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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-01835
Pioneer Core Equity Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP code)
Terrence J. Cullen, Pioneer Investment 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: December 31
Date of reporting period: January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013
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.
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO SHAREOWNERS.
Pioneer Core
Equity Fund
(Formerly Pioneer Value Fund,
See "Note to Shareholders" on Page 4 for more information.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Semiannual Report | June 30, 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ticker Symbols:
Class A PIOTX
Class B PBOTX
Class C PCOTX
Class Y PVFYX
[LOGO] PIONEER
Investments(R)
visit us: us.pioneerinvestments.com
Table of Contents
Letter to Shareowners 2
Portfolio Management Discussion 4
Portfolio Summary 9
Prices and Distributions 10
Performance Update 11
Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses 15
Schedule of Investments 17
Financial Statements 24
Notes to Financial Statements 32
Trustees, Officers and Service Providers 41
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 1
President's Letter
Dear Shareowner,
When we look at the U.S. economy as we head into the second half of 2013, we
continue to see slow, but ongoing, growth. Employment has been steadily rising.
Consumer incomes, savings, wealth, and debt-servicing capacity have been solid
buttresses for the recovering housing and auto industries. Industrial activity
is growing only modestly, but current corporate profits are generally solid and
balance sheets appear able to support needed capital spending and dividend*
payouts. The scaled-back "fiscal cliff" tax increases and spending cuts have
meaningfully cut the budget deficit without, it seems, driving the economy back
into recession. In addition, we feel that continuing slack in labor markets and
capacity utilization offers the potential for continuing growth without
bottlenecks and rising inflation.
After observing the strengthening economic trends, the Federal Reserve (the Fed)
has hinted that it may begin to scale back its bond purchases (currently $85
billion per month in quantitative easing, or "QE") later in 2013, and could
terminate the purchases altogether sometime in 2014, depending on subsequent
economic data releases. Pioneer believes that, barring an external shock, modest
economic growth can be sustained at least over the next couple of years without
continuous, aggressive intervention from the Fed.
The Fed has also said that short-term interest rates are likely to remain near
zero for some time to come. Given that inflation remains subdued and
unemployment remains high, there is no urgency about raising rates.
While inflation is not a near-term concern, the Fed's aggressive monetary
policies helped investors drive long-term Treasury yields to unsustainably low
levels. A return to more normal levels in response to expectations of a stronger
economy and the potential for less QE resulted in disappointing returns for bond
investors during the first half of 2013, but the stock market rewarded
shareholders who were undaunted by the double-barreled threat of the "fiscal
cliff" and debt-ceiling debates at the beginning of 2013.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index, a broad measure of the U.S. stock market,
returned 13.82% during the first six months of 2013, while the Barclays
Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks the performance of a higher-quality U.S. bond
universe, returned -2.44%. Investors showed a rising preference for
higher-yielding corporate paper over government bonds during the first half of
2013, helping the Bank of America Merrill Lynch High Yield Master II Index,
which measures the performance of high-yield corporate bonds, to post a 1.50%
return for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Three-month Treasury bills,
generally regarded as essentially "risk free" by the markets, returned 0.03% in
the first half of 2013.
* Dividends are not guaranteed.
2 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
There are certainly risks and uncertainties that continue to plague the global
economy. Europe remains in recession and a number of countries in the emerging
markets have experienced difficulties. Still, a potential ending of the European
recession, continuing economic improvement in Japan in response to the new
government's quantitative easing policies, and a "soft landing" of 7% growth in
China could very well result in an improving global outlook over the remainder
of 2013.
There are also geopolitical worries abroad and political fights at home, and
while most of the widely recognized risks we've outlined may already be "priced
in" to the market, we believe investors should continue to expect market
volatility.
At Pioneer, we have long advocated the benefits of staying diversified and
investing for the long term. And while diversification alone does not assure a
profit or protect against loss in a declining market, we believe there are still
opportunities for prudent investors to earn attractive returns. Our advice, as
always, is to work closely with a trusted financial advisor to discuss your
goals and work together to develop an investment strategy that meets your
individual needs, keeping in mind that there is no single best strategy that
works for every investor.
Pioneer's investment teams have, since 1928, sought out attractive opportunities
in global equity and bond markets, using in-depth research to identify
undervalued individual securities, and using thoughtful risk management to
construct portfolios which balance potential risks and rewards in an
ever-changing world.
We encourage you to learn more about Pioneer and our time-tested approach to
investing by consulting with your financial advisor or visiting us online at
us.pioneerinvestments.com. We greatly appreciate your trust in us, and we thank
you for investing with Pioneer.
Sincerely,
/s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury
Daniel K. Kingsbury
President and CEO
Pioneer Investment Management USA, Inc.
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. These statements should not
be relied upon for any other purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of
future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts discussed will
be realized.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 3
Portfolio Management Discussion | 6/30/13
Note to Shareholders: Effective June 7, 2013, Pioneer Research Fund ("the
predecessor fund") reorganized with Pioneer Value Fund. As a result of the
reorganization, Pioneer Value Fund was renamed Pioneer Core Equity Fund. The
investment strategies, performance and financial history, inception date, fiscal
year end, and portfolio management team of the combined Fund are that of the
predecessor Pioneer Research Fund.
Equities delivered solid investment results during the first six months of 2013,
as investors took confidence from signs of an improving U.S. economy as well as
the relatively attractive values to be found in the stock market, especially
when compared with other asset classes. In the following interview, Paul Cloonan
and John Peckham discuss the market environment and the factors that influenced
the performance of Pioneer Core Equity Fund during the six months ended June 30,
2013. Mr. Cloonan, Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Equity Research, U.S.,
at Pioneer, Mr. Peckham, Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Equity Research,
U.S., at Pioneer, and James Moynihan, a vice president and equity analyst at
Pioneer, are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Q How would you describe the investment environment for equities during the
six months ended June 30, 2013?
A Stocks produced generally strong performance during the first six months of
2013, even though the year began with a number of potential concerns in play
for investors, like the "fiscal cliff" budgetary debate in Washington as
well as the ongoing sovereign-debt troubles in the euro zone. The rebound in
the domestic economy continued to be weaker than most historical recoveries
from severe recessions, and the market grew even more anxious that some tax
increases implemented as part of the fiscal cliff deal in January would slow
the already plodding recovery. In addition, worries about slowing growth in
China and the resulting volatility in the emerging markets contributed to an
uncertain investment environment at the beginning of the period.
Despite the myriad of concerns plaguing the markets, domestic stock prices
continued to rise during the six-month period, supported by evidence of
continued, if still moderate, economic expansion and accommodative monetary
policy from the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed). Money flowed into the
equity market during the period as investors appeared to see superior
relative value in stocks, especially when compared with the bond market,
where yields remained low by historical standards.
4 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
During the period, the strongest-performing sector in the Standard & Poor's
500 Index (the S&P 500), the Fund's benchmark, was health care, with
particularly robust results in the biotechnology industry. The financials
and consumer discretionary groups also turned in very strong returns. The
weakest returns in the S&P 500 came from the materials sector, with most
metals and mining stocks registering substantial declines due to falling
commodities prices in the face of weakening demand. Information technology
stocks also underperformed, primarily because of poor performance by the
sector's largest company, Apple, and weak results from the hardware group.
Q How did the Fund perform in that environment during the six months ended
June 30, 2013?
A Pioneer Core Equity Fund's Class A shares returned 11.78% at net asset value
during the six months ended June 30, 2013, while the Fund's benchmark, the
S&P 500, returned 13.82%. During the same period, the average return of the
973 mutual funds in Lipper's Large Cap Core Funds category was 13.19%.
Q What was the main reason for the Fund's underperformance of the S&P 500
during the six months ended June 30, 2013?
A Stock selection, particularly in the information technology sector (but also
in financials, to a lesser degree), was the most significant detractor from
the Fund's benchmark-relative performance during the six-month period.
The portfolio's positioning in technology hardware companies was not
successful, with investments in Apple and F5 Networks among the noteworthy
detractors. Apple's share price fell due to slowing sales of its iPhone
products as well as concerns about the company's overall product and
competitive positioning. Despite the concerns, we still believe Apple to be
a very strong franchise with an attractive stock price. F5 Networks, a
producer of network equipment for corporations and large institutions,
experienced delays in large orders from its telecommunication customers, and
that hurt the company's performance during the period. Nevertheless, we are
confident that F5 has the potential to generate healthy revenue growth in
the future as network spending recovers. Another technology holding in the
Fund that lagged during the period was Maxim Integrated Products, a
semiconductor manufacturer that was hurt by declining orders due to slowing
phone sales experienced by Samsung, Maxim's largest customer. We have
retained the Fund's position in Maxim because we think it has a strong
business and good relationships with many other promising technology
products companies.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 5
In financials, some investments in diversified financial firms hurt the
Fund's performance during the period. Credit card firm Capital One was one
Fund holding that was a major disappointment during the period as the
company lowered its earnings estimates because of difficulties with two
recent acquisitions. We eventually sold the portfolio's Capital One
position. The effects of the Capital One disappointment were somewhat
mitigated, however, by the strong performance of two recent Fund
acquisitions, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.
Q What types of investments made the greatest contributions to the Fund's
performance relative to the S&P 500 during the six months ended June 30,
2013?
A Stock selection within health care made a strong contribution to the Fund's
results during the six-month period as the portfolio had good exposure to
the biotechnology industry, which performed very well. Many biotech
companies showed progress in the development of new drugs, while an increase
in merger-and-acquisition activity within the group helped to drive up stock
valuations. Biotech holdings in the portfolio that performed particularly
well during the period included Vertex, Celgene and Gilead. Each of those
companies showed attractive growth prospects during the period, based on
continued improvements in the development of new drugs in their product
pipelines.
While overall holdings in the information technology sector underperformed
during the period, some Fund positions fared well. Investments in software
companies helped the Fund's performance during the period, with holdings of
both Google and Microsoft making notable contributions. Google continued to
show strength in both its core search-engine business as well as its
growing number of other internet-based businesses, while Microsoft's
performance benefited from its strong position in enterprise software,
despite the fact that the company continues to deal with the effects of a
declining personal computers market.
In financials, despite overall underperformance relative to the S&P 500 in
the sector, some of the Fund's positions in banks - especially regional
banks - tended to do very well during the six-month period. Among the Fund's
top-performing positions in the sector were Regions Financial, Keycorp and
PNC. All three companies were beneficiaries of solid cost-control programs
and the market's expectation that lending activity was likely to increase.
The Fund's relative performance also was helped by our avoidance of areas in
the financials sector where business was slowing, such as mortgage banking.
6 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Q What notable changes did you make in the Fund's portfolio during the six
months ended June 30, 2013?
A The largest new additions to the Fund during the period were consumer
product company PepsiCo, investment bank Morgan Stanley, technology
corporation EMC, and EOG Resources, in the energy sector. We added PepsiCo
because we saw a strong opportunity for the company to increase its earnings
due to a recent restructuring. We initiated a position in Morgan Stanley
because we think the company's purchase of Citigroup's interest in the Smith
Barney retail brokerage business should give Morgan Stanley the potential to
increase its profitability. We believe that EMC, a leader in storage
technology, is well-positioned to improve its growth because of the
company's leading position in advanced enterprise technology. EOG Resources
was added to the portfolio to increase exposure to oil and gas exploration
and production. EOG has been an industry leader for consistent, low-cost
production growth.
Notable sales from the portfolio during the period included diversified
banking firm Wells Fargo, food retailer Whole Foods, industrial company
Manitowoc, and life insurer MetLife.
Q What is your investment outlook?
A Our focus when investing the Fund's assets remains on fundamental research
and stock-picking. We believe this approach can sustain solid Fund
performance over the long run, producing reasonable investment results in a
variety of different market environments and stages of the business cycle.
Having said this, we would add that we continue to have an optimistic view
about equities, which we think offer reasonable value in a growing economy,
especially when compared with other asset classes, including bonds.
To be sure, the market is likely to continue to face some headwinds because
of domestic political debates over economic policy, worries about growth
trends in China and the emerging markets, and the ongoing sovereign-debt
problems in Europe. Still, we believe this should continue to be a good time
for stock investing. Not only do we believe the U.S. economy is likely to
continue expanding, but we also think that corporations in general are in
strong financial shape, with healthy balance sheets and good cash flows. In
addition, increased merger-and-acquisition activity, corporate share buyback
programs and dividend* increases should lend even more support to equity
prices.
* Dividends are not guaranteed.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 7
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 17-23 for a full listing of
Fund securities.
At times, the Fund's investments may represent industries or industry sectors
that are interrelated or have common risks, making it more susceptible to any
economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those
industries and sectors.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee
that market forecasts discussed will be realized.
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. These opinions should not
be relied upon for any other purposes.
8 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Portfolio Summary | 6/30/13
Portfolio Diversification
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As a percentage of total investment portfolio)
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
U.S. Common Stocks 96.1%
International Common Stocks 2.5%
Depositary Receipts for International Stocks 1.4%
Sector Distribution
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As a percentage of equity holdings)
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Information Technology 17.7%
Financials 16.9%
Health Care 13.4%
Consumer Discretionary 12.3%
Consumer Staples 10.4%
Energy 10.3%
Industrials 9.5%
Utilities 3.3%
Materials 3.2%
Telecommunication Services 3.0%
10 Largest Holdings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As a percentage of equity holdings)*
1. Apple, Inc. 3.39%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Google, Inc. 2.79
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Chevron Corp. 2.78
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Citigroup, Inc. 2.68
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Microsoft Corp. 2.58
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Verizon Communications, Inc. 2.36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 2.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. The Walt Disney Co. 2.12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Pfizer, Inc. 2.06
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Johnson & Johnson Co. 2.03
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This list excludes temporary cash investments and derivative instruments.
The Fund is actively managed, and current holdings may be different. The
holdings listed should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any
security listed.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 9
Prices and Distributions | 6/30/13
Net Asset Value per Share
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 6/30/13 12/31/12*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A $ 13.44 $ 12.06
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B $ 12.29 $ 11.04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C $ 12.16 $ 10.93
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Y $ 13.56 $ 12.17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions per Share: 1/1/13- 6/30/13*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Investment Short-Term Long-Term
Class Income Capital Gains Capital Gains
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A $ 0.0412 $ -- $ --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B $ -- $ -- $ --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C $ -- $ -- $ --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Y $ 0.0587 $ -- $ --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Historical per-share amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to
reflect the conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with
Pioneer Research Fund.
Index Definition
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged, commonly used measure of the
broad U.S. stock market. 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 11-14.
10 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Performance Update | 6/30/13 Class A Shares
Investment Returns
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000
investment made in Pioneer Core Equity Fund at public offering price, compared
to that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
Average Annual Total Returns
(As of June 30, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Public Offering
Period Value (NAV) Price (POP)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Years 7.66% 7.03%
5 Years 6.80 5.55
1 Year 17.34 10.60
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Ratio
(Per prospectus dated February 1, 2013,
as revised June 10, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.00%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Core Standard & Poor's
Equity Fund 500 Index
6/30/2003 $ 9,425 $ 10,000
6/30/2004 $ 11,048 $ 11,910
6/30/2005 $ 11,959 $ 12,662
6/30/2006 $ 13,356 $ 13,754
6/30/2007 $ 16,124 $ 16,584
6/30/2008 $ 14,192 $ 14,410
6/30/2009 $ 10,767 $ 10,635
6/30/2010 $ 12,142 $ 12,169
6/30/2011 $ 16,150 $ 15,903
6/30/2012 $ 16,808 $ 16,766
6/30/2013 $ 19,724 $ 20,217
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com 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. Returns
would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. POP returns reflect
deduction of maximum 5.75% sales charge. 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.
The Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund ("the
predecessor fund") on June 7, 2013. As a result of the reorganization, the
predecessor fund's performance and financial history have become the performance
and financial history of the Fund. The performance of Class A shares of the Fund
is the performance of Class A shares of the predecessor fund for periods prior
to the reorganization, and has not been restated to reflect any differences in
expenses.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 11
Performance Update | 6/30/13 Class B Shares
Investment Returns
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000
investment made in Pioneer Core Equity Fund, compared to that of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index.
Average Annual Total Returns
(As of June 30, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If If
Period Held Redeemed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Years 6.71% 6.71%
5 Years 5.84 5.84
1 Year 16.39 12.39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Ratio
(Per prospectus dated February 1, 2013,
as revised June 10, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Net
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.47% 2.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Core Standard & Poor's
Equity Fund 500 Index
6/30/2003 $ 10,000 $ 10,000
6/30/2004 $ 11,624 $ 11,910
6/30/2005 $ 12,477 $ 12,662
6/30/2006 $ 13,805 $ 13,754
6/30/2007 $ 16,523 $ 16,584
6/30/2008 $ 14,419 $ 14,410
6/30/2009 $ 10,848 $ 10,635
6/30/2010 $ 12,113 $ 12,169
6/30/2011 $ 15,964 $ 15,903
6/30/2012 $ 16,456 $ 16,766
6/30/2013 $ 19,153 $ 20,217
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com 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.
"If Held" results represent the percent change in net asset value per share.
Returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. "If Redeemed"
returns reflect the deduction of applicable contingent deferred sales charge
(CDSC). The maximum CDSC for Class B shares is 4% and declines over five years.
For more complete information, please see the prospectus.
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 July 1, 2014, for Class B shares. There can be no assurance that
Pioneer 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 taxes that a
shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
The Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund ("the
predecessor fund") on June 7, 2013. As a result of the reorganization, the
predecessor fund's performance and financial history have become the performance
and financial history of the Fund. The performance of Class B shares of the Fund
is the performance of Class B shares of the predecessor fund for periods prior
to the reorganization, and has not been restated to reflect any differences in
expenses.
12 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Performance Update | 6/30/13 Class C Shares
Investment Returns
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000
investment made in Pioneer Core Equity Fund, compared to that of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index.
Average Annual Total Returns
(As of June 30, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If If
Period Held Redeemed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Years 6.72% 6.72%
5 Years 5.80 5.80
1 Year 16.17 16.17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Ratio
(Per prospectus dated February 1, 2013,
as revised June 10, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.01%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Core Standard & Poor's
Equity Fund 500 Index
6/30/2003 $ 10,000 $ 10,000
6/30/2004 $ 11,615 $ 11,910
6/30/2005 $ 12,479 $ 12,662
6/30/2006 $ 13,800 $ 13,754
6/30/2007 $ 16,540 $ 16,584
6/30/2008 $ 14,455 $ 14,410
6/30/2009 $ 10,865 $ 10,635
6/30/2010 $ 12,139 $ 12,169
6/30/2011 $ 15,988 $ 15,903
6/30/2012 $ 16,495 $ 16,766
6/30/2013 $ 19,162 $ 20,217
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com 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). The performance of Class C shares does not reflect
the 1% front-end sales charge in effect prior to February 1, 2004. If you paid a
1% sales charge, your returns would be lower than those shown above. "If Held"
results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. 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 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.
The Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund ("the
predecessor fund") on June 7, 2013. As a result of the reorganization, the
predecessor fund's performance and financial history have become the performance
and financial history of the Fund. The performance of Class C shares of the Fund
is the performance of Class C shares of the predecessor fund for periods prior
to the reorganization, and has not been restated to reflect any differences in
expenses.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 13
Performance Update | 6/30/13 Class Y Shares
Investment Returns
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million
investment made in Pioneer Core Equity Fund, compared to that of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index.
Average Annual Total Returns
(As of June 30, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If If
Period Held Redeemed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Years 7.92% 7.92%
5 Years 7.09 7.09
1 Year 17.64 17.64
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPTION>
Expense Ratio
(Per prospectus dated February 1, 2013,
as revised June 10, 2013)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.59%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Value of $10,000 Investment
Pioneer Core Standard & Poor's
Equity Fund 500 Index
6/30/2003 $ 5,000,000 $ 5,000,000
6/30/2004 $ 5,857,339 $ 5,954,934
6/30/2005 $ 6,352,551 $ 6,331,187
6/30/2006 $ 7,095,046 $ 6,877,205
6/30/2007 $ 8,610,568 $ 8,292,105
6/30/2008 $ 7,610,181 $ 7,204,756
6/30/2009 $ 5,799,702 $ 5,317,322
6/30/2010 $ 6,554,860 $ 6,084,567
6/30/2011 $ 8,737,329 $ 7,951,293
6/30/2012 $ 9,111,634 $ 8,382,893
6/30/2013 $ 10,718,970 $ 10,108,414
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit us.pioneerinvestments.com 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 Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund ("the
predecessor fund") on June 7, 2013. As a result of the reorganization, the
predecessor fund's performance and financial history have become the performance
and financial history of the Fund. The performance of Class Y shares of the Fund
is the performance of Class Y shares of the predecessor fund for periods prior
to the reorganization, and has not been restated to reflect any differences in
expenses.
Performance shown for periods prior to the inception of Class Y shares of the
predecessor fund on August 11, 2004, reflects the NAV performance of the
predecessor fund's Class A shares. The performance does not reflect differences
in expenses, including the Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class A shares. Since
fees for Class A shares are generally higher than those of Class Y shares, the
performance for Class Y shares of the predecessor fund prior to their inception
on August 11, 2004, would have been higher than that shown. 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 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.
14 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
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 (divided by) $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 Core Equity Fund
Based on actual returns from January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share Class A B C Y
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning Account Value $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00
on 1/1/13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending Account Value $1,117.80 $1,113.40 $1,112.40 $1,119.10
(after expenses)
on 6/30/13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Paid $ 5.57 $ 11.27 $ 11.16 $ 4.83
During Period*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.06%, 2.15%,
2.13%, and 0.92% for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Y shares,
respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period,
multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 15
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 Core Equity Fund
Based on a hypothetical 5% per year return before expenses, reflecting the
period from January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share Class A B C Y
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning Account Value $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00
on 1/1/13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending Account Value $1,019.54 $1,014.13 $1,014.23 $1,020.23
(after expenses)
on 6/30/13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Paid $ 5.31 $ 10.74 $ 10.64 $ 4.61
During Period*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.06%, 2.15%,
2.13%, and 0.92% for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Y shares,
respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period,
multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
16 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Schedule of Investments | 6/30/13 (unaudited)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS -- 98.6%
ENERGY -- 10.2%
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services -- 3.3%
153,260 FMC Technologies, Inc.* $ 8,533,517
486,103 Halliburton Co. 20,280,217
286,462 Schlumberger, Ltd. 20,527,867
--------------
$ 49,341,601
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Integrated Oil & Gas -- 3.8%
341,590 Chevron Corp. $ 40,423,761
176,145 Occidental Petroleum Corp. 15,717,418
--------------
$ 56,141,179
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production -- 2.2%
125,400 EOG Resources, Inc. $ 16,512,672
457,454 Marathon Oil Corp. 15,818,759
--------------
$ 32,331,431
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing -- 0.9%
93,704 Marathon Petroleum Corp.* $ 6,658,606
177,630 Valero Energy Corp. 6,176,195
--------------
$ 12,834,801
--------------
Total Energy $ 150,649,012
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATERIALS -- 3.2%
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals -- 1.8%
98,020 Monsanto Co. $ 9,684,376
300,235 The Mosaic Co. 16,155,645
--------------
$ 25,840,021
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialty Chemicals -- 1.4%
246,775 Ecolab, Inc. $ 21,022,762
--------------
Total Materials $ 46,862,783
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GOODS -- 7.7%
Aerospace & Defense -- 2.4%
272,770 Raytheon Co. $ 18,035,552
185,871 United Technologies Corp. 17,274,851
--------------
$ 35,310,403
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction & Engineering -- 0.5%
247,181 KBR, Inc. $ 8,033,382
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial Conglomerates -- 3.0%
246,138 3M Co. $ 26,915,190
760,000 General Electric Co. 17,624,400
--------------
$ 44,539,590
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 17
Schedule of Investments | 6/30/13 (unaudited) (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks -- 0.8%
102,853 Cummins, Inc. $ 11,155,436
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial Machinery -- 1.0%
252,434 Ingersoll-Rand Plc $ 14,015,136
--------------
Total Capital Goods $ 113,053,947
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION -- 1.7%
Air Freight & Logistics -- 0.7%
113,110 FedEx Corp. $ 11,150,384
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Railroads -- 1.0%
92,602 Union Pacific Corp. $ 14,286,637
--------------
Total Transportation $ 25,437,021
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER SERVICES -- 2.3%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines -- 0.6%
217,726 Marriott International, Inc. $ 8,789,599
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restaurants -- 1.7%
28,319 Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.* $ 10,318,028
217,945 Starbucks Corp. 14,273,218
--------------
$ 24,591,246
--------------
Total Consumer Services $ 33,380,845
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA -- 4.8%
Cable & Satellite -- 1.2%
425,235 Comcast Corp. $ 17,808,842
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Movies & Entertainment -- 3.6%
489,619 The Walt Disney Co. $ 30,919,440
379,992 Time Warner, Inc. 21,971,137
--------------
$ 52,890,577
--------------
Total Media $ 70,699,419
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAILING -- 5.1%
Internet Retail -- 1.1%
58,406 Amazon.com, Inc.* $ 16,218,762
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department Stores -- 0.7%
212,488 Macy's, Inc. $ 10,199,424
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparel Retail -- 0.9%
203,590 Ross Stores, Inc. $ 13,194,668
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Improvement Retail -- 2.4%
350,771 Lowe's Companies, Inc. $ 14,346,534
272,974 The Home Depot, Inc. 21,147,296
--------------
$ 35,493,830
--------------
Total Retailing $ 75,106,684
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<s>
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING -- 1.3%
Drug Retail -- 1.3%
330,008 CVS Caremark Corp. $ 18,869,857
--------------
Total Food & Staples Retailing $ 18,869,857
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD, BEVERAGE & TOBACCO -- 7.3%
Soft Drinks -- 2.4%
71,837 Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (A.D.R.) $ 7,412,860
338,180 PepsiCo, Inc. 27,659,742
--------------
$ 35,072,602
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Packaged Foods & Meats -- 2.7%
316,885 Campbell Soup Co. $ 14,193,279
183,980 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.* 13,809,539
125,373 The Hershey Co. 11,193,301
--------------
$ 39,196,119
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobacco -- 2.2%
373,819 Altria Group, Inc. $ 13,079,927
229,892 Philip Morris International, Inc. 19,913,245
--------------
$ 32,993,172
--------------
Total Food, Beverage & Tobacco $ 107,261,893
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS -- 1.7%
Household Products -- 0.8%
201,804 Colgate-Palmolive Co. $ 11,561,351
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Products -- 0.9%
213,747 The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. $ 14,058,140
--------------
Total Household & Personal Products $ 25,619,491
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES -- 3.6%
Health Care Equipment -- 0.6%
146,245 Covidien Plc $ 9,190,036
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Care Distributors -- 0.6%
201,589 Cardinal Health, Inc. $ 9,515,001
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Care Services -- 1.1%
45,281 DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.* $ 5,469,945
182,090 Express Scripts Holding Co.* 11,233,132
--------------
$ 16,703,077
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Managed Health Care -- 1.3%
162,390 Aetna, Inc. $ 10,318,261
97,069 Humana, Inc. 8,190,682
--------------
$ 18,508,943
--------------
Total Health Care Equipment & Services $ 53,917,057
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 19
Schedule of Investments | 6/30/13 (unaudited) (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICALS, BIOTECHNOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCES -- 9.5%
Biotechnology -- 3.1%
126,367 Celgene Corp.* $ 14,773,566
316,338 Gilead Sciences, Inc.* 16,199,669
194,735 Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* 15,553,484
--------------
$ 46,526,719
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pharmaceuticals -- 6.4%
115,213 Actavis, Inc.* $ 14,542,185
106,798 Allergan, Inc. 8,996,664
88,750 AstraZeneca Plc (A.D.R.) 4,197,875
344,118 Johnson & Johnson Co. 29,545,971
1,071,457 Pfizer, Inc. 30,011,511
181,063 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (A.D.R.) 7,097,670
--------------
$ 94,391,876
--------------
Total Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences $ 140,918,595
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANKS -- 3.7%
Regional Banks -- 3.7%
883,620 KeyCorp $ 9,755,165
1,141,500 Regions Financial Corp. 10,878,495
457,164 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 33,336,399
--------------
$ 53,970,059
--------------
Total Banks $ 53,970,059
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIALS -- 7.5%
Other Diversified Financial Services -- 2.7%
814,432 Citigroup, Inc. $ 39,068,303
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer Finance -- 1.0%
311,765 Discover Financial Services LLC $ 14,852,485
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Management & Custody Banks -- 1.3%
171,501 Invesco, Ltd. $ 5,453,732
248,593 The Carlyle Group LP 6,388,840
213,643 Walter Investment Management Corp.* 7,223,270
--------------
$ 19,065,842
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Banking & Brokerage -- 2.5%
816,100 Morgan Stanley Co. $ 19,937,323
114,588 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 17,331,435
--------------
$ 37,268,758
--------------
Total Diversified Financials $ 110,255,388
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE -- 4.2%
Life & Health Insurance -- 1.6%
249,078 Aflac, Inc. $ 14,476,413
297,830 Unum Group 8,747,267
--------------
$ 23,223,680
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Multi-line Insurance -- 0.8%
371,100 Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. $ 11,474,412
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property & Casualty Insurance -- 1.8%
160,498 ACE, Ltd. $ 14,361,361
272,563 The Allstate Corp. 13,115,732
--------------
$ 27,477,093
--------------
Total Insurance $ 62,175,185
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAL ESTATE -- 1.4%
Residential REIT -- 0.7%
255,514 American Campus Communities, Inc. $ 10,389,199
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialized REIT -- 0.7%
217,100 Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. $ 10,132,057
--------------
Total Real Estate $ 20,521,256
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOFTWARE & SERVICES -- 9.7%
Internet Software & Services -- 4.0%
46,226 Google, Inc.* $ 40,695,984
712,432 Yahoo!, Inc.* 17,889,168
--------------
$ 58,585,152
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Processing & Outsourced Services -- 1.1%
87,440 Visa, Inc. $ 15,979,660
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application Software -- 0.6%
141,521 Citrix Systems, Inc.* $ 8,537,962
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Systems Software -- 4.0%
1,086,912 Microsoft Corp. $ 37,531,071
711,804 Oracle Corp. 21,866,619
--------------
$ 59,397,690
--------------
Total Software & Services $ 142,500,464
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT -- 5.7%
Communications Equipment -- 1.4%
91,102 F5 Networks, Inc.* $ 6,267,818
243,000 Qualcomm, Inc. 14,842,440
--------------
$ 21,110,258
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Hardware -- 3.4%
124,754 Apple, Inc. $ 49,412,563
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Storage & Peripherals -- 0.9%
586,320 EMC Corp. $ 13,848,878
--------------
Total Technology Hardware & Equipment $ 84,371,699
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 21
Schedule of Investments | 6/30/13 (unaudited) (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT -- 2.1%
Semiconductors -- 2.1%
290,901 Analog Devices, Inc. $ 13,107,999
230,840 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. 6,412,735
287,858 Xilinx, Inc. 11,402,055
--------------
$ 30,922,789
--------------
Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment $ 30,922,789
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES -- 2.6%
Integrated Telecommunication Services -- 2.6%
103,472 CenturyLink, Inc. $ 3,657,735
682,246 Verizon Communications, Inc. 34,344,264
--------------
$ 38,001,999
--------------
Total Telecommunication Services $ 38,001,999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES -- 3.3%
Electric Utilities -- 1.9%
317,529 American Electric Power Co., Inc. $ 14,218,949
177,370 NextEra Energy, Inc.* 14,452,108
--------------
$ 28,671,057
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Multi-Utilities -- 1.4%
596,070 Ameren Corp. $ 20,528,651
--------------
Total Utilities $ 49,199,708
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,335,615,740) $1,453,695,151
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES -- 98.6%
(Cost $1,335,615,740) (a) $1,453,695,151
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS & LIABILITIES -- 1.4% $ 20,957,314
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.0% $1,474,652,465
====================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
* Non-income producing security.
(A.D.R.) American Depositary Receipts.
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust.
(a) At June 30, 2013, the net unrealized gain on investments based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $1,337,779,075 was as
follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized gain for all investments in
which there is an excess of value over tax cost $144,194,584
Aggregate gross unrealized loss for all investments in which
there is an excess of tax cost over value (28,278,508)
------------
Net unrealized gain $115,916,076
============
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for the
six months ended June 30, 2013 aggregated $70,783,664 and $103,992,566,
respectively.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments.
These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.
Level 1 - 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
risk, 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.
Generally, equity securities are categorized as Level 1, fixed income securities
and senior loans as Level 2 and securities valued using fair value methods
(other than prices supplied by independent pricing services) as Level 3. See
Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2013, in valuing
the Fund's investments:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks $1,453,695,151 $ -- $ -- $1,453,695,151
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,453,695,151 $ -- $ -- $1,453,695,151
================================================================================
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, there were no transfers between
Levels 1, 2 and 3.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 23
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 6/30/13 (unaudited)
ASSETS:
Investment in securities (cost $1,335,615,740) $1,453,695,151
Cash 21,890,455
Receivables --
Investment securities sold 23,842,725
Fund shares sold 164,519
Dividends 1,478,580
Other 39,350
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $1,501,110,780
================================================================================
LIABILITIES:
Payables --
Investment securities purchased $ 24,357,962
Fund shares repurchased 622,435
Dividends 67,511
Due to Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. 16,276
Due to affiliates 812,338
Accrued expenses 581,793
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities $ 26,458,315
================================================================================
NET ASSETS:
Paid-in capital $1,804,643,926
Distributions in excess of net investment income (258,302)
Accumulated net realized loss on investments (447,812,570)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments 118,079,411
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net assets $1,474,652,465
================================================================================
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:
(No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)
Class A (based on $1,419,311,097/105,608,628 shares) $ 13.44
Class B (based on $2,936,400/239,012 shares) $ 12.29
Class C (based on $9,317,852/766,448 shares) $ 12.16
Class Y (based on $43,087,116/3,177,274 shares) $ 13.56
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE:
Class A ($13.44 (divided by) 94.25%) $ 14.26
================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended 6/30/13
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $583) $ 1,344,052
Interest 973
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income $ 1,345,025
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Management fees $ 604,162
Transfer agent fees
Class A 103,079
Class B 5,016
Class C 4,191
Class Y 670
Distribution fees
Class A 226,240
Class B 6,254
Class C 24,648
Shareholder communications expense 90,273
Administrative reimbursements 36,278
Custodian fees 10,565
Registration fees 24,784
Professional fees 32,295
Printing expense 12,027
Fees and expenses of nonaffiliated Trustees 6,514
Miscellaneous 9,504
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses $ 1,196,500
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (4,966)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net expenses $ 1,191,534
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income $ 153,491
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain on investments $ 190,154,152
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in net unrealized depreciation on investments $ (224,594,206)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss on investments and foreign currency transactions $ (34,440,054)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations $ (34,286,563)
================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 25
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended
6/30/13 Year Ended
(unaudited) 12/31/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income $ 153,491 $ 470,888
Net realized gain on investments, class action and foreign
currency transactions 190,154,152 2,455,304
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments and foreign currency transactions (224,594,206) 4,478,207
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from operations $ (34,286,563) $ 7,404,399
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREOWNERS:
Net investment income:
Class A ($0.04* and $0.08* per share, respectively) $ (83,436) $ (165,303)
Class B ($0.00 and $0.00 per share, respectively) -- --
Class C ($0.00 and $0.01* per share, respectively) -- (4,618)
Class Y ($0.06* and $0.10* per share, respectively) (149,253) (296,423)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareowners $ (232,689) $ (466,344)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from sale or exchange of shares $ 9,057,452 $ 20,385,338
Shares issued in reorganization 1,456,910,518 --
Reinvestment of distributions 41,546 223,399
Cost of shares repurchased (19,485,547) (15,593,080)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
Fund share transactions $1,446,523,969 $ 5,015,657
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets $1,412,004,717 $ 11,953,712
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period $ 62,647,748 $ 50,694,036
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $1,474,652,465 $ 62,647,748
================================================================================================
Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income $ (258,302) $ 8,715
================================================================================================
* Historical amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to reflect the
conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with Pioneer
Research Fund.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'13 Shares '13 Amount
(unaudited) (unaudited) '12 Shares '12 Amount
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A*
Shares sold 434,812 $ 5,705,611 902,360 $ 10,720,968
Shares issued in
reorganization 104,128,727 1,440,920,816 -- --
Reinvestment of distributions 986 13,268 12,293 148,549
Less shares repurchased (937,736) (12,683,054) (436,926) (5,137,526)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 103,626,789 $1,433,956,641 477,727 $ 5,731,991
=======================================================================================
Class B*
Shares sold or exchanged 5,801 $ 68,145 59,812 $ 624,254
Shares issued in
reorganization 179,044 2,266,334 -- --
Reinvestment of distributions -- -- -- --
Less shares repurchased (51,888) (627,929) (169,153) (1,848,710)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) 132,957 $ 1,706,550 (109,341) $ (1,224,456)
=======================================================================================
Class C*
Shares sold 73,529 $ 874,168 250,499 $ 2,655,935
Shares issued in
reorganization 388,889 4,870,847 -- --
Reinvestment of distributions -- -- 365 3,987
Less shares repurchased (33,955) (416,186) (102,519) (1,112,254)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 428,463 $ 5,328,829 148,345 $ 1,547,668
=======================================================================================
Class Y*
Shares sold 183,670 $ 2,409,528 532,676 $ 6,384,181
Shares issued in
reorganization 634,124 8,852,521 -- --
Reinvestment of distributions 2,047 28,278 5,812 70,863
Less shares repurchased (426,436) (5,758,378) (635,282) (7,494,590)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) 393,405 $ 5,531,949 (96,794) $ (1,039,546)
=======================================================================================
* Historical share amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to reflect
the conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with Pioneer
Research Fund.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 27
Financial Highlights
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Year Year Year Year
6/30/13 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
(unaudited)(d) 12/31/12(d) 12/31/11(d) 12/31/10(d) 12/31/09(d) 12/31/08(d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 12.06 $ 10.61 $ 10.57 $ 9.19 $ 7.20 $ 11.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income $ 0.04 $ 0.08 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.10
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.38 1.45 0.05 1.38 2.02 (4.09)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.42 $ 1.53 $ 0.11 $ 1.44 $ 2.09 $ (3.99)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareowners:
Net investment income (0.04) (0.08) (0.07) (0.06) (0.10) (0.11)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.38 $ 1.45 $ 0.04 $ 1.38 $ 1.99 $ (4.10)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 13.44 $ 12.06 $ 10.61 $ 10.57 $ 9.19 $ 7.20
====================================================================================================================================
Total return* 11.78% 14.51% 0.97% 15.58% 29.11% (35.22)%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 1.06%** 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.26%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets+ 0.01%** 0.76% 0.59% 0.56% 0.90% 0.96%
Portfolio turnover rate 54%** 59% 57% 57% 90% 87%
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,419,311 $23,907 $15,957 $13,890 $13,866 $10,110
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid
indirectly:
Total expenses 1.06%** 1.59% 1.55% 1.53% 1.62% 1.36%
Net investment income 0.01%** 0.42% 0.29% 0.28% 0.53% 0.85%
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Net expenses 1.06%** 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%
Net investment income 0.01%** 0.76% 0.59% 0.56% 0.90% 0.96%
====================================================================================================================================
* 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.
** Annualized.
+ Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(d) Historical per-share amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to
reflect the conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with
Pioneer Research Fund.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
<CAPTION STYLE="margin-left: 11pt">
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Year Year Year Year
6/30/13 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
(unaudited)(d) 12/31/12(d) 12/31/11 12/31/10(d) 12/31/09(d) 12/31/08(d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 11.04 $ 9.73 $ 9.72 $ 8.49 $ 6.64 $ 10.37
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) $ (0.01) $ (0.03)(b) $ (0.04) $ (0.03) 0.00(a) 0.00(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.26 1.34 0.05 1.26 1.86 (3.72)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.25 $ 1.31 $ 0.01 $ 1.23 $ 1.86 $ (3.72)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareowners:
Net investment income -- --(c) --(c) -- (0.01) (0.01)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.25 $ 1.31 $ 0.01 $ 1.23 $ 1.85 $ (3.73)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.29 $ 11.04 $ 9.73 $ 9.72 $ 8.49 $ 6.64
====================================================================================================================================
Total return* 11.34% 13.42% 0.11% 14.49% 27.98% (35.83)%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.15%** 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.16%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets+ (0.49)%** (0.22)% (0.36)% (0.36)% 0.03% 0.02%
Portfolio turnover rate 54%** 59% 57% 57% 90% 87%
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 2,936 $ 1,171 $ 2,097 $ 3,434 $4,453 $ 5,908
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Total expenses 2.94%** 2.58% 2.52% 2.47% 2.54% 2.22%
Net investment loss (1.28)%** (0.65)% (0.73)% (0.68)% (0.36)% (0.04)%
Ratios with waiver of
fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser
and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Net expenses 2.15%** 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15%
Net investment income (loss) (0.49)%** (0.22)% (0.36)% (0.36)% 0.03% 0.03%
====================================================================================================================================
(a) Amounts round to less than $0.01 per share.
(b) The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the net
investment gain on the Statement of Operations for the period due to timing
of the sales and repurchases of shares.
(c) Dividends and or capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in
Class B shares, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class
shares of other Pioneer Funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges.
(d) Historical per-share amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to
reflect the conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with
Pioneer Research Fund.
* 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.
** Annualized.
+ Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 29
Financial Highlights (continued)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Year Year Year Year
6/30/13 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
(unaudited)(d) 12/31/12(d) 12/31/11(d) 12/31/10(d) 12/31/09(d) 12/31/08(d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.93 $ 9.65 $ 9.64 $ 8.42 $ 6.61 $ 10.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) $ (0.01) $ (0.01)(b) $ (0.03) $ (0.03) 0.00(a) $ 0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.24 1.30 0.04 1.25 1.84 (3.70)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.23 $ 1.29 $ 0.01 $ 1.22 $ 1.84 $ (3.68)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareowners:
Net investment income -- (0.01) -- -- (0.03) (0.01)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.23 $ 1.28 $ 0.01 $ 1.22 $ 1.81 $ (3.69)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.16 $ 10.93 $ 9.65 $ 9.64 $ 8.42 $ 6.61
====================================================================================================================================
Total return* 11.24% 13.37% 0.11% 14.52% 27.93% (35.72)%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.13%** 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.05%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets+ (0.40)%** (0.14)% (0.32)% (0.33)% 0.01% 0.14%
Portfolio turnover rate 54%** 59% 57% 57% 90% 87%
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 9,318 $ 3,695 $ 1,829 $ 1,630 $1,422 $ 1,230
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid
indirectly:
Total expenses 2.13%** 2.31% 2.35% 2.38% 2.50% 2.05%
Net investment income (loss) (0.40)%** (0.30)% (0.52)% (0.56)% (0.34)% 0.14%
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Net expenses 2.13%** 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.05%
Net investment income (loss) (0.40)%** (0.14)% (0.32)% (0.33)% 0.01% 0.14%
====================================================================================================================================
(a) Amounts round to less than $0.01 per share.
(b) The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the net
investment gain on the Statement of Operations for the period due to timing
of the sales and repurchases of shares.
(d) Historical per-share amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to
reflect the conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with
Pioneer Research Fund.
* 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.
** Annualized.
+ Ratio with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
30 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Year Year Year Year
6/30/13 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
(unaudited)(d) 12/31/12(d) 12/31/11(d) 12/31/10(d) 12/31/09(d) 12/31/08(d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 12.17 $ 10.69 $ 10.66 $ 9.27 $ 7.25 $ 11.41
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.10 $ 0.09 $ 0.13 $ 0.16
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.39 1.47 0.03 1.39 2.01 (4.16)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 1.45 $ 1.58 $ 0.13 $ 1.48 $ 2.14 $ (4.00)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareowners:
Net investment income (0.06) (0.10) (0.10) (0.09) (0.12) (0.16)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 1.39 $ 1.48 $ 0.03 $ 1.39 $ 2.02 $ (4.16)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 13.56 $ 12.17 $ 10.69 $ 10.66 $ 9.27 $ 7.25
====================================================================================================================================
Total return* 11.91% 14.81% 1.20% 15.89% 29.46% (34.96)%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 0.92%** 1.02% 0.97% 0.96% 0.97% 0.82%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets+ 0.87%** 0.97% 0.81% 0.86% 1.22% 1.36%
Portfolio turnover rate 54%** 59% 57% 57% 90% 87%
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $43,087 $33,875 $30,811 $47,810 $44,744 $73,947
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses
by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid
indirectly:
Total expenses 0.92%** 1.02% 0.97% 0.96% 0.97% 0.82%
Net investment income 0.87%** 0.97% 0.81% 0.86% 1.22% 1.36%
Ratios with waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by
the Adviser and reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Net expenses 0.92%** 1.02% 0.97% 0.96% 0.97% 0.82%
Net investment income 0.87%** 0.97% 0.81% 0.86% 1.22% 1.36%
====================================================================================================================================
* 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.
** Annualized.
+ Ratios with no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
(d) Historical per-share amounts prior to June 7, 2013 have been adjusted to
reflect the conversion ratios used for the reorganization of the Fund with
Pioneer Research Fund.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 31
Notes to Financial Statements | 6/30/13 (unaudited)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Pioneer Core Equity Fund (the Fund) is a diversified series of Pioneer Series
Trust XI, a Delaware statutory trust registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 as an open-end management investment company. The Fund acquired the
assets and liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund on June 7, 2013. Pioneer
Research Fund was the accounting survivor of the reorganization. Accordingly,
Pioneer Research Fund's performance and financial history have become the
performance and financial history of the Fund. The financial highlights and
shareholder activity, as reflected in the statement of changes in net assets,
have been adjusted to reflect the conversion ratios used for the reorganization
of the Fund with Pioneer Research Fund. Prior to the reorganization, the Fund
was named Pioneer Value Fund. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek
long-term capital growth.
The Fund offers four classes of shares designated as Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class Y shares. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2009,
Class B shares are no longer offered to new or existing shareholders, except
that dividends and/or capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested
in Class B shares, and shareholders may exchange their Class B shares for Class
B shares of other Pioneer funds, as permitted by existing exchange privileges.
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 Fund gives the Board 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 Y
shares. Class B shares convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after
the date of purchase.
The Fund's financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles that require the management of the Fund
to, among other things, make estimates and assumptions that affect the
32 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
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, which are consistent with
those policies generally accepted in the investment company industry:
A. Security Valuation
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. 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. In computing
the net asset value, securities that have traded on an exchange are valued
at the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded.
Securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for
which sale prices are not available, generally are valued at the mean
between the last bid and asked prices. Short-term fixed-income securities
with remaining maturities of sixty days or less generally are valued at
amortized cost. Shares of money market mutual funds are valued at their net
asset value.
Trading in foreign 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.
Securities for which independent pricing services 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 or at the
direction or with the approval of the Valuation Committee using fair value
methods pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The
Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of the Board of
Trustees. 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. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) 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.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 33
At June 30, 2013, there were no securities that were valued using fair value
methods (other than securities that were valued using prices supplied by
independent pricing services). 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.
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.
Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified
cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes.
B. 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 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 in the statement of operations from the
effects of changes in market price of those securities, but are included
with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
C. Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency 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 gains or losses are recorded in
the Fund's financial statements. The Fund records realized gains and losses
at the time a portfolio hedge 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. The Fund had no outstanding
portfolio or settlement hedges as of June 30, 2013.
34 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
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 taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its
shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
As of June 30, 2013, the Fund did not have any interest and penalties
related to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded
as an income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. Tax years for the
prior three fiscal years are 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. generally accepted accounting principles.
Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are
temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes resulting from
differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions
for financial statement and tax purposes. Capital accounts within the
financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to
reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
At September 30, 2012, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of
$655,563,825, of which the following amounts will expire between 2017 and
2018 if not utilized: $336,018,363 in 2017 and $319,545,462 in 2018. Not
included in this amount is $24,100,196, of capital loss carryforward which
will expire in 2017 if not utilized and, as a result of the reorganization
with Pioneer Research Fund on June 7, 2013, may be subject to limitations
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.
The tax character of current year distributions payable will be determined
at the end of the Fund's taxable year. The tax character of distributions
paid during the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income $466,344
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $466,344
============================================================================
The following shows components of distributable earnings on a federal income
tax basis at December 31, 2012:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributable earnings:
Capital loss carryforward $(27,261,881)
Net unrealized gain 10,854,434
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $(16,407,447)
============================================================================
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 35
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gain is
attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, tax basis
adjustments on Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) holdings, partnerships
and other holdings.
E. Fund Shares
The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date.
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD), the principal underwriter for the
Fund and a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit S.p.A. (UniCredit),
earned $2,990 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares
during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
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 B 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 transfer agent, Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc. (PIMSS), 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).
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 B, Class C and Class Y shares
can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates.
G. Risks
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 prospectus contains
unaudited information regarding the Fund's principal risks. Please refer to
that document when considering the Fund's principal risks.
H. Repurchase Agreements
With respect to repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the value of
the underlying securities (collateral), including accrued interest, is
required to be equal to or in excess of the repurchase price. The collateral
for all repurchase agreements is held in safekeeping in the customer-only
account of
36 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
the Fund's custodian or a subcustodian of the Fund. PIM is responsible for
determining that the value of the collateral remains at least equal to the
repurchase price.
2. Management Agreement
PIM, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, manages the Fund's
portfolio. Management fees are calculated daily at the annual rate of 0.50% of
the Fund's average daily net assets. Prior to June 7, 2013, the Fund paid a
basic management fee that was calculated at the annual rate of 0.60% of the
Fund's average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% of the next $5 billion
and 0.55% on the excess over $10 billion. The basic fee increased or decreased
by a maximum of 0.10%, based on the investment performance of the Fund's Class A
shares as compared to the Russell 1000 Value Index. The performance comparison
was made for a rolling 36-month period. Prior to June 7, 2013, the Pioneer
Research Fund (the accounting survivor of the reorganization) paid a management
fee that was calculated daily at the annual rate of 0.65% of such fund's average
daily net assets up to $1 billion, 0.60% of the next $4 billion and 0.55% on
assets over $5 billion. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the net
management fee (excluding waivers and/or assumption of expenses) was equivalent
to 0.54% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
PIM has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses of the
Fund to the extent required to reduce Fund expenses to 1.25%, 2.15% and
2.15% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and
Class C shares, respectively. Class Y shares do not have an expense limitation.
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed during the six months ended June 30,
2013 are reflected on the Statement of Operations. These expense limitations
are in effect through July 1, 2014. There can be no assurance that PIM will
extend the expense limitation agreement for a class of shares beyond the date
referred to above.
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
$450,853 in management fees, administrative costs and certain other
reimbursements payable to PIM at June 30, 2013.
3. Transfer Agent
PIMSS, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of UniCredit, provides
substantially all transfer agent and shareowner services to the Fund at
negotiated rates.
In addition, the Fund reimburses PIMSS for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
PIMSS related to shareholder communications activities such as proxy and
statement mailings, outgoing phone calls and omnibus relationship contracts.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 37
For the six months ended June 30, 2013, such out-of-pocket expenses by class of
shares were as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Communications:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $78,987
Class B 1,905
Class C 2,849
Class Y 6,532
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $90,273
================================================================================
Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities is $154,275 in transfer agent fees and out-of-pocket reimbursements
payable to PIMSS at June 30, 2013.
4. Distribution Plan
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to its Class A, Class B and Class C
shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays PFD 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 PFD 1.00% of the
average daily net assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares. The fee for
Class B and 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 B and Class C
shares. Included in "Due to affiliates" reflected on the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities is $207,210 in distribution fees payable to PFD at June 30, 2013.
In addition, redemptions of each class of shares (except Class Y 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. Class B shares that are redeemed within five years
of purchase are subject to a CDSC at declining rates beginning at 4.00%, based
on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Redemptions of
Class C shares within one year 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 PFD. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, CDSCs in the
amount of $1,515 were paid to PFD.
38 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
5. Expense Offset Arrangements
The Fund has entered into certain expense offset arrangements with PIMSS which
may result in a reduction in the Fund's total expenses due to interest earned on
cash held by PIMSS. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Fund's expenses
were not reduced under such arrangements.
6. Reorganization Information
On June 7, 2013 ("Closing Date"), Pioneer Research Fund was reorganized with the
Fund. The purpose of this transaction was to combine two funds (managed by PIM)
with similar investment objectives and strategies.
This tax-free reorganization was accomplished by exchanging the assets and
liabilities of Pioneer Research Fund for shares of the Fund. Shareowners
holding Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y of Pioneer Research Fund
received Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares of the Fund, respectively,
in the reorganization. The investment portfolio of Pioneer Research Fund,
with an aggregate value of $69,338,811 and an identified cost of $51,739,180
at June 7, 2013, was the principal asset acquired by the Fund.
For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund
were recorded at net asset value, however, the cost basis of the investments
received from Pioneer Research Fund was carried forward to align ongoing
reporting of the Fund's realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts
distributable to shareowners for tax reporting purposes.
The Fund was the legal survivor of the reorganization. Pioneer Research Fund
was the accounting survivor of the reorganization. Accordingly, Pioneer
Research Fund's performance and financial history have become the
performance and financial history of the Fund. Prior to the reorganization, the
Fund was named Pioneer Value Fund.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 39
The following charts shows the details of the reorganization as of that
Closing Date:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Pioneer Core
Pioneer Value Fund Research Fund Equity Fund
(Pre-Reorganization) (Pre-Reorganization) (Post-Reorganization)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets
Class A $1,440,920,816 $28,058,361 $1,468,979,177
Class B 2,266,334 864,098 3,130,432
Class C 4,870,847 4,859,909 9,730,756
Class Y 8,852,521 35,435,343 44,287,864
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Net
Assets $1,456,910,518 $69,217,711 $1,526,128,229
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
Outstanding
Class A 104,128,727 2,027,338* 106,156,065
Class B 179,044 68,254* 247,298
Class C 388,889 387,861* 776,750
Class Y 634,124 2,538,345* 3,172,469
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
Exchange Issued in
Ratio Reorganization
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 0.8929 104,128,727
Class B 0.9184 179,044
Class C 0.9324 388,889
Class Y 0.8932 634,124
* Share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the conversion ratios used for
the reorganization.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized Accumulated
Appreciation Loss on
on Closing Date Closing Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Core Equity Fund $348,883,770 $(24,643,956)
On June 7, 2013, the unrealized appreciation of Pioneer Research Fund, which as
noted above, was the acquired fund for tax purposes, was $17,599,631.
Results of Shareholder Meeting
At a special meeting of shareowners held on May 7, 2013, shareowners of Pioneer
Value Fund were asked to consider the proposal described below. A report of the
total votes cast by the Fund's shareholders follows:
Proposal 1 -- To approve an amended and restated management agreement.
For Withheld Abstain Broker Non-Votes
49,086,130 4,240,773 3,926,745 --
Proposal 2 -- To approve a modified investment objective for the fund.
For Withheld Abstain Broker Non-Votes
49,375,077 3,830,071 4,048,501 --
40 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
Trustees, Officers and Service Providers
Trustees Officers
Thomas J. Perna, Chairman John F. Cogan, Jr., President*
David R. Bock Daniel K. Kingsbury, Executive
John F. Cogan, Jr. Vice President
Benjamin M. Friedman Mark E. Bradley, Treasurer**
Margaret B.W. Graham Christopher J. Kelley, Secretary
Daniel K. Kingsbury
Marguerite A. Piret
Stephen K. West
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
Custodian and Sub-Administrator
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Principal Underwriter
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
Legal Counsel
Bingham McCutchen LLP
Shareowner Services and Transfer Agent
Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, 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 us.pioneerinvestments.com. This information is also available on the
Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at www.sec.gov.
* Chief Executive Officer of the Fund.
** Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Fund.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 41
This page for your notes.
42 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
This page for your notes.
Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13 43
This page for your notes.
44 Pioneer Core Equity Fund | Semiannual Report | 6/30/13
How to Contact Pioneer
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
FactFone(SM) for automated fund yields, prices,
account information and transactions 1-800-225-4321
Retirement plans information 1-800-622-0176
Write to us:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMSS, Inc.
P.O. Box 55014
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014
Our toll-free fax 1-800-225-4240
Our internet e-mail address ask.pioneer@pioneerinvestments.com
(for general questions about Pioneer only)
Visit our web site: us.pioneerinvestments.com
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on
Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission's
web site at http://www.sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at
the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding
the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling
1-800-SEC-0330.
[LOGO] PIONEER
Investments(R)
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
us.pioneerinvestments.com
Securities offered through Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Underwriter of Pioneer Mutual Funds, Member SIPC
(C) 2013 Pioneer Investments 19408-07-0813
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 10(a), 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)).
Ms. Marguerite A. Piret, 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.
N/A
(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.
N/A
(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.
N/A
(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.
N/A
(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 Pioneer Investment Management, Inc ("PIM"), 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 SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
CATEGORY
---------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
I. AUDIT Services that are directly o Accounting research assistance
SERVICES 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. Services which are not o AICPA attest and agreed-upon procedures
AUDIT-RELATED prohibited under Rule o Technology control assessments
SERVICES 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 SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
DESCRIPTION
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
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 SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
DESCRIPTION
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
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 SPECIFIC PROHIBITED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
DESCRIPTION
----------------------- ------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
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.
N/A
(f) If greater than 50 percent, disclose the percentage of hours expended on the
principal accountant's 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 registrant's accountant
for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's
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.
N/A
(h) Disclose whether the registrant's audit committee of the board of trustees
has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to
the registrant's 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 registrants 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 I Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers
as of the close of the reporting period as set forth in 210.12-
12 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 registrants portfolio (Portfolio Manager). Also state each Portfolio
Managers 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 registrants equity securities
that is registered by the registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the
Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 781). Instruction to paragraph (a). Disclose
all purchases covered by this Item, including purchases that do not
satisfy the conditions of the safe harbor of Rule 10b-18 under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18), made in the period covered by the
report. Provide disclosures covering repurchases made on a monthly basis.
For example, if the reporting period began on January 16 and ended on
July 15, the chart would show repurchases for the months from January 16
through February 15, February 16 through March 15, March 16 through
April 15, April 16 through May 15, May 16 through June 15, and June 16
through July 15.
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 registrants board of directors, where
those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided
disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G)
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 registrants board of
directors since the registrant last provided disclosure in response
to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) 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 officer or
officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing
similar functions, about the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Act (17 CFR
270.30a-2(c))) based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of
a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the
disclosure required by this paragraph.
The registrant's principal executive officer
and principal financial officer have
concluded that the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures are effective based
on their evaluation of these controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days of the
filing date of this report.
(b) Disclose whether or not there were significant changes in the registrant's
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these
controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
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.
The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, however, voluntarily are reporting the following information:
In August of 2006 the registrant's investment adviser
enhanced its internal procedures for reporting performance
information required to be included in prospectuses.
Those enhancements involved additional internal controls
over the appropriateness of performance data
generated for this purpose. Such enhancements were made
following an internal review which identified
prospectuses relating to certain classes of shares of
a limited number of registrants where, inadvertently,
performance information not reflecting the deduction of
applicable sales charges was included. Those prospectuses
were revised, and the revised prospectuses were distributed to
shareholders.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form. Letter or number the
exhibits in the sequence indicated.
(a) 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.
(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal
financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act
(17 CFR 270.30a-2).
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 Core Equity Fund
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
John F. Cogan, Jr, President
Date August 29, 2013
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/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
John F. Cogan, Jr., President
Date August 29, 2013
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Mark Bradley
Mark Bradley, Treasurer & Chief Accounting & Financial Officer
Date August 29, 2013
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.