway to phase out the use of LIBOR. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), have announced that most LIBOR rates will no longer be published after the end of 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR rates will no longer be published after June 30, 2023. It is possible that the FCA may compel the IBA to publish a subset of LIBOR settings after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying markets. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. Based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators),
56 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
the U.S. Federal Reserve began publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication, such as SONIA in the United Kingdom. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new rates, and transition planning is at a relatively early stage. Neither the effect of the transition process nor its ultimate success is known. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates. The effect of any changes to — or discontinuation of — LIBOR on the portfolio will vary depending on, among other things, provisions in individual contracts and whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and alternative reference rates for both legacy and new products and instruments. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark may deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could materialize prior to June 30, 2023.
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. While the Fund’s Adviser has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, limit or mitigate, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund such as the Fund’s custodian and accounting agent, and the Fund’s transfer agent. In addition, many beneficial owners of Fund shares hold them through accounts at broker-dealers, retirement platforms and other financial market participants over which neither the Fund nor the Adviser exercises control. Each of these may in turn rely on service providers to them, which are also subject to the risk of cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity failures or breaches at the Adviser or the Fund’s service providers or intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareowners to effect share purchases, redemptions or exchanges or receive distributions, loss of or unauthorized access to private shareowner information and violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. Such costs and losses may not be covered under any insurance. In addition, maintaining vigilance against cyber-attacks may involve substantial costs over time, and system enhancements may themselves be subject to cyber-attacks.
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COVID-19
The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus respiratory disease designated COVID-19 has resulted in a major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Global financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. Rates of inflation have recently risen. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures will not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
The Fund’s prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund’s principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund’s principal risks.
G. Restricted Securities
Restricted Securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Restricted securities generally are resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
Disposal of restricted investments may involve negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Restricted investments held by the Fund at October 31, 2021 are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
H. Insurance-Linked Securities (“ILS”)
The Fund invests in ILS. The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events, generally, are hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural events of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic
58 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur, and accordingly, ILS carry significant risk. The Fund is entitled to receive principal, and interest and/or dividend payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, ILS may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences.
The Fund’s investments in ILS may include event-linked bonds. ILS also may include special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”) or similar instruments structured to comprise a portion of a reinsurer’s catastrophe-oriented business, known as quota share instruments (sometimes referred to as reinsurance sidecars), or to provide reinsurance relating to specific risks to insurance or reinsurance companies through a collateralized instrument, known as collateralized reinsurance. Structured reinsurance investments also may include industry loss warranties (“ILWs”). A traditional ILW takes the form of a bilateral reinsurance contract, but there are also products that take the form of derivatives, collateralized structures, or exchange-traded instruments.
Where the ILS are based on the performance of underlying reinsurance contracts, the Fund has limited transparency into the individual underlying contracts, and therefore must rely upon the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the issuer. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for the Adviser to fully evaluate the underlying risk profile of the Fund’s structured reinsurance investments, and therefore the Fund’s assets are placed at greater risk of loss than if the Adviser had more complete information. Structured reinsurance instruments generally will be considered illiquid securities by the Fund. These securities may be difficult to purchase, sell or unwind. Illiquid securities also may be difficult to value. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset, the Fund may be forced to sell at a loss.
I. Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the Fund purchases securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the Fund at a later date, and at a specific price, which is typically higher than the purchase price paid by the Fund. The securities purchased serve as the Fund’s collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to repurchase the securities. The value of the collateral, including accrued interest, is required to be equal to or in excess of the repurchase price. The collateral for all
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repurchase agreements is held in safekeeping in the customer-only account of the Fund’s custodian or a sub-custodian of the Fund. The Adviser is responsible for determining that the value of the collateral remains at least equal to the repurchase price. In the event of a default by the counterparty, the Fund is entitled to sell the securities, but the Fund may not be able to sell them for the price at which they were purchased, thus causing a loss to the Fund. Additionally, if the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the Fund will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell the securities.
Open repurchase agreements at October 31, 2021, are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments.
J. Credit Default Swap Contracts
A credit default swap is a contract between a buyer of protection and a seller of protection against a pre-defined credit event or an underlying reference obligation, which may be a single security or a basket or index of securities. The Fund may buy or sell credit default swap contracts to seek to increase the Fund’s income, or to attempt to hedge the risk of default on portfolio securities. A credit default swap index is used to hedge risk or take a position on a basket of credit entities or indices.
As a seller of protection, the Fund would be required to pay the notional (or other agreed-upon) value of the referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer of a debt obligation, which would likely result in a loss to the Fund. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments during the term of the contract, provided that no event of default occurred. The maximum exposure of loss to the seller would be the notional value of the credit default swaps outstanding. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligation. The Fund may also buy credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities, in which case the Fund would function as the counterparty referenced above.
As a buyer of protection, the Fund makes an upfront or periodic payment to the protection seller in exchange for the right to receive a contingent payment. An upfront payment made by the Fund, as the protection buyer, is recorded within the “Swap contracts, at value” line item on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.
60 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Credit default swap contracts are marked-to-market daily using valuations supplied by independent sources, and the change in value, if any, is recorded within the”Swap contracts, at value”; line item on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or upon termination of the contract are recognized, net of the appropriate amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.
Credit default swap contracts involving the sale of protection may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced debt instrument directly. Credit default swap contracts are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a protection buyer and no credit event occurs, it will lose its investment. If the Fund is a protection seller and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced debt instrument received by the Fund, together with the periodic payments received, may be less than the amount the Fund pays to the protection buyer, resulting in a loss to the Fund. In addition, obligations under sell protection credit default swaps may be partially offset by net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty.
Certain swap contracts that are cleared through a central clearinghouse are referred to as centrally cleared swaps. All payments made or received by the Fund are pursuant to a centrally cleared swap contract with the central clearing party rather than the original counterparty. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap contract, the Fund is required to make an initial margin deposit, either in cash or in securities. The daily change in value on open centrally cleared contracts is recorded as “Variation margin for centrally cleared swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Cash received from or paid to the broker related to previous margin movement is held in a segregated account at the broker and is recorded as either “Due from broker for swaps” or “Due to broker for swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The amount of cash deposited with a broker as collateral at October 31, 2021, is recorded as “Swaps collateral” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The average market value of credit default swap contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $398,501. Open credit default swap contracts at October 31, 2021, are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 61
2. Management Agreement
The Adviser manages the Fund’s portfolio. Management fees payable under the Fund's Investment Management Agreement with the Adviser are calculated daily and paid monthly at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.55% of the next $1.5 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, and 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $2 billion. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the effective management fee (excluding waivers and/or assumption of expenses) was equivalent to 0.60% (annualized) of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses (ordinary operating expenses means all fund expenses other than taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation) to the extent required to reduce fund expenses to 1.05% and 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A and Class Y shares, respectively. These expense limitations are in effect through March 1, 2022. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will extend the expense limitation agreement beyond the date referred to above. Fees waived and expenses reimbursed during the year ended October 31, 2021 are reflected in the Statement of Operations.
In addition, under the management and administration agreements, certain other services and costs, including accounting, regulatory reporting and insurance premiums, are paid by the Fund as administrative reimbursements. Included in “Due to affiliates” reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $71,181 in management fees, administrative costs and certain other reimbursements payable to the Adviser at October 31, 2021.
3. Compensation of Trustees and Officers
The Fund pays an annual fee to its Trustees. The Adviser reimburses the Fund for fees paid to the Interested Trustees. The Fund does not pay any salary or other compensation to its officers. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid $10,089 in Trustees’ compensation, which is reflected on the Statement of Operations as Trustees’ fees. At October 31, 2021, the Fund had a payable for Trustees’ fees on its Statement of Assets and Liabilities of $1,261.
4. Transfer Agent
During the period covered by the report DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. served as the transfer agent to the Fund at negotiated rates. Transfer agent fees and payables shown on the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, respectively, include sub-transfer agent expenses incurred through the Fund’s omnibus relationship contracts.
62 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
In addition, the Fund reimbursed the transfer agent for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the transfer agent related to shareowner communications activities such as proxy and statement mailings, and outgoing phone calls. For the year ended October 31, 2021, such out-of-pocket expenses by class of shares were as follows:
Shareowner Communications | |
Class A | $ 8,558 |
Class C | 3,075 |
Class Y | 3,621 |
Total | $15,254 |
5. Distribution Plan
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to its Class A and Class C shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class A shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund also pays the Distributor 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. The fee for Class C shares consists of a 0.25% service fee and a 0.75% distribution fee paid as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class C shares. Included in “Due to affiliates” reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $4,846 in distribution fees payable to the Distributor at October 31, 2021.
In addition, redemptions of Class A and Class C shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”). A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions of certain net asset value purchases of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. Redemptions of Class C shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00%, based on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Shares purchased as part of an exchange remain subject to any CDSC that applied to the original purchase of those shares. There is no CDSC for Class Y shares. Proceeds from the CDSCs are paid to the Distributor. For the year ended October 31, 2021, CDSCs in the amount of $701 were paid to the Distributor.
6. Line of Credit Facility
The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Pioneer Family of Funds, participates in a committed, unsecured revolving line of credit (“credit facility”). Borrowings are used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may borrow up to the lesser of the amount available under the
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 63
credit facility or the limits set for borrowing by the Fund’s prospectus and the 1940 Act. Effective February 3, 2021, the Fund participates in a facility in the amount of $450 million. Under such facility, depending on the type of loan, interest on borrowings is payable at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a credit spread. The Fund also pays both an upfront fee and an annual commitment fee to participate in the credit facility. The upfront fee in the amount of 0.10% of the total credit facility and the commitment fee in the amount of 0.25% of the daily unused portion of each lender’s commitment are allocated among participating funds based on an allocation schedule set forth in the credit agreement. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund had no borrowings under the credit facility.
7. Additional Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Fund’s use of derivatives may enhance or mitigate the Fund’s exposure to the following risks:
Interest rate risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of interest-bearing securities due to changes in the prevailing levels of market interest rates.
Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer of a financial instrument to make further principal or interest payments on an obligation or commitment that it has to the Fund.
Foreign exchange rate risk relates to fluctuations in the value of an asset or liability due to changes in currency exchange rates.
Equity risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of financial instruments as a result of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign exchange rate risk), whether caused by factors specific to an individual investment, its issuer, or all factors affecting all instruments traded in a market or market segment.
Commodity risk relates to the risk that the value of a commodity or commodity index will fluctuate based on increases or decreases in the commodities market and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity.
The fair value of open derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) by risk exposure at October 31, 2021, was as follows:
64 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
The effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) on the Statement of Operations by risk exposure at October 31, 2021, was as follows:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | |
| | | Foreign | | |
| Interest | Credit | Exchange | Equity | Commodity |
| Rate Risk | Risk | Rate Risk | Risk | Risk |
Liabilities | | | | | |
Swap contracts, | | | | | |
at value | $ — | $407,287 | $ — | $ — | $ — |
Total Value | $ — | $407,287 | $ — | $ — | $ — |
The effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) on the Statement of Operations by risk exposure at October 31, 2021, was as follows:
| | | | | |
Statement of Operations | | | | |
| | | Foreign | | |
| Interest | Credit | Exchange | Equity | Commodity |
| Rate Risk | Risk | Rate Risk | Risk | Risk |
Net realized gain | | | | | |
(loss) on: | | | | | |
Swap contracts | $ — | $230,987 | $ — | $ — | $ — |
Total Value | $ — | $230,987 | $ — | $ — | $ — |
Change in net | | | | | |
unrealized | | | | | |
appreciation | | | | | |
(depreciation) on: | | | | | |
Swap contracts | $ — | $188,334 | $ — | $ — | $ — |
Total Value | $ — | $188,334 | $ — | $ — | $ — |
8. Unfunded Loan Commitments
The Fund may enter into unfunded loan commitments. Unfunded loan commitments may be partially or wholly unfunded. During the contractual period, the Fund is obliged to provide funding to the borrower upon demand. A fee is earned by the Fund on the unfunded loan commitment and is recorded as interest income on the Statement of Operations. Unfunded loan commitments are fair valued in accordance with the valuation policy described in Footnote 1A and unrealized appreciation or depreciation, if any, is recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 65
As of October 31, 2021, the Fund had the following unfunded loan commitments outstanding:
| | | | |
| | | | Unrealized |
| | | | Appreciation/ |
Loan | Principal | Cost | Value | (Depreciation) |
ARC Falcon I Inc. | $ 254,777 | $ 253,519 | $ 254,804 | $ 1,285 |
CP Iris Holdco I, Inc. | 166,667 | 166,667 | 166,389 | (278) |
DG Investment Intermediate | | | | |
Holdings 2, Inc. | 7,948 | 7,948 | 7,979 | 31 |
Engineered Components and | | | | |
Systems, LLC | 458,715 | 458,716 | 457,569 | (1,147) |
EyeCare Partners, LLC | | | | |
Amendment No. 1 Delayed | | | | |
Draw Term Loan (First Lien) | 300,000 | 300,000 | 299,550 | (450) |
Medical Solutions Holdings, Inc. | | �� | | |
Delayed Draw Term Loan | | | | |
(First Lien) | 160,000 | 159,205 | 160,325 | 1,120 |
Osmosis Buyer Limited Draw | | | | |
Term B Loan | 111,111 | 110,583 | 111,611 | 1,028 |
Refficiency Holdings LLC | | | | |
Initial DDTL(2021) | 324,622 | 321,411 | 325,028 | 3,617 |
RVR Dealership Holdings, LLC | 188,889 | 187,522 | 188,889 | 1,367 |
Service Logic Acquisition, Inc. | 71,642 | 71,027 | 71,910 | 883 |
Trident TPI Holdings, Inc. | 85,286 | 85,285 | 85,567 | 282 |
Total Value | $2,129,657 | $2,121,883 | $2,129,621 | $ 7,738 |
9. Subsequent Event
Effective November 22, 2021, fund services transitioned to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”). BNY Mellon is now the Fund's Transfer Agent, Custodian and Sub-Administrator.
66 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust VI and the Shareowners of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting Pioneer Series Trust VI (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of October 31, 2021, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pioneer Floating Rate Fund (one of the funds constituting Pioneer Series Trust VI) at October 31, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 67
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a21401-141221_83157101x70x1.gif)
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Pioneer family of funds since 2017.
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2021
68 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Additional Information
Qualified interest income is exempt from nonresident alien (NRA) tax withholding. The percentage of the Fund’s ordinary income distributions derived from qualified interest income was 97.10%.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 69
Approval of Renewal of Investment Management Agreement
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (“Amundi US”) serves as the investment adviser to Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) pursuant to an investment management agreement between Amundi US and the Fund. In order for Amundi US to remain the investment adviser of the Fund, the Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the Fund’s Independent Directors, must determine annually whether to renew the investment management agreement for the Fund.
The contract review process began in January 2021 as the Directors of the Fund agreed on, among other things, an overall approach and timeline for the process. Contract review materials were provided to the Directors in March 2021, July 2021 and September 2021. In addition, the Directors reviewed and discussed the Fund’s performance at regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year, and took into account other information related to the Fund provided to the Directors at regularly scheduled meetings, in connection with the review of the Fund’s investment management agreement.
In March 2021, the Directors, among other things, discussed the memorandum provided by Fund counsel that summarized the legal standards and other considerations that are relevant to the Directors in their deliberations regarding the renewal of the investment management agreement, and reviewed and discussed the qualifications of the investment management teams for the Fund, as well as the level of investment by the Fund’s portfolio managers in the Fund. In July 2021, the Directors, among other things, reviewed the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios, the financial statements of Amundi US and its parent companies, profitability analyses provided by Amundi US, and analyses from Amundi US as to possible economies of scale. The Directors also reviewed the profitability of the institutional business of Amundi US as compared to that of Amundi US’s fund management business, and considered the differences between the fees and expenses of the Fund and the fees and expenses of Amundi US’s institutional accounts, as well as the different services provided by Amundi US to the Fund and to the institutional accounts. The Directors further considered contract review materials, including additional materials received in response to the Directors’ request, in September 2021.
At a meeting held on September 21, 2021, based on their evaluation of the information provided by Amundi US and third parties, the Directors of the Fund, including the Independent Directors voting separately, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreement for another
70 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
year. In approving the renewal of the investment management agreement, the Directors considered various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors described below. The Directors did not identify any single factor as the controlling factor in determining to approve the renewal of the agreement.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services that had been provided by Amundi US to the Fund, taking into account the investment objective and strategy of the Fund. The Directors also reviewed Amundi US’s investment approach for the Fund and its research process. The Directors considered the resources of Amundi US and the personnel of Amundi US who provide investment management services to the Fund. They also reviewed the amount of non-Fund assets managed by the portfolio managers of the Fund. They considered the non-investment resources and personnel of Amundi US that are involved in Amundi US’s services to the Fund, including Amundi US’s compliance, risk management, and legal resources and personnel. The Directors noted the substantial attention and high priority given by Amundi US’s senior management to the Pioneer Fund complex. The Directors considered the effectiveness of Amundi US’s business continuity plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Directors considered that Amundi US supervises and monitors the performance of the Fund’s service providers and provides the Fund with personnel (including Fund officers) and other resources that are necessary for the Fund’s business management and operations. The Directors also considered that, as administrator, Amundi US is responsible for the administration of the Fund’s business and other affairs. The Directors considered Amundi US’s oversight of the process for transitioning custodian and sub-administration services to new service providers. The Directors considered that the Fund reimburses Amundi US its pro rata share of Amundi US’s costs of providing administration services to the Pioneer Funds.
Based on these considerations, the Directors concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services that had been provided by Amundi US to the Fund were satisfactory and consistent with the terms of the investment management agreement.
Performance of the Fund
In considering the Fund’s performance, the Directors regularly review and discuss throughout the year data prepared by Amundi US and information comparing the Fund’s performance with the performance of its peer group of funds, as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (Morningstar), and with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. The Directors also regularly
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 71
consider the Fund’s returns at market value relative to its peers, as well as the discount at which the Fund’s shares may trade on the New York Stock Exchange compared to its net asset value per share. They also discuss the Fund’s performance with Amundi US on a regular basis. The Directors’ regular reviews and discussions were factored into the Directors’ deliberations concerning the renewal of the investment management agreement.
Management Fee and Expenses
The Directors considered information showing the fees and expenses of the Fund in comparison to the management fees and expense ratios of a peer group of funds selected on the basis of criteria determined by the Independent Directors for this purpose using data provided by Strategic Insight Mutual Fund Research and Consulting, LLC (Strategic Insight), an independent third party. The peer group comparisons referred to below are organized in quintiles. Each quintile represents one-fifth of the peer group. In all peer group comparisons referred to below, first quintile is most favorable to the Fund’s shareowners.
The Directors considered that the Fund’s management fee (based on managed assets) for the most recent fiscal year was in the first quintile relative to the management fees paid by other funds in its Strategic Insight peer group for the comparable period. The Directors considered that the expense ratio (based on managed assets) of the Fund’s common shares for the most recent fiscal year (including investment-related expenses) was in the second quintile relative to its Strategic Insight peer group for the comparable period. The Directors noted that Amundi US had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund.
The Directors reviewed management fees charged by Amundi US to institutional and other clients, including publicly offered European funds sponsored by Amundi US’s affiliates, unaffiliated U.S. registered investment companies (in a sub-advisory capacity), and unaffiliated foreign and domestic separate accounts. The Directors also considered Amundi US’s costs in providing services to the Fund and Amundi US’s costs in providing services to the other clients and considered the differences in management fees and profit margins for fund and non-fund services. In evaluating the fees associated with Amundi US’s client accounts, the Directors took into account the respective demands, resources and complexity associated with the Fund and other client accounts. The Directors noted that, in some instances, the fee rates for those clients were lower than the management fee for the Fund and considered that, under the investment management and administration agreements with the Fund, Amundi US performs additional services for the Fund that it does not provide to those other
72 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
clients or services that are broader in scope, including oversight of the Fund’s other service providers and activities related to compliance and the extensive regulatory and tax regimes to which the Fund is subject. The Directors also considered the entrepreneurial risks associated with Amundi US’s management of the Fund.
The Directors concluded that the management fee payable by the Fund to Amundi US was reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by Amundi US.
Profitability
The Directors considered information provided by Amundi US regarding the profitability of Amundi US with respect to the advisory services provided by Amundi US to the Fund, including the methodology used by Amundi US in allocating certain of its costs to the management of the Fund. The Directors also considered Amundi US’s profit margin in connection with the overall operation of the Fund. They further reviewed the financial results, including the profit margins, realized by Amundi US from non-fund businesses. The Directors considered Amundi US’s profit margins in comparison to the limited industry data available and noted that the profitability of any adviser was affected by numerous factors, including its organizational structure and method for allocating expenses. The Directors concluded that Amundi US’s profitability with respect to the management of the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale
The Directors considered the extent to which Amundi US may realize economies of scale or other efficiencies in managing and supporting the Fund. Since the Fund is a closed-end fund that has not raised additional capital, the Directors concluded that economies of scale were not a relevant consideration in the renewal of the investment advisory agreement.
Other Benefits
The Directors considered the other benefits that Amundi US enjoys from its relationship with the Fund. The Directors considered the character and amount of fees paid or to be paid by the Fund, other than under the investment management agreement, for services provided by Amundi US and its affiliates. The Directors further considered the revenues and profitability of Amundi US’s businesses other than the Fund business. To the extent applicable, the Directors also considered the benefits to the Fund and to Amundi US and its affiliates from the use of “soft” commission dollars generated by the Fund to pay for research and brokerage services.
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 73
The Directors considered that Amundi US is the principal U.S. asset management business of Amundi, which is one of the largest asset managers globally. Amundi’s worldwide asset management business manages over $2.12 trillion in assets (including the Pioneer Funds). The Directors considered that Amundi US’s relationship with Amundi creates potential opportunities for Amundi US and Amundi that derive from Amundi US’s relationships with the Fund, including Amundi’s ability to market the services of Amundi US globally. The Directors noted that Amundi US has access to additional research and portfolio management capabilities as a result of its relationship with Amundi and Amundi’s enhanced global presence that may contribute to an increase in the resources available to Amundi US. The Directors considered that Amundi US and the Fund receive reciprocal intangible benefits from the relationship, including mutual brand recognition and, for the Fund, direct and indirect access to the resources of a large global asset manager. The Directors concluded that any such benefits received by Amundi US as a result of its relationship with the Fund were reasonable.
Conclusion
After consideration of the factors described above as well as other factors, the Directors, including the Independent Directors, concluded that the investment management agreement for the Fund, including the fees payable thereunder, was fair and reasonable and voted to approve the proposed renewal of the investment management agreement.
74 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program
As required by law, the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) that is designed to assess and manage liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem its shares without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Fund’s Board of Trustees designated a liquidity risk management committee (the “Committee”) consisting of employees of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (the “Adviser”) to administer the Program.
The Committee provided the Board of Trustees with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Reporting Period”).
The Report confirmed that, throughout the Reporting Period, the Committee had monitored the Fund’s portfolio liquidity and liquidity risk on an ongoing basis, as described in the Program and in Board reporting throughout the Reporting Period.
The Report discussed the Committee’s annual review of the Program, which addressed, among other things, the following elements of the Program:
The Committee reviewed the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. The Committee noted that the Fund’s investment strategy continues to be appropriate for an open-end fund, taking into account, among other things, whether and to what extent the Fund held less liquid and illiquid assets and the extent to which any such investments affected the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests. In managing and reviewing the Fund’s liquidity risk, the Committee also considered the extent to which the Fund’s investment strategy involves a relatively concentrated portfolio or large positions in particular issuers, the extent to which the Fund uses borrowing for investment purposes, and the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives (including for hedging purposes). The Committee also reviewed the Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. In assessing the Fund’s cash flow projections, the Committee considered, among other factors, historical net redemption activity, redemption policies, ownership concentration, distribution channels, and
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 75
the degree of certainty associated with the Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections. The Committee also considered the Fund’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources, including, if applicable, the Fund’s participation in a credit facility, as components of the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests. The Fund has adopted an in-kind redemption policy which may be utilized to meet larger redemption requests.
The Committee reviewed the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity buckets. In reviewing the Fund’s investments, the Committee considered, among other factors, whether trading varying portions of a position in a particular portfolio investment or asset class in sizes the Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, would be reasonably expected to significantly affect liquidity.
The Committee performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum, and determined that no such minimum is required because the Fund primarily holds highly liquid investments.
The Report stated that the Committee concluded the Program operates adequately and effectively, in all material respects, to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk throughout the Reporting Period.
76 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Trustees, Officers and Service Providers
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
Custodian and Sub-Administrator
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.*
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Principal Underwriter
Amundi Distributor US, Inc.
Legal Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Transfer Agent
DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.**
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Fund are available without charge, upon request, by calling our toll free number (1-800-225-6292). Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners at www.amundi.com/us. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov.
Trustees and Officers
The Fund’s Trustees and officers are listed below, together with their principal occupations and other directorships they have held during at least the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee of each of the 49 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Amundi US serves as investment adviser (the “Pioneer Funds”). The address for all Trustees and all officers of the Fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
The Statement of Additional Information of the Fund includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-6292.
* | | Note to shareowners: The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) became the Fund’s custodian and sub-administrator effective November 22, 2021. |
** | | Note to shareowners: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US), Inc. became the Fund’s transfer agent effective November 22, 2021. |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 77
Independent Trustees
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Thomas J. Perna (71) | Trustee since 2007. | Private investor (2004 – 2008 and 2013 – present); Chairman | Director, Broadridge Financial |
Chairman of the Board | Serves until a successor | (2008 – 2013) and Chief Executive Officer (2008 – 2012), Quadriserv, Inc. | Solutions, Inc. (investor |
and Trustee | trustee is elected | (technology products for securities lending industry); and Senior Executive | communications and securities |
| or earlier retirement | Vice President, The Bank of New York (financial and securities services) | processing provider for financial |
| or removal. | (1986 – 2004) | services industry) (2009 – present); |
| | | Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 – |
| | | 2013); and Commissioner, New |
| | | Jersey State Civil Service |
| | | Commission (2011 – 2015) |
John E. Baumgardner, Jr. (70) | Trustee since 2019. | Of Counsel (2019 – present), Partner (1983-2018), Sullivan & Cromwell | Chairman, The Lakeville Journal |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | LLP (law firm). | Company, LLC, (privately-held |
| trustee is elected | | community newspaper group) |
| or earlier retirement | | (2015-present) |
| or removal. | | |
Diane Durnin (64) | Trustee since 2019. | Managing Director - Head of Product Strategy and Development, BNY | None |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | Mellon Investment Management (investment management firm) | |
| trustee is elected | (2012-2018); Vice Chairman – The Dreyfus Corporation (2005 – 2018): | |
| or earlier retirement | Executive Vice President Head of Product, BNY Mellon Investment | |
| or removal. | Management (2007-2012); Executive Director- Product Strategy, Mellon | |
| | Asset Management (2005-2007); Executive Vice President Head of | |
| | Products, Marketing and Client Service, Dreyfus Corporation (investment | |
| | management firm) (2000-2005); and Senior Vice President Strategic | |
| | Product and Business Development, Dreyfus Corporation (1994-2000) | |
78 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Benjamin M. Friedman (77) | Trustee since 2008. | William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Economy, Harvard | Trustee, Mellon Institutional Funds |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | University (1972 – present) | Investment Trust and Mellon |
| trustee is elected or | | Institutional Funds Master Portfolio |
| earlier retirement | | (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund |
| or removal. | | complex) (1989 - 2008) |
Craig C. MacKay (58) | Trustee since 2021. | Partner, England & Company, LLC (advisory firm) (2012 – present); | Board Member of Carver Bancorp, |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | Group Head – Leveraged Finance Distribution, Oppenheimer & Company | Inc. (holding company) and Carver |
| trustee is elected or | (investment bank) (2006 – 2012); Group Head – Private Finance & High | Federal Savings Bank, NA (2017 – |
| earlier retirement | Yield Capital Markets Origination, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey | present); Advisory Council Member, |
| or removal. | (investment bank) (2003 – 2006); and Founder and Chief Executive | MasterShares ETF (2016 – 2017); |
| | Officer, HNY Associates, LLC (investment bank) (1996 – 2003) | Advisory Council Member, The Deal |
| | | (financial market information |
| | | publisher) (2015 – 2016); Board |
| | | Co-Chairman and Chief Executive |
| | | Officer, Danis Transportation |
| | | Company (privately-owned |
| | | commercial carrier) (2000 – 2003); |
| | | Board Member and Chief Financial |
| | | Officer, Customer Access Resources |
| | | (privately-owned teleservices |
| | | company) (1998 – 2000); Board |
| | | Member, Federation of Protestant |
| | | Welfare Agencies (human services |
| | | agency) (1993 – present); and |
| | | Board Treasurer, Harlem Dowling |
| | | Westside Center (foster care |
| | | agency) (1999 – 2018) |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 79
Independent Trustees (continued)
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Lorraine H. Monchak (65) | Trustee since 2017. | Chief Investment Officer, 1199 SEIU Funds (healthcare workers union | None |
Trustee | (Advisory Trustee from | pension funds) (2001 – present); Vice President – International Investments | |
| 2014 - 2017). Serves | Group, American International Group, Inc. (insurance company) | |
| until a successor trustee | (1993 – 2001); Vice President – Corporate Finance and Treasury Group, | |
| is elected or earlier | Citibank, N.A. (1980 – 1986 and 1990 – 1993); Vice President – | |
| retirement or removal. | Asset/Liability Management Group, Federal Farm Funding Corporation | |
| | (government-sponsored issuer of debt securities) (1988 – 1990); Mortgage | |
| | Strategies Group, Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc. (investment bank) | |
| | (1987 – 1988); and Mortgage Strategies Group, Drexel Burnham Lambert, | |
| | Ltd. (investment bank) (1986 – 1987) | |
Marguerite A. Piret (73) | Trustee since 2007. | Chief Financial Officer, American Ag Energy, Inc. (controlled environment | Director of New America High |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | and agriculture company) (2016 – present); and President and Chief | Income Fund, Inc. (closed-end |
| trustee is elected or | Executive Officer, Metric Financial Inc. (formerly known as Newbury Piret | investment company) (2004 – |
| earlier retirement | Company) (investment banking firm) (1981 – 2019) | present); and Member, Board of |
| or removal. | | Governors, Investment Company |
| | | Institute (2000 – 2006) |
Fred J. Ricciardi (74) | Trustee since 2014. | Private investor (2020 – present); Consultant (investment company | None |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | services) (2012 – 2020); Executive Vice President, BNY Mellon (financial and | |
| trustee is elected or | investment company services) (1969 – 2012); Director, BNY International | |
| earlier retirement | Financing Corp. (financial services) (2002 – 2012); Director, Mellon Overseas | |
| or removal. | Investment Corp. (financial services) (2009 – 2012); Director, Financial | |
| | Models (technology) (2005-2007); Director, BNY Hamilton Funds, Ireland | |
| | (offshore investment companies) (2004-2007); Chairman/Director, AIB/BNY | |
| | Securities Services, Ltd., Ireland (financial services) (1999-2006); and | |
| | Chairman, BNY Alternative Investment Services, Inc. (financial services) | |
| | (2005-2007) | |
80 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Interested Trustees
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Lisa M. Jones (59)* | Trustee since 2017. | Director, CEO and President of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management | None |
Trustee, President and | Serves until a successor | firm) (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Asset | |
Chief Executive Officer | trustee is elected or | Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President | |
| earlier retirement | of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and | |
| or removal | President of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); | |
| | Chair, Amundi US, Inc., Amundi Distributor US, Inc. and Amundi Asset | |
| | Management US, Inc. (September 2014 – 2018); Managing Director, | |
| | Morgan Stanley Investment Management (investment management firm) | |
| | (2010 – 2013); Director of Institutional Business, CEO of International, | |
| | Eaton Vance Management (investment management firm) (2005 – 2010); | |
| | and Director of Amundi Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | |
Kenneth J. Taubes (63)* | Trustee since 2014. | Director and Executive Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Investment | None |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | Officer, U.S. (since 2010) of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management | |
| trustee is elected or | firm); Director and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, | |
| earlier retirement | U.S. of Amundi US (since 2008); Executive Vice President and Chief | |
| or removal | Investment Officer, U.S. of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since 2009); | |
| | Portfolio Manager of Amundi US (since 1999); and Director of Amundi | |
| | Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | |
* | | Ms. Jones and Mr. Taubes are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the Fund’s investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 81
Fund Officers
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Officer During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Christopher J. Kelley (56) | Since 2007. Serves at | Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Amundi US since January | None |
Secretary and Chief | the discretion of | 2008; Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of all of the Pioneer Funds since | |
Legal Officer | the Board | June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September | |
| | 2003 to May 2010; and Vice President and Senior Counsel of Amundi US | |
| | from July 2002 to December 2007 | |
Thomas Reyes (58) | Since 2010. Serves at | Assistant General Counsel of Amundi US since May 2013 and Assistant | None |
Assistant Secretary | the discretion of | Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; and Counsel of | |
| the Board | Amundi US from June 2007 to May 2013 | |
Anthony J. Koenig, Jr. (57) | Since 2021. Serves at | Senior Vice President – Fund Treasury of Amundi US; Treasurer of all of | None |
Treasurer and Chief | the discretion of | the Pioneer Funds since May 2021; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer | |
Financial and | the Board | Funds from January 2021 to May 2021; and Chief of Staff, US Investment | |
Accounting Officer | | Management of Amundi US from May 2008 to January 2021 | |
Luis I. Presutti (56) | Since 2007. Serves at | Director – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 1999; and Assistant Treasurer | None |
Assistant Treasurer | the discretion of | of all of the Pioneer Funds since 1999 | |
| the Board | | |
Gary Sullivan (63) | Since 2007. Serves at | Senior Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2012; and Assistant | None |
Assistant Treasurer | the discretion of | Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2002 | |
| the Board | | |
Antonio Furtado (39) | Since 2020. Serves at | Fund Oversight Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2020; | None |
Assistant Treasurer | the discretion of | Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2020; and Senior Fund | |
| the Board | Treasury Analyst from 2012 - 2020 | |
82 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Officer During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Michael Melnick (50) | Since July 2021. | Vice President - Deputy Fund Treasurer of Amundi US since May 2021; | None |
Assistant Treasurer | Serves at the | Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since July 2021; Director of | |
| discretion of the Board | Regulatory Reporting of Amundi US from 2001 – 2021; and Director of | |
| | Tax of Amundi US from 2000 - 2001 | |
John Malone (50) | Since 2018. Serves at | Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi US Asset | None |
Chief Compliance Officer | the discretion of | Management; Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.; and the Pioneer Funds | |
| the Board | since September 2018; and Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi Distributor | |
| | US, Inc. since January 2014. | |
Kelly O’Donnell (50) | Since 2007. Serves at | Vice President – Amundi Asset Management; and Anti-Money Laundering | None |
Anti-Money Laundering | the discretion of | Officer of all the Pioneer Funds since 2006 | |
Officer | the Board | | |
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 83
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84 Pioneer Floating Rate Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
How to Contact Amundi
We are pleased to offer a variety of convenient ways for you to contact us for assistance or information.
Call us for: | |
Account Information, including existing accounts, | |
new accounts, prospectuses, applications | |
and service forms | 1-800-225-6292 |
FactFoneSM for automated fund yields, prices, | |
account information and transactions | 1-800-225-4321 |
Retirement plans information | 1-800-622-0176 |
Write to us:
Amundi
P.O. Box 9897
Providence, RI 02940-8097
| |
Our toll-free fax | 1-800-225-4240 |
|
Our internet e-mail address | us.askamundi@amundi.com |
(for general questions about Amundi only) | |
Visit our web site: www.amundi.com/us
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-PORT by visiting the Commission’s web site at https://www.sec.gov.
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Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
www.amundi.com/us
Securities offered through Amundi Distributor US, Inc.,
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Underwriter of Pioneer Mutual Funds, Member SIPC
© 2021 Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. 21401-14-1221
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund
Annual Report | October 31, 2021
| | | | |
A: PMARX | C: PRRCX | K: FLEKX | R: MUARX | Y: PMYRX |
visit us: www.amundi.com/us
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 1
President’s Letter
Dear Shareholders,
The past year and a half has created unprecedented challenges for investors, as the COVID-19 pandemic has not only dominated the headlines since March 2020, but has also led to significant changes in government and central-bank policies, both in the US and abroad, and affected the everyday lives of each of us. As we move into the final months of 2021, the situation, while improved, has continued to evolve.
Widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in late 2020 led to a general decline in virus-related hospitalizations in the US and had a positive effect on overall market sentiment during the first half of this calendar year. The passage of two additional fiscal stimulus packages by US lawmakers last December and January also helped drive a strong market rally. However, the emergence of highly infectious variants of the virus has caused a recent spike in cases and hospitalizations, especially outside of the US. That development has contributed to a slowdown in the global economic recovery, as some foreign governments have reinstated strict virus-containment measures that had been relaxed after the rollout of the vaccines.
In the US, while performance of most asset classes, especially equities, has been positive for the year to date, volatility has been high, and the third quarter of 2021 saw negative returns for several stock market indices. Investors’ concerns over global supply chain issues, rising inflation, “hawkish” signals concerning less-accommodative future monetary policies from the Federal Reserve System (Fed), and partisan debates in Washington, DC over future spending and tax policies, are among the many factors that have led to greater uncertainty and an increase in market volatility.
Despite those concerns and some of the recent difficulties that have affected the economy and the markets, we believe the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines has provided a potential light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. With that said, the long-term impact on the global economy from COVID-19, while currently unknown, is likely to be considerable, as it is clear that several industries have already felt greater effects than others, and could continue to struggle for quite some time.
After leaving our offices in March of 2020 due to COVID-19, we have re-opened our US locations and our employees have returned to the office as of mid-October. I am proud of the careful planning that has taken place.
2 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Throughout the pandemic, our business has continued to operate without any disruption, and we all look forward to regaining a bit of normalcy after so many months of remote working.
Since 1928, Amundi US’s investment process has been built on a foundation of fundamental research and active management, principles which have guided our investment decisions for more than 90 years. We believe active management – that is, making active investment decisions – can help mitigate the risks during periods of market volatility.
At Amundi US, active management begins with our own fundamental, bottom-up research process. Our team of dedicated research analysts and portfolio managers analyzes each security under consideration, communicating directly with the management teams of the companies issuing the securities and working together to identify those securities that best meet our investment criteria for our family of funds. Our risk management approach begins with each and every security, as we strive to carefully understand the potential opportunity, while considering any and all risk factors.
Today, as investors, we have many options. It is our view that active management can serve shareholders well, not only when markets are thriving, but also during periods of market stress.
As you consider your long-term investment goals, we encourage you to work with your financial professional to develop an investment plan that paves the way for you to pursue both your short-term and long-term goals.
We greatly appreciate the trust you have placed in us and look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Jones
Head of the Americas, President and CEO of US
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
December 2021
Any information in this shareowner report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 3
Portfolio Management Discussion | 10/31/21
In the following discussion, Michele Garau and Howard Weiss review recent market events and describe the factors that affected the performance of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021. Mr. Garau, a senior vice president and a portfolio manager at Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (Amundi US), and Mr. Weiss, CFA, a vice president and a portfolio manager at Amundi US, are responsible for the management of the Fund, along with Kenneth J. Taubes, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, US, and a portfolio manager at Amundi US.
Q | | How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period ended on October 31, 2021? |
A | | Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund’s Class A shares returned 31.00% at net asset value during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021, while the Fund’s benchmark, the Bloomberg US Treasury TIPS 1-10 Year Index (the Bloomberg Index), returned 7.05%. During the same period, the average return of the 270 mutual funds in Morningstar’s Tactical Allocation Funds category was 25.89%. |
Q | | How would you describe the investment environment over the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | | Global investment markets delivered gains over the past 12 months, led by equities. The combination of improving economic growth, rising corporate earnings, and the rollback of some COVID-19-related restrictions helped fuel investors’ appetites for riskier assets, including equities and high-yield bonds. Monetary policies of central banks also lent support to the markets. Although persistent inflation pressures prompted the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to announced its intention to begin tapering its quantitative easing (bond purchasing) program (commencing in November), near-zero interest rates remained a tailwind for higher-risk investments. Stock prices further benefited from additional fiscal stimulus in the United States, as two aid packages – one in late 2020 and the other in early 2021 – came to fruition during the period, highlighted by direct payments to citizens. |
Global equities performed very well over the past 12 months, led by US stocks. Large-cap US growth stocks, in particular, were notable drivers of overall equity-market performance. Developed-market international
4 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
equities also produced gains, but emerging markets equities lost ground during the period, with underperformance driven by concerns about the trajectory of China’s economy.
The prospect of the Fed’s tapering actions weighed on the performance of certain bonds, particularly rate-sensitive assets such as US Treasuries. However, credit-sensitive investments produced positive returns and helped support performance for the broader fixed-income category, led by US high-yield securities, which returned nearly 11% for the 12-month period.
Q | | Could you discuss some of the investment decisions that factored into the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | | During the period, we continued to invest the majority of the portfolio in equities, which allowed the Fund to capitalize on the strong outperformance of stocks relative to the benchmark, the Bloomberg Index. The Fund generated solid results across a wide range of market segments, but exposures to real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a notable contributor to positive benchmark-relative performance. A position in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that focuses on cyber-security investments also made a positive contribution to the Fund’s relative returns, as corporations have continued to devote a growing amount of capital to defending themselves against cyber-security threats. On the other hand, a number of Fund positions in shares of Chinese companies detracted from benchmark-relative performance, due to the Chinese market’s poor showing over the 12-month period. |
The Fund’s fixed-income portfolio, while finishing in positive territory in absolute terms, was a small headwind for relative returns overall. At a time of increasing concerns about rising inflation, the portfolio’s fixed-income holdings were unable to keep pace with the performance of the Bloomberg Index, as TIPS (Treasury inflation-protected securities), which have tended to thrive when the market is hyper-focused on inflation, are the main component of the Fund’s benchmark.
Q | | Did the Fund have any exposure to derivatives during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? If so, how did the use of derivatives affect the Fund’s performance? |
A | | We used derivatives across a broad spectrum of asset classes to establish specific market and issuer exposures within the portfolio, and to attempt to manage downside risk. The derivative instruments we used included equity, fixed-income, and commodity futures; credit-linked securities; long |
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 5
and short positions in ETFs; forward foreign currency contracts; Treasury futures contracts; and options on both indices and individual securities. We believe derivatives have continued to offer an efficient way for us to manage the Fund’s allocations without having to make material changes to its core portfolio holdings. Since we use derivatives in an effort to achieve the Fund’s risk/return objectives, we feel that evaluating them within the context of the entire portfolio, rather than as a standalone investment strategy, is the proper view. The use of derivatives aided the Fund’s performance during the 12-month reporting period.
Q | | Could you discuss your views on the broader investment environment as of October 31, 2021? |
A | | Despite the recent slowdown in global economic growth caused by an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and other factors, we remain optimistic that the recovery could continue, given that COVID-19 vaccination rates in many countries have been rising. However, as we have seen with previous economic recoveries after large dislocations, we believe the current rebound may not proceed in a straight line, particularly since certain developments have different effects across the various geographic regions. |
The current environment has become somewhat challenging, in our view, as corporate earnings have already rebounded sharply from their COVID-19-induced lows, and valuations in both equity and fixed-income markets have become elevated. Given the higher starting point of corporate profits at present, we think it is unrealistic to expect high year-over-year earnings increases in 2022, even though we believe economic growth could still trend above normal. In addition, many central banks around the globe have begun to tighten their monetary policies.
Inflation has typically been a lagging economic indicator over time. Still, the Fed has preferred to focus on inflation rather than on leading indicators and, in our view, it has let stock-market performance be a key determinant of US monetary policy. Many commentators have stated that the recent spike in inflation is a phenomenon linked to the reopening of the global economy following the shutdowns and other restrictions caused by COVID-19. For our part, we believe the persistent supply-chain bottlenecks are a more important factor. Despite that situation, however, we are not overly concerned about the longer-term outlook for inflation.
6 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Q | | How would you characterize the Fund’s positioning as of October 31, 2021? |
A | | We have continued to employ a top-down asset allocation model to position the portfolio in a manner consistent with our long-term views. As has been the case for several years, we believe bonds have continued to offer an unfavorable risk-and-return profile. We therefore have maintained an emphasis on equities in the portfolio, combined with holdings in security-specific opportunities on the fixed-income side. |
At the end of October 2021, equities made up approximately 88% of the Fund’s invested assets (excluding the effect of options positions). Fixed-income investments represented roughly 8% of invested assets. We have remained focused on investments in government bonds of various countries that have offered, in our opinion, the combination of sound fundamentals and attractive yields. Those countries include Russia, Brazil, and Mexico. However, we reduced the Fund’s allocation to Brazilian bonds during the period, due to increased political risk. We have maintained the Fund’s positions in Mexico, which we believe features a favorable debt-to-gross domestic product ratio, and in Russia, where we think the economy may benefit from rising demand for oil if global economic growth continues to recover from the worst effects of the pandemic.
Within the US equity market, we have favored mortgage REITs as well as stocks of companies in the defense, health care, and information technology sectors. We have maintained the Fund’s equity exposures within Asia, including in China and Korea, due to what we believe are compelling valuations and positive longer-term economic growth prospects in those areas. We did reduce the Fund’s allocation to Chinese stocks in the latter half of the 12-month period, as the nation’s government, in our view, appears focused on eliminating COVID-19 regardless of the economic consequences. The Fund’s positions within China have continued to emphasize shares of companies in the retail, auto, and financials sectors. Elsewhere in the emerging markets, in addition to Korea, we have maintained the Fund’s allocations to equities in Russia and India.
We also have favored investments in Europe, given rising COVID-19 vaccination rates, improving economic conditions, and what we believe are attractive valuations. Within the region, we have continued to see opportunities in utilities, industrials, and insurance companies.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 7
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 19–30 for a full listing of Fund securities.
All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility and heightened uncertainty. The market prices of securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, recessions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues or adverse investor sentiment. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread.
The Fund has the ability to invest in a wide variety of securities and asset classes.
The Fund may invest in underlying funds (including ETFs). In addition to the Fund’s operating expenses, you will indirectly bear the operating expenses of investments in any underlying funds.
The Fund and some of the underlying funds employ leverage through the use of derivatives, which increases the volatility of investment returns and subjects the Fund to magnified losses if the Fund or an underlying fund’s investments decline in value.
The Fund and some of the underlying funds may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance.
The Fund and some of the underlying funds may employ short selling, a speculative strategy. Unlike the possible loss on a security that is purchased, there is no limit to the amount of loss on an appreciating security that is sold short.
The Fund may invest in credit default swaps, which may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap.
The Fund may invest in insurance-linked securities. The return of principal and the payment of interest on insurance-linked bonds are contingent on the non-occurrence of a pre-defined “trigger” event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake of a specific magnitude.
The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivatives. The value of commodity-linked derivatives may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, international economic, political and regulatory developments, supply and demand, and governmental regulatory policies.
8 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Investments in equity securities are subject to price fluctuation.
Small- and mid-cap stocks involve greater risks and volatility than large-cap stocks.
International investments are subject to special risks, including currency fluctuations, and social, economic and political uncertainties, which could increase volatility. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.
Investments in fixed-income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation, and reinvestment risks. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities will generally fall.
Prepayment risk is the chance that an issuer may exercise its right to repay its security, if falling interest rates prompt the issuer to do so. Forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, the Fund would experience a decline in income and lose the opportunity for additional price appreciation.
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities, which during times of fluctuating interest rates may increase or decrease more than other fixed-income securities. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to prepayments.
High-yield bonds possess greater price volatility, illiquidity, and possibility of default.
These risks may increase share price volatility.
There is no assurance that these and other strategies used by the Fund or underlying funds will be successful.
Please see the prospectus for a more complete discussion of the Fund’s risks.
Before investing, consider the product’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Contact your advisor or Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., for a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 9
Portfolio Summary | 10/31/21
Sector Distribution
(As a percentage of total investments)*
Portfolio Diversification
(As a percentage of total investments)*
| | |
10 Largest Holdings | |
(As a percentage of total investments)* | |
1. | ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF | 2.90% |
2. | Aberdeen Standard Physical Palladium Shares ETF | 2.08 |
3. | Redwood Trust, Inc. | 1.57 |
4. | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 8.375%, 9/15/26 | 1.47 |
5. | Mosaic Co. | 1.45 |
6. | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 1.40 |
7. | Starwood Property Trust, Inc. | 1.37 |
8. | New Residential Investment Corp. | 1.35 |
9. | Sberbank of Russia PJSC (A.D.R.) | 1.31 |
10. | LUKOIL PJSC (A.D.R.) | 1.30 |
* | | Excludes temporary cash investments and all derivative contracts except for options purchased. The Fund is actively managed, and current holdings may be different. The holdings listed should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities. |
10 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Prices and Distributions | 10/31/21
Net Asset Value per Share
| | |
Class | 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 |
A | $14.45 | $11.14 |
C | $14.10 | $10.85 |
K | $14.44 | $11.14 |
R | $14.20 | $11.02 |
Y | $14.52 | $11.20 |
Distributions per Share: 11/1/20–10/31/21 | |
|
| Net Investment | Short-Term | Long-Term |
Class | Income | Capital Gains | Capital Gains |
A | $0.1339 | $ — | $ — |
C | $0.0088 | $ — | $ — |
K | $0.1790 | $ — | $ — |
R | $0.1215 | $ — | $ — |
Y | $0.1803 | $ — | $ — |
Index Definitions
The Bloomberg U.S. Treasury TIPS 1-10 Year Index is an unmanaged index comprised of U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) having a maturity of at least 1 year and less than 10 years. Index returns are calculated monthly, assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The index defined here pertains to the “Value of $10,000 Investment” and “Value of $5 Million Investment” charts on pages 12–16.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 11
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class A Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class A shares of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund at public offering price during the periods shown, compared to that of the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury TIPS 1–10 Year Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| | | BBG |
| Net | Public | U.S. Treasury |
| Asset | Offering | TIPS |
| Value | Price | 1-10 Year |
Period | (NAV) | (POP) | Index |
10 years | 7.15% | 6.66% | 2.52% |
5 years | 8.88 | 7.88 | 4.03 |
1 year | 31.00 | 25.10 | 7.05 |
Expense Ratio | |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross | Net |
1.30% | 1.23% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
NAV results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. POP returns reflect deduction of maximum 4.50% sales charge. NAV returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation currently in effect through March 1, 2022, for Class A shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
12 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class C Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class C shares of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury TIPS 1–10 Year Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| | | BBG |
| | | U.S. Treasury |
| | | TIPS |
| If | If | 1-10 Year |
Period | Held | Redeemed | Index |
10 years | 6.34% | N/A | 2.52% |
5 years | 8.04 | N/A | 4.03 |
1 year | 30.04 | 28.80% | 7.05 |
|
Expense Ratio |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross |
2.04% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class C shares held for less than one year are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). “If Held” results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. NAV returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. “If Redeemed” returns reflect deduction of the CDSC, assuming a complete redemption of shares at the last price calculated on the last business day of the period. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for a more current expense ratio.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 13
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class K Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million investment made in Class K shares of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury TIPS 1–10 Year Index.
| | |
Average Annual Total Returns |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
|
| | BBG |
| Net | U.S. Treasury |
| Asset | TIPS |
| Value | 1-10 Year |
Period | (NAV) | Index |
10 years | 7.26% | 2.52% |
5 years | 9.09 | 4.03 |
1 year | 31.33 | 7.05 |
Expense Ratio | |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross | Net |
0.96% | 0.93% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The performance shown for Class K shares for the period prior to the commencement of operations of Class K shares on June 22, 2018, is the net asset value performance of the Fund’s Class A shares, which has not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses, including Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class A shares. Since fees for Class A shares generally are higher than those of Class K shares, the performance of Class K shares prior to their inception on June 22, 2018, would have been higher than the performance shown. For the period beginning June 22, 2018, the actual performance of Class K shares is reflected. Class K shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation currently in effect through March 1, 2022, for Class K shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
14 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class R Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class R shares of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury TIPS 1–10 Year Index.
| | |
Average Annual Total Returns |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| | BBG |
| Net | U.S. Treasury |
| Asset | TIPS |
| Value | 1-10 Year |
Period | (NAV) | Index |
10 years | 6.48% | 2.52% |
5 years | 7.89 | 4.03 |
1 year | 30.10 | 7.05 |
|
Expense Ratio |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross |
1.85% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The performance shown for Class R shares for the period prior to the commencement of operations of Class R shares on September 13, 2013, is based on the performance of Class A shares, reduced to reflect the higher distribution and service fees of Class R shares. For the period beginning September 13, 2013, the actual performance of Class R shares is reflected. Class R shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for a more current expense ratio.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 15
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class Y Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million investment made in Class Y shares of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury TIPS 1–10 Year Index.
| | |
Average Annual Total Returns |
(As of October 31, 2021) | |
| | BBG |
| Net | U.S. Treasury |
| Asset | TIPS |
| Value | 1-10 Year |
Period | (NAV) | Index |
10 years | 7.46% | 2.52% |
5 years | 9.19 | 4.03 |
1 year | 31.36 | 7.05 |
| |
Expense Ratio | |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross | Net |
1.03% | 0.93% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class Y shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation currently in effect through March 1, 2022, for Class Y shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
16 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses
As a shareowner in the Fund, you incur two types of costs:
(1) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and
(2) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments.
This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 at the beginning of the Fund’s latest six-month period and held throughout the six months.
Using the Tables
Actual Expenses
The first table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period as follows:
(1) | | Divide your account value by $1,000 |
Example: an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6
(2) | | Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class’s number in the third row under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund
Based on actual returns from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
| | | | | |
Share Class | A | C | K | R | Y |
Beginning Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value on 5/1/21 | | | | | |
Ending Account Value | $1,014.95 | $1,011.43 | $1,016.41 | $1,009.94 | $1,017.11 |
(after expenses) on | | | | | |
10/31/21 | | | | | |
Expenses Paid | $6.09 | $10.09 | $4.57 | $9.78 | $4.58 |
During Period* | | | | | |
* | | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.20%, 1.99%, 0.90%, 1.93%, and 0.90% for Class A, Class C, Class K, Class R and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 17
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) that are charged at the time of the transaction. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund
Based on a hypothetical 5% return per year before expenses, reflecting the period from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
Share Class | A | C | K | R | Y |
Beginning Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value on 5/1/21 | | | | | |
Ending Account Value | $1,019.16 | $1,015.17 | $1,020.67 | $1,015.48 | $1,020.67 |
(after expenses) on | | | | | |
10/31/21 | | | | | |
Expenses Paid | $6.11 | $10.11 | $4.58 | $9.80 | $4.58 |
During Period* | | | | | |
* | | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.20%, 1.99%, 0.90%, 1.93%, and 0.90% for Class A, Class C, Class K, Class R and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
18 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
| | |
Shares | | Value |
| UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 93.7% | |
| of Net Assets | |
| COMMON STOCKS — 78.9% of Net Assets | |
| Aerospace & Defense — 1.1% | |
2,809(a) | Airbus SE | $ 359,109 |
19,054 | Curtiss-Wright Corp. | 2,432,815 |
12,078 | Raytheon Technologies Corp. | 1,073,251 |
| Total Aerospace & Defense | $ 3,865,175 |
| Airlines — 0.9% | |
177,416(a) | Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion | |
| SAB de CV (A.D.R.) | $ 3,211,230 |
| Total Airlines | $ 3,211,230 |
| Automobiles — 0.5% | |
343,000 | Geely Automobile Holdings, Ltd. | $ 1,192,733 |
12,472(a) | XPeng, Inc. (A.D.R.) | 581,569 |
| Total Automobiles | $ 1,774,302 |
| Banks — 12.1% | |
560,694 | Banco BPM S.p.A. | $ 1,740,813 |
3,910,500 | Bank Central Asia Tbk PT | 2,063,242 |
30 | Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam JSC | 129 |
856,000(a) | Bank Jago Tbk PT | 936,510 |
48,870(a) | BAWAG Group AG (144A) | 3,075,817 |
55,964 | BNP Paribas SA | 3,745,481 |
379,000 | China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., Class H | 3,193,697 |
23,300 | DBS Group Holdings, Ltd. | 544,729 |
66,271 | Erste Group Bank AG | 2,841,958 |
1,314,222(a) | Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holdings SA | 1,372,363 |
94,358 | Hana Financial Group, Inc. | 3,614,603 |
41,568 | HDFC Bank, Ltd. | 877,214 |
253,180 | ICICI Bank, Ltd. | 2,707,308 |
11,491 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 1,952,206 |
39,985 | KB Financial Group, Inc. | 1,926,561 |
318,800 | Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | 1,742,115 |
40,300 | Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 352,605 |
5,248,000 | Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Ltd., Class H (144A) | 3,818,494 |
217,672 | Sberbank of Russia PJSC (A.D.R.) | 4,370,854 |
22,842 | TCS Group Holding Plc (G.D.R.) | 2,339,021 |
| Total Banks | $ 43,215,720 |
| Building Products — 0.7% | |
836,000 | Xinyi Glass Holdings, Ltd. | $ 2,358,971 |
| Total Building Products | $ 2,358,971 |
| Capital Markets — 5.1% | |
61,572 | AllianceBernstein Holding LP | $ 3,472,045 |
1,648 | BlackRock, Inc. | 1,554,822 |
101,144 | Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc. | 3,032,297 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 19
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
(continued)
| | |
Shares | | Value |
| Capital Markets — (continued) | |
17,144 | KKR & Co., Inc. | $ 1,365,862 |
56,523 | Lazard, Ltd. | 2,769,062 |
25,773 | Morgan Stanley | 2,648,949 |
14,248(a) | Robinhood Markets, Inc. | 498,253 |
6,136 | S&P Global, Inc. | 2,909,446 |
| Total Capital Markets | $ 18,250,736 |
| Chemicals — 2.1% | |
116,977 | Mosaic Co. | $ 4,862,734 |
2,000 | Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. | 355,616 |
9,372,000 | Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Class H | 2,180,684 |
| Total Chemicals | $ 7,399,034 |
| Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.8% | |
10,626 | Republic Services, Inc. | $ 1,430,260 |
9,479 | Waste Management, Inc. | 1,518,820 |
| Total Commercial Services & Supplies | $ 2,949,080 |
| Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.8% | |
160,815 | Deutsche Telekom AG | $ 2,988,676 |
| Total Diversified Telecommunication Services | $ 2,988,676 |
| Electric Utilities — 1.0% | |
9,191 | Acciona SA | $ 1,761,439 |
170,587 | Enel S.p.A. | 1,426,805 |
29,876 | Iberdrola SA | 352,762 |
| Total Electric Utilities | $ 3,541,006 |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8% | |
2,500 | Keyence Corp. | $ 1,503,534 |
7,378(a) | Teledyne Technologies, Inc. | 3,314,345 |
104,000 | Yageo Corp. | 1,621,439 |
| Total Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | $ 6,439,318 |
| Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.8% | |
633,400 | Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust | $ 1,451,233 |
54,982 | Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust | 61,968 |
18,548 | SL Green Realty Corp. | 1,299,658 |
| Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) | $ 2,812,859 |
| Food & Staples Retailing — 1.1% | |
1,068,100 | Puregold Price Club, Inc. | $ 893,502 |
20,266 | Walmart, Inc. | 3,028,146 |
| Total Food & Staples Retailing | $ 3,921,648 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Shares | | Value |
| Food Products — 1.6% | |
53,448 | Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | $ 3,433,500 |
659,000 | China Feihe, Ltd. (144A) | 1,097,924 |
17,556 | Mondelez International, Inc. | 1,066,351 |
| Total Food Products | $ 5,597,775 |
| Gas Utilities — 1.0% | |
647,542 | Snam S.p.A. | $ 3,665,374 |
| Total Gas Utilities | $ 3,665,374 |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.6% |
1,432 | Danaher Corp. | $ 446,455 |
6,002(a) | IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. | 3,998,172 |
4,662 | Stryker Corp. | 1,240,418 |
| Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies | $ 5,685,045 |
| Health Care Providers & Services — 2.6% | |
7,869 | Anthem, Inc. | $ 3,424,038 |
8,904(a) | Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings | 2,555,626 |
7,015 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 3,230,197 |
| Total Health Care Providers & Services | $ 9,209,861 |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.7% | |
53,500 | Food & Life Cos., Ltd. | $ 2,313,019 |
12,931(a) | Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. | 1,861,417 |
14,700 | Kura Sushi, Inc. | 474,235 |
89,145 | OPAP SA | 1,385,924 |
| Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | $ 6,034,595 |
| Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4% | |
1,295,000 | NWS Holdings, Ltd. | $ 1,288,524 |
| Total Industrial Conglomerates | $ 1,288,524 |
| Insurance — 8.9% | |
77,451 | ASR Nederland NV | $ 3,622,206 |
660,771 | Aviva Plc | 3,569,917 |
131,946 | AXA SA | 3,837,312 |
68,897 | NN Group NV | 3,688,834 |
264,342 | Poste Italiane S.p.A. (144A) | 3,770,523 |
4,584 | Swiss Life Holding AG | 2,516,706 |
63,900 | Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. | 3,364,545 |
1,203,949 | UnipolSai Assicurazioni S.p.A. | 3,484,678 |
8,578 | Zurich Insurance Group AG | 3,803,387 |
| Total Insurance | $ 31,658,108 |
| Interactive Media & Services — 0.6% | |
725(a) | Alphabet, Inc. | $ 2,146,667 |
| Total Interactive Media & Services | $ 2,146,667 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 21
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
(continued)
Shares | | | Value |
| | Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.7% |
| 44,449(a) | Dada Nexus, Ltd. (A.D.R.) | $ 902,759 |
| 43,200(a) | JD.com, Inc. | 1,723,802 |
| | Total Internet & Direct Marketing Retail | $ 2,626,561 |
| | IT Services — 1.4% | |
| 6,512(a) | PayPal Holdings, Inc. | $ 1,514,626 |
| 28,823(a) | StoneCo, Ltd. | 975,947 |
| 93,237(a) | TDCX, Inc. (A.D.R.) | 2,674,037 |
| | Total IT Services | $ 5,164,610 |
| | Life Sciences Tools & Services — 3.1% | |
| 17,715 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | $ 2,789,935 |
| 7,995(a) | Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. | 3,587,197 |
| 7,406 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 4,688,516 |
| | Total Life Sciences Tools & Services | $ 11,065,648 |
| | Machinery — 0.0%† | |
| 3,841(a) | Ingersoll Rand, Inc. | $ 206,492 |
| | Total Machinery | $ 206,492 |
| | Media — 0.1% | |
| 6,885 | Comcast Corp. | $ 354,096 |
| | Total Media | $ 354,096 |
| | Metals & Mining — 1.6% | |
| 70,646 | Barrick Gold Corp. | $ 1,297,767 |
| 30,792 | BHP Group, Ltd. | 847,482 |
| 131,295 | Teck Resources, Ltd., Class B | 3,663,130 |
| | Total Metals & Mining | $ 5,808,379 |
| | Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 8.6% | |
| 108,799 | AGNC Investment Corp. | $ 1,732,080 |
| 136,971 | Angel Oak Mortgage, Inc. | 2,429,866 |
| 207,296 | Annaly Capital Management, Inc. | 1,753,724 |
| 97,013 | Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. | 3,191,728 |
| 80,842 | BrightSpire Capital, Inc. | 793,060 |
| 27,127 | Great Ajax Corp. | 384,118 |
| 358,169 | Ladder Capital Corp. | 4,298,028 |
| 397,847 | New Residential Investment Corp. | 4,519,542 |
| 89,003 | PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust | 1,793,410 |
| 388,169 | Redwood Trust, Inc. | 5,263,572 |
| 180,001 | Starwood Property Trust, Inc. | 4,584,625 |
| | Total Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) | $ 30,743,753 |
| | Multiline Retail — 0.3% | |
| 10,700 | Izumi Co., Ltd. | $ 323,588 |
| 36,000 | Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. | 754,036 |
| | Total Multiline Retail | $ 1,077,624 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Shares | | Value |
| Multi-Utilities — 1.0% | |
279,505 | EON SE | $ 3,542,893 |
| Total Multi-Utilities | $ 3,542,893 |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.7% | |
4,940,000 | China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H | $ 2,425,896 |
129,655 | Eni S.p.A. | 1,858,965 |
42,549 | LUKOIL PJSC (A.D.R.) | 4,341,275 |
434,956 | Oil & Natural Gas Corp., Ltd. | 864,339 |
| Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | $ 9,490,475 |
| Pharmaceuticals — 1.1% | |
8,904 | Sanofi | $ 889,549 |
13,742 | Zoetis, Inc. | 2,971,020 |
| Total Pharmaceuticals | $ 3,860,569 |
| Professional Services — 1.5% | |
20,121 | Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | $ 1,747,710 |
8,565 | Teleperformance | 3,574,992 |
| Total Professional Services | $ 5,322,702 |
| Real Estate Management & Development — 1.8% | |
566,300 | Ascendas India Trust | $ 583,663 |
477,100 | Ayala Land, Inc. | 331,569 |
166,000 | China Resources Land, Ltd. | 646,595 |
2,160,318 | KWG Living Group Holdings, Ltd. | 1,469,113 |
496,000 | Longfor Group Holdings, Ltd. (144A) | 2,410,212 |
476,000(a) | S-Enjoy Service Group Co., Ltd. | 926,434 |
| Total Real Estate Management & Development | $ 6,367,586 |
| Road & Rail — 0.7% | |
70,541 | CSX Corp. | $ 2,551,468 |
| Total Road & Rail | $ 2,551,468 |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.3% | |
19,270 | Microchip Technology, Inc. | $ 1,427,714 |
19,093 | MKS Instruments, Inc. | 2,864,905 |
286,000(a) | Renesas Electronics Corp. | 3,519,923 |
3,900 | Rohm Co., Ltd. | 355,370 |
| Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | $ 8,167,912 |
| Software — 2.4% | |
9,411 | Microsoft Corp. | $ 3,120,876 |
6,550(a) | Palo Alto Networks, Inc. | 3,334,539 |
7,374(a) | salesforce.com, Inc. | 2,209,914 |
| Total Software | $ 8,665,329 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 23
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
(continued)
| | | |
Shares | | | Value |
| | Specialty Retail — 1.9% | |
| 434,000 | China Meidong Auto Holdings, Ltd. | $ 2,253,995 |
| 94,287(a) | Watches of Switzerland Group Plc (144A) | 1,460,960 |
| 82,700 | Yamada Holdings Co., Ltd. | 315,801 |
| 291,500 | Zhongsheng Group Holdings, Ltd. | 2,636,237 |
| | Total Specialty Retail | $ 6,666,993 |
| | Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.2% | |
| 18,637 | Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd. | $ 706,837 |
| | Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance | $ 706,837 |
| | Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3% |
| 47,400 | Mitsui & Co., Ltd. | $ 1,078,531 |
| | Total Trading Companies & Distributors | $ 1,078,531 |
| | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | |
| | (Cost $235,018,980) | $281,482,162 |
| | PREFERRED STOCK — 0.0%† of Net Assets | |
| | Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.0%† | |
| 204^(a) | Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. | $ 63,974 |
| | Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) | $ 63,974 |
| | TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK | |
| | (Cost $195,245) | $ 63,974 |
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | |
| CORPORATE BONDS — 0.6% of Net Assets | |
| Mining — 0.6% | |
752,000 | Gold Fields Orogen Holdings BVI, Ltd., 6.125%, 5/15/29 | |
| (144A) | $ 871,192 |
1,039,000 | Teck Resources, Ltd., 6.125%, 10/1/35 | 1,343,380 |
| Total Mining | $ 2,214,572 |
| TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | |
| (Cost $2,027,498) | $ 2,214,572 |
| FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS — 6.5% |
| of Net Assets | |
| Brazil — 0.6% | |
BRL 13,881,000 | Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Serie F, 10.0%, 1/1/31 | $ 2,194,075 |
| Total Brazil | $ 2,194,075 |
| Indonesia — 1.4% | |
IDR61,575,000,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 8.375%, 9/15/26 | $ 4,919,915 |
| Total Indonesia | $ 4,919,915 |
| Mexico — 1.2% | |
MXN 92,895,900 | Mexican Bonos, 5.75%, 3/5/26 | $ 4,261,436 |
| Total Mexico | $ 4,261,436 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | | |
Amount USD ($) | | Value |
| Russia — 3.3% | |
RUB 260,822,000 | Russian Federal Bond - OFZ, 7.0%, 8/16/23 | $ 3,606,322 |
RUB 289,537,000 | Russian Federal Bond - OFZ, 7.7%, 3/16/39 | 3,978,882 |
RUB 295,363,000 | Russian Federal Bond - OFZ, 8.15%, 2/3/27 | 4,167,884 |
| Total Russia | $ 11,753,088 |
| TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS | |
| (Cost $24,199,609) | $ 23,128,514 |
| U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY | |
| OBLIGATIONS — 1.1% of Net Assets |
2,000,000(b) | U.S. Treasury Bills, 12/16/21 | $ 1,999,812 |
1,588,329 | U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds, 0.125%, 2/15/51 | 1,804,677 |
| TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS | |
| (Cost $3,830,733) | $ 3,804,489 |
Shares | | |
| | INVESTMENT COMPANIES — 5.3% | |
| | of Net Assets | |
| 37,531(a)(c) | Aberdeen Standard Physical Palladium Shares ETF | $ 6,971,008 |
SGD | 150,260 | CSOP FTSE Chinese Government Bond Index ETF | 1,619,976 |
| 147,722 | ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF | 9,714,199 |
| 27,357 | VanEck Vietnam ETF | 555,347 |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES | |
| | (Cost $15,198,139) | $ 18,860,530 |
| | | | | | |
Number of | | | | Strike | Expiration | |
Contracts | Description | Counterparty | Notional | Price | Date | |
| | EXCHANGE-TRADED CALL OPTIONS |
| | PURCHASED — 0.3%% | | | |
2,250 | Helmerich Payne | Citibank NA | USD 550,260 | USD 33 | 1/21/22 | $ 466,875 |
1,725 | Sprit Aerosystems | Citibank NA | USD 955,219 | USD 40 | 1/21/22 | 733,125 |
| | | | | $ 1,200,000 |
| | TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED CALL OPTIONS PURCHASED | |
| | (Premiums paid $1,505,479) | | $ 1,200,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 25
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
(continued)
| | | | | | | |
Number of | | | | | Strike | Expiration | |
Contracts | Description | Counterparty | Notional | | Price | Date | Value |
| OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) CALL OPTIONS | |
| PURCHASED — 0.9% | | | | |
199,800 | Aercap | Citibank NA | USD 744,255 | USD 60 | 1/21/22 | $ 795,627 |
| Holdings NV | | | | | | |
185,000 | Cedar Fair LP | Citibank NA | USD 880,600 | USD 45 | 3/18/22 | 859,818 |
895 | Chesapeake | Citibank NA | USD 599,650 | USD 70 | 4/14/22 | 443,867 |
| Energy Corp. | | | | | | |
31,145 | Goldman Sachs | Citibank NA | USD 488,665 | USD 430 11/19/21 | 96,393 |
| Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
199,800 | Six Flags | Citibank NA | USD 959,040 | USD 40 | 3/18/22 | 1,021,912 |
| Entertainment Corp. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | $ 3,217,617 |
| TOTAL OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) CALL | | |
| OPTIONS PURCHASED | | | | | |
| (Premiums paid $3,672,210) | | | | $ 3,217,617 |
| OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) PUT OPTIONS | |
| PURCHASED — 0.1% | | | | |
90,000 | DJS 600 Bank | Citibank NA EUR | 529,310 | EUR 141 | 1/21/22 | $ 370,652 |
2,052,000 | Nomura | Citibank NA JPY | 542,455 | JPY 527 | 11/12/21 | 55,810 |
| Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | $ 426,462 |
| TOTAL OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) PUT | | | |
| OPTIONS PURCHASED | | | | | |
| (Premiums paid $1,071,765) | | | | $ 426,462 |
| TOTAL OPTIONS PURCHASED | | | | |
| (Premiums paid $6,249,454) | | | | $ 4,844,079 |
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 93.7% | |
| (Cost $286,719,658) | | | | | $334,398,320 |
| OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 6.3% | | $ 22,512,280 |
| NET ASSETS — 100.0% | | | | | $356,910,600 |
LIBOR | | London Interbank Offered Rate. |
REIT | | Real Estate Investment Trust. |
(144A) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold normally to qualified institutional buyers in a transaction exempt from registration. At October 31, 2021, the value of these securities amounted to $16,505,122, or 4.6% of net assets. |
(A.D.R.) | | American Depositary Receipts. |
(G.D.R.) | | Global Depositary Receipts. |
† | | Amount rounds to less than 0.1%. |
^ | | Security is valued using fair value methods (other than supplied by independent pricing services). |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
(b) | | Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through accretion of discount. |
(c) | | All or a portion of this security is held by Flexible Opportunities Commodity Fund Ltd. |
| | | | | |
FUTURES CONTRACTS | | | | |
CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACT | | | |
Number of | | | | | |
Contracts | | Expiration | Notional | Market | Unrealized |
Short | Description | Date | Amount | Value | Appreciation |
55 | Euro FX | 12/13/21 | $ (8,066,944) | $ (7,953,344) | $ 113,600 |
| Currency Futures | | | | |
INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS | | | | |
Number of | | | | | |
Contracts | | Expiration | Notional | Market | Unrealized |
Long | Description | Date | Amount | Value | (Depreciation) |
142 | Cboe VIX Futures | 11/17/21 | $ 2,766,877 | $ 2,666,660 | $(100,217) |
Number of | | | | | Unrealized |
Contracts | | Expiration | Notional | Market | Appreciation |
Short | Description | Date | Amount | Value | (Depreciation) |
60 | FTSE Taiwan Index | 11/29/21 | (3,564,600) | (3,542,400) | 22,200 |
302 | MSCI China Free | 12/17/21 | (15,147,834) | (15,355,190) | (207,356) |
| | | $(18,712,434) | $ (18,897,590) | $(185,156) |
TOTAL FUTURES CONTRACTS | | $(24,012,501) | $ (24,184,274) | $ (171,773) |
SWAP CONTRACTS | | | | | | |
OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACT — BUY PROTECTION | |
| | Obligation | | | | | |
Notional | | Reference/ | Pay/ | | Expiration | Unrealized | Market |
Amount(1) | Counterparty | Index | Receive(2) | Coupon | Date | Appreciation | Value |
19,208,251 | Citibank NA | Citibank Total | Pay | 3M LIBOR | 12/15/21 | $300,070 | $300,070 |
| | Return Index* | | + 39bps | | | |
OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS — SELL PROTECTION | |
| | Obligation | | | | | |
Notional | | Reference/ | Pay/ | | Expiration | Unrealized | Market |
Amount(1) | Counterparty | Index | Receive(2) | Coupon | Date | Depreciation | Value |
4,482,623 | Goldman Sachs | Goldman Sachs | Pay | 3M LIBOR | 11/24/21 | $ (26,187) | $ (26,187) |
| International | Total Cash | | + 39bps | | | |
| | Return Index* | | | | | |
10,510,951 | Goldman Sachs | Goldman Sachs | Pay | 3M LIBOR | | | |
| International | Total Cash | | + 39bps | 9/15/22 | (17,765) | (17,765) |
| | Return Index* | | | | | |
| | | | | | $ (43,952) | $ (43,952) |
TOTAL SWAP CONTRACTS | | | | | | $ 256,118 |
(1) | | The notional amount is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay upon occurrence of a credit event. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 27
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
(continued)
Principal amounts are denominated in U.S. dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise noted.
BRL — Brazilian Real
EUR — Euro
IDR — Indonesian Rupiah
JPY — Japanese Yen
MXN — Mexican Peso
RUB — Russian Ruble
SGD — Singapore Dollar
* | | The following table shows the individual positions and related values of the securities underlying each total return swap contract with Goldman Sachs International, as October 31, 2021: |
| Share | Security | |
Name | Allocation | Value | % of basket |
AbbVie, Inc. | 8 | $ (928) | 2.11% |
AES Corp. | 47 | (1,186) | 2.70% |
American Airlines Group, Inc. | 13 | (241) | 0.55% |
American International Group, Inc. | 9 | (518) | 1.18% |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 4 | (1,262) | 2.87% |
AmerisourceBergen Corp. | 7 | (794) | 1.81% |
Apple, Inc. | 15 | (2,226) | 5.07% |
Applied Materials, Inc. | 13 | (1,797) | 4.09% |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 12 | (750) | 1.71% |
Assurant, Inc. | 6 | (895) | 2.04% |
Boeing Co. | 3 | (598) | 1.36% |
Capital One Financial Corp. | 7 | (1,003) | 2.28% |
Capri Holdings, Ltd. | 14 | (761) | 1.73% |
Cigna Corp. | 2 | (453) | 1.03% |
Corning, Inc. | 19 | (658) | 1.50% |
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc. | 8 | (483) | 1.10% |
Discover Financial Services | 9 | (967) | 2.20% |
eBay, Inc. | 16 | (1,226) | 2.79% |
Equity Residential | 8 | (714) | 1.63% |
F5 Networks, Inc. | 4 | (873) | 1.99% |
General Electric Co. | 2 | (241) | 0.55% |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 8 | (505) | 1.15% |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | 6 | (1,588) | 3.61% |
HP, Inc. | 28 | (860) | 1.96% |
Lumen Technologies, Inc. | 21 | (247) | 0.56% |
LyondellBasell Industries NV | 6 | (585) | 1.33% |
McDonald’s Corp. | 4 | (937) | 2.13% |
Monster Beverage Corp. | 12 | (1,000) | 2.28% |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. | 6 | (1,544) | 3.51% |
Navient Corp. | 35 | (692) | 1.57% |
NetApp, Inc. | 13 | (1,196) | 2.72% |
NRG Energy, Inc. | 32 | (1,260) | 2.87% |
ONEOK, Inc. | 10 | (646) | 1.47% |
Procter & Gamble Co. | 6 | (874) | 1.99% |
PulteGroup, Inc. | 24 | (1,132) | 2.58% |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| Share | Security | |
Name | Allocation | Value | % of basket |
Qorvo, Inc. | 8 | $ (1,320) | 3.00% |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 5 | (743) | 1.69% |
Seagate Technology Plc | 13 | (1,129) | 2.57% |
Sysco Corp. | 10 | (777) | 1.77% |
Target Corp. | 10 | (2,481) | 5.65% |
TransDigm Group, Inc. | 2 | (1,350) | 3.07% |
Tyson Foods, Inc. | 8 | (664) | 1.51% |
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. | 8 | (351) | 0.80% |
Valero Energy Corp. | 8 | (639) | 1.45% |
Viacom CBS, Inc. | 8 | (291) | 0.66% |
Western Union Co. | 27 | (490) | 1.11% |
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | — | (9) | 0.02% |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | 16 | (563) | 1.28% |
Williams Cos., Inc. | 17 | (490) | 1.11% |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | 8 | (1,015) | 2.31% |
Totals | | $(43,952) | 100.00% |
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for the year ended October 31, 2021 were as follows:
| Purchases | Sales |
Long-Term U.S. Government Securities | $ 9,005,392 | $ 7,446,521 |
Other Long-Term Securities | $687,924,559 | $743,593,238 |
The Fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions (“cross trades”) with certain funds and accounts for Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser, as set forth in Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Under these procedures, cross trades are effected at current market prices. During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund did not engage in any cross trade activity.
At October 31, 2021, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on cost for federal tax purposes of $288,658,332 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which | |
there is an excess of value over tax cost | $ 56,128,845 |
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which | |
there is an excess of tax cost over value | (10,304,512) |
Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation | $ 45,824,333 |
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels below.
Level 1 – | | unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
Level 2 – | | other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.). See Notes to Financial Statements —Note 1A. |
Level 3 – | | significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 29
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (Consolidated)
(continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2021, in valuing the Fund’s investments:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stock | $281,482,162 | $ — | $ — | $281,482,162 |
Preferred Stock | | | | |
Equity Real Estate | | | | |
Investment Trusts (REITs) | — | 63,974 | — | 63,974 |
Corporate Bond | — | 2,214,572 | — | 2,214,572 |
Foreign Government Bond | — | 23,128,514 | — | 23,128,514 |
U.S. Government and Agency | | | | |
Obligation | — | 3,804,489 | — | 3,804,489 |
Investment Company | 18,860,530 | — | — | 18,860,530 |
Exchange-Traded Call | | | | |
Option Purchased | 1,200,000 | — | — | 1,200,000 |
Over The Counter (OTC) | | | | |
Call Option Purchased | — | 3,217,617 | — | 3,217,617 |
Over The Counter (OTC) Put | | | | |
Option Purchased | — | 426,462 | — | 426,462 |
Grand Total | $301,542,692 | $32,855,628 | $ — | $334,398,320 |
Other Financial Instruments | | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | | | |
on futures contracts | $ (171,773) | $ — | $ — | $ (171,773) |
Swap contract, at value | — | 256,118 | — | 256,118 |
Total Other Financial | | | | |
Instruments | $ (171,773) | $ 256,118 | $ — | $ 84,345 |
The following is a reconciliation of assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
| Preferred |
| Stock |
Balance as of 10/31/20 | $ 80,255 |
Realized gain (loss)(1) | — |
Changed in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(2) | (16,281) |
Accrued discounts/premiums | — |
Purchases | — |
Sales | — |
Transfers in to Level 3* | — |
Transfers out of Level 3* | (63,974) |
Balance as of 10/31/21 | $ — |
(1) | | Realized gain (loss) on these securities is included in the realized gain (loss) from investments on the Statement of Operations (Consolidated). |
(2) | | Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on these securities is included in the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments on the Statement of Operations (Consolidated). |
* | | Transfers are calculated on the beginning of period values. During the year ended October 31, 2021, an investment valued at $63,974 was transferred from Level 3 to Level 2, as there were significant observable inputs to determine its value. There were no other transfers in or out of Level 3. |
| |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Level 3 investments still | |
held and considered Level 3 at October 31, 2021: | $ — |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
30 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 10/31/21
(Consolidated)
ASSETS: | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $286,719,658) | $334,398,320 |
Cash | 10,819,432 |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $6,074,744) | 6,018,216 |
Due from broker for futures | 4,797,188 |
Variation margin for futures contracts | 204,508 |
Swap contracts, at value | 256,118 |
Receivables — | |
Investment securities sold | 9,003,807 |
Fund shares sold | 19,368 |
Dividends | 933,451 |
Interest | 346,832 |
Due from the Adviser | 60,722 |
Other assets | 36,408 |
Total assets | $366,894,370 |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payables — | |
Investment securities purchased | $ 4,896,895 |
Fund shares repurchased | 357,069 |
Trustees’ fees | 1,392 |
Swaps collateral | 4,310,000 |
Net unrealized depreciation on futures contracts | 171,773 |
Due to affiliates | 46,993 |
Accrued expenses | 199,648 |
Total liabilities | $ 9,983,770 |
NET ASSETS: | |
Paid-in capital | $307,618,168 |
Distributable earnings | 49,292,432 |
Net assets | $356,910,600 |
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: | |
No par value (unlimited number of shares authorized) | |
Class A (based on $101,890,778/7,052,102 shares) | $ 14.45 |
Class C (based on $32,299,488/2,291,473 shares) | $ 14.10 |
Class K (based on $106,948,110/7,405,019 shares) | $ 14.44 |
Class R (based on $320,945/22,601 shares) | $ 14.20 |
Class Y (based on $115,451,279/7,953,769 shares) | $ 14.52 |
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: | |
Class A (based on $14.45 net asset value per share/100%-4.50% | |
maximum sales charge) | $ 15.13 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 31
Statement of Operations (Consolidated)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 10/31/21
INVESTMENT INCOME: | | |
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign | | |
taxes withheld $605,004) | $ 8,605,979 | |
Interest from unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign | | |
taxes withheld $123,612) | 876,384 | |
Total investment income | | $ 9,482,363 |
EXPENSES: | | |
Management fees | $ 2,613,302 | |
Administrative expense | 169,573 | |
Transfer agent fees | | |
Class A | 83,220 | |
Class C | 33,418 | |
Class K | 113 | |
Class R | 1,437 | |
Class Y | 103,615 | |
Distribution fees | | |
Class A | 239,830 | |
Class C | 413,631 | |
Class R | 1,365 | |
Shareowner communications expense | 21,348 | |
Custodian fees | 216,426 | |
Registration fees | 75,054 | |
Professional fees | 114,319 | |
Printing expense | 75,018 | |
Pricing fees | 2,111 | |
Trustees’ fees | 12,756 | |
Insurance expense | 1,254 | |
Miscellaneous | 84,768 | |
Total expenses | | $ 4,262,558 |
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the Adviser | | (168,676) |
Net expenses | | $ 4,093,882 |
Net investment income | | $ 5,388,481 |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $63,368,172 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (219) | |
Futures contracts | (3,454,548) | |
Swap contracts | 7,449,709 | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated in | | |
foreign currencies | (294,489) | $67,068,625 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign | | |
capital gain tax $132,060) | $26,498,074 | |
Futures contracts | (934,184) | |
Swap contracts | 842,550 | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated in | | |
foreign currencies | (172,056) | $26,234,384 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | $93,303,009 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $98,691,490 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
32 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(Consolidated)
| Year Ended | Year Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 |
FROM OPERATIONS: | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ 5,388,481 | $ 6,572,237 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 67,068,625 | (7,854,121) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation | | |
(depreciation) on investments | 26,234,384 | (26,991,938) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | |
resulting from operations | $ 98,691,490 | $ (28,273,822) |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREOWNERS: | | |
Class A ($0.13 and $0.28 per share, respectively) | $ (938,849) | $ (2,156,969) |
Class C ($0.01 and $0.21 per share, respectively) | (29,980) | (1,405,692) |
Class K ($0.18 and $0.31 per share, respectively) | (1,531,190) | (2,563,194) |
Class R ($0.12 and $0.04 per share, respectively) | (2,089) | (518) |
Class Y ($0.18 and $0.31 per share, respectively) | (1,533,928) | (4,783,229) |
Total distributions to shareowners | $ (4,036,036) | $ (10,909,602) |
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | |
Net proceeds from sales of shares | $ 45,503,829 | $ 82,574,480 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 3,592,983 | 9,626,299 |
Cost of shares repurchased | (122,557,651) | (204,697,123) |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from | | |
Fund share transactions | $ (73,460,839) | $ (112,496,344) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | $ 21,194,615 | $(151,679,768) |
NET ASSETS: | | |
Beginning of year | $ 335,715,985 | $ 487,395,753 |
End of year | $ 356,910,600 | $ 335,715,985 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 33
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(Consolidated) (continued)
| Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/20 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class A | | | | |
Shares sold | 1,890,808 | $ 25,528,862 | 1,414,483 | $ 16,308,139 |
Reinvestment of | | | | |
distributions | 61,470 | 833,630 | 167,506 | 1,969,640 |
Less shares repurchased | (1,999,386) | (26,499,682) | (2,818,715) | (31,792,342) |
Net decrease | (47,108) | $ (137,190) | (1,236,726) | $ (13,514,563) |
Class C | | | | |
Shares sold | 148,225 | $ 2,000,259 | 288,731 | $ 3,334,922 |
Reinvestment of | | | | |
distributions | 2,176 | 27,986 | 98,877 | 1,167,485 |
Less shares repurchased | (2,320,208) | (30,470,173) | (3,192,523) | (35,477,967) |
Net decrease | (2,169,807) | $(28,441,928) | (2,804,915) | $ (30,975,560) |
Class K | | | | |
Shares sold | 303,037 | $ 4,325,902 | 2,808,594 | $ 34,236,956 |
Reinvestment of | | | | |
distributions | 112,559 | 1,530,475 | 222,237 | 2,562,744 |
Less shares repurchased | (2,375,724) | (33,271,934) | (1,068,587) | (12,045,933) |
Net increase | | | | |
(decrease) | (1,960,128) | $(27,415,557) | 1,962,244 | $ 24,753,767 |
Class R | | | | |
Shares sold | 7,054 | $ 97,981 | 9,022 | $ 98,641 |
Reinvestment of | | | | |
distributions | 166 | 2,089 | 49 | 518 |
Less shares repurchased | (1,601) | (22,270) | (4,092) | (45,963) |
Net increase | 5,619 | $ 77,800 | 4,979 | $ 53,196 |
Class Y | | | | |
Shares sold | 979,913 | $ 13,550,825 | 2,398,191 | $ 28,595,822 |
Reinvestment of | | | | |
distributions | 87,757 | 1,198,803 | 332,845 | 3,925,912 |
Less shares repurchased | (2,376,172) | (32,293,592) | (11,034,132) | (125,334,918) |
Net decrease | (1,308,502) | $(17,543,964) | (8,303,096) | $ (92,813,184) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Financial Highlights (Consolidated)
| | | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class A | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 11.14 | $ 12.04 | $ 12.69 | $ 14.17 | $ 12.03 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.19 | $ 0.18 | $ 0.13 | $ 0.19 | $ 0.14 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.25 | (0.80) | 0.54 | (0.44) | 2.12 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 3.44 | $ (0.62) | $ 0.67 | $ (0.25) | $ 2.26 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.13) | $ (0.28) | $ (0.11) | $ (0.35) | $ (0.12) |
Net realized gain | — | — | (1.21) | (0.88) | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.13) | $ (0.28) | $ (1.32) | $ (1.23) | $ (0.12) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 3.31 | $ (0.90) | $ (0.65) | $ (1.48) | $ 2.14 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 14.45 | $ 11.14 | $ 12.04 | $ 12.69 | $ 14.17 |
Total return (b) | 31.00% | (5.28)% | 5.85% | (2.08)% | 18.96% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.14% | 1.18% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 1.37% | 1.54% | 1.12% | 1.35% | 1.38% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 215% | 233% | 168% | 255% | 292% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $101,891 | $79,089 | $100,339 | $142,760 | $140,278 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.25% | 1.27% | 1.23% | 1.14% | 1.18% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 1.32% | 1.47% | 1.09% | 1.35% | 1.38% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 35
Financial Highlights (Consolidated) (continued)
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class C | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.85 | $ 11.75 | $ 12.45 | $ 13.95 | $ 11.88 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.06 | $ 0.08 | $ 0.04 | $ 0.07 | $ 0.04 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.20 | (0.77) | 0.53 | (0.42) | 2.09 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 3.26 | $ (0.69) | $ 0.57 | $ (0.35) | $ 2.13 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.01) | $ (0.21) | $ (0.06) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.06) |
Net realized gain | — | — | (1.21) | (0.88) | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.01) | $ (0.21) | $ (1.27) | $ (1.15) | $ (0.06) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 3.25 | $ (0.90) | $ (0.70) | $ (1.50) | $ 2.07 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 14.10 | $ 10.85 | $ 11.75 | $ 12.45 | $ 13.95 |
Total return (b) | 30.04% | (6.01)% | 5.03% | (2.83)% | 18.01% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.99% | 1.98% | 1.97% | 1.91% | 1.93% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 0.48% | 0.74% | 0.37% | 0.55% | 0.34% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 215% | 233% | 168% | 255% | 292% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $32,299 | $48,426 | $85,398 | $122,305 | $148,591 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.99% | 2.01% | 1.97% | 1.91% | 1.93% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 0.48% | 0.71% | 0.37% | 0.55% | 0.34% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
36 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| Year | Year | Year | |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | 6/22/18* to |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 |
Class K | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 11.14 | $ 12.03 | $ 12.69 | $ 13.67 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.23 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.17 | $ 0.06 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.25 | (0.80) | 0.53 | (1.00) |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 3.48 | $ (0.58) | $ 0.70 | $ (0.94) |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.18) | $ (0.31) | $ (0.15) | $ (0.04) |
Net realized gain | — | — | (1.21) | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.18) | $ (0.31) | $ (1.36) | $ (0.04) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 3.30 | $ (0.89) | $ (0.66) | $ (0.98) |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 14.44 | $ 11.14 | $ 12.03 | $ 12.69 |
Total return (b) | 31.33% | (4.92)% | 6.14% | (2.00)%(c) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.88% | 0.88%(d) |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 1.63% | 1.93% | 1.48% | 1.28%(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | 215% | 233% | 168% | 255%(c) |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $106,948 | $104,316 | $89,092 | $69,449 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 0.90% | 0.93% | 0.88% | 0.88% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 1.63% | 1.91% | 1.48% | 1.28% |
* | | Class K commenced operations on June 22, 2018. |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. |
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 37
Financial Highlights (Consolidated) (continued)
| | | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class R | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $11.02 | $11.75 | $ 12.60 | $14.11 | $12.00 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.09 | $ 0.12 | $ (0.05)(b) | $ 0.10 | $ 0.08 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.21 | (0.81) | 0.48 | (0.43) | 2.11 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 3.30 | $ (0.69) | $ 0.43 | $ (0.33) | $ 2.19 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.12) | $ (0.04) | $ (0.07) | $ (0.30) | $ (0.08) |
Net realized gain | — | — | (1.21) | (0.88) | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.12) | $ (0.04) | $ (1.28) | $ (1.18) | $ (0.08) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 3.18 | $ (0.73) | $ (0.85) | $ (1.51) | $ 2.11 |
Net asset value, end of period | $14.20 | $11.02 | $ 11.75 | $12.60 | $14.11 |
Total return (c) | 30.10% | (5.90)% | 3.73% | (2.71)% | 18.35% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.93% | 1.79% | 2.91% | 1.82% | 1.62% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 0.68% | 1.08% | (0.45)% | 0.75% | 0.64% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 215% | 233% | 168% | 255% | 292% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $ 321 | $ 187 | $ 141 | $ 303 | $ 279 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.93% | 1.82% | 2.91% | 1.82% | 1.62% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 0.68% | 1.05% | (0.45)% | 0.75% | 0.64% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with net investment gain (loss) in the Statement of Operations for the period due to timing of the sales and repurchase of shares. |
(c) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
38 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund |Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | | | | |
| Year | Year | Year | Year | Year |
| Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended |
| 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 |
Class Y | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 11.20 | $ 12.09 | $ 12.74 | $ 14.22 | $ 12.08 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.23 | $ 0.20 | $ 0.17 | $ 0.24 | $ 0.18 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.27 | (0.78) | 0.54 | (0.46) | 2.12 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 3.50 | $ (0.58) | $ 0.71 | $ (0.22) | $ 2.30 |
Distributions to shareowners: | | | | | |
Net investment income | $ (0.18) | $ (0.31) | $ (0.15) | $ (0.38) | $ (0.16) |
Net realized gain | — | — | (1.21) | (0.88) | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.18) | $ (0.31) | $ (1.36) | $ 1.26 | $ (0.16) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 3.32 | $ (0.89) | $ (0.65) | $ (1.48) | $ 2.14 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 14.52 | $ 11.20 | $ 12.09 | $ 12.74 | $ 14.22 |
Total return (b) | 31.36% | (4.90)% | 6.16% | (1.86)% | 19.24% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 1.64% | 1.75% | 1.45% | 1.71% | 1.37% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 215% | 233% | 168% | 255% | 292% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $115,451 | $103,698 | $212,426 | $323,412 | $369,546 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | | | | | |
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | | | | | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 0.99% | 1.00% | 0.97% | 0.92% | 0.95% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 1.55% | 1.65% | 1.69% | 1.69% | 1.32% |
(a) | | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 39
Notes to Financial Statements | 10/31/21
(Consolidated)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is one of two portfolios comprising Pioneer Series Trust VI (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek total return.
The Fund offers five classes of shares designated as Class A, Class C, Class K, Class R and Class Y shares. Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different rates of class-specific fees and expenses such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends from net investment income earned by each class. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust gives the Board of Trustees the flexibility to specify either per-share voting or dollar-weighted voting when submitting matters for shareholder approval. Under per-share voting, each share of a class of the Fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareholder’s voting power is determined not by the number of shares owned, but by the dollar value of the shares on the record date. Each share class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. There is no distribution plan for Class K and Class Y shares.
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Amundi and Amundi’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amundi USA, Inc., serves as the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). Prior to January 1, 2021, the Adviser was named Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc. Amundi Distributor US, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor”).
The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the accounts of Flexible Opportunities Commodity Fund Ltd. (formerly, Pioneer Cayman Commodity Fund Ltd.) (the “Subsidiary”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Subsidiary, a Cayman Islands exempted company, was incorporated on February 10, 2010, and is wholly owned and controlled by the Fund. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. It is intended that the Fund will remain the sole shareholder and will continue to control the Subsidiary. The Fund and the Subsidiary are
40 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
both managed by the Adviser. The Subsidiary acts as an investment vehicle for the Fund in order to effect certain investments on behalf of the Fund. As of October 31, 2021, the Subsidiary represented $6,971,008, or approximately 1.95%, of the net assets of the Fund.
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-13 “Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”) which modifies disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, principally for Level 3 securities and transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Fund has adopted ASU 2018-13 for the year ended October 31, 2021. The impact to the Fund’s adoption was limited to changes in the Fund’s disclosures regarding fair value, primarily those disclosures related to transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy and disclosure of the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value investments, when applicable.
In March 2020, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update, ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) — Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other LIBOR-based reference rates at the end of 2021. The temporary relief provided by ASU 2020-04 is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 on the Fund’s investments, derivatives, debt and other contracts, if applicable, that will undergo reference rate-related modifications as a result of the reference rate reform.
The Fund is an investment company and follows investment company accounting and reporting guidance under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). U.S. GAAP requires the management of the Fund to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income, expenses and gain or loss on investments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 41
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:
A. Security Valuation
The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
Equity securities that have traded on an exchange are valued by using the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Equity securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued using the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale and bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods.
The value of foreign securities is translated into U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party pricing source. Trading in non-U.S. equity securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are determined as of such times. The Fund may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities.
Fixed-income securities are valued by using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market prices, market events, quotations from one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed-income securities and/or other factors. Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices, or when prices or market quotations are considered to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers.
42 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Options contracts are generally valued at the mean between the last bid and ask prices on the principal exchange where they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market prices, market events, quotations from one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily using the foreign exchange rate or, for longer term forward contract positions, the spot currency rate and the forward points on a daily basis, in each case provided by a third party pricing service. Contracts whose forward settlement date falls between two quoted days are valued by interpolation.
Futures contracts are generally valued at the closing settlement price established by the exchange on which they are traded.
Swap contracts, including interest rate swaps, caps and floors (other than centrally cleared swap contracts), are valued at the dealer quotations obtained from reputable International Swap Dealers Association members. Centrally cleared swaps are valued at the daily settlement price provided by the central clearing counterparty.
Shares of open-end registered investment companies (including money market mutual funds) are valued at such funds’ net asset value. Shares of exchange-listed closed-end funds are valued by using the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded.
Securities for which independent pricing services or broker-dealers are unable to supply prices or for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by a fair valuation team comprised of certain personnel of the Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s fair valuation team uses fair value methods approved by the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s fair valuation team is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities and for discussing and assessing fair values on an ongoing basis, and at least quarterly, with the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. The Fund may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 43
the determination of the Fund’s net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund’s securities may differ significantly from exchange prices, and such differences could be material.
At October 31, 2021, one security was valued using fair value methods (in addition to securities valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services, broker-dealers or a third party insurance industry valuation model) representing 0.02% of net assets. The value of this fair valued security was $63,974.
B. Investment Income and Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence.
Interest income, including interest on income-bearing cash accounts, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates and net of income accrued on defaulted securities.
Interest and dividend income payable by delivery of additional shares is reclassified as PIK (payment-in-kind) income upon receipt and is included in interest and dividend income, respectively.
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes.
C. Foreign Currency Translation
The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates.
Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, if any, represent, among other things, the net realized gains and losses on foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies and the difference between the amount of income accrued and the U.S. dollars actually received. Further, the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments are not segregated on the Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in the market prices of those securities, but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
44 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
D. Federal Income Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its net taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. As of October 31, 2021, the Fund did not accrue any interest or penalties with respect to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. Tax returns filed within the prior three years remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.
In determining the daily net asset value, the Fund estimates the reserve for the repatriation of taxes, if any, associated with its investments in certain countries. The estimated reserve for capital gains is based on the net unrealized appreciation on certain portfolio securities, the holding period of such securities and the related tax rates, tax loss carryforwards (if applicable) and other such factors.
The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary over distributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
A portion of the dividend income recorded by the Fund is from distributions by publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and such distributions for tax purposes may also consist of capital gains and return of capital. The actual return of capital and capital gains portions of such distributions will be determined by formal notifications from the REITs subsequent to the calendar year end. Distributions received from the REITs that are determined to be a return of capital are recorded by the Fund as a reduction of the cost basis of the securities held and those determined to be capital gain are reflected as such on the Statement of Operations.
At October 31, 2021, the Fund reclassified $15,073 to increase distributable earnings and $15,073 to decrease paid-in capital to reflect permanent book/tax differences. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 45
During the year ended October 31, 2021, a capital loss carryforward of $61,752,639 was utilized to offset net realized gains by the Fund.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, were as follows:
| | |
| 2021 | 2020 |
Distributions paid from: | | |
Ordinary Income | $4,036,036 | $10,909,602 |
Long-term capital gain | — | 43,529,770 |
Total | $4,036,036 | $54,439,372 |
The following shows the components of distributable earnings (losses) on a federal income tax basis at October 31, 2021:
| |
| 2021 |
Distributable earnings: | |
Undistributed ordinary income | $ 1,540,119 |
Undistributed long term capital gain | 2,130,988 |
Unrealized appreciation | 45,621,325 |
Total | $49,292,432 |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized depreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, adjustments related to the mark-to-market of futures contracts, tax basis adjustments on Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”), partnerships and swaps.
E. Fund Shares
The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. The Distributor earned $3,679 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the year ended October 31, 2021.
F. Class Allocations
Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day.
Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A, Class C and Class R shares of the Fund, respectively (see Note 5). Class K and Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the Fund’s transfer agent for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 4).
46 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class C, Class K, Class R and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates.
G. Risks
The value of securities held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. A general rise in interest rates could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities.
At times, the Fund’s investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. The Fund’s investments in foreign markets and countries with limited developing markets may subject the Fund to a greater degree of risk than investments in a developed market. These risks include disruptive political or economic conditions and the imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions.
The Fund may gain exposure to commodities (such as oil and precious metals) through investment in commodity-related investments, including commodity-linked derivatives, ETFs and other pooled investment vehicles and leveraged or unleveraged commodity-linked notes (derivative debt instruments with principal and/or coupon payments linked to the performance of commodity indices). The Fund also may invest in equity securities of issuers in commodity-related industries. The Fund’s investments in commodity-related investments may subject the Fund to greater market price volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-related investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments. Commodity-related investments may be more volatile than the underlying commodities. In addition, commodity-linked investments are subject to counterparty risk due to there being a relatively
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 47
small number of issuers. The Fund gains exposure to commodity-related investments by investing in the Subsidiary, a foreign entity that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The Fund’s ability to invest in commodity-related investments, and the means through which any such investments may be made, is limited by tax considerations.
The Fund may invest in REIT securities, the value of which can fall for a variety of reasons, such as declines in rental income, fluctuating interest rates, poor property management, environmental liabilities, uninsured damage, increased competition, or changes in real estate tax laws.
The Fund may invest in below-investment-grade (high-yield) debt securities and preferred stocks. Some of these high-yield securities may be convertible into equity securities of the issuer. Debt securities rated below-investment-grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. These securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility, and may be less liquid and more difficult to value, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities.
The Fund’s investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). Plans are underway to phase out the use of LIBOR. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), have announced that most LIBOR rates will no longer be published after the end of 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR rates will no longer be published after June 30, 2023. It is possible that the FCA may compel the IBA to publish a subset of LIBOR settings after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying markets. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. Based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), the U.S. Federal Reserve began publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication, such as SONIA in the United Kingdom. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new rates, and transition planning is at a relatively early stage. Neither the effect of the transition process nor its ultimate success is known. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently
48 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates. The effect of any changes to — or discontinuation of - LIBOR on the portfolio will vary depending on, among other things, provisions in individual contracts and whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and alternative reference rates for both legacy and new products and instruments. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark may deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could materialize prior to June 30, 2023.
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. While the Fund’s Adviser has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, limit or mitigate, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund such as the Fund’s custodian and accounting agent, and the Fund’s transfer agent. In addition, many beneficial owners of Fund shares hold them through accounts at broker-dealers, retirement platforms and other financial market participants over which neither the Fund nor the Adviser exercises control. Each of these may in turn rely on service providers to them, which are also subject to the risk of cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity failures or breaches at the Adviser or the Fund’s service providers or intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareowners to effect share purchases, redemptions or exchanges or receive distributions, loss of or unauthorized access to private shareowner information and violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. Such costs and losses may not be covered under any insurance. In addition, maintaining vigilance against cyber-attacks may involve substantial costs over time, and system enhancements may themselves be subject to cyber-attacks.
COVID-19
The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus respiratory disease designated COVID-19 has resulted in major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Global financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. Rates of
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 49
inflation have recently risen. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures will not be known for some time. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time.
The Fund’s prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund’s principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund’s principal risks.
H. Purchased Options
The Fund may purchase put and call options to seek to increase total return. Purchased call and put options entitle the Fund to buy and sell a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specific date or within a specific period of time. Upon the purchase of a call or put option, the premium paid by the Fund is included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment. All premiums are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. As the purchaser of an index option, the Fund has the right to receive a cash payment equal to any depreciation in the value of the index below the strike price of the option (in the case of a put) or equal to any appreciation in the value of the index over the strike price of the option (in the case of a call) as of the valuation date of the option. Premiums paid for purchased call and put options which have expired are treated as realized losses on investments on the Statement of Operations. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased put option, the premium is offset against the proceeds on the sale of the underlying security or financial instrument in order to determine the realized gain or loss on investments. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased call option, the premium is added to the cost of the security or financial instrument. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.
The average market value of purchased options contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $3,236,798. Open purchased options at October 31, 2021, are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
50 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
I. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“contracts”) for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. All contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable exchange rates, and any resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund records realized gains and losses at the time a contract is offset by entry into a closing transaction or extinguished by delivery of the currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar (see Note 8).
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund had entered into various forward foreign currency exchange contracts that obligated the Fund to deliver or take delivery of currencies at specified future maturity dates. Alternatively, prior to the settlement date of a forward foreign currency exchange contract, the Fund may close out such contract by entering into an offsetting contract.
The average market value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $14,161. There were no open forward foreign currency exchange contracts at October 31, 2021.
J. Futures Contracts
The Fund may enter into futures transactions in order to attempt to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices and currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. Futures contracts are types of derivatives. All futures contracts entered into by the Fund are traded on a futures exchange. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with a broker an amount of cash or securities equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the associated futures exchange. The amount of cash deposited with the broker as collateral at October 31, 2021, is recorded as “Futures collateral” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Subsequent payments for futures contracts (“variation margin”) are paid or received by the Fund, depending on the daily fluctuation in the value of the contracts, and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Cash received from or paid to the broker related to previous margin movement is held in a segregated account at the broker and is recorded as either “Due from broker for futures” or “Due to broker for futures” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, the Fund realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the opening and closing value of the contract as well as any fluctuation in
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 51
foreign currency exchange rates where applicable. Futures contracts are subject to market risk, interest rate risk and currency exchange rate risk. Changes in value of the contracts may not directly correlate to the changes in value of the underlying securities. With futures, there is reduced counterparty credit risk to the Fund since futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The average market value of futures contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $(23,314,787). Open futures contracts outstanding at October 31, 2021, are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
K. Total Return Swap Contracts
The Fund may enter into futures transactions in order to attempt to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices and currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. Futures contracts are types of derivatives. All futures contracts entered into by the Fund are traded on a futures exchange. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with a broker an amount of cash or securities equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the associated futures exchange. The amount of cash deposited with the broker as collateral at October 31, 2021, is recorded as “Futures collateral” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund may enter into a total return swap contracts to attempt to manage and/or gain exposure to a security or market. Pursuant to a total return swap contracts, the Fund negotiates with a counterparty to exchange a periodic stream of payments. One party makes payments based on the total return of a reference asset (such as a security or a basket of securities or securities index), and in return receives fixed or floating rate interest payments. The total return of the reference asset typically includes appreciation or depreciation on the reference asset, plus any interest or dividend payments. To the extent that the total return of the reference asset exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.
Total return swap contracts are marked-to-market daily using valuations supplied by independent sources, and the change in value, if any, is recorded within “Swap contracts, at value” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or made are recorded as realized gains or losses on Statement of Operations. Total return swap contracts are subject to counterparty risk and unanticipated movements in value of exchange interest rates, securities or the index.
52 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
The average market value of total return swap contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $304,334. Open total return swap contracts at October 31, 2021, are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
2. Management Agreement
The Adviser manages the Fund’s portfolio. Management fees payable under the Fund's Investment Management Agreement with the Adviser are calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.675% of the next $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets and 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $2 billion.
The Subsidiary has entered into a separate management contract with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser manages the assets of the Subsidiary. As compensation for its management services to the Subsidiary and expenses incurred with respect to the Subsidiary, the Subsidiary pays the Adviser a fee at the annual rate of 0.70% of the Subsidiary’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.675% of the next $1 billion of the Subsidiary’s average daily net assets and 0.65% of the Subsidiary’s average daily net assets over $2 billion.
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the effective management fee (excluding waivers and/or assumption of expenses) was equivalent to 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses (ordinary operating expenses means all fund expenses other than taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation) to the extent required to reduce Fund expenses to 1.20%, 0.90% and 0.90% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class K and Class Y shares, respectively. This expense limitation is in effect through March 1, 2022. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will extend the expense limitation agreement beyond the date referred to above. Fees waived and expenses reimbursed during the year ended October 31, 2021 are reflected in the Statement of Operations.
In addition, under the management and administration agreements, certain other services and costs, including accounting, regulatory reporting and insurance premiums, are paid by the Fund as administrative reimbursements. Included in “Due to affiliates” reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $39,014 in management fees, administrative costs and certain other reimbursements payable to the Adviser at October 31, 2021.
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3. Compensation of Trustees and Officers
The Fund pays an annual fee to its Trustees. The Adviser reimburses the Fund for fees paid to the Interested Trustees. The Fund does not pay any salary or other compensation to its officers. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid $12,756 in Trustees’ compensation, which is reflected on the Statement of Operations as Trustees’ fees. At October 31, 2021, the Fund had a payable for Trustees’ fees on its Statement of Assets and Liabilities of $1,392.
4. Transfer Agent
During the period covered by the report DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. served as the transfer agent to the Fund at negotiated rates. Transfer agent fees and payables shown on the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, respectively, include sub-transfer agent expenses incurred through the Fund’s omnibus relationship contracts.
In addition, the Fund reimbursed the transfer agent for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the transfer agent related to shareowner communications activities such as proxy and statement mailings, and outgoing phone calls. For the year ended October 31, 2021, such out-of-pocket expenses by class of shares were as follows:
Shareowner Communications: | |
Class A | $11,199 |
Class C | 5,182 |
Class K | 133 |
Class R | 2 |
Class Y | 4,832 |
Total | $21,348 |
5. Distribution and Service Plans
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to its Class A, Class C and Class R shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class A shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund also pays the Distributor 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. The fee for Class C shares consists of a 0.25% service fee and a 0.75% distribution fee paid as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class C shares. Included in “Due to affiliates” reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $7,979 in distribution fees payable to the Distributor at October 31, 2021.
54 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
The Fund also has adopted a separate service plan for Class R shares (the “Service Plan”). The Service Plan authorizes the Fund to pay securities dealers, plan administrators or other service organizations that agree to provide certain services to retirement plans or plan participants holding shares of the Fund a service fee of up to 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares held by such plans.
In addition, redemptions of Class A and Class C shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”). A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions of certain net asset value purchases of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. Redemptions of Class C shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00%, based on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Shares purchased as part of an exchange remain subject to any CDSC that applied to the original purchase of those shares. There is no CDSC for Class K, Class R and Class Y shares. Proceeds from the CDSCs are paid to the Distributor. For the year ended October 31, 2021, CDSCs in the amount of $742 were paid to the Distributor.
6. Line of Credit Facility
The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Pioneer Family of Funds, participates in a committed, unsecured revolving line of credit. Borrowings are used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may borrow up to the lesser of the amount available under the credit facility or the limits set for borrowing by the Fund’s prospectus and the 1940 Act. Effective February 3, 2021, the Fund participates in a facility in the amount of $450 million. Under such facility, depending on the type of loan, interest on borrowings is payable at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a credit spread. The Fund also pays both an upfront fee and an annual commitment fee to participate in the credit facility. The upfront fee in the amount of 0.10% of the total credit facility and the commitment fee in the amount of 0.25% of the daily unused portion of each lender’s commitment are allocated among participating funds based on an allocation schedule set forth in the credit agreement. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund had no borrowings under the credit facility.
7. Master Netting Agreements
The Fund has entered into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with substantially all of its derivative counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs the trading of certain Over the Counter (“OTC”) derivatives and typically contains, among other things, close-out and set-off provisions which apply upon the occurrence of an event of default and/or a termination event as defined under the relevant ISDA Master
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 55
Agreement. The ISDA Master Agreement may also give a party the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if, among other things, there is 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 under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to determine one net amount payable by one party to the other. The right to close out and net payments across all transactions under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the Fund’s credit risk to its counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the Fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However, the Fund’s right to set-off may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which each specific ISDA Master Agreement of each counterparty is subject.
The collateral requirements for derivatives transactions under an ISDA Master Agreement are governed by a credit support annex to the ISDA Master Agreement. Collateral requirements are generally determined at the close of business each day and are typically based on changes in market values for each transaction under an ISDA Master Agreement and netted into one amount for such agreement. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to threshold (a “minimum transfer amount”) before a transfer is required, which may vary by counterparty. Collateral pledged for the benefit of the Fund and/or counterparty is held in segregated accounts by the Fund’s custodian and cannot be sold, re-pledged, assigned or otherwise used while pledged. Cash that has been segregated to cover the Fund’s collateral obligations, if any, will be reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Swaps collateral”. Securities pledged by the Fund as collateral, if any, are identified as such in the Schedule of Investments.
56 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Financial instruments subject to an enforceable master netting agreement, such as an ISDA Master Agreement, have been offset on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The following charts show gross assets and liabilities of the Fund as of October 31, 2021:
| | | | | |
| Derivative Assets | Derivatives | Non-Cash | Cash | Net Amount |
| Subject to Master | Available for | Collateral | Collateral | of Derivative |
Counterparty | Netting Agreement | Offset | Received (a) | Received (a) | Assets (b) |
Citibank NA | $ 5,144,149 | $ — | $ — | $ — | $ 5,144,149 |
Goldman Sachs | — | — | — | — | — |
International | | | | | |
Total | $ 5,144,149 | $ — | $ — | $ — | $ 5,144,149 |
|
| Derivative Liabilities | Derivatives | Non-Cash | Cash | Net Amount |
| Subject to Master | Available for | Collateral | Collateral | of Derivative |
Counterparty | Netting Agreement | Offset | Pledged (a) | Pledged (a) | Liabilities (c) |
Citibank NA | $ — | $ — | $ — | $ — | $ — |
Goldman Sachs | 43,952 | — | — | — | 43,952 |
International | | | | | |
Total | $43,952 | $ — | $ — | $ — | $43,952 |
(a) | | The amount presented here may be less than the total amount of collateral received/pledged as the net amount of derivative assets and liabilities cannot be less than $0. |
(b) | | Represents the net amount due from the counterparty in the event of default. |
(c) | | Represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default. |
8. Additional Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Fund’s use of derivatives may enhance or mitigate the Fund’s exposure to the following risks:
Interest rate risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of interest-bearing securities due to changes in the prevailing levels of market interest rates.
Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer of a financial instrument to make further principal or interest payments on an obligation or commitment that it has to the Fund.
Foreign exchange rate risk relates to fluctuations in the value of an asset or liability due to changes in currency exchange rates.
Equity risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of financial instruments as a result of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign exchange rate risk), whether caused by factors specific to an individual investment, its issuer, or all factors affecting all instruments traded in a market or market segment.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 57
Commodity risk relates to the risk that the value of a commodity or commodity index will fluctuate based on increases or decreases in the commodities market and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity.
The fair value of open derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) by risk exposure at October 31, 2021, was as follows:
| | | | | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | |
| | | Foreign | | |
| Interest | Credit | Exchange | Equity | Commodity |
| Rate Risk | Risk | Rate Risk | Risk | Risk |
Assets | | | | | |
Options | | | | | |
purchased* | $ — | $ — | $ — | $4,844,079 | $ — |
Swap contracts, | | | | | |
at value | — | — | — | 256,118 | — |
Total Value | $ — | $ — | $ — | $5,100,197 | $ — |
Liabilities | | | | | |
Net unrealized | | | | | |
appreciation/ | | | | | |
(depreciation) | | | | | |
on futures | | | | | |
contracts | $ — | $ — | $113,600 | $ (285,373) | $ — |
Total Value | $ — | $ — | $113,600 | $ (285,373) | $ — |
* | | Reflects the market value of purchased option contracts (see Note 1I.). These amounts are included in investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value, on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. |
58 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
The effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) on the Statement of Operations by risk exposure at October 31, 2021, was as follows:
| | | | | |
Statement of Operations | | | | |
| | | Foreign | | |
| Interest | Credit | Exchange | Equity | Commodity |
| Rate Risk | Risk | Rate Risk | Risk | Risk |
Net realized gain | | | | | |
(loss) on: | | | | | |
Options | | | | | |
purchased* | $ — | $ — | $ (864,694) | $ 8,470,288 | $ — |
Forward foreign | | | | | |
currency exchange | | | | | |
contracts | — | — | (219) | — | — |
Futures contracts | — | — | (460,311) | (2,994,237) | — |
Swap contracts | — | — | — | 7,449,709 | — |
Total Value | $ — | $ — | $(1,325,224) | $12,925,760 | $ — |
|
Change in net | | | | | |
unrealized | | | | | |
appreciation | | | | | |
(depreciation) on: | | | | | |
Options | | | | | |
purchased** | $ — | $ — | $ 76,859 | $ 1,087,811 | $ — |
Forward foreign | | | | | |
currency exchange | | | | | |
contracts | — | — | (172,056) | — | — |
Futures contracts | — | — | (13,056) | (921,128) | — |
Swap contracts | — | — | — | 842,550 | — |
Total Value | $ — | $ — | $ (108,253) | $ 1,009,233 | $ — |
* | | Reflects the net realized gain (loss) on purchased option contracts (see Note 1l.). These amounts are included in net realized gain (loss) on investments in unaffiliated issuers, on the statements of operations. |
** | | Reflects the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased option contracts (see Note 1I.). These amounts are included in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Investments in unaffiliated issuers, on the consolidated statement of operations. |
9. Subsequent Event
Effective November 22, 2021, fund services transitioned to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”). BNY Mellon is the Fund's Transfer Agent, Custodian and Sub-Administrator.
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 59
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Series Trust VI and the Shareowners of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting Pioneer Series Trust VI (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of October 31, 2021, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund (one of the funds constituting Pioneer Series Trust VI) at October 31, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
60 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Pioneer family of funds since 2017.
Boston, Massachusetts
December 22, 2021
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 61
Additional Information (unaudited)
For the year ended October 31, 2021, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 20%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (the Act) of 2003. The Fund intends to designate up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable under the Act, as taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Complete information will be computed and reported in conjunction with your 2021 form 1099-DIV.
The qualifying percentage of the Fund’s ordinary income dividends for the purpose of the corporate dividends received deduction was 22.99%.
62 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Approval of Renewal of Investment Management Agreement
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (“Amundi US”) serves as the investment adviser to Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) pursuant to an investment management agreement between Amundi US and the Fund. In order for Amundi US to remain the investment adviser of the Fund, the Trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the Fund’s Independent Trustees, must determine annually whether to renew the investment management agreement for the Fund.
The contract review process began in January 2021 as the Trustees of the Fund agreed on, among other things, an overall approach and timeline for the process. Contract review materials were provided to the Trustees in March 2021, July 2021 and September 2021. In addition, the Trustees reviewed and discussed the Fund’s performance at regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year, and took into account other information related to the Fund provided to the Trustees at regularly scheduled meetings, in connection with the review of the Fund’s investment management agreement.
In March 2021, the Trustees, among other things, discussed the memorandum provided by Fund counsel that summarized the legal standards and other considerations that are relevant to the Trustees in their deliberations regarding the renewal of the investment management agreement, and reviewed and discussed the qualifications of the investment management teams for the Fund, as well as the level of investment by the Fund’s portfolio managers in the Fund. In July 2021, the Trustees, among other things, reviewed the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios, the financial statements of Amundi US and its parent companies, profitability analyses provided by Amundi US, and analyses from Amundi US as to possible economies of scale. The Trustees also reviewed the profitability of the institutional business of Amundi US as compared to that of Amundi US’s fund management business, and considered the differences between the fees and expenses of the Fund and the fees and expenses of Amundi US’s institutional accounts, as well as the different services provided by Amundi US to the Fund and to the institutional accounts. The Trustees further considered contract review materials, including additional materials received in response to the Trustees’ request, in September 2021.
At a meeting held on September 21, 2021, based on their evaluation of the information provided by Amundi US and third parties, the Trustees of the Fund, including the Independent Trustees voting separately, unanimously approved the renewal of the investment management agreement for another
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year. In approving the renewal of the investment management agreement, the Trustees considered various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors described below. The Trustees did not identify any single factor as the controlling factor in determining to approve the renewal of the agreement.
Amundi US also serves as the investment adviser to Flexible Opportunities Commodity Fund Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Trustees also approved the renewal of the investment management agreement for the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Management Agreement”) at the September 21, 2021 meeting. The factors considered by the Trustees in approving the renewal of the Subsidiary Management Agreement were substantially the same as the factors described below with respect to the investment management agreement for the Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services that had been provided by Amundi US to the Fund, taking into account the investment objective and strategy of the Fund. The Trustees also reviewed Amundi US’s investment approach for the Fund and its research process. The Trustees considered the resources of Amundi US and the personnel of Amundi US who provide investment management services to the Fund. They also reviewed the amount of non-Fund assets managed by the portfolio managers of the Fund. They considered the non-investment resources and personnel of Amundi US that are involved in Amundi US’s services to the Fund, including Amundi US’s compliance, risk management, and legal resources and personnel. The Trustees noted the substantial attention and high priority given by Amundi US’s senior management to the Pioneer Fund complex. The Trustees considered the effectiveness of Amundi US’s business continuity plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Trustees considered that Amundi US supervises and monitors the performance of the Fund’s service providers and provides the Fund with personnel (including Fund officers) and other resources that are necessary for the Fund’s business management and operations. The Trustees also considered that, as administrator, Amundi US is responsible for the administration of the Fund’s business and other affairs. The Trustees considered Amundi US’s oversight of the process for transitioning custodian, transfer agent and sub-administration services to new service
64 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
providers. The Trustees considered that the Fund reimburses Amundi US its pro rata share of Amundi US’s costs of providing administration services to the Pioneer Funds.
Based on these considerations, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services that had been provided by Amundi US to the Fund were satisfactory and consistent with the terms of the investment management agreement.
Performance of the Fund
In considering the Fund’s performance, the Trustees regularly review and discuss throughout the year data prepared by Amundi US and information comparing the Fund’s performance with the performance of its peer group of funds, as classified by Morningstar, Inc. (Morningstar), and with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. They also discuss the Fund’s performance with Amundi US on a regular basis. The Trustees’ regular reviews and discussions were factored into the Trustees’ deliberations concerning the renewal of the investment management agreement.
Management Fee and Expenses
The Trustees considered information showing the fees and expenses of the Fund in comparison to the management fees of its peer group of funds as classified by Morningstar and also to the expense ratios of a peer group of funds selected on the basis of criteria determined by the Independent Trustees for this purpose using data provided by Strategic Insight Mutual Fund Research and Consulting, LLC (Strategic Insight), an independent third party. The peer group comparisons referred to below are organized in quintiles. Each quintile represents one-fifth of the peer group. In all peer group comparisons referred to below, first quintile is most favorable to the Fund’s shareowners. The Trustees noted that they separately review and consider the impact of the Fund’s transfer agency and Fund- and Amundi US-paid expenses for sub-transfer agency and intermediary arrangements, and that the results of the most recent such review were considered in the consideration of the Fund’s expense ratio.
The Trustees considered that the Fund’s management fee for the most recent fiscal year was in the second quintile relative to the management fees paid by other funds in its Morningstar category for the comparable period. The Trustees noted that although assets invested by the Fund in the Subsidiary are excluded from the calculation of the Fund’s management fee, the Fund indirectly pays a management fee with respect to assets invested in the Subsidiary because the Subsidiary pays a management fee pursuant to the Subsidiary Management Agreement. The Trustees noted that the
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 65
Subsidiary pays Amundi US a management fee at the same rate that the Fund pays Amundi US. The Trustees considered that the expense ratio of the Fund’s Class Y shares for the most recent fiscal year was in the first quintile relative to its Strategic Insight peer group for the comparable period. The Trustees noted that Amundi US had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund.
The Trustees reviewed management fees charged by Amundi US to institutional and other clients, including publicly offered European funds sponsored by Amundi US’s affiliates, unaffiliated U.S. registered investment companies (in a sub-advisory capacity), and unaffiliated foreign and domestic separate accounts. The Trustees also considered Amundi US’s costs in providing services to the Fund and Amundi US’s costs in providing services to the other clients and considered the differences in management fees and profit margins for fund and non-fund services. In evaluating the fees associated with Amundi US’s client accounts, the Trustees took into account the respective demands, resources and complexity associated with the Fund and other client accounts. The Trustees noted that, in some instances, the fee rates for those clients were lower than the management fee for the Fund and considered that, under the investment management and administration agreements with the Fund, Amundi US performs additional services for the Fund that it does not provide to those other clients or services that are broader in scope, including oversight of the Fund’s other service providers and activities related to compliance and the extensive regulatory and tax regimes to which the Fund is subject. The Trustees also considered the entrepreneurial risks associated with Amundi US’s management of the Fund.
The Trustees concluded that the management fee payable by the Fund to Amundi US was reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by Amundi US.
Profitability
The Trustees considered information provided by Amundi US regarding the profitability of Amundi US with respect to the advisory services provided by Amundi US to the Fund, including the methodology used by Amundi US in allocating certain of its costs to the management of the Fund. The Trustees also considered Amundi US’s profit margin in connection with the overall operation of the Fund. They further reviewed the financial results, including the profit margins, realized by Amundi US from non-fund businesses. The Trustees considered Amundi US’s profit margins in comparison to the limited industry data available and noted that the profitability of any
66 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
adviser was affected by numerous factors, including its organizational structure and method for allocating expenses. The Trustees concluded that Amundi US’s profitability with respect to the management of the Fund was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale
The Trustees considered Amundi US’s views relating to economies of scale in connection with the Pioneer Funds as fund assets grow and the extent to which any such economies of scale are shared with the Fund and Fund shareholders. The Trustees recognize that economies of scale are difficult to identify and quantify, and that, among other factors that may be relevant, are the following: fee levels, expense subsidization, investment by Amundi US in research and analytical capabilities and Amundi US’s commitment and resource allocation to the Fund. The Trustees noted that profitability also may be an indicator of the availability of any economies of scale, although profitability may vary for other reasons including due to reductions in expenses. The Trustees concluded that economies of scale, if any, were being appropriately shared with the Fund.
Other Benefits
The Trustees considered the other benefits that Amundi US enjoys from its relationship with the Fund. The Trustees considered the character and amount of fees paid or to be paid by the Fund, other than under the investment management agreement, for services provided by Amundi US and its affiliates. The Trustees further considered the revenues and profitability of Amundi US’s businesses other than the Fund business. To the extent applicable, the Trustees also considered the benefits to the Fund and to Amundi US and its affiliates from the use of “soft” commission dollars generated by the Fund to pay for research and brokerage services.
The Trustees considered that Amundi US is the principal U.S. asset management business of Amundi, which is one of the largest asset managers globally. Amundi’s worldwide asset management business manages over $2.12 trillion in assets (including the Pioneer Funds). The Trustees considered that Amundi US’s relationship with Amundi creates potential opportunities for Amundi US and Amundi that derive from Amundi US’s relationships with the Fund, including Amundi’s ability to market the services of Amundi US globally. The Trustees noted that Amundi US has access to additional research and portfolio management capabilities as a result of its relationship with Amundi and Amundi’s enhanced global presence that may contribute to an increase in the resources available to Amundi US. The Trustees considered that Amundi US
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 67
and the Fund receive reciprocal intangible benefits from the relationship, including mutual brand recognition and, for the Fund, direct and indirect access to the resources of a large global asset manager. The Trustees concluded that any such benefits received by Amundi US as a result of its relationship with the Fund were reasonable.
Conclusion
After consideration of the factors described above as well as other factors, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the investment management agreement for the Fund, including the fees payable thereunder, was fair and reasonable and voted to approve the proposed renewal of the investment management agreement. The Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, also concluded that the Subsidiary Management Agreement, including the fees payable thereunder, was fair and reasonable and voted to approve the proposed renewal of the Subsidiary Management Agreement.
68 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program
As required by law, the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) that is designed to assess and manage liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem its shares without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Fund’s Board of Trustees designated a liquidity risk management committee (the “Committee”) consisting of employees of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (the “Adviser”) to administer the Program.
The Committee provided the Board of Trustees with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Reporting Period”).
The Report confirmed that, throughout the Reporting Period, the Committee had monitored the Fund’s portfolio liquidity and liquidity risk on an ongoing basis, as described in the Program and in Board reporting throughout the Reporting Period.
The Report discussed the Committee’s annual review of the Program, which addressed, among other things, the following elements of the Program:
The Committee reviewed the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. The Committee noted that the Fund’s investment strategy continues to be appropriate for an open-end fund, taking into account, among other things, whether and to what extent the Fund held less liquid and illiquid assets and the extent to which any such investments affected the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests. In managing and reviewing the Fund’s liquidity risk, the Committee also considered the extent to which the Fund’s investment strategy involves a relatively concentrated portfolio or large positions in particular issuers, the extent to which the Fund uses borrowing for investment purposes, and the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives (including for hedging purposes). The Committee also reviewed the Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. In assessing the Fund’s cash flow projections, the Committee considered, among other factors, historical net redemption activity, redemption policies, ownership concentration, distribution channels, and
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 69
the degree of certainty associated with the Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections. The Committee also considered the Fund’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources, including, if applicable, the Fund’s participation in a credit facility, as components of the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests. The Fund has adopted an in-kind redemption policy which may be utilized to meet larger redemption requests.
The Committee reviewed the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity buckets. In reviewing the Fund’s investments, the Committee considered, among other factors, whether trading varying portions of a position in a particular portfolio investment or asset class in sizes the Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, would be reasonably expected to significantly affect liquidity.
The Committee performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum, and determined that no such minimum is required because the Fund primarily holds highly liquid investments.
The Report stated that the Committee concluded the Program operates adequately and effectively, in all material respects, to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk throughout the Reporting Period.
70 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Trustees, Officers and Service Providers
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
Custodian and Sub-Administrator
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.*
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Principal Underwriter
Amundi Distributor US, Inc.
Legal Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Transfer Agent
DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.**
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Fund are available without charge, upon request, by calling our toll free number (1-800-225-6292). Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners at www.amundi.com/us. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov.
Trustees and Officers
The Fund’s Trustees and officers are listed below, together with their principal occupations and other directorships they have held during at least the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee of each of the 49 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Amundi US serves as investment adviser (the “Pioneer Funds”). The address for all Trustees and all officers of the Fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
The Statement of Additional Information of the Fund includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-6292.
* | | Note to shareowners: The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) became the Fund’s custodian and sub-administrator effective November 22, 2021. |
** | | Note to shareowners: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US), Inc. became the Fund’s transfer agent effective November 22, 2021. |
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 71
Independent Trustees
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Thomas J. Perna (71) | Trustee since 2010. | Private investor (2004 – 2008 and 2013 – present); Chairman | Director, Broadridge Financial |
Chairman of the Board | Serves until a successor | (2008 – 2013) and Chief Executive Officer (2008 – 2012), Quadriserv, Inc. | Solutions, Inc. (investor |
and Trustee | trustee is elected | (technology products for securities lending industry); and Senior Executive | communications and securities |
| or earlier retirement | Vice President, The Bank of New York (financial and securities services) | processing provider for financial |
| or removal. | (1986 – 2004) | services industry) (2009 – present); |
| | | Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 – |
| | | 2013); and Commissioner, New |
| | | Jersey State Civil Service |
| | | Commission (2011 – 2015) |
John E. Baumgardner, Jr. (70) | Trustee since 2019. | Of Counsel (2019 – present), Partner (1983-2018), Sullivan & Cromwell | Chairman, The Lakeville Journal |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | LLP (law firm). | Company, LLC, (privately-held |
| trustee is elected | | community newspaper group) |
| or earlier retirement | | (2015-present) |
| or removal. | | |
Diane Durnin (64) | Trustee since 2019. | Managing Director - Head of Product Strategy and Development, BNY | None |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | Mellon Investment Management (investment management firm) | |
| trustee is elected | (2012-2018); Vice Chairman – The Dreyfus Corporation (2005 – 2018): | |
| or earlier retirement | Executive Vice President Head of Product, BNY Mellon Investment | |
| or removal. | Management (2007-2012); Executive Director- Product Strategy, Mellon | |
| | Asset Management (2005-2007); Executive Vice President Head of | |
| | Products, Marketing and Client Service, Dreyfus Corporation (investment | |
| | management firm) (2000-2005); and Senior Vice President Strategic | |
| | Product and Business Development, Dreyfus Corporation (1994-2000) | |
72 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Benjamin M. Friedman (77) | Trustee since 2010. | William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Economy, Harvard | Trustee, Mellon Institutional Funds |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | University (1972 – present) | Investment Trust and Mellon |
| trustee is elected or | | Institutional Funds Master Portfolio |
| earlier retirement | | (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund |
| or removal. | | complex) (1989 - 2008) |
Craig C. MacKay (58) | Trustee since 2021. | Partner, England & Company, LLC (advisory firm) (2012 – present); | Board Member of Carver Bancorp, |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | Group Head – Leveraged Finance Distribution, Oppenheimer & Company | Inc. (holding company) and Carver |
| trustee is elected or | (investment bank) (2006 – 2012); Group Head – Private Finance & High | Federal Savings Bank, NA (2017 – |
| earlier retirement | Yield Capital Markets Origination, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey | present); Advisory Council Member, |
| or removal. | (investment bank) (2003 – 2006); and Founder and Chief Executive | MasterShares ETF (2016 – 2017); |
| | Officer, HNY Associates, LLC (investment bank) (1996 – 2003) | Advisory Council Member, The Deal |
| | | (financial market information |
| | | publisher) (2015 – 2016); Board |
| | | Co-Chairman and Chief Executive |
| | | Officer, Danis Transportation |
| | | Company (privately-owned |
| | | commercial carrier) (2000 – 2003); |
| | | Board Member and Chief Financial |
| | | Officer, Customer Access Resources |
| | | (privately-owned teleservices |
| | | company) (1998 – 2000); Board |
| | | Member, Federation of Protestant |
| | | Welfare Agencies (human services |
| | | agency) (1993 – present); and |
| | | Board Treasurer, Harlem Dowling |
| | | Westside Center (foster care |
| | | agency) (1999 – 2018) |
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 73
Independent Trustees (continued)
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Lorraine H. Monchak (65) | Trustee since 2017. | Chief Investment Officer, 1199 SEIU Funds (healthcare workers union | None |
Trustee | (Advisory Trustee from | pension funds) (2001 – present); Vice President – International Investments | |
| 2014 - 2017). Serves | Group, American International Group, Inc. (insurance company) | |
| until a successor trustee | (1993 – 2001); Vice President – Corporate Finance and Treasury Group, | |
| is elected or earlier | Citibank, N.A. (1980 – 1986 and 1990 – 1993); Vice President – | |
| retirement or removal. | Asset/Liability Management Group, Federal Farm Funding Corporation | |
| | (government-sponsored issuer of debt securities) (1988 – 1990); Mortgage | |
| | Strategies Group, Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc. (investment bank) | |
| | (1987 – 1988); and Mortgage Strategies Group, Drexel Burnham Lambert, | |
| | Ltd. (investment bank) (1986 – 1987) | |
Marguerite A. Piret (73) | Trustee since 2010. | Chief Financial Officer, American Ag Energy, Inc. (controlled environment | Director of New America High |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | and agriculture company) (2016 – present); and President and Chief | Income Fund, Inc. (closed-end |
| trustee is elected or | Executive Officer, Metric Financial Inc. (formerly known as Newbury Piret | investment company) (2004 – |
| earlier retirement | Company) (investment banking firm) (1981 – 2019) | present); and Member, Board of |
| or removal. | | Governors, Investment Company |
| | | Institute (2000 – 2006) |
Fred J. Ricciardi (74) | Trustee since 2014. | Private investor (2020 – present); Consultant (investment company | None |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | services) (2012 – 2020); Executive Vice President, BNY Mellon (financial and | |
| trustee is elected or | investment company services) (1969 – 2012); Director, BNY International | |
| earlier retirement | Financing Corp. (financial services) (2002 – 2012); Director, Mellon Overseas | |
| or removal. | Investment Corp. (financial services) (2009 – 2012); Director, Financial | |
| | Models (technology) (2005-2007); Director, BNY Hamilton Funds, Ireland | |
| | (offshore investment companies) (2004-2007); Chairman/Director, AIB/BNY | |
| | Securities Services, Ltd., Ireland (financial services) (1999-2006); and | |
| | Chairman, BNY Alternative Investment Services, Inc. (financial services) | |
| | (2005-2007) | |
74 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Interested Trustees
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Trustee During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Lisa M. Jones (59)* | Trustee since 2017. | Director, CEO and President of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management | None |
Trustee, President and | Serves until a successor | firm) (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Asset | |
Chief Executive Officer | trustee is elected or | Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President | |
| earlier retirement | of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and | |
| or removal | President of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); | |
| | Chair, Amundi US, Inc., Amundi Distributor US, Inc. and Amundi Asset | |
| | Management US, Inc. (September 2014 – 2018); Managing Director, | |
| | Morgan Stanley Investment Management (investment management firm) | |
| | (2010 – 2013); Director of Institutional Business, CEO of International, | |
| | Eaton Vance Management (investment management firm) (2005 – 2010); | |
| | and Director of Amundi Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | |
Kenneth J. Taubes (63)* | Trustee since 2014. | Director and Executive Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Investment | None |
Trustee | Serves until a successor | Officer, U.S. (since 2010) of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management | |
| trustee is elected or | firm); Director and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, | |
| earlier retirement | U.S. of Amundi US (since 2008); Executive Vice President and Chief | |
| or removal | Investment Officer, U.S. of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since 2009); | |
| | Portfolio Manager of Amundi US (since 1999); and Director of Amundi | |
| | Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | |
* | | Ms. Jones and Mr. Taubes are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the Fund’s investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. |
Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 75
Fund Officers
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Officer During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Christopher J. Kelley (56) | Since 2010. Serves at | Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Amundi US since January | None |
Secretary and Chief | the discretion of | 2008; Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of all of the Pioneer Funds since | |
Legal Officer | the Board | June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September | |
| | 2003 to May 2010; and Vice President and Senior Counsel of Amundi US | |
| | from July 2002 to December 2007 | |
Thomas Reyes (58) | Since 2010. Serves at | Assistant General Counsel of Amundi US since May 2013 and Assistant | None |
Assistant Secretary | the discretion of | Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; and Counsel of | |
| the Board | Amundi US from June 2007 to May 2013 | |
Anthony J. Koenig, Jr. (57) | Since 2021. Serves at | Senior Vice President – Fund Treasury of Amundi US; Treasurer of all of | None |
Treasurer and Chief | the discretion of | the Pioneer Funds since May 2021; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer | |
Financial and | the Board | Funds from January 2021 to May 2021; and Chief of Staff, US Investment | |
Accounting Officer | | Management of Amundi US from May 2008 to January 2021 | |
Luis I. Presutti (56) | Since 2010. Serves at | Director – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 1999; and Assistant Treasurer | None |
Assistant Treasurer | the discretion of | of all of the Pioneer Funds since 1999 | |
| the Board | | |
Gary Sullivan (63) | Since 2010. Serves at | Senior Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2012; and Assistant | None |
Assistant Treasurer | the discretion of | Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2002 | |
| the Board | | |
Antonio Furtado (39) | Since 2020. Serves at | Fund Oversight Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2020; | None |
Assistant Treasurer | the discretion of | Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2020; and Senior Fund | |
| the Board | Treasury Analyst from 2012 - 2020 | |
76 Pioneer Flexible Opportunities Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
| | | |
Name, Age and | | | Other Directorships |
Position Held With | Term of Office and | | Held by Officer During At |
the Fund | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Least The Past Five Years |
Michael Melnick (50) | Since July 2021. | Vice President - Deputy Fund Treasurer of Amundi US since May 2021; | None |
Assistant Treasurer | Serves at the | Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since July 2021; Director of | |
| discretion of the Board | Regulatory Reporting of Amundi US from 2001 – 2021; and Director of | |
| | Tax of Amundi US from 2000 - 2001 | |
John Malone (50) | Since 2018. Serves at | Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi US Asset | None |
Chief Compliance Officer | the discretion of | Management; Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.; and the Pioneer Funds | |
| the Board | since September 2018; and Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi Distributor | |
| | US, Inc. since January 2014. | |
Kelly O’Donnell (50) | Since 2010. Serves at | Vice President – Amundi Asset Management; and Anti-Money Laundering | None |
Anti-Money Laundering | the discretion of | Officer of all the Pioneer Funds since 2006 | |
Officer | the Board | | |
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How to Contact Amundi
We are pleased to offer a variety of convenient ways for you to contact us for assistance or information.
| |
Call us for: | |
Account Information, including existing accounts, | |
new accounts, prospectuses, applications | |
and service forms | 1-800-225-6292 |
FactFoneSM for automated fund yields, prices, | |
account information and transactions | 1-800-225-4321 |
Retirement plans information | 1-800-622-0176 |
Write to us:
Amundi
P.O. Box 9897
Providence, RI 02940-8097
| |
Our toll-free fax | 1-800-225-4240 |
Our internet e-mail address | us.askamundi@amundi.com |
(for general questions about Amundi only) | |
|
Visit our web site: www.amundi.com/us | |
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-PORT by visiting the Commission’s web site at https://www.sec.gov.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001821268-22-000002/a24440-111221_83164101x88x1.gif)
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
www.amundi.com/us
Securities offered through Amundi Distributor US, Inc.,
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Underwriter of Pioneer Mutual Funds, Member SIPC
© 2021 Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. 24440-11-1221
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) Disclose whether, as of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party. If the registrant has not adopted such a code of ethics, explain why it has not done so.
The registrant has adopted, as of the end of the period covered by this report, a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller.
(b) For purposes of this Item, the term “code of ethics” means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2) Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;
(4) The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c) The registrant must briefly describe the nature of any amendment, during the period covered by the report, to a provision of its code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item. The registrant must file a copy of any such amendment as an exhibit pursuant to Item 10(a), unless the registrant has elected to satisfy paragraph (f) of this Item by posting its code of ethics on its website pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this Item, or by undertaking to provide its code of ethics to any person without charge, upon request, pursuant to paragraph (f)(3) of this Item.
The registrant has made no amendments to the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
(d) If the registrant has, during the period covered by the report, granted a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this Item, the registrant must briefly describe the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted, and the date of the waiver.
Not applicable.
(e) If the registrant intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under paragraph (c) or (d) of this Item regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of its code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition
enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item by posting such information on its Internet website, disclose the registrant’s Internet address and such intention.
Not applicable.
(f) The registrant must:
(1) File with the Commission, pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), a copy of its code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, as an exhibit to its annual report on this Form N-CSR (see attachment);
(2) Post the text of such code of ethics on its Internet website and disclose, in its most recent report on this Form N-CSR, its Internet address and the fact that it has posted such code of ethics on its Internet website; or
(3) Undertake in its most recent report on this Form N-CSR to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such code of ethics and explain the manner in which such request may be made. See Item 10(2)
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
(a) (1) Disclose that the registrant’s board of trustees has determined that the registrant either:
(i) Has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee; or
(ii) Does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert.
(2) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this Item, it must disclose the name of the audit committee financial expert and whether that person is “independent.” In order to be considered “independent” for purposes of this Item, a member of an audit committee may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of trustees, or any other board committee:
(i) Accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the issuer; or
(ii) Be an “interested person” of the investment company as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(19)).
Mr. Fred J. Ricciardi, an independent trustee, is such an audit committee financial expert.
(3) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1) (ii) of this Item, it must explain why it does not have an audit committee financial expert.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) Disclose, under the caption AUDIT FEES, the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
The audit fees for the Trust were $96,900 payable to Ernst & Young LLP for the year ended October 31, 2021 and $96,900 for the year ended October 31, 2020.
(b) Disclose, under the caption AUDIT-RELATED FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
There were no audit-related services in 2021 or 2020.
(c) Disclose, under the caption TAX FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
The Trust paid aggregate non-audit fees to Ernst & Young LLP for tax services of $33,380 and $34,020 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(d) Disclose, under the caption ALL OTHER FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
There were no other fees in 2021 or 2020.
(e) (1) Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
PIONEER FUNDS
APPROVAL OF AUDIT, AUDIT-RELATED, TAX AND OTHER SERVICES
PROVIDED BY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
SECTION I - POLICY PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
The Pioneer Funds recognize the importance of maintaining the independence of their outside auditors. Maintaining independence is a shared responsibility involving Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., the audit committee and the independent auditors.
The Funds recognize that a Fund’s independent auditors: 1) possess knowledge of the Funds, 2) are able to incorporate certain services into the scope of the audit, thereby avoiding redundant work, cost and disruption of Fund personnel and processes, and 3) have expertise that has value to the Funds. As a result, there are situations where it is desirable to use the Fund’s independent auditors for services in addition to the annual audit and where the potential for conflicts of interests are minimal. Consequently, this policy, which is intended to comply with Rule 210.2-01(C)(7), sets forth guidelines and procedures to be followed by the Funds when retaining the independent audit firm to perform audit, audit-related tax and other services under those circumstances, while also maintaining independence.
Approval of a service in accordance with this policy for a Fund shall also constitute approval for any other Fund whose pre-approval is required pursuant to Rule 210.2-01(c)(7)(ii).
In addition to the procedures set forth in this policy, any non-audit services that may be provided consistently with Rule 210.2-01 may be approved by the Audit Committee itself and any pre-approval that may be waived in accordance with Rule 210.2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) is hereby waived.
Selection of a Fund’s independent auditors and their compensation shall be determined by the Audit Committee and shall not be subject to this policy.
| | |
SECTION II - POLICY |
|
SERVICE CATEGORY | SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION | SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES |
| | |
I. AUDIT SERVICES | Services that are directly | o Accounting research assistance |
| related to performing the | o SEC consultation, registration |
| independent audit of the Funds | statements, and reporting |
| | o Tax accrual related matters |
| | o Implementation of new accounting standards |
| | o Compliance letters (e.g. rating agency letters) |
| | o Regulatory reviews and assistance |
| | regarding financial matters |
| | o Semi-annual reviews (if requested) |
| | o Comfort letters for closed end offerings |
II. AUDIT-RELATED | Services which are not | o AICPA attest and agreed-upon procedures |
SERVICES | prohibited under Rule | o Technology control assessments |
| 210.2-01(C)(4) (the “Rule”) | o Financial reporting control assessments |
| and are related extensions of | o Enterprise security architecture |
| the audit services support the | assessment |
| audit, or use the knowledge/expertise | |
| gained from the audit procedures as a | |
| foundation to complete the project. | |
| In most cases, if the Audit-Related | |
| Services are not performed by the | |
| Audit firm, the scope of the Audit | |
| Services would likely increase. | |
| The Services are typically well-defined | |
| and governed by accounting | |
| professional standards (AICPA, | |
| SEC, etc.) | |
| |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY | AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY |
o “One-time” pre-approval | o A summary of all such |
for the audit period for all | services and related fees |
pre-approved specific service | reported at each regularly |
subcategories. Approval of the | scheduled Audit Committee |
independent auditors as | meeting. |
auditors for a Fund shall | |
constitute pre approval for | |
these services. | |
|
o “One-time” pre-approval | o A summary of all such |
for the fund fiscal year within | services and related fees |
a specified dollar limit | (including comparison to |
for all pre-approved | specified dollar limits) |
specific service subcategories | reported quarterly. |
|
o Specific approval is | |
needed to exceed the | |
pre-approved dollar limit for | |
these services (see general | |
Audit Committee approval policy | |
below for details on obtaining | |
specific approvals) | |
|
o Specific approval is | |
needed to use the Fund’s | |
auditors for Audit-Related | |
Services not denoted as | |
“pre-approved”, or | |
to add a specific service | |
subcategory as “pre-approved” | |
| | | |
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
| |
SERVICE CATEGORY | SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION | SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE |
| | SUBCATEGORIES |
III. TAX SERVICES | Services which are not | o Tax planning and support |
| prohibited by the Rule, | o Tax controversy assistance |
| if an officer of the Fund | o Tax compliance, tax returns, excise |
| determines that using the | tax returns and support |
| Fund’s auditor to provide | o Tax opinions |
| these services creates | |
| significant synergy in | |
| the form of efficiency, | |
| minimized disruption, or | |
| the ability to maintain a | |
| desired level of | |
| confidentiality. | |
| |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY | AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY |
o “One-time” pre-approval | o A summary of |
for the fund fiscal year | all such services and |
within a specified dollar limit | related fees |
| (including comparison |
| to specified dollar |
| limits) reported |
| quarterly. |
|
o Specific approval is | |
needed to exceed the | |
pre-approved dollar limits for | |
these services (see general | |
Audit Committee approval policy | |
below for details on obtaining | |
specific approvals) | |
|
o Specific approval is | |
needed to use the Fund’s | |
auditors for tax services not | |
denoted as pre-approved, or to | |
add a specific service subcategory as | |
“pre-approved” | |
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
|
SERVICE CATEGORY | SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION | SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE |
| | SUBCATEGORIES |
IV. OTHER SERVICES | Services which are not | o Business Risk Management support |
| prohibited by the Rule, | o Other control and regulatory |
A. SYNERGISTIC, | if an officer of the Fund | compliance projects |
UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS | determines that using the | |
| Fund’s auditor to provide | |
| these services creates | |
| significant synergy in | |
| the form of efficiency, | |
| minimized disruption, | |
| the ability to maintain a | |
| desired level of | |
| confidentiality, or where | |
| the Fund’s auditors | |
| posses unique or superior | |
| qualifications to provide | |
| these services, resulting | |
| in superior value and | |
| results for the Fund. | |
| |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY | AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY |
o “One-time” pre-approval | o A summary of |
for the fund fiscal year within | all such services and |
a specified dollar limit | related fees |
| (including comparison |
| to specified dollar |
| limits) reported |
| quarterly. |
o Specific approval is | |
needed to exceed the | |
pre-approved dollar limits for | |
these services (see general | |
Audit Committee approval policy | |
below for details on obtaining | |
specific approvals) | |
|
o Specific approval is | |
needed to use the Fund’s | |
auditors for “Synergistic” or | |
“Unique Qualifications” Other | |
Services not denoted as | |
pre-approved to the left, or to | |
add a specific service | |
subcategory as “pre-approved” | |
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
|
SERVICE CATEGORY | SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION | SPECIFIC PROHIBITED SERVICE |
| | SUBCATEGORIES |
PROHIBITED SERVICES | Services which result | 1. Bookkeeping or other services |
| in the auditors losing | related to the accounting records or |
| independence status | financial statements of the audit |
| under the Rule. | client* |
| | 2. Financial information systems design |
| | and implementation* |
| | 3. Appraisal or valuation services, |
| | fairness* opinions, or |
| | contribution-in-kind reports |
| | 4. Actuarial services (i.e., setting |
| | actuarial reserves versus actuarial |
| | audit work)* |
| | 5. Internal audit outsourcing services* |
| | 6. Management functions or human |
| | resources |
| | 7. Broker or dealer, investment |
| | advisor, or investment banking services |
| | 8. Legal services and expert services |
| | unrelated to the audit |
| | 9. Any other service that the Public |
| | Company Accounting Oversight Board |
| | determines, by regulation, is |
| | impermissible |
| |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY | AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY |
o These services are not to be | o A summary of all |
performed with the exception of the(*) | services and related |
services that may be permitted | fees reported at each |
if they would not be subject to audit | regularly scheduled |
procedures at the audit client (as | Audit Committee meeting |
defined in rule 2-01(f)(4)) level | will serve as continual |
the firm providing the service. | confirmation that has |
| not provided any |
| restricted services. |
GENERAL AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY:
o For all projects, the officers of the Funds and the Fund’s auditors will each make an assessment to determine that any proposed projects will not impair independence.
o Potential services will be classified into the four non-restricted service categories and the “Approval of Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other Services” Policy above will be applied. Any services outside the specific pre-approved service subcategories set forth above must be specifically approved by the Audit Committee.
o At least quarterly, the Audit Committee shall review a report summarizing the services by service category, including fees, provided by the Audit firm as set forth in the above policy.
(2) Disclose the percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
Non-Audit Services
Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the effective date of the
new SEC pre-approval rules, the Trust's audit committee is required to pre-approve services to
affiliates defined by SEC rules to the extent that the services are determined to have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the Trust. For the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no services provided to an affiliate that required the Trust's audit committee pre-approval.
(f) If greater than 50 percent, disclose the percentage of hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.
N/A
(g) Disclose the aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrants accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrants investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant.
The Trust paid aggregate non-audit fees to Ernst & Young LLP for tax services of $33,380 and $34,020 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(h) Disclose whether the registrants audit committee of the board of trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrants investment adviser (not including any subadviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
The Fund’s audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Affiliates (as defined) that were not pre- approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
(a) If the registrant is a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10A-3), state whether or not the registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)). If the registrant has such a committee, however designated, identify each committee member. If the entire board of directors is acting as the registrant’s audit committee as specified in Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(B)), so state.
N/A
(b) If applicable, provide the disclosure required by Rule 10A-3(d) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10A-3(d)) regarding an exemption from the listing standards for audit committees.
N/A
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
File Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period as set forth in 210.1212 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.12-12], unless the schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Included in Item 1
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
A closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR must, unless it invests exclusively in non-voting securities, describe the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the company uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of its shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the company’s investment adviser; principal underwriter; or any affiliated person (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(3)) and the rules thereunder) of the company, its investment adviser, or its principal underwriter, on the other. Include any policies and procedures of the company’s investment adviser, or any other third party, that the company uses, or that are used on the company’s behalf, to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities.
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR, provide the following information:
(1) State the name, title, and length of service of the person or persons employed by or associated with the registrant or an investment adviser of the registrant who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrant’s portfolio (“Portfolio Manager”). Also state each Portfolio Manager’s business experience during the past 5 years.
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, in the following tabular format, provide the information specified in paragraph (b) of this Item with respect to any purchase made by or on behalf of the registrant or any affiliated purchaser, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18(a)(3)), of shares or other units of any class of the registrant’s equity securities that is registered by the registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 781).
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Describe any material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-R(17 CFR 229.407)(as required by Item 22(b)(15)) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors since the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-R of Schedule 14(A) in its definitive proxy statement, or this item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Disclose the conclusions of the registrant’s principal executive and principal financials officers, or persons performing similar functions, regarding the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30(a)-3(b) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b) Disclose any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occured during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, provide the following dollar amounts of income and compensation related to the securities lending activities of the registrant during its most recent fiscal year:
N/A
(1) Gross income from securities lending activities;
N/A
(2) All fees and/or compensation for each of the following securities lending activities and related services: any share of revenue generated by the securities lending program paid to the securities lending agent(s) (revenue split); fees paid for cash collateral management services (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split; administrative fees that are not included in the revenue split; fees for indemnification that are not included in the revenue split; rebates paid to borrowers; and any other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split, including a description of those other fees;
N/A
(3) The aggregate fees/compensation disclosed pursuant to paragraph (2); and
N/A
(4) Net income from securities lending activities (i.e., the dollar amount in paragraph (1) minus the dollar amount in paragraph (3)).
If a fee for a service is included in the revenue split, state that the fee is included in the revenue split.
N/A
(b) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, describe the services provided to the registrant by the securities lending agent in the registrants most recent fiscal year.
N/A
ITEM 13. 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(a)) , exactly as set forth below:
Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
[See General Instruction F]
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) Pioneer Series Trust VI
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date January 3, 2022
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)* /s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date January 3, 2022
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Anthony J. Koenig, Jr.
Anthony J. Koenig, Jr., Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer & Fund Treasurer
Date January 3, 2022
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.