Form N-CSR PIONEER HIGH YIELD FUND For: Oct 31
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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 811-09685
Pioneer High Yield 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, Amundi Asset Management, Inc.,
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 742-7825
Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2021
Date of reporting period: November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
Pioneer High
Yield Fund
Annual Report | October 31, 2021
A: TAHYX | C: PYICX | R: TYHRX | Y: TYHYX |
visit us: www.amundi.com/us
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 1
President’s
Letter
Dear Shareholders,
The past year and a half has created unprecedented challenges for investors, as the COVID-19 pandemic has not only dominated the headlines since March 2020, but has also led to significant changes in government and central-bank policies, both in the US and abroad, and affected the everyday lives of each of us. As we move into the final months of 2021, the situation, while improved, has continued to evolve.
Widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in late 2020 led to a general decline in virus-related hospitalizations in the US and had a positive effect on overall market sentiment during the first half of this calendar year. The passage of two additional fiscal stimulus packages by US lawmakers last December and January also helped drive a strong market rally. However, the emergence of highly infectious variants of the virus has caused a recent spike in cases and hospitalizations, especially outside of the US. That development has contributed to a slowdown in the global economic recovery, as some foreign governments have reinstated strict virus-containment measures that had been relaxed after the rollout of the vaccines.
In the US, while performance of most asset classes, especially equities, has been positive for the year to date, volatility has been high, and the third quarter of 2021 saw negative returns for several stock market indices. Investors’ concerns over global supply chain issues, rising inflation, “hawkish” signals concerning less-accommodative future monetary policies from the Federal Reserve System (Fed), and partisan debates in Washington, DC over future spending and tax policies, are among the many factors that have led to greater uncertainty and an increase in market volatility.
Despite those concerns and some of the recent difficulties that have affected the economy and the markets, we believe the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines has provided a potential light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. With that said, the long-term impact on the global economy from COVID-19, while currently unknown, is likely to be considerable, as it is clear that several industries have already felt greater effects than others, and could continue to struggle for quite some time.
After leaving our offices in March of 2020 due to COVID-19, we have re-opened our US locations and our employees have returned to the office as of mid-October. I am proud of the careful planning that has taken place.
2 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Throughout the pandemic, our business has continued to operate without any disruption, and we all look forward to regaining a bit of normalcy after so many months of remote working.
Since 1928, Amundi US’s investment process has been built on a foundation of fundamental research and active management, principles which have guided our investment decisions for more than 90 years. We believe active management – that is, making active investment decisions – can help mitigate the risks during periods of market volatility.
At Amundi US, active management begins with our own fundamental, bottom-up research process. Our team of dedicated research analysts and portfolio managers analyzes each security under consideration, communicating directly with the management teams of the companies issuing the securities and working together to identify those securities that best meet our investment criteria for our family of funds. Our risk management approach begins with each and every security, as we strive to carefully understand the potential opportunity, while considering any and all risk factors.
Today, as investors, we have many options. It is our view that active management can serve shareholders well, not only when markets are thriving, but also during periods of market stress.
As you consider your long-term investment goals, we encourage you to work with your financial professional to develop an investment plan that paves the way for you to pursue both your short-term and long-term goals.
We greatly appreciate the trust you have placed in us and look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Jones
Head of the Americas, President and CEO of US
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.
December 2021
Any information in this shareowner report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 3
Portfolio Management Discussion | 10/31/21
In the following interview, Andrew Feltus, Ken Monaghan, and Matt Shulkin discuss the factors that influenced the performance of Pioneer High Yield Fund during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021. Mr. Feltus, Managing Director, Co-Director of High Yield, and a portfolio manager at Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (Amundi US), is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, along with Mr. Monaghan, Managing Director, Co-Director of High Yield, and a portfolio manager at Amundi US, and Mr. Shulkin, a senior vice president and a portfolio manager at Amundi US.
Q | How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | Pioneer High Yield Fund’s Class A shares returned 12.13% at net asset value during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021, while the Fund’s primary benchmark, the ICE Bank of America (ICE BofA) U.S. High Yield Index (the high-yield index), returned 10.74%, and the Fund’s secondary benchmark, the ICE BofA All-Convertibles Speculative Quality Index, returned 72.22%. During the same period, the average return of the 679 mutual funds in Morningstar’s High Yield Bond Funds category was 10.10%. |
Q | Could you please describe the market environment for high yield bonds during the 12-month period? |
A | Entering the period in November 2020, concerns about many issues, including the US presidential election and its potential effects on future government policy, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, dampened investors’ enthusiasm for riskier assets, including equities and high-yield bonds. |
However, once November’s election results were settled, market sentiment improved with the removal of the uncertainty, and then received a further boost when a pair of COVID-19 vaccines were granted emergency-use authorization in December. In addition, US lawmakers, after months of debate, finally reached agreement on a $900 billion pandemic relief package just before the end of the 2020 calendar year. Those factors combined to raise confidence about the US economic outlook heading into 2021. Market participants viewed the vaccines as the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel,” betting that they would help alleviate some of the public-health concerns about the pandemic and
4 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
bring forward the timing of a return to some semblance of economic normalcy after months of lockdowns and other restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. The additional fiscal measures were viewed as offering much needed support for many individuals and businesses. Then, early in 2021, the US government passed yet another ($1.9 trillion) stimulus package on the heels of the smaller December relief bill. In response, riskier assets rallied and Treasury yields moved higher through the end of March.
As the period progressed, the continued highly dovish posture on monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) further improved market sentiment, as the US central bank expressed its intention to remain “on the sidelines” with regard to major policy changes until at least 2023. The Fed based its projection on the view that near-term increases in inflation above the usual 2% target would be “transitory” and not structural. The Fed also messaged that it would look at average inflation over time, rather than feeling compelled to raise the federal funds rate’s target range based on isolated upticks in prices.
However, the “reflation trade” wobbled during June as investors navigated growing apprehension over the spread of COVID-19 variants and a somewhat “hawkish” Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting that month. Treasury market investors reacted to the updated Fed “dot plot” – a quarterly chart summarizing the outlook for the federal funds rate for each FOMC meeting participant – that pointed to a median year-end 2023 target rate of 0.625%, or 50 basis points (bps) higher than the March 2021 forecast. (A basis point is equal to 1/100th of a percentage point.)
Over the summer, the FOMC also shifted its discussions to the process and timing of “tapering” the Fed’s purchases of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities, the first step towards tightening monetary policy. The yield curve saw short-end yields rise and long-end yields fall, while longer-term inflation expectations stabilized. The market’s reaction suggested investors’ doubts regarding the Fed’s long-term commitment to its new average-inflation targeting framework. The hawks prevailed during the September FOMC debate with regard to when to start tapering the asset-purchase program the Fed had enacted at the outset of the pandemic, and at what pace. The FOMC signaled, and Chair Powell affirmed, that a tapering plan would likely be announced in November, and completed by the middle of next year.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 5
While a notable rise in Treasury yields over the 12-month period weighed on returns in the broader fixed-income markets, high-yield corporate issues, which are less sensitive to interest-rate moves, delivered strong gains for the period. Other riskier asset classes, such as emerging market and convertible bonds, also posted strong returns. Within the high-yield corporate bond market, lower-quality issues generally outperformed higher-quality issues over the 12-month period, as credit spreads tightened. (Credit spreads are commonly defined as the differences in yield between Treasuries and other types of fixed-income securities with similar maturities.)
Q | Which of your investment strategies aided or detracted from the Fund's performance relative to the benchmark high-yield index during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | The Fund’s asset allocation and security selection results both contributed positively to benchmark-relative performance during the period. |
For much of the period, we believe the Fund was well positioned in sectors that were benefiting from the broader economic reopening after many months of pandemic-related restrictions on activity. For example, the leisure, energy, and transportation sectors had struggled through much of 2020 as the economy virtually shut down. However, all three sectors outperformed the high-yield index during the 12-month period. Within leisure, after having owned the bonds of AMC Entertainment, the movie theater chain, the Fund participated in an offer that exchanged the company’s senior subordinated notes for shares of common stock. The position subsequently generated strong performance and benefited the Fund’s relative returns. We eventually sold the position from the portfolio. The Fund’s energy exposures also aided benchmark-relative returns. A notable contributor to positive benchmark-relative performance in the sector was a position in the bonds of Shelf Drilling, an owner of shallow-water offshore drilling rigs outside of the US. The bonds performed well, driven higher by accelerating economic activity that pushed oil and gas prices upward during the period. Other positions within energy that contributed positively to the Fund’s benchmark-relative returns for the period included Baytex Energy, an exploration-and-production company focused on oil operations in Western Canada and the Eagle Ford field in Texas.
6 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
The Fund’s non-benchmark allocations to convertible bonds and common stocks also contributed positively to relative returns for the period. Within common stocks, contributions were led by positions in energy issuers that experienced large recoveries after going through significant struggles during the height of the pandemic. In addition, positioning in the media sector provided a strong boost to the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance, from both positive security selection as well as an underweight allocation versus the high-yield index.
On the negative side, the Fund’s allocations to index-based credit-default swaps detracted from relative returns, as did the portfolio’s cash-related positions. We have generally utilized credit-default swaps to help maintain the desired level of portfolio exposure to the high-yield market. Credit-default-swap positions are sometimes used to increase the Fund’s market exposure, but are also used to decrease market exposure at times when we deem that type of positioning to be more appropriate. During the period, as high-yield spreads narrowed to pre-COVID-19 levels, we utilized the (index) credit-default swaps in an attempt to provide a layer of protection for the portfolio. The cash-related holdings, which we maintained to help provide adequate liquidity in the portfolio, were the largest detractors from relative performance.
At the sector level, selection results in utilities and basic industries detracted from the Fund’s relative returns for the 12-month period, as did a portfolio underweight to the retail sector. Within utilities, a position in Talen Energy, a US merchant-energy generator, had a negative return for the period and detracted from the Fund’s relative performance. We still hold the position in the portfolio. Other individual holdings that detracted from the Fund’s benchmark-relative results over the 12-month period included an underweight position in Occidental Petroleum, the large global exploration-and-production company, and Community Health Systems, a large operator of general acute-care hospitals.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 7
Q | Did the Fund have any exposure to derivative securities during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? If so, did the derivatives have any effect on the Fund’s performance? |
A | Yes, as noted and described earlier, the Fund’s credit-default-swap positions detracted from benchmark-relative performance over the 12-month period. The Fund also had exposure to forward foreign currency exchange contracts (currency forwards) during the period, which had minimal effect on performance. |
Q | Did the Fund’s distributions* to shareholders change during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2021? |
A | The Fund’s monthly distribution rate declined over the 12-month period, as high-yield spreads narrowed fairly significantly (to pre-pandemic levels). |
Q | What is your investment outlook? |
A | The functioning of the high-yield market has continued to normalize after the severe dislocations experienced at the outset of the pandemic, and as the economy gradually has recovered from the worst of the COVID-19 situation. In addition, by the close of the period, the sectors that had felt the biggest negative effects of the pandemic had regained traction. As a result, we believe the securities within those sectors are no longer priced to enable them to generate outsized performance compared to the overall market. |
We believe the US economy could be poised to perform well in the coming months. While COVID-19-driven economic support programs have been waning or, like the Fed’s asset purchases, are scheduled to end, consumers have continued to demonstrate high savings rates, which has contributed to pent-up demand. Some of the negative factors continuing to affect economic conditions as of period-end included labor shortages and supply chain difficulties, which have been constraining global as well as domestic growth.
In our view, high-yield spreads could possibly tighten slightly in the coming months. However, we do not expect high-yield spreads to narrow to new record levels.
* | Distributions are not guaranteed. |
8 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
On the policy front, the Fed seems likely to begin tapering its Treasury and mortgage-backed security purchases before the end of this year, and has continued to maintain that it intends to keep short-term interest rates at near-zero levels for the rest of this year and into 2022. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the Fed will increase the federal funds rate target range until after it has completed tapering the bond purchases. We believe issuers of high-yield debt could experience positive financial performance over the next year, but we would not be surprised if the market were to experience periods of volatility as investors digest the Fed’s anticipated policy shifts.
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 19–38 for a full listing of Fund securities.
All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility and heightened uncertainty. The market prices of securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, recessions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues or adverse investor sentiment. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread.
Investments in high-yield or lower-rated securities are subject to greater-than-average price volatility, illiquidity and possibility of default.
When interest rates rise, the prices of fixed-income securities held by the Fund will generally fall. Conversely, when interest rates fall, the prices of fixed-income securities held by the Fund will generally rise.
The Fund's investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). Plans are underway to phase out the use of LIBOR. There remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund, issuers of instruments in which the Fund invests, and financial markets generally.
Investments in the Fund are subject to possible loss due to the financial failure of issuers of underlying securities and their inability to meet their debt obligations.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 9
Prepayment risk is the chance that an issuer may exercise its right to prepay its security, if falling interest rates prompt the issuer to do so. Forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, the Fund would experience a decline in income and lose the opportunity for additional price appreciation.
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities, which during times of fluctuating interest rates may increase or decrease more than other fixed-income securities. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to prepayments.
The Fund may use derivatives, such as options, futures, inverse floating rate obligations, swaps, and others, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the Fund.
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.
These risks may increase share price volatility.
Before investing, consider the product’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Contact your advisor or Amundi for a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Fund’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
10 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
10 Largest Holdings | ||
(As a percentage of total investments)* | ||
1. | U.S. Treasury Bills, 1/6/22 | 2.35% |
2. | U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes, 0.355% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill | |
Money Market Yield + 30 bps), 10/31/21 | 1.41 | |
3. | U.S. Treasury Bills, 11/26/21 | 1.23 |
4. | U.S. Treasury Bills, 12/2/21 | 1.12 |
5. | Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 2.8%, 7/21/23 | 0.88 |
6. | Artera Services LLC, 9.033%, 12/4/25 (144A) | 0.87 |
7. | Crown Cork & Seal Co., Inc., 7.375%, 12/15/26 | 0.85 |
8. | Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., 6.75%, 3/15/26 (144A) | 0.83 |
9. | Baytex Energy Corp., 8.75%, 4/1/27 (144A) | 0.79 |
10. | FAGE International SA/FAGE USA Dairy Industry, Inc., 5.625%, 8/15/26 (144A) | 0.78 |
* | Excludes temporary cash investments and all derivative contracts except for options purchased. The Fund is actively managed, and current holdings may be different. The holdings listed should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities. |
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 11
Prices and Distributions | 10/31/21
Net Asset Value per Share
Class | 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 |
A | $9.64 | $8.99 |
C | $9.84 | $9.18 |
R | $10.93 | $10.20 |
Y | $9.65 | $9.00 |
Distributions per Share: 11/1/20–10/31/21
Net Investment | Short-Term | Long-Term | Tax Return | |
Class | Income | Capital Gains | Capital Gains | of Capital |
A | $0.3589 | $ — | $ — | $0.0706 |
C | $0.2841 | $ — | $ — | $0.0706 |
R | $0.3671 | $ — | $ — | $0.0706 |
Y | $0.3831 | $ — | $ — | $0.0706 |
Index Definitions
The ICE Bank of America (BofA) U.S. High Yield Index is an unmanaged, commonly accepted measure of the performance of high-yield securities. The ICE Bank of America (BofA) All-Convertibles Speculative Quality Index is an unmanaged index of high-yield U.S. convertible securities. Index returns are calculated monthly, assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike fund returns, do not reflect any fees, expense or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The indices defined here pertain to the “Value of $10,000 Investment” and the “Value of $5 Million Investment” charts on pages 13–16.
12 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class A Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class A shares of Pioneer High Yield Fund at public offering price during the periods shown, compared to that of the ICE Bank of America (BofA) U.S. High Yield Index and the ICE BofA All-Convertibles Speculative Quality Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | ||||
(As of October 31, 2021) | ||||
ICE | ICE | |||
Net | Public | BofA | BofA All- | |
Asset | Offering | U.S. High | Convertibles | |
Value | Price | Yield | Speculative | |
Period | (NAV) | (POP) | Index | Quality Index |
10 years | 5.96% | 5.47% | 6.66% | 18.71% |
5 years | 5.54 | 4.57 | 6.25 | 29.93 |
1 year | 12.13 | 7.08 | 10.74 | 72.22 |
Expense Ratio | |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) | |
Gross | Net |
1.17% | 1.10% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
NAV results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. POP returns reflect deduction of maximum 4.50% sales charge. NAV returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation in effect through March 1, 2022 for Class A shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 13
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class C Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class C shares of Pioneer High Yield Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the ICE Bank of America (BofA) U.S. High Yield Index and the ICE BofA All-Convertibles Speculative Quality Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | ||||
(As of October 31, 2021) | ||||
ICE | ICE | |||
BofA | BofA All- | |||
U.S. High | Convertibles | |||
If | If | Yield | Speculative | |
Period | Held | Redeemed | Index | Quality Index |
10 years | 5.18% | N/A | 6.66% | 18.71% |
5 years | 4.71 | N/A | 6.25 | 29.93 |
1 year | 11.13 | 10.13% | 10.74 | 72.22 |
Expense Ratio |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross |
1.87% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class C shares held for less than one year are also subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). “If Held” results represent the percent change in net asset value per share. NAV returns would have been lower had sales charges been reflected. “If Redeemed” returns reflect deduction of the CDSC, assuming a complete redemption of shares at the last price calculated on the last business day of the period. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for a more current expense ratio.
14 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class R Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $10,000 investment made in Class R shares of Pioneer High Yield Fund during the periods shown, compared to that of the ICE Bank of America (BofA) U.S. High Yield Index and the ICE BofA All-Convertibles Speculative Quality Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
(As of October 31, 2021) | |||
ICE | ICE | ||
Net | BofA | BofA All- | |
Asset | U.S. High | Convertibles | |
Value | Yield | Speculative | |
Period | (NAV) | Index | Quality Index |
10 years | 5.56% | 6.66% | 18.71% |
5 years | 5.10 | 6.25 | 29.93 |
1 year | 11.55 | 10.74 | 72.22 |
Expense Ratio |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) |
Gross |
1.51% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class R shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for a more current expense ratio.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 15
Performance Update | 10/31/21 | Class Y Shares |
Investment Returns
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in value of a $5 million investment made in Class Y shares of Pioneer High Yield Fund, during the periods shown, compared to that of the ICE Bank of America (BofA) U.S. High Yield Index and the ICE BofA All-Convertibles Speculative Quality Index.
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
(As of October 31, 2021) | |||
ICE | ICE | ||
Net | BofA | BofA All- | |
Asset | U.S. High | Convertibles | |
Value | Yield | Speculative | |
Period | (NAV) | Index | Quality Index |
10 years | 6.27% | 6.66% | 18.71% |
5 years | 5.83 | 6.25 | 29.93 |
1 year | 12.40 | 10.74 | 72.22 |
Expense Ratio | |
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2021) | |
Gross | Net |
0.87% | 0.85% |
Call 1-800-225-6292 or visit www.amundi.com/us for the most recent month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Class Y shares are not subject to sales charges and are available for limited groups of eligible investors, including institutional investors. All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Other share classes are available for which performance and expenses will differ.
Performance results reflect any applicable expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation in effect through March 1, 2022 for Class Y shares. There can be no assurance that Amundi US will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Please refer to the financial highlights for more current expense ratios.
16 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Comparing Ongoing Fund Expenses
As a shareowner in the Fund, you incur two types of costs:
(1) | ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and |
(2) | transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments. |
This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 at the beginning of the Fund’s latest six-month period and held throughout the six months.
Using the Tables
Actual Expenses
The first table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period as follows:
1. | Divide your account value by $1,000 |
Example: an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6
2. | Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class’s number in the third row under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer High Yield Fund
Based on actual returns from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
Share Class | A | C | R | Y |
Beginning Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value on 5/1/21 | ||||
Ending Account | $1,019.36 | $1,014.79 | $1,017.14 | $1,020.70 |
Value (after expenses) | ||||
on 10/31/21 | ||||
Expenses Paid | $5.60 | $10.06 | $8.08 | $4.33 |
During Period* |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.10%, 1.98%, 1.59%, and 0.85% for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 17
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) that are charged at the time of the transaction. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Expenses Paid on a $1,000 Investment in Pioneer High Yield Fund
Based on a hypothetical 5% return per year before expenses, reflecting the period from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
Share Class | A | C | R | Y |
Beginning Account | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Value on 5/1/21 | ||||
Ending Account | $1,019.66 | $1,015.22 | $1,017.19 | $1,020.92 |
Value (after expenses) | ||||
on 10/31/21 | ||||
Expenses Paid | $5.60 | $10.06 | $8.08 | $4.33 |
During Period* |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.10%, 1.98%, 1.59%, and 0.85% for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
18 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 |
Shares | Value | |
UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 99.5% | ||
COMMON STOCKS — 0.2% of Net Assets | ||
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.2% | ||
40,876(a) | FTS International, Inc. | $ 1,083,214 |
Total Energy Equipment & Services | $ 1,083,214 | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.0%† | ||
23(a) | Amplify Energy Corp. | $ 78 |
6,967,063^(a) | Ascent CNR Corp. | 209,012 |
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | $ 209,090 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||
(Cost $1,105,555) | $ 1,292,304 | |
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK — 0.4% | ||
of Net Assets | ||
Banks — 0.4% | ||
1,561(b) | Wells Fargo & Co., 7.5% | $ 2,372,673 |
Total Banks | $ 2,372,673 | |
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK | ||
(Cost $1,767,833) | $ 2,372,673 | |
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | ||
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS — | ||
0.2% of Net Assets | ||
195,028 | Global Mortgage Securitization, Ltd., Series 2004-A, | |
Class B1, 5.25%, 11/25/32 (144A) | $ 126,910 | |
900,000 | Med Trust, Series 2021-MDLN, Class G, 0.0%, | |
11/15/26 (144A) | 900,000 | |
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS | ||
(Cost $1,090,509) | $ 1,026,910 | |
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 3.1% | ||
of Net Assets | ||
Airlines — 0.7% | ||
1,437,000 | Air Canada, 4.0%, 7/1/25 | $ 2,025,925 |
2,986,000 | Spirit Airlines, Inc., 1.0%, 5/15/26 | 2,685,609 |
Total Airlines | $ 4,711,534 | |
Biotechnology — 0.3% | ||
730,000 | Insmed, Inc., 0.75%, 6/1/28 | $ 850,158 |
1,244,000 | Insmed, Inc., 1.75%, 1/15/25 | 1,311,675 |
Total Biotechnology | $ 2,161,833 | |
Commercial Services — 0.0%† | ||
50 | Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings LLC, 2.0%, 10/1/23 | $ 49 |
Total Commercial Services | $ 49 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 19
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.5% | ||
2,600,000(c) | Enphase Energy, Inc., 3/1/28 (144A) | $ 2,914,240 |
Total Energy-Alternate Sources | $ 2,914,240 | |
Entertainment — 0.5% | ||
1,974,000(c) | DraftKings, Inc., 3/15/28 (144A) | $ 1,721,212 |
1,369,000 | IMAX Corp., 0.5%, 4/1/26 (144A) | 1,351,532 |
Total Entertainment | $ 3,072,744 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 0.4% | ||
2,035,000 | Revance Therapeutics, Inc., 1.75%, 2/15/27 | $ 1,687,360 |
2,122,000 | Tricida, Inc., 3.5%, 5/15/27 | 951,929 |
Total Pharmaceuticals | $ 2,639,289 | |
REIT — 0.2% | ||
971,000 | Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., 1.5%, 2/15/26 | $ 1,038,221 |
Total REIT | $ 1,038,221 | |
Software — 0.5% | ||
1,100,000 | Bentley Systems, Inc., 0.375%, 7/1/27 (144A) | $ 1,112,349 |
855,000 | Jamf Holding Corp., 0.125%, 9/1/26 (144A) | 995,986 |
1,450,000 | Verint Systems, Inc., 0.25%, 4/15/26 (144A) | 1,432,795 |
Total Software | $ 3,541,130 | |
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS | ||
(Cost $20,620,920) | $ 20,079,040 | |
CORPORATE BONDS — 86.7% of Net Assets | ||
Advertising — 2.2% | ||
300,000 | Clear Channel International BV, 6.625%, 8/1/25 (144A) | $ 312,000 |
2,400,000 | Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 7.5%, | |
6/1/29 (144A) | 2,454,900 | |
1,430,000 | Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 7.75%, | |
4/15/28 (144A) | 1,480,701 | |
990,000 | Lamar Media Corp., 3.625%, 1/15/31 | 970,833 |
3,915,000 | Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, 5.625%, 8/15/29 (144A) | 3,993,731 |
1,080,000 | Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital | |
Corp., 4.25%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 1,058,400 | |
975,000 | Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital | |
Corp., 6.25%, 6/15/25 (144A) | 1,020,094 | |
2,512,000 | Summer BC Bidco B LLC, 5.5%, 10/31/26 (144A) | 2,555,960 |
Total Advertising | $ 13,846,619 | |
Aerospace & Defense — 0.8% | ||
1,430,000 | Bombardier, Inc., 6.0%, 2/15/28 (144A) | $ 1,442,513 |
1,545,000 | Bombardier, Inc., 7.125%, 6/15/26 (144A) | 1,620,241 |
1,980,000 | Bombardier, Inc., 7.875%, 4/15/27 (144A) | 2,057,913 |
Total Aerospace & Defense | $ 5,120,667 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Airlines — 0.8% | ||
450,000 | Air Canada, 3.875%, 8/15/26 (144A) | $ 455,625 |
630,000 | American Airlines 2021-1 Class B Pass Through Trust, | |
3.95%, 7/11/30 | 630,000 | |
955,000 | American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP, Ltd., | |
5.5%, 4/20/26 (144A) | 1,001,534 | |
795,000 | American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP, Ltd., | |
5.75%, 4/20/29 (144A) | 855,619 | |
2,036,000 | Delta Air Lines, Inc., 3.75%, 10/28/29 | 2,069,906 |
Total Airlines | $ 5,012,684 | |
Auto Manufacturers — 3.5% | ||
2,345,000 | Allison Transmission, Inc., 3.75%, 1/30/31 (144A) | $ 2,254,131 |
950,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.7%, 8/10/26 | 948,898 |
1,480,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 3.375%, 11/13/25 | 1,520,330 |
1,900,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 3.625%, 6/17/31 | 1,921,375 |
730,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.0%, 11/13/30 | 761,938 |
3,110,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.125%, 8/17/27 | 3,300,488 |
3,095,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.134%, 8/4/25 | 3,269,094 |
1,635,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.542%, 8/1/26 | 1,760,535 |
1,825,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 5.113%, 5/3/29 | 2,028,031 |
4,221,000 | JB Poindexter & Co., Inc., 7.125%, 4/15/26 (144A) | 4,437,326 |
Total Auto Manufacturers | $ 22,202,146 | |
Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.0% | ||
3,129,000 | American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., 6.25%, 3/15/26 | $ 3,215,047 |
3,198,000 | Dealer Tire LLC/DT Issuer LLC, 8.0%, 2/1/28 (144A) | 3,325,920 |
Total Auto Parts & Equipment | $ 6,540,967 | |
Banks — 0.4% | ||
250,000 | Freedom Mortgage Corp., 6.625%, 1/15/27 (144A) | $ 236,875 |
1,896,000 | Freedom Mortgage Corp., 8.125%, 11/15/24 (144A) | 1,913,974 |
736,000 | Freedom Mortgage Corp., 8.25%, 4/15/25 (144A) | 743,360 |
Total Banks | $ 2,894,209 | |
Biotechnology — 0.5% | ||
3,040,000 | Grifols Escrow Issuer SA, 4.75%, 10/15/28 (144A) | $ 3,085,600 |
Total Biotechnology | $ 3,085,600 | |
Building Materials — 2.6% | ||
1,110,000 | Builders FirstSource, Inc., 4.25%, 2/1/32 (144A) | $ 1,118,813 |
270,000 | Builders FirstSource, Inc., 5.0%, 3/1/30 (144A) | 285,187 |
2,281,000 | Builders FirstSource, Inc., 6.75%, 6/1/27 (144A) | 2,403,604 |
3,035,000 | Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., 6.125%, | |
1/15/29 (144A) | 3,148,813 | |
1,420,000 | CP Atlas Buyer, Inc., 7.0%, 12/1/28 (144A) | 1,373,850 |
1,217,000 | Koppers, Inc., 6.0%, 2/15/25 (144A) | 1,246,123 |
3,599,000 | Patrick Industries, Inc., 7.5%, 10/15/27 (144A) | 3,855,429 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 21
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Building Materials — (continued) | ||
305,000 | PGT Innovations, Inc., 4.375%, 10/1/29 (144A) | $ 303,475 |
130,000 | Summit Materials LLC/Summit Materials Finance | |
Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 136,175 | |
2,918,000 | Summit Materials LLC/Summit Materials Finance | |
Corp., 6.5%, 3/15/27 (144A) | 3,049,310 | |
Total Building Materials | $ 16,920,779 | |
Chemicals — 2.7% | ||
1,480,000 | Hexion, Inc., 7.875%, 7/15/27 (144A) | $ 1,568,800 |
1,040,000 | Kraton Polymers LLC/Kraton Polymers Capital Corp., | |
4.25%, 12/15/25 (144A) | 1,075,100 | |
2,328,000 | OCI NV, 4.625%, 10/15/25 (144A) | 2,421,120 |
627,000 | OCI NV, 5.25%, 11/1/24 (144A) | 643,459 |
1,976,000 | Olin Corp., 5.0%, 2/1/30 | 2,084,680 |
690,000 | Olympus Water US Holding Corp., 6.25%, | |
10/1/29 (144A) | 688,275 | |
1,445,000 | SCIL IV LLC/SCIL USA Holdings LLC, 5.375%, | |
11/1/26 (144A) | 1,457,384 | |
930,000 | SPCM SA, 3.125%, 3/15/27 (144A) | 919,537 |
2,880,000 | Trinseo Materials Operating SCA/Trinseo Materials | |
Finance, Inc., 5.125%, 4/1/29 (144A) | 2,888,064 | |
2,505,000 | Tronox, Inc., 4.625%, 3/15/29 (144A) | 2,455,727 |
1,218,000 | Tronox, Inc., 6.5%, 5/1/25 (144A) | 1,280,422 |
Total Chemicals | $ 17,482,568 | |
Commercial Services — 4.9% | ||
590,000 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance | |
Corp., 6.0%, 6/1/29 (144A) | $ 581,457 | |
1,410,000 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance | |
Corp., 6.625%, 7/15/26 (144A) | 1,482,618 | |
1,025,000 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance | |
Corp./Atlas Luxco 4 S.a.r.l., 4.625%, 6/1/28 | ||
(144A) | 1,016,718 | |
1,924,000 | APX Group, Inc., 5.75%, 7/15/29 (144A) | 1,907,165 |
1,710,000 | APX Group, Inc., 6.75%, 2/15/27 (144A) | 1,804,050 |
2,030,000 | Brink’s Co., 5.5%, 7/15/25 (144A) | 2,127,643 |
3,855,000 | CoreLogic, Inc., 4.5%, 5/1/28 (144A) | 3,809,010 |
295,000 | Garda World Security Corp., 4.625%, 2/15/27 (144A) | 292,050 |
3,008,000 | Garda World Security Corp., 9.5%, 11/1/27 (144A) | 3,248,640 |
1,050,000 | Gartner, Inc., 3.625%, 6/15/29 (144A) | 1,055,250 |
1,155,000 | HealthEquity, Inc., 4.5%, 10/1/29 (144A) | 1,167,994 |
1,470,000 | NESCO Holdings II, Inc., 5.5%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 1,488,375 |
800,000 | Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., 4.5%, | |
7/15/29 (144A) | 782,200 | |
805,000 | Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., 4.75%, | |
7/15/31 (144A) | 784,553 | |
975,000 | Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime | |
Finance, Inc., 5.25%, 4/15/24 (144A) | 1,037,156 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Commercial Services — (continued) | ||
1,870,000 | Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime | |
Finance, Inc., 5.75%, 4/15/26 (144A) | $ 2,000,245 | |
4,165,000 | Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime | |
Finance, Inc., 6.25%, 1/15/28 (144A) | 4,269,125 | |
2,279,000 | Sotheby’s, 7.375%, 10/15/27 (144A) | 2,407,057 |
Total Commercial Services | $ 31,261,306 | |
Computers — 1.2% | ||
645,000 | CA Magnum Holdings, 5.375%, 10/31/26 (144A) | $ 661,970 |
330,000 | Diebold Nixdorf, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/24 | 329,587 |
2,605,000 | Diebold Nixdorf, Inc., 9.375%, 7/15/25 (144A) | 2,806,888 |
2,070,000 | KBR, Inc., 4.75%, 9/30/28 (144A) | 2,111,400 |
1,275,000 | NCR Corp., 5.0%, 10/1/28 (144A) | 1,290,938 |
635,000 | NCR Corp., 5.25%, 10/1/30 (144A) | 654,050 |
Total Computers | $ 7,854,833 | |
Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.5% | ||
3,080,000 | Edgewell Personal Care Co., 5.5%, 6/1/28 (144A) | $ 3,222,160 |
Total Cosmetics/Personal Care | $ 3,222,160 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 3.6% | ||
2,360,000 | Alliance Data Systems Corp., 4.75%, 12/15/24 (144A) | $ 2,414,263 |
3,261,284(d) | Avation Capital SA, 8.25% (8.25% PIK 9.00% cash), | |
10/31/26 (144A) | 2,706,866 | |
3,425,466(d) | Global Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd., 6.5% (7.25% PIK 6.50% | |
cash), 9/15/24 (144A) | 3,325,614 | |
1,790,000 | Jefferies Finance LLC/JFIN Co.-Issuer Corp., 5.0%, | |
8/15/28 (144A) | 1,814,272 | |
1,275,000 | Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc., 5.5%, | |
8/15/28 (144A) | 1,303,687 | |
1,985,000 | OneMain Finance Corp., 3.5%, 1/15/27 | 1,940,338 |
3,538,000 | Provident Funding Associates LP/PFG Finance Corp., | |
6.375%, 6/15/25 (144A) | 3,555,690 | |
1,965,000 | United Wholesale Mortgage LLC, 5.5%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 1,910,963 |
3,806,000 | VistaJet Malta Finance Plc/XO Management | |
Holding, Inc., 10.5%, 6/1/24 (144A) | 4,108,196 | |
Total Diversified Financial Services | $ 23,079,889 | |
Electric — 2.7% | ||
875,000 | Calpine Corp., 4.625%, 2/1/29 (144A) | $ 848,750 |
1,133,000 | Calpine Corp., 5.25%, 6/1/26 (144A) | 1,165,800 |
1,640,000 | Clearway Energy Operating LLC, 3.75%, 2/15/31 (144A) | 1,623,600 |
850,000 | Clearway Energy Operating LLC, 3.75%, 1/15/32 (144A) | 845,903 |
940,000 | Leeward Renewable Energy Operations LLC, 4.25%, | |
7/1/29 (144A) | 944,606 | |
915,000 | NRG Energy, Inc., 3.375%, 2/15/29 (144A) | 892,125 |
1,315,000 | NRG Energy, Inc., 3.625%, 2/15/31 (144A) | 1,282,125 |
2,675,000 | NRG Energy, Inc., 3.875%, 2/15/32 (144A) | 2,621,500 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 23
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Electric — (continued) | ||
210,267 | NSG Holdings LLC/NSG Holdings, Inc., 7.75%, | |
12/15/25 (144A) | $ 224,986 | |
2,830,000 | Talen Energy Supply LLC, 7.625%, 6/1/28 (144A) | 2,702,650 |
1,075,000 | Vistra Operations Co. LLC, 4.375%, 5/1/29 (144A) | 1,064,250 |
2,852,000 | Vistra Operations Co. LLC, 5.625%, 2/15/27 (144A) | 2,938,473 |
Total Electric | $ 17,154,768 | |
Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.5% | ||
1,800,000 | Energizer Holdings, Inc., 4.75%, 6/15/28 (144A) | $ 1,797,750 |
1,390,000 | WESCO Distribution, Inc., 7.125%, 6/15/25 (144A) | 1,473,400 |
Total Electrical Components & Equipment | $ 3,271,150 | |
Electronics — 0.4% | ||
940,000 | Atkore, Inc., 4.25%, 6/1/31 (144A) | $ 949,400 |
795,000 | Sensata Technologies, Inc., 3.75%, 2/15/31 (144A) | 784,069 |
615,000 | TTM Technologies, Inc., 4.0%, 3/1/29 (144A) | 610,270 |
Total Electronics | $ 2,343,739 | |
Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.5% | ||
475,000 | Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure Plc, 4.125%, | |
6/15/28 (144A) | $ 483,906 | |
2,570,000 | Renewable Energy Group, Inc., 5.875%, 6/1/28 (144A) | 2,701,713 |
Total Energy-Alternate Sources | $ 3,185,619 | |
Engineering & Construction — 1.7% | ||
1,125,000 | Arcosa, Inc., 4.375%, 4/15/29 (144A) | $ 1,141,875 |
5,175,000 | Artera Services LLC, 9.033%, 12/4/25 (144A) | 5,524,312 |
2,556,000 | Dycom Industries, Inc., 4.5%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 2,594,340 |
1,450,000 | TopBuild Corp., 4.125%, 2/15/32 (144A) | 1,462,688 |
Total Engineering & Construction | $ 10,723,215 | |
Entertainment — 2.9% | ||
740,000 | Boyne USA, Inc., 4.75%, 5/15/29 (144A) | $ 756,650 |
990,000 | Caesars Entertainment, Inc., 4.625%, 10/15/29 (144A) | 994,752 |
3,536,000 | Caesars Entertainment, Inc., 8.125%, 7/1/27 (144A) | 3,960,497 |
2,030,000 | Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC, 5.5%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 2,075,675 |
3,110,000 | Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, 8.0%, 2/1/26 (144A) | 3,195,525 |
3,958,000 | Scientific Games International, Inc., 8.25%, | |
3/15/26 (144A) | 4,200,427 | |
3,230,000 | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., 5.25%, | |
8/15/29 (144A) | 3,290,563 | |
Total Entertainment | $ 18,474,089 | |
Environmental Control — 0.7% | ||
875,000 | GFL Environmental, Inc., 4.0%, 8/1/28 (144A) | $ 853,125 |
2,505,000 | GFL Environmental, Inc., 4.375%, 8/15/29 (144A) | 2,481,002 |
1,337,000 | Tervita Corp., 11.0%, 12/1/25 (144A) | 1,537,617 |
Total Environmental Control | $ 4,871,744 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Food — 2.1% | ||
4,870,000 | FAGE International SA/FAGE USA Dairy Industry, | |
Inc., 5.625%, 8/15/26 (144A) | $ 4,991,750 | |
2,580,000 | Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., 4.125%, 1/31/30 (144A) | 2,582,451 |
2,580,000 | Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., 4.375%, 1/31/32 (144A) | 2,583,818 |
1,586,000 | Simmons Foods, Inc./Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc./ | |
Simmons Pet Food, Inc./Simmons Feed, 4.625%, | ||
3/1/29 (144A) | 1,601,860 | |
1,835,000 | US Foods, Inc., 4.75%, 2/15/29 (144A) | 1,856,598 |
Total Food | $ 13,616,477 | |
Forest Products & Paper — 2.3% | ||
1,318,000 | Clearwater Paper Corp., 4.75%, 8/15/28 (144A) | $ 1,336,122 |
1,535,000 | Glatfelter Corp., 4.75%, 11/15/29 (144A) | 1,562,477 |
4,605,000 | Mercer International, Inc., 5.125%, 2/1/29 | 4,578,383 |
3,858,000 | Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., 6.875%, | |
10/1/26 (144A) | 4,026,787 | |
3,180,000 | Sylvamo Corp., 7.0%, 9/1/29 (144A) | 3,195,900 |
Total Forest Products & Paper | $ 14,699,669 | |
Healthcare-Products — 0.5% | ||
2,330,000 | Mozart Debt Merger Sub, Inc., 3.875%, 4/1/29 (144A) | $ 2,320,028 |
1,020,000 | Mozart Debt Merger Sub, Inc., 5.25%, 10/1/29 (144A) | 1,035,300 |
Total Healthcare-Products | $ 3,355,328 | |
Healthcare-Services — 1.8% | ||
1,060,000 | LifePoint Health, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/29 (144A) | $ 1,038,800 |
920,000 | ModivCare Escrow Issuer, Inc., 5.0%, 10/1/29 (144A) | 935,796 |
1,960,000 | Prime Healthcare Services, Inc., 7.25%, 11/1/25 (144A) | 2,087,400 |
3,478,000 | Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., 10.0%, 4/15/27 (144A) | 3,733,668 |
1,165,000 | US Acute Care Solutions LLC, 6.375%, 3/1/26 (144A) | 1,208,687 |
2,287,000 | US Renal Care, Inc., 10.625%, 7/15/27 (144A) | 2,371,505 |
Total Healthcare-Services | $ 11,375,856 | |
Home Builders — 2.8% | ||
775,000 | Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co., | |
4.625%, 4/1/30 (144A) | $ 761,437 | |
3,790,000 | Beazer Homes USA, Inc., 6.75%, 3/15/25 | 3,913,175 |
1,405,000 | Beazer Homes USA, Inc., 7.25%, 10/15/29 | 1,534,963 |
3,380,000 | KB Home, 4.0%, 6/15/31 | 3,426,475 |
1,865,000 | M/I Homes, Inc., 3.95%, 2/15/30 (144A) | 1,841,688 |
3,165,000 | M/I Homes, Inc., 4.95%, 2/1/28 | 3,291,600 |
2,963,000 | Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc., 5.875%, | |
6/15/27 (144A) | 3,314,856 | |
Total Home Builders | $ 18,084,194 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 25
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | |||
Amount | |||
USD ($) | Value | ||
Household Products/Wares — 0.4% | |||
870,000 | Central Garden & Pet Co., 4.125%, 4/30/31 (144A) | $ 870,000 | |
1,360,000 | Spectrum Brands, Inc., 5.5%, 7/15/30 (144A) | 1,468,800 | |
Total Household Products/Wares | $ 2,338,800 | ||
Housewares — 0.3% | |||
2,105,000 | Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., 4.0%, 4/1/31 (144A) | $ 2,087,844 | |
Total Housewares | $ 2,087,844 | ||
Internet — 0.4% | |||
2,161,000 | Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 11/15/29 (144A) | $ 2,606,555 | |
Total Internet | $ 2,606,555 | ||
Iron & Steel — 2.1% | |||
765,000 | Allegheny Technologies, Inc., 4.875%, 10/1/29 | $ 764,464 | |
425,000 | Allegheny Technologies, Inc., 5.125%, 10/1/31 | 423,385 | |
1,474,000 | Carpenter Technology Corp., 6.375%, 7/15/28 | 1,559,247 | |
4,993,000 | Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., 6.75%, 3/15/26 (144A) | 5,317,545 | |
192,000 | Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., 9.875%, 10/17/25 (144A) | 219,840 | |
794,000 | Commercial Metals Co., 3.875%, 2/15/31 | 786,060 | |
1,230,000 | Commercial Metals Co., 5.375%, 7/15/27 | 1,285,350 | |
2,985,000 | TMS International Corp., 6.25%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 3,082,013 | |
Total Iron & Steel | $ 13,437,904 | ||
Leisure Time — 1.8% | |||
365,000 | Carnival Corp., 7.625%, 3/1/26 (144A) | $ 384,560 | |
EUR | 475,000 | Carnival Corp., 7.625%, 3/1/26 (144A) | 589,682 |
500,000 | Carnival Corp., 10.5%, 2/1/26 (144A) | 581,000 | |
2,130,000 | NCL Corp., Ltd., 5.875%, 3/15/26 (144A) | 2,135,325 | |
585,000 | NCL Finance, Ltd., 6.125%, 3/15/28 (144A) | 590,119 | |
2,250,000 | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 9.125%, 6/15/23 (144A) | 2,443,005 | |
709,000 | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 11.5%, 6/1/25 (144A) | 805,601 | |
2,978,000 | Viking Cruises, Ltd., 5.875%, 9/15/27 (144A) | 2,877,493 | |
1,165,000 | Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII, Ltd., 5.625%, | ||
2/15/29 (144A) | 1,156,263 | ||
Total Leisure Time | $ 11,563,048 | ||
Lodging — 0.5% | |||
1,810,000 | Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Escrow LLC/ | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Esc, 5.0%, | |||
6/1/29 (144A) | $ 1,845,747 | ||
1,270,000 | Travel + Leisure Co., 6.625%, 7/31/26 (144A) | 1,418,184 | |
Total Lodging | $ 3,263,931 | ||
Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.2% | |||
1,535,000 | Terex Corp., 5.0%, 5/15/29 (144A) | $ 1,565,700 | |
Total Machinery-Construction & Mining | $ 1,565,700 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Media — 2.6% | ||
1,140,000 | CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., | |
4.5%, 6/1/33 (144A) | $ 1,137,150 | |
2,290,000 | CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., | |
5.0%, 2/1/28 (144A) | 2,381,600 | |
2,869,000 | CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., | |
5.125%, 5/1/27 (144A) | 2,973,001 | |
200,000 | CSC Holdings LLC, 5.0%, 11/15/31 (144A) | 185,699 |
2,000,000 | CSC Holdings LLC, 5.375%, 2/1/28 (144A) | 2,060,000 |
2,672,000 | CSC Holdings LLC, 7.5%, 4/1/28 (144A) | 2,845,680 |
1,754,000 | Diamond Sports Group LLC/Diamond Sports Finance | |
Co., 6.625%, 8/15/27 (144A) | 523,069 | |
3,331,000 | Mav Acquisition Corp., 8.0%, 8/1/29 (144A) | 3,239,398 |
1,135,000 | News Corp., 3.875%, 5/15/29 (144A) | 1,152,025 |
Total Media | $ 16,497,622 | |
Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 0.0%† | ||
130,000 | Roller Bearing Co. of America, Inc., 4.375%, | |
10/15/29 (144A) | $ 132,438 | |
Total Metal Fabricate/Hardware | $ 132,438 | |
Mining — 2.2% | ||
2,025,000 | Coeur Mining, Inc., 5.125%, 2/15/29 (144A) | $ 1,962,022 |
3,843,000 | Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.25%, 9/1/29 (144A) | 3,901,798 |
625,000 | First Quantum Minerals, Ltd., 6.875%, 3/1/26 (144A) | 650,781 |
1,680,000 | First Quantum Minerals, Ltd., 6.875%, 10/15/27 (144A) | 1,793,400 |
730,000 | First Quantum Minerals, Ltd., 7.25%, 4/1/23 (144A) | 741,680 |
2,238,000 | IAMGOLD Corp., 5.75%, 10/15/28 (144A) | 2,198,835 |
1,023,000 | Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc., 8.5%, 8/1/28 (144A) | 1,138,088 |
600,000 | Novelis Corp., 3.25%, 11/15/26 (144A) | 598,500 |
900,000 | Novelis Corp., 3.875%, 8/15/31 (144A) | 878,670 |
Total Mining | $ 13,863,774 | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturer — 0.2% | ||
1,095,000 | Hillenbrand, Inc., 3.75%, 3/1/31 | $ 1,070,362 |
Total Miscellaneous Manufacturer | $ 1,070,362 | |
Oil & Gas — 8.6% | ||
2,066,000 | Aethon United BR LP/Aethon United Finance Corp., | |
8.25%, 2/15/26 (144A) | $ 2,219,318 | |
1,770,000 | Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ARU Finance | |
Corp., 5.875%, 6/30/29 (144A) | 1,791,736 | |
4,700,000 | Baytex Energy Corp., 8.75%, 4/1/27 (144A) | 5,017,250 |
1,485,000 | Colgate Energy Partners III LLC, 7.75%, 2/15/26 (144A) | 1,585,237 |
3,360,000 | Harbour Energy Plc, 5.5%, 10/15/26 (144A) | 3,338,362 |
1,375,000 | Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co., 6.0%, | |
2/1/31 (144A) | 1,411,263 | |
1,365,000 | Kosmos Energy, Ltd., 7.75%, 5/1/27 (144A) | 1,365,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 27
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Oil & Gas — (continued) | ||
2,535,000 | MEG Energy Corp., 5.875%, 2/1/29 (144A) | $ 2,607,881 |
1,245,000 | MEG Energy Corp., 7.125%, 2/1/27 (144A) | 1,307,250 |
1,739,000 | Nabors Industries Ltd., 7.5%, 1/15/28 (144A) | 1,652,050 |
3,259,000 | Neptune Energy Bondco Plc, 6.625%, 5/15/25 (144A) | 3,332,327 |
3,320,000 | Occidental Petroleum Corp., 4.4%, 4/15/46 | 3,359,063 |
665,000 | Occidental Petroleum Corp., 5.5%, 12/1/25 | 731,433 |
1,790,000 | Parkland Corp., 5.875%, 7/15/27 (144A) | 1,890,688 |
367,000 | PBF Holding Co. LLC/PBF Finance Corp., 9.25%, | |
5/15/25 (144A) | 357,825 | |
1,412,000 | Precision Drilling Corp., 6.875%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 1,457,890 |
1,628,000 | Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd., 8.25%, 2/15/25 (144A) | 1,257,142 |
1,635,000 | Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd., 8.875%, 11/15/24 (144A) | 1,692,111 |
2,820,000 | Southwestern Energy Co., 5.375%, 2/1/29 (144A) | 2,975,100 |
2,988,000 | Southwestern Energy Co., 5.375%, 3/15/30 | 3,152,280 |
3,226,000 | Strathcona Resources, Ltd., 6.875%, 8/1/26 (144A) | 3,206,741 |
1,885,000 | Sunoco LP/Sunoco Finance Corp., 4.5%, 4/30/30 (144A) | 1,901,626 |
3,335,000 | Tap Rock Resources LLC, 7.0%, 10/1/26 (144A) | 3,435,050 |
1,837,944 | Transocean Sentry, Ltd., 5.375%, 5/15/23 (144A) | 1,801,185 |
2,240,000 | Tullow Oil Plc, 10.25%, 5/15/26 (144A) | 2,359,840 |
Total Oil & Gas | $ 55,205,648 | |
Oil & Gas Services — 0.2% | ||
1,448,000 | Exterran Energy Solutions LP/EES Finance Corp., | |
8.125%, 5/1/25 | $ 1,400,940 | |
Total Oil & Gas Services | $ 1,400,940 | |
Packaging & Containers — 2.3% | ||
4,453,000 | Crown Cork & Seal Co., Inc., 7.375%, 12/15/26 | $ 5,388,175 |
4,592,000 | Greif, Inc., 6.5%, 3/1/27 (144A) | 4,775,680 |
1,805,000 | Intertape Polymer Group, Inc., 4.375%, 6/15/29 (144A) | 1,809,512 |
2,955,000 | TriMas Corp., 4.125%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 2,991,938 |
Total Packaging & Containers | $ 14,965,305 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 2.6% | ||
1,420,000 | AdaptHealth LLC, 5.125%, 3/1/30 (144A) | $ 1,427,100 |
2,087,000 | Bausch Health Americas, Inc., 8.5%, 1/31/27 (144A) | 2,214,829 |
1,259,000 | Endo Dac/Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., | |
9.5%, 7/31/27 (144A) | 1,249,557 | |
1,800,000 | Jazz Securities, DAC, 4.375%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 1,849,500 |
1,700,000 | P&L Development LLC/PLD Finance Corp., | |
7.75%, 11/15/25 (144A) | 1,740,375 | |
2,749,000 | Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., 7.5%, 4/1/27 (144A) | 2,773,054 |
5,598,000 | Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, | |
2.8%, 7/21/23 | 5,638,865 | |
Total Pharmaceuticals | $ 16,893,280 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Pipelines — 4.6% | ||
4,634,000 | CQP Holdco LP/BIP-V Chinook Holdco LLC, 5.5%, | |
6/15/31 (144A) | $ 4,819,360 | |
3,400,000 | DCP Midstream Operating LP, 5.6%, 4/1/44 | 4,080,000 |
2,606,000 | Delek Logistics Partners LP/Delek Logistics Finance | |
Corp., 6.75%, 5/15/25 | 2,658,120 | |
1,215,000 | Delek Logistics Partners LP/Delek Logistics Finance | |
Corp., 7.125%, 6/1/28 (144A) | 1,272,712 | |
3,520,000(b)(e) | Energy Transfer LP, 7.125% (5 Year CMT | |
Index + 531 bps) | 3,681,920 | |
68,000 | EnLink Midstream LLC, 5.375%, 6/1/29 | 70,380 |
1,375,000 | EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 4.15%, 6/1/25 | 1,435,335 |
685,000 | EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 5.05%, 4/1/45 | 652,462 |
1,313,000 | EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 5.6%, 4/1/44 | 1,287,922 |
1,295,000 | Genesis Energy LP/Genesis Energy Finance Corp., | |
8.0%, 1/15/27 | 1,301,087 | |
2,195,000 | Golar LNG Ltd., 7.0%, 10/20/25 (144A) | 2,145,613 |
4,126,000 | Harvest Midstream I LP, 7.5%, 9/1/28 (144A) | 4,332,300 |
585,000 | Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC, 3.875%, | |
8/15/29 (144A) | 596,232 | |
875,000 | Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC, 4.125%, | |
8/15/31 (144A) | 905,581 | |
Total Pipelines | $ 29,239,024 | |
Real Estate — 0.4% | ||
2,470,000 | Kennedy-Wilson, Inc., 4.75%, 2/1/30 | $ 2,485,438 |
Total Real Estate | $ 2,485,438 | |
REITs — 2.8% | ||
2,725,000 | HAT Holdings I LLC/HAT Holdings II LLC, 3.375%, | |
6/15/26 (144A) | $ 2,701,156 | |
4,723,000 | Iron Mountain, Inc., 4.875%, 9/15/27 (144A) | 4,873,569 |
1,780,000 | iStar, Inc., 4.25%, 8/1/25 | 1,824,500 |
3,190,000 | iStar, Inc., 4.75%, 10/1/24 | 3,370,235 |
2,890,000 | Uniti Group LP/Uniti Fiber Holdings, Inc./CSL | |
Capital LLC, 6.0%, 1/15/30 (144A) | 2,853,875 | |
2,090,000 | Uniti Group LP/Uniti Group Finance, Inc./CSL | |
Capital LLC, 6.5%, 2/15/29 (144A) | 2,114,213 | |
Total REITs | $ 17,737,548 | |
Retail — 4.0% | ||
2,660,000 | AAG FH LP/AAG FH Finco, Inc., 9.75%, 7/15/24 (144A) | $ 2,626,830 |
835,000 | Ambience Merger Sub, Inc., 7.125%, 7/15/29 (144A) | 804,623 |
1,409,000 | Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., 4.5%, 3/1/28 | 1,433,657 |
905,000 | Bath & Body Works, Inc., 6.625%, 10/1/30 (144A) | 1,013,328 |
1,845,000 | Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 4.125%, 5/15/29 (144A) | 1,815,019 |
650,000 | Bloomin’ Brands, Inc./OSI Restaurant Partners LLC, | |
5.125%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 642,492 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 29
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Retail — (continued) | ||
465,000 | Gap, Inc., 3.625%, 10/1/29 (144A) | $ 455,700 |
465,000 | Gap, Inc., 3.875%, 10/1/31 (144A) | 455,700 |
1,490,000 | Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 4.0%, 8/15/28 (144A) | 1,490,298 |
275,000 | GYP Holdings III Corp., 4.625%, 5/1/29 (144A) | 271,562 |
865,000 | Ken Garff Automotive LLC, 4.875%, 9/15/28 (144A) | 875,812 |
3,775,000 | LCM Investments Holdings II LLC, 4.875%, | |
5/1/29 (144A) | 3,876,245 | |
1,165,000 | Lithia Motors, Inc., 3.875%, 6/1/29 (144A) | 1,207,231 |
995,000 | Macy’s Retail Holdings LLC, 5.875%, 4/1/29 (144A) | 1,060,357 |
1,710,000 | Murphy Oil USA, Inc., 3.75%, 2/15/31 (144A) | 1,682,213 |
1,461,000 | Party City Holdings, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/26 (144A) | 1,493,873 |
1,195,000 | QVC, Inc., 4.75%, 2/15/27 | 1,251,022 |
675,000 | SRS Distribution, Inc., 4.625%, 7/1/28 (144A) | 690,053 |
450,000 | SRS Distribution, Inc., 6.125%, 7/1/29 (144A) | 462,938 |
1,834,000 | Staples, Inc., 7.5%, 4/15/26 (144A) | 1,852,340 |
Total Retail | $ 25,461,293 | |
Semiconductors — 0.4% | ||
2,345,000 | Entegris, Inc., 3.625%, 5/1/29 (144A) | $ 2,362,587 |
Total Semiconductors | $ 2,362,587 | |
Telecommunications — 4.1% | ||
4,507,000 | Altice France Holding SA, 6.0%, 2/15/28 (144A) | $ 4,281,650 |
465,000 | Altice France SA, 5.125%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 451,050 |
2,180,000 | Altice France SA, 5.125%, 7/15/29 (144A) | 2,123,167 |
1,510,000 | CommScope Technologies LLC, 5.0%, 3/15/27 (144A) | 1,401,037 |
2,210,000 | CommScope, Inc., 4.75%, 9/1/29 (144A) | 2,168,452 |
1,081,000 | CommScope, Inc., 8.25%, 3/1/27 (144A) | 1,101,474 |
40,000 | Level 3 Financing, Inc., 3.75%, 7/15/29 (144A) | 37,800 |
3,168,000 | Level 3 Financing, Inc., 4.625%, 9/15/27 (144A) | 3,247,200 |
2,492,000 | LogMeIn, Inc., 5.5%, 9/1/27 (144A) | 2,494,218 |
800,000 | Lumen Technologies, Inc., 4.0%, 2/15/27 (144A) | 804,000 |
3,270,000 | Lumen Technologies, Inc., 4.5%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 3,159,638 |
2,120,000 | Plantronics, Inc., 4.75%, 3/1/29 (144A) | 1,945,100 |
2,685,000 | Windstream Escrow LLC/Windstream Escrow | |
Finance Corp., 7.75%, 8/15/28 (144A) | 2,840,005 | |
Total Telecommunications | $ 26,054,791 | |
Transportation — 2.2% | ||
4,145,000 | Carriage Purchaser, Inc., 7.875%, 10/15/29 (144A) | $ 4,120,130 |
2,009,000 | Danaos Corp., 8.5%, 3/1/28 (144A) | 2,201,864 |
1,250,000 | Seaspan Corp., 5.5%, 8/1/29 (144A) | 1,262,388 |
2,600,000 | Seaspan Corp., 6.5%, 4/29/26 (144A) | 2,795,000 |
3,590,000 | Western Global Airlines LLC, 10.375%, 8/15/25 (144A) | 3,990,249 |
Total Transportation | $ 14,369,631 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
30 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Trucking & Leasing — 0.2% | ||
1,205,000 | Fortress Transportation & Infrastructure Investors | |
LLC, 9.75%, 8/1/27 (144A) | $ 1,357,131 | |
Total Trucking & Leasing | $ 1,357,131 | |
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | ||
(Cost $539,324,792) | $ 555,640,869 | |
INSURANCE-LINKED SECURITIES — 0.3% | ||
of Net Assets# | ||
Event Linked Bonds — 0.0%† | ||
Multiperil – U.S. — 0.0%† | ||
750,000(f) | Caelus Re V, 0.141% (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + | |
10 bps), 6/5/24 (144A) | $ 66 | |
450,000(f) | Caelus Re V, 0.141% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + | |
10 bps), 6/9/25 (144A) | 45 | |
$ 111 | ||
Total Event Linked Bonds | $ 111 |
Face | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | ||
Collateralized Reinsurance — 0.1% | ||
Multiperil – U.S. — 0.0%† | ||
250,000+(a)(g) | Dingle Re 2019, 2/1/23 | $ 5,132 |
Multiperil – Worldwide — 0.0%† | ||
1,000,000+(a)(g) | Cypress Re 2017, 1/31/23 | $ 100 |
555,123+(a)(g) | Dartmouth Re 2018, 1/31/22 | 117,186 |
39,000+(g) | Limestone Re, 3/1/23 (144A) | 12,063 |
333,342+(a)(g) | Oyster Bay Re 2018, 1/31/22 | 302,541 |
340,299+(a)(g) | Seminole Re 2018, 1/31/22 | 8,408 |
442,599+(a)(g) | Walton Health Re 2018, 6/15/22 | 44,260 |
$ 484,558 | ||
Windstorm – Florida — 0.1% | ||
400,000+(a)(g) | Formby Re 2018, 2/28/23 | $ 49,120 |
750,000+(a)(g) | Portrush Re 2017, 6/15/22 | 478,575 |
$ 527,695 | ||
Windstorm – U.S. Regional — 0.0%† | ||
500,000+(a)(g) | Oakmont Re 2017, 4/30/22 | $ 14,700 |
Total Collateralized Reinsurance | $ 1,032,085 | |
Reinsurance Sidecars — 0.2% | ||
Multiperil – U.S. — 0.0%† | ||
1,500,000+(a)(g) | Carnoustie Re 2017, 11/30/22 | $ 197,700 |
1,400,000+(a)(h) | Harambee Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 1,400 |
973,488+(h) | Harambee Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 3,407 |
$ 202,507 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 31
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Face | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
Multiperil – Worldwide — 0.2% | ||
8,504+(h) | Alturas Re 2019-2, 3/10/23 | $ 11,274 |
1,000,000+(a)(g) | Bantry Re 2016, 3/31/23 | 80,600 |
500,000+(a)(g) | Bantry Re 2017, 3/31/23 | 29,220 |
400,000+(a)(g) | Bantry Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 4,560 |
400,000+(a)(g) | Bantry Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 13,585 |
2,152,482+(a)(g) | Berwick Re 2018-1, 12/31/22 | 166,387 |
1,067,182+(a)(g) | Berwick Re 2019-1, 12/31/22 | 127,528 |
37,500+(g) | Eden Re II, 3/22/22 (144A) | 11,793 |
15,000+(g) | Eden Re II, 3/22/22 (144A) | 4,460 |
7,850+(g) | Eden Re II, 3/22/23 (144A) | 30,173 |
400,000+(a)(g) | Gleneagles Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 47,320 |
800,000+(a)(h) | Lorenz Re 2018, 7/1/22 | — |
411,569+(a)(h) | Lorenz Re 2019, 6/30/22 | 32,020 |
900,000+(a)(g) | Merion Re 2018-2, 12/31/22 | 148,950 |
2,000,000+(a)(g) | Pangaea Re 2016-2, 11/30/22 | 3,567 |
500,000+(a)(g) | Pangaea Re 2018-1, 12/31/22 | 10,527 |
500,000+(a)(g) | Pangaea Re 2018-3, 7/1/22 | 10,372 |
409,624+(a)(g) | Pangaea Re 2019-1, 2/1/23 | 8,536 |
367,657+(a)(g) | Pangaea Re 2019-3, 7/1/23 | 13,225 |
250,000+(a)(h) | Thopas Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 3,400 |
600,000+(a)(h) | Thopas Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 23,880 |
450,000+(g) | Versutus Re 2018, 12/31/22 | — |
397,146+(g) | Versutus Re 2019-A, 12/31/22 | — |
52,853+(g) | Versutus Re 2019-B, 12/31/22 | — |
300,000+(a)(h) | Viribus Re 2018, 12/31/22 | — |
127,384+(a)(h) | Viribus Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 5,325 |
405,831+(a)(g) | Woburn Re 2018, 12/31/22 | 28,625 |
419,863+(a)(g) | Woburn Re 2019, 12/31/22 | 109,097 |
$ 924,424 | ||
Total Reinsurance Sidecars | $ 1,126,631 | |
TOTAL INSURANCE-LINKED SECURITIES | ||
(Cost $4,473,850) | $ 2,159,127 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
32 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
SENIOR SECURED FLOATING RATE LOAN | ||
INTERESTS — 2.4% of Net Assets*(f) | ||
Aerospace & Defense — 0.4% | ||
2,010,000^ | Grupo Aeromexico, SAB de CV, DIP Tranche 1 Term | |
Loan, 9.0% (LIBOR + 800 bps), 12/30/21 | $ 2,027,588 | |
577,555^(d) | Grupo Aeromexico, SAB de CV, DIP Tranche 2 Term | |
Loan, 0.0% (15.5% PIK 0% Cash), 12/30/21 | 590,550 | |
Total Aerospace & Defense | $ 2,618,138 | |
Diversified & Conglomerate Service — 0.5% | ||
1,404,140 | First Brands Group LLC, 2021 First Lien Term Loan, | |
6.0% (LIBOR + 500 bps), 3/30/27 | $ 1,418,620 | |
1,893,306 | Team Health Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 3.75% | |
(LIBOR + 275 bps), 2/6/24 | 1,807,634 | |
Total Diversified & Conglomerate Service | $ 3,226,254 | |
Entertainment & Leisure — 0.4% | ||
2,558,466 | Enterprise Development Authority, Term B Loan, | |
5.0% (LIBOR + 425 bps), 2/28/28 | $ 2,568,060 | |
Total Entertainment & Leisure | $ 2,568,060 | |
Healthcare, Education & Childcare — 0.1% | ||
417,900 | Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., 2021 New Term Loan, | |
4.5% (LIBOR + 375 bps), 8/31/26 | $ 419,351 | |
Total Healthcare, Education & Childcare | $ 419,351 | |
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure — 0.0%† | ||
256,272 | Spectacle Gary Holdings LLC, Delayed Draw Term | |
Loan, 11.0% (LIBOR + 900 bps), 12/23/25 | $ 279,977 | |
Total Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | $ 279,977 | |
Media — 0.3% | ||
1,790,000 | Grinding Media, Inc. (Molycop Ltd.), First Lien Initial | |
Term Loan, 4.75% (LIBOR + 400 bps), 10/12/28 | $ 1,796,712 | |
Total Media | $ 1,796,712 | |
Securities & Trusts — 0.6% | ||
3,529,440 | Spectacle Gary Holdings LLC, Closing Date Term | |
Loan, 11.0% (LIBOR + 900 bps), 12/23/25 | $ 3,855,914 | |
Total Securities & Trusts | $ 3,855,914 | |
Utilities — 0.1% | ||
864,063 | PG & E Corp., Term Loan, 3.5% | |
(LIBOR + 300 bps), 6/23/25 | $ 856,232 | |
Total Utilities | $ 856,232 | |
TOTAL SENIOR SECURED FLOATING RATE LOAN INTERESTS | ||
(Cost $14,909,690) | $ 15,620,638 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 33
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Principal | ||
Amount | ||
USD ($) | Value | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY | ||
OBLIGATIONS — 6.1% of Net Assets | ||
7,860,000(c) | U.S. Treasury Bills, 11/26/21 | $ 7,859,691 |
7,140,000(c) | U.S. Treasury Bills, 12/2/21 | 7,139,630 |
15,000,000(c) | U.S. Treasury Bills, 1/6/22 | 14,998,075 |
9,000,000(f) | U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes, 0.355% (3 Month | |
U.S. Treasury Bill Money Market Yield + | ||
30 bps), 10/31/21 | 9,000,000 | |
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS | ||
(Cost $38,998,248) | $ 38,997,396 | |
Shares | ||
RIGHTS/WARRANTS — 0.1% of Net Assets | ||
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%† | ||
2,136^(a)(i) | Option Care Health, Inc., 6/30/25 | $ 6,515 |
2,136^(a)(j) | Option Care Health, Inc., 6/30/25 | 5,404 |
Total Health Care Providers & Services | $ 11,919 | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.0%† | ||
921(a)(k) | Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. 7/25/23 | $ 25,069 |
4,728,525(l) | ANR, Inc., 3/31/23 | 24,825 |
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | $ 49,894 | |
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.0%† | ||
21^(a)(m) | Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd. 10/13/27 | $ 23,512 |
Total Real Estate Management & Development | $ 23,512 | |
Transportation — 0.1% | ||
17,624^(a)(n) | Syncreon Group, 10/01/24 | $ 365,258 |
Total Transportation | $ 365,258 | |
TOTAL RIGHTS/WARRANTS | ||
(Cost $598,117) | $ 450,583 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 99.5% | ||
(Cost $622,889,514) | $ 637,639,540 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.5% | $ 3,209,430 | |
NET ASSETS — 100.0% | $ 640,848,970 |
bps | Basis Points. |
CMT | Constant Maturity Rate Index. |
LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate. |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust. |
(144A) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933. Such securities may be resold normally to qualified institutional buyers in a transaction exempt from registration. At October 31, 2021, the value of these securities amounted to $471,667,115, or 73.6% of net assets. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
† | Amount rounds to less than 0.1%. |
* | Senior secured floating rate loan interests in which the Fund invests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as LIBOR, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks, (iii) the rate of a certificate of deposit or (iv) other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. The interest rate shown is the rate accruing at October 31, 2021. |
+ | Security that used significant unobservable inputs to determine its value. |
^ | Security is valued using fair value methods (other than supplied by independent pricing services). |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date. |
(c) | Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through accretion of discount. |
(d) | Payment-in-kind (PIK) security which may pay interest in the form of additional principal amount. |
(e) | The interest rate is subject to change periodically. The interest rate and/or reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2021. |
(f) | Floating rate note. Coupon rate, reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2021. |
(g) | Issued as participation notes. |
(h) | Issued as preference shares. |
(i) | Option Care Health, Inc. warrants are exercisable into 2,136 shares. |
(j) | Option Care Health, Inc. warrants are exercisable into 2,136 shares. |
(k) | Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. 7/25/23 warrants are exercisable into 921 shares. |
(l) | ANR, Inc., 3/31/23 warrants are exercisable into 4,728,525 shares. |
(m) | Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd. warrants are exercisable into 21 shares. |
(n) | Syncreon Group warrants are exercisable into 17,624 shares. |
# | Securities are restricted as to resale. |
Restricted Securities | Acquisition date | Cost | Value |
Alturas Re 2019-2 | 12/19/2018 | $ 8,504 | $ 11,274 |
Bantry Re 2016 | 2/6/2019 | 80,600 | 80,600 |
Bantry Re 2017 | 2/6/2019 | 29,232 | 29,220 |
Bantry Re 2018 | 2/6/2019 | 4,551 | 4,560 |
Bantry Re 2019 | 2/1/2019 | — | 13,585 |
Berwick Re 2018-1 | 1/10/2018 | 314,406 | 166,387 |
Berwick Re 2019-1 | 12/31/2018 | 127,519 | 127,528 |
Caelus Re V | 4/27/2017 | 750,000 | 66 |
Caelus Re V | 5/4/2018 | 450,000 | 45 |
Carnoustie Re 2017 | 1/5/2017 | 356,635 | 197,700 |
Cypress Re 2017 | 1/24/2017 | 3,361 | 100 |
Dartmouth Re 2018 | 1/18/2018 | 225,619 | 117,186 |
Dingle Re 2019 | 3/4/2019 | — | 5,132 |
Eden Re II | 1/22/2019 | 920 | 30,173 |
Eden Re II | 1/23/2018 | 867 | 11,793 |
Eden Re II | 12/15/2017 | 896 | 4,460 |
Formby Re 2018 | 7/9/2018 | 37,553 | 49,120 |
Gleneagles Re 2018 | 12/27/2017 | 32,109 | 47,320 |
Harambee Re 2018 | 12/19/2017 | 50,495 | 1,400 |
Harambee Re 2019 | 4/24/2019 | — | 3,407 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 35
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Restricted Securities | Acquisition date | Cost | Value |
Limestone Re | 6/20/2018 | $ 287 | $ 12,063 |
Lorenz Re 2018 | 6/26/2018 | 152,775 | — |
Lorenz Re 2019 | 7/10/2019 | 129,898 | 32,020 |
Merion Re 2018-2 | 12/28/2017 | 37,037 | 148,950 |
Oakmont Re 2017 | 5/10/2017 | — | 14,700 |
Oyster Bay Re 2018 | 1/17/2018 | 297,524 | 302,541 |
Pangaea Re 2016-2 | 5/31/2016 | — | 3,567 |
Pangaea Re 2018-1 | 1/11/2018 | 71,503 | 10,527 |
Pangaea Re 2018-3 | 5/31/2018 | 120,430 | 10,372 |
Pangaea Re 2019-1 | 1/9/2019 | 4,301 | 8,536 |
Pangaea Re 2019-3 | 7/25/2019 | 11,030 | 13,225 |
Portrush Re 2017 | 6/12/2017 | 575,239 | 478,575 |
Seminole Re 2018 | 1/2/2018 | 2,876 | 8,408 |
Thopas Re 2018 | 12/12/2017 | 32,702 | 3,400 |
Thopas Re 2019 | 12/21/2018 | 12,577 | 23,880 |
Versutus Re 2018 | 1/31/2018 | — | — |
Versutus Re 2019-A | 1/28/2019 | — | — |
Versutus Re 2019-B | 12/24/2018 | — | — |
Viribus Re 2018 | 12/22/2017 | 23,670 | — |
Viribus Re 2019 | 3/25/2019 | — | 5,325 |
Walton Health Re 2018 | 10/19/2018 | 291,732 | 44,260 |
Woburn Re 2018 | 3/20/2018 | 142,438 | 28,625 |
Woburn Re 2019 | 1/30/2019 | 94,564 | 109,097 |
Total Restricted Securities | $2,159,127 | ||
% of Net assets | 0.3% |
SWAP CONTRACTS
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACT — BUY PROTECTION
Reference | Annual | ||||||
Notional | Obligation/ | Pay/ | Fixed | Expiration | Premiums | Unrealized | Market |
Amount ($)(1) | Index | Receive(2) | Rate | Date | Paid | (Depreciation) | Value |
48,580,000 | Markit CDX | Receive | 5.00% | 6/20/26 | $128,197 | $(4,694,467) | $(4,566,270) |
North America | |||||||
High Yield | |||||||
Series | |||||||
TOTAL CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT | |||||||
SWAP CONTRACT — BUY PROTECTION | $128,197 | $(4,694,467) | $(4,566,270) |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACT — SELL PROTECTION
Reference | Annual | ||||||
Notional | Obligation/ | Pay/ | Fixed | Expiration | Premiums | Unrealized | Market |
Amount ($)(1) | Index | Receive(2) | Rate | Date | (Received) | Appreciation | Value |
1,619,800 | Markit CDX | Receive | 5.00% | 12/20/24 | $ (3,824) | $ 148,464 | $ 144,640 |
North America | |||||||
High Yield | |||||||
Series 32 | |||||||
TOTAL CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT | |||||||
SWAP CONTRACT — SELL PROTECTION | $ (3,824) | $ 148,464 | $ 144,640 | ||||
TOTAL SWAP CONTRACTS | $124,373 | $(4,546,003) | $(4,421,630) |
(1) The notional amount is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay upon occurrence of a credit event.
(2) Pays quarterly.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
36 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Principal amounts are denominated in U.S. dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise noted.
EUR — Euro
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for the year ended October 31, 2021, aggregated $494,394,074 and $503,798,746, respectively.
The Fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions (“cross trades”) with certain funds and accounts for which Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser, as set forth in Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Under these procedures, cross trades are effected at current market prices. During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund engaged in purchases of $4,401,408 which resulted in a net realized gain/(loss) of $0. During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund did not engage in sales pursuant to these procedures.
At October 31, 2021, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on cost for federal tax purposes of $618,947,916 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which | |
there is an excess of value over tax cost | $ 24,773,331 |
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which | |
there is an excess of tax cost over value | (10,503,337) |
Net unrealized appreciation | $ 14,269,994 |
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels below.
Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A.
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2021, in valuing the Fund’s investments:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | $ | 78 | $ | 209,012 | $ | — | $ | 209,090 | ||||||||
All Other Common Stock | 1,083,214 | — | — | 1,083,214 | ||||||||||||
Convertible Preferred Stock | 2,372,673 | — | — | 2,372,673 | ||||||||||||
Collateralized Mortgage | ||||||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 1,026,910 | — | 1,026,910 | ||||||||||||
Convertible Corporate Bonds | — | 20,079,040 | — | 20,079,040 | ||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds | — | 555,640,869 | — | 555,640,869 | ||||||||||||
Insurance-Linked Securities | ||||||||||||||||
Collateralized Reinsurance | ||||||||||||||||
Multiperil - U.S. | — | — | 5,132 | 5,132 | ||||||||||||
Multiperil - Worldwide | — | — | 484,558 | 484,558 | ||||||||||||
Windstorm - Florida | — | — | 527,695 | 527,695 | ||||||||||||
Windstorm - U.S. Regional | — | — | 14,700 | 14,700 | ||||||||||||
Reinsurance Sidecars | ||||||||||||||||
Multiperil - U.S. | — | — | 202,507 | 202,507 | ||||||||||||
Multiperil - Worldwide | — | — | 924,424 | 924,424 | ||||||||||||
All Other Insurance-Linked | ||||||||||||||||
Securities | — | 111 | — | 111 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 37
Schedule of Investments | 10/31/21 (continued)
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Senior Secured Floating | ||||||||||||||||
Rate Loan Interests | $ | — | $ | 15,620,638 | $ | — | $ | 15,620,638 | ||||||||
U.S. Government and | ||||||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 38,997,396 | — | 38,997,396 | ||||||||||||
Rights/Warrants | ||||||||||||||||
Health Care Providers & | ||||||||||||||||
Services | — | 11,919 | — | 11,919 | ||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 25,069 | 24,825 | — | 49,894 | ||||||||||||
Real Estate Management & | ||||||||||||||||
Development | — | 23,512 | — | 23,512 | ||||||||||||
Transportation | — | 365,258 | — | 365,258 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments | ||||||||||||||||
in Securities | $ | 3,481,034 | $ | 631,999,490 | $ | 2,159,016 | $ | 637,639,540 | ||||||||
Other Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||||||
Swap contracts, at value | $ | — | $ | (4,421,630 | ) | $ | — | $ | (4,421,630 | ) | ||||||
Total Other | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Instruments | $ | — | $ | (4,421,630 | ) | $ | — | $ | (4,421,630 | ) |
The following is a reconciliation of assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Insurance- | ||||||||||||
Common | Linked | |||||||||||
Stocks | Securities | Total | ||||||||||
Balance as of 10/31/20 | $ | 209,012 | $ | 4,360,427 | $ | 4,569,439 | ||||||
Realized gain (loss)1 | — | (123,726 | ) | (123,726 | ) | |||||||
Change in unrealized | ||||||||||||
appreciation (depreciation)2 | — | (269,618 | ) | (269,618 | ) | |||||||
Accrued discounts/premiums | — | — | — | |||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | |||||||||
Sales | — | (1,808,001 | ) | (1,808,001 | ) | |||||||
Transfers in to Level 3** | — | — | — | |||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3** | (209,012 | ) | (66 | ) | (209,078 | ) | ||||||
Balance as of 10/31/21 | $ | — | $ | 2,159,016 | $ | 2,159,016 |
1 | Realized gain (loss) on these securities is included in the realized gain (loss) from investments on the Statement of Operations. |
2 | Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on these securities is included in the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments on the Statement of Operations. |
** | Transfers are calculated on the beginning of period value. During the year ended October 31, 2021, securities with an aggregate market value of $209,078 transferred from Level 3 to Level 2, as there were significant observable inputs to determine their value. There were no other transfers in or out of Level 3. |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Level 3 investments still | |
held and considered Level 3 at October 31, 2021: | $(115,124) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
38 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 10/31/21
ASSETS: | ||||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $622,889,514) | $ | 637,639,540 | ||
Cash | 12,660,577 | |||
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $61,127) | 59,759 | |||
Swaps collateral | 2,308,330 | |||
Due from broker for swaps | 4,404,696 | |||
Variation margin for centrally cleared swap contracts | 116,657 | |||
Receivables — | ||||
Investment securities sold | 7,114,664 | |||
Fund shares sold | 624,540 | |||
Interest | 7,830,302 | |||
Due from the Adviser | 152,385 | |||
Other assets | 25,082 | |||
Total assets | $ | 672,936,532 | ||
LIABILITIES: | ||||
Payables — | ||||
Investment securities purchased | $ | 25,861,013 | ||
Fund shares repurchased | 1,142,315 | |||
Distributions | 225,068 | |||
Trustees’ fees | 2,303 | |||
Swap contracts, at value (net premiums received $124,373) | 4,421,630 | |||
Due to affiliates | 119,741 | |||
Accrued expenses | 315,492 | |||
Total liabilities | $ | 32,087,562 | ||
NET ASSETS: | ||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 661,590,132 | ||
Distributable earnings (loss) | (20,741,162 | ) | ||
Net assets | $ | 640,848,970 | ||
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: | ||||
No par value (unlimited number of shares authorized) | ||||
Class A (based on $425,932,911/44,206,134 shares) | $ | 9.64 | ||
Class C (based on $11,573,814/1,175,730 shares) | $ | 9.84 | ||
Class R (based on $11,336,375/1,037,430 shares) | $ | 10.93 | ||
Class Y (based on $192,005,870/19,906,331 shares) | $ | 9.65 | ||
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: | ||||
Class A (based on $9.64 net asset value per share/100%-4.50 % | ||||
maximum sales charge) | $ | 10.09 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 39
Statement of Operations | ||
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 10/31/21 |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||
Interest from unaffiliated issuers | $ | 36,985,763 | ||||||
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers | 476,256 | |||||||
Total investment income | $ | 37,462,019 | ||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||
Management fees | $ | 4,481,996 | ||||||
Administrative expense | 249,883 | |||||||
Transfer agent fees | ||||||||
Class A | 577,616 | |||||||
Class C | 19,633 | |||||||
Class R | 33,666 | |||||||
Class Y | 189,635 | |||||||
Distribution fees | ||||||||
Class A | 1,095,875 | |||||||
Class C | 127,178 | |||||||
Class R | 59,416 | |||||||
Shareowner communications expense | 109,737 | |||||||
Custodian fees | 18,250 | |||||||
Registration fees | 87,453 | |||||||
Professional fees | 121,460 | |||||||
Printing expense | 83,490 | |||||||
Pricing fees | 20,074 | |||||||
Trustees’ fees | 25,376 | |||||||
Insurance expense | 399 | |||||||
Miscellaneous | 82,324 | |||||||
Total expenses | $ | 7,383,461 | ||||||
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed | ||||||||
by the Adviser | (521,508 | ) | ||||||
Net expenses | $ | 6,861,953 | ||||||
Net investment income | $ | 30,600,066 | ||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $ | 20,304,489 | ||||||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (54,884 | ) | ||||||
Swap contracts | 4,457,252 | |||||||
Other assets and liabilities denominated in | ||||||||
foreign currencies | (3,823 | ) | $ | 24,703,034 | ||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||||||||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $ | 23,534,858 | ||||||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (6,716 | ) | ||||||
Swap contracts | (4,743,243 | ) | ||||||
Unfunded loan commitments | 1,933 | |||||||
Other assets and liabilities denominated in | ||||||||
foreign currencies | (1,357 | ) | $ | 18,785,475 | ||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | $ | 43,488,509 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 74,088,575 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
40 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | |||||||
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 30,600,066 | $ | 35,046,609 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 24,703,034 | (31,466,146 | ) | |||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | ||||||||
on investments | 18,785,475 | (14,140,724 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | ||||||||
from operations | $ | 74,088,575 | $ | (10,560,261 | ) | |||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREOWNERS: | ||||||||
Class A ($0.36 and $0.49 per share, respectively) | $ | (16,463,323 | ) | $ | (24,460,968 | ) | ||
Class C ($0.28 and $0.44 per share, respectively) | (379,215 | ) | (945,818 | ) | ||||
Class R ($0.37 and $0.51 per share, respectively) | (402,724 | ) | (653,441 | ) | ||||
Class Y ($0.38 and $0.52 per share, respectively) | (7,507,889 | ) | (10,462,395 | ) | ||||
TAX RETURN OF CAPITAL | ||||||||
Class A ($0.07 and $— per share, respectively) | $ | (3,220,770 | ) | $ | — | |||
Class C ($0.07 and $— per share, respectively) | (86,724 | ) | — | |||||
Class R ($0.07 and $— per share, respectively) | (76,334 | ) | — | |||||
Class Y ($0.07 and $— per share, respectively) | (1,384,516 | ) | — | |||||
Total distributions to shareowners | $ | (29,521,495 | ) | $ | (36,522,622 | ) | ||
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Net proceeds from sales of shares | $ | 109,704,259 | $ | 117,065,142 | ||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 26,527,715 | 32,635,161 | ||||||
Cost of shares repurchased | (162,023,471 | ) | (233,282,658 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets resulting from Fund | ||||||||
share transactions | $ | (25,791,497 | ) | $ | (83,582,355 | ) | ||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | $ | 18,775,583 | $ | (130,665,238 | ) | |||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 622,073,387 | $ | 752,738,625 | ||||
End of year | $ | 640,848,970 | $ | 622,073,387 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 41
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(continued)
Year | Year | Year | Year | |
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |
10/31/21 | 10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/20 | |
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |
Class A | ||||
Shares sold | 6,282,421 | $ 60,032,320 | 3,344,386 | $ 30,056,468 |
Reinvestment of | ||||
distributions | 1,836,108 | 17,608,525 | 2,422,438 | 21,857,768 |
Less shares repurchased | (10,308,918) | (98,827,284) | (12,899,513) | (116,623,759) |
Net decrease | (2,190,389) | $(21,186,439) | (7,132,689) | $ (64,709,523) |
Class C | ||||
Shares sold | 239,766 | $ 2,354,623 | 219,693 | $ 2,031,254 |
Reinvestment of | ||||
distributions | 46,478 | 454,790 | 94,984 | 876,231 |
Less shares repurchased | (963,408) | (9,362,190) | (931,263) | (8,524,422) |
Net decrease | (677,164) | $ (6,552,777) | (616,586) | $ (5,616,937) |
Class R | ||||
Shares sold | 295,440 | $ 3,207,275 | 643,180 | $ 6,436,926 |
Reinvestment of | ||||
distributions | 43,996 | 478,525 | 61,475 | 628,831 |
Less shares repurchased | (434,787) | (4,737,769) | (986,466) | (9,978,755) |
Net decrease | (95,351) | $ (1,051,969) | (281,811) | $ (2,912,998) |
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | 4,599,602 | $ 44,110,041 | 8,889,838 | $ 78,540,494 |
Reinvestment of | ||||
distributions | 831,672 | 7,985,875 | 1,028,209 | 9,272,331 |
Less shares repurchased | (5,119,185) | (49,096,228) | (11,247,935) | (98,155,722) |
Net increase | ||||
(decrease) | 312,089 | $ 2,999,688 | (1,329,888) | $ (10,342,897) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
42 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Financial Highlights
Year | Year | Year | Year | Year | ||||||
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | ||||||
10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 | ||||||
Class A | ||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 8.99 | $ 9.58 | $ 9.37 | $ 9.80 | $ 9.43 | |||||
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.45 | $ 0.48 | $ 0.47 | $ 0.47 | $ 0.46 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.63 | (0.58) | 0.24 | (0.45) | 0.38 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.08 | $ (0.10) | $ 0.71 | $ 0.02 | $ 0.84 | |||||
Distributions to shareowners: | ||||||||||
Net investment income | $ (0.36) | $ (0.49) | $ (0.50) | $ (0.45) | $ (0.47) | |||||
Tax return of capital | (0.07) | — | — | — | — | |||||
Total distributions | $ (0.43) | $ (0.49) | $ (0.50) | $ (0.45) | $ (0.47) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.65 | $ (0.59) | $ 0.21 | $ (0.43) | $ 0.37 | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 9.64 | $ 8.99 | $ 9.58 | $ 9.37 | $ 9.80 | |||||
Total return (b) | 12.13% | (0.89)% | 7.82% | 0.21% | 9.05%(c) | |||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.19% | 1.14% | 1.15% | |||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.66% | 5.24% | 4.97% | 4.87% | 4.80% | |||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 80% | 85% | 59% | 45% | 39% | |||||
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $425,933 | $417,137 | $512,624 | $537,907 | $525,164 | |||||
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | ||||||||||
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | ||||||||||
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.20% | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.14% | 1.15% | |||||
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.56% | 5.17% | 4.97% | 4.87% | 4.80% |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the periods presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
(c) | If the Fund had not recognized gains in the settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended October 31, 2017, the total return would have been 8.94%. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 43
Financial Highlights (continued)
Year | Year | Year | Year | Year | ||
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | ||
10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 | ||
Class C | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 9.18 | $ 9.79 | $ 9.57 | $ 10.01 | $ 9.63 | |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.37 | $ 0.41 | $ 0.40 | $ 0.40 | $ 0.41 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.64 | (0.58) | 0.25 | (0.45) | 0.38 | |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.01 | $ (0.17) | $ 0.65 | $ (0.05) | $ 0.79 | |
Distributions to shareowners: | ||||||
Net investment income | $ (0.28) | $ (0.44) | $ (0.43) | $ (0.39) | $ (0.41) | |
Tax return of capital | (0.07) | — | — | — | — | |
Total distributions | $ (0.35) | $ (0.44) | $ (0.43) | $ (0.39) | $ (0.41) | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.66 | $ (0.61) | $ 0.22 | $ (0.44) | $ 0.38 | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 9.84 | $ 9.18 | $ 9.79 | $ 9.57 | $ 10.01 | |
Total return (b) | 11.13% | (1.71)% | 6.98% | (0.52)% | 8.29%(c) | |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.98% | 1.87% | 1.94% | 1.86% | 1.86% | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 3.79% | 4.48% | 4.21% | 4.10% | 4.11% | |
Portfolio turnover rate | 80% | 85% | 59% | 45% | 39% | |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $11,574 | $17,019 | $24,166 | $37,546 | $192,558 |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the periods presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
(c) | If the Fund had not recognized gains in the settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended October 31, 2017, the total return would have been 8.18%. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
44 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Year | Year | Year | Year | Year | |
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |
10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 | |
Class R | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.20 | $ 10.84 | $ 10.61 | $ 11.09 | $ 10.68 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.45 | $ 0.50 | $ 0.48 | $ 0.49 | $ 0.48 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.72 | (0.63) | 0.27 | (0.50) | 0.41 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.17 | $ (0.13) | $ 0.75 | $ (0.01) | $ 0.89 |
Distributions to shareowners: | |||||
Net investment income | $ (0.37) | $ (0.51) | $ (0.52) | $ (0.47) | $ (0.48) |
Tax return of capital | (0.07) | — | — | — | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.44) | $ (0.51) | $ (0.52) | $ (0.47) | $ (0.48) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.73 | $ (0.64) | $ 0.23 | $ (0.48) | $ 0.41 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.93 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.84 | $ 10.61 | $ 11.09 |
Total return (b) | 11.55% | (1.08)% | 7.28% | (0.14)% | 8.50%(c) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.59% | 1.51% | 1.63% | 1.50% | 1.56% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.17% | 4.82% | 4.51% | 4.48% | 4.39% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 80% | 85% | 59% | 45% | 39% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $11,336 | $11,556 | $15,332 | $18,405 | $24,366 |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the periods presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. |
(c) | If the Fund had not recognized gains in the settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended October 31, 2017, the total return would have been 8.41%. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 45
Financial Highlights (continued)
Year | Year | Year | Year | Year | |
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |
10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/18 | 10/31/17 | |
Class Y | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 9.00 | $ 9.59 | $ 9.38 | $ 9.81 | $ 9.44 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.47 | $ 0.50 | $ 0.50 | $ 0.50 | $ 0.49 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.63 | (0.57) | 0.24 | (0.45) | 0.37 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.10 | $ (0.07) | $ 0.74 | $ 0.05 | $ 0.86 |
Distributions to shareowners: | |||||
Net investment income | $ (0.38) | $ (0.52) | $ (0.53) | $ (0.48) | $ (0.49) |
Tax return of capital | (0.07) | — | — | — | — |
Total distributions | $ (0.45) | $ (0.52) | $ (0.53) | $ (0.48) | $ (0.49) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.65 | $ (0.59) | $ 0.21 | $ (0.43) | $ 0.37 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 9.65 | $ 9.00 | $ 9.59 | $ 9.38 | $ 9.81 |
Total return (b) | 12.40% | (0.62)% | 8.12% | 0.51% | 9.34%(c) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.88% | 0.85% | 0.87% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.90% | 5.50% | 5.27% | 5.15% | 5.08% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 80% | 85% | 59% | 45% | 39% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $192,006 | $176,362 | $200,617 | $205,543 | $229,866 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by | |||||
the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |||||
Total expenses to average net assets | 0.90% | 0.87% | 0.88% | 0.85% | 0.87% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.85% | 5.48% | 5.27% | 5.15% | 5.08% |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the periods presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. |
(c) | If the Fund had not recognized gains in the settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended October 31, 2017, the total return would have been 9.23%. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
46 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
Notes to Financial Statements | 10/31/21
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Pioneer High Yield Fund (the “Fund”) is a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The investment objective of the Fund is to maximize total return through a combination of income and capital appreciation.
The Fund offers five classes of shares designated as Class A, Class C, Class K, Class R and Class Y shares. Class K shares had not commenced operations as of October 31, 2021. Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has identical rights (based on relative net asset values) to assets and liquidation proceeds. Share classes can bear different rates of class-specific fees and expenses, such as transfer agent and distribution fees. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different dividends from net investment income earned by each class. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Fund gives the Board of Trustees the flexibility to specify either per-share voting or dollar-weighted voting when submitting matters for shareowner approval. Under per-share voting, each share of a class of the Fund is entitled to one vote. Under dollar-weighted voting, a shareowner’s voting power is determined not by the number of shares owned, but by the dollar value of the shares on the record date. Each share class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that class, including with respect to the distribution plan for that class. There is no distribution plan for Class Y shares.
Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Amundi and Amundi’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amundi USA, Inc., serves as the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). Prior to January 1, 2021, the Adviser was named Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc. Amundi Distributor US, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor”).
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-13 “Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”) which modifies disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, principally for Level 3 securities and transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Fund has adopted ASU 2018-13 for the year ended October 31, 2021. The impact to the Fund’s adoption was limited to changes in the Fund’s
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 47
disclosures regarding fair value, primarily those disclosures related to transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy and disclosure of the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value investments, when applicable.
In March 2020, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update, ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) — Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other LIBOR-based reference rates at the end of 2021. The temporary relief provided by ASU 2020-04 is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 on the Fund’s investments, derivatives, debt and other contracts, if applicable, that will undergo reference rate-related modifications as a result of the reference rate reform.
The Fund is an investment company and follows investment company accounting and reporting guidance under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). U.S. GAAP requires the management of the Fund to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income, expenses and gain or loss on investments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:
A. | Security Valuation |
The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
Fixed-income securities are valued by using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market prices, market events, quotations from one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed-income securities and/or other factors. Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at
48 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices, or when prices or market quotations are considered to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers.
Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices, or when prices or market quotations are considered to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers.
Loan interests are valued in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Trustees at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices from one or more brokers or dealers as obtained from Loan Pricing Corporation, an independent third party pricing service. If price information is not available from Loan Pricing Corporation, or if the price information is deemed to be unreliable, price information will be obtained from an alternative loan interest pricing service. If no reliable price quotes are available from either the primary or alternative pricing service, broker quotes will be solicited.
Event-linked bonds are valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. Other insurance-linked securities (including reinsurance sidecars, collateralized reinsurance and industry loss warranties) may be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent pricing service, or through a third party using a pricing matrix or an insurance industry broker valuation model to provide an estimated value of the instrument.
Equity securities that have traded on an exchange are valued by using the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Equity securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued using the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale and bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods.
The value of foreign securities is translated into U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party pricing source. Trading in non-U.S. equity securities is substantially completed
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 49
each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are determined as of such times. The Fund may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily using the foreign exchange rate or, for longer term forward contract positions, the spot currency rate and the forward points on a daily basis, in each case provided by a third party pricing service. Contracts whose forward settlement date falls between two quoted days are valued by interpolation.
Swap contracts, including interest rate swaps, caps and floors (other than centrally cleared swap contracts), are valued at the dealer quotations obtained from reputable International Swap Dealers Association members. Centrally cleared swaps are valued at the daily settlement price provided by the central clearing counterparty.
Securities or loan interests for which independent pricing services or broker-dealers are unable to supply prices or for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by a fair valuation team comprised of certain personnel of the Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s fair valuation team uses fair value methods approved by the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s fair valuation team is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities and for discussing and assessing fair values on an ongoing basis, and at least quarterly, with the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. The Fund may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund’s net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund’s securities may differ significantly from exchange prices, and such differences could be material.
50 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
At October 31, 2021, seven securities were valued using fair value methods (in addition to securities valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services, broker-dealers or a third party insurance industry broker valuation model) representing 0.5% of net assets. The value of these fair valued securities was $3,227,839.
B. | Investment Income and Transactions |
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence.
Interest income, including interest on income-bearing cash accounts, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates and net of income accrued on defaulted securities.
Interest and dividend income payable by delivery of additional shares is reclassified as PIK (payment-in-kind) income upon receipt and is included in interest and dividend income, respectively.
Principal amounts of mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for monthly paydowns. Premiums and discounts related to certain mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted in proportion to the monthly paydowns. All discounts/premiums on purchase prices of debt securities are accreted/amortized for financial reporting purposes over the life of the respective securities, and such accretion/amortization is included in interest income.
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes.
C. | Foreign Currency Translation |
The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates.
Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, if any, represent, among other things, the net realized gains and losses on foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies and the difference between the amount of income accrued and the U.S. dollars actually received. Further, the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments are not segregated on the Statement of
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 51
Operations from the effects of changes in the market prices of those securities, but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
D. | Federal Income Taxes |
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its net taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. As of October 31, 2021, the Fund did not accrue any interest or penalties with respect to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. Tax returns filed within the prior three years remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.
The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary over distributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
A portion of the dividend income recorded by the Fund is from distributions by publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and such distributions for tax purposes may also consist of capital gains and return of capital. The actual return of capital and capital gains portions of such distributions will be determined by formal notifications from the REITs subsequent to the calendar year end. Distributions received from the REITs that are determined to be a return of capital are recorded by the Fund as a reduction of the cost basis of the securities held and those determined to be capital gain are reflected as such on the Statement of Operations.
At October 31, 2021, the Fund was permitted to carry forward indefinitely $34,784,644 of long-term losses.
During the year ended October 31, 2021, a capital loss carryforward of $25,744,856 was utilized to offset net realized gains by the Fund.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, were as follows:
2021 | 2020 | |
Distributions paid from: | ||
Ordinary income | $24,753,151 | $36,522,622 |
Tax return of capital | 4,768,344 | — |
Total | $29,521,495 | $36,522,622 |
52 Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21
The following shows the components of distributable earnings (losses) on a federal income tax basis at October 31, 2021:
2021 | |
Distributable earnings/(losses): | |
Capital loss carryforward | $(34,784,644) |
Dividend payable | (225,068) |
Net unrealized appreciation | 14,268,550 |
Total | $(20,741,162) |
The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized depreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the mark-to-market of foreign currency exchange contracts and swaps, adjustments relating to catastrophe bonds and swaps.
E. | Fund Shares |
The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. The Distributor earned $10,622 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the year ended October 31, 2021.
F. | Class Allocations |
Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day.
Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A, Class C and Class R shares of the Fund, respectively (see Note 5). Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the Fund’s transfer agent for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 4).
The Fund declares as daily dividends substantially all of its net investment income. All dividends are paid on a monthly basis. Short-term capital gain distributions, if any, may be declared with the daily dividends. Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates.
Pioneer High Yield Fund | Annual Report | 10/31/21 53
G. | Risks |
The value of securities held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. A general rise in interest rates could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed-income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the Fund.
At times, the Fund’s investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. The Fund’s investments in foreign markets and countries with limited developing markets may subject the Fund to a greater degree of risk than investments in a developed market. These risks include disruptive political or economic conditions and the imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions.
The Fund invests in below-investment-grade (high-yield) debt securities and preferred stocks. Some of these high-yield securities may be convertible into equity securities of the issuer. Debt securities rated below-investment-grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. These securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility, and may be less liquid and more difficult to value, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities.
The Fund’s investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). Plans are underway to phase out the use of LIBOR. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), have announced that most LIBOR rates will no longer be published after the end of 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR rates will no longer be published after June 30, 2023. It is possible that the FCA may compel the IBA to publish a subset of LIBOR settings after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying markets. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates
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to LIBOR in most major currencies. Based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), the U.S. Federal Reserve began publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication, such as SONIA in the United Kingdom. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new rates, and transition planning is at a relatively early stage. Neither the effect of the transition process nor its ultimate success is known. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates. The effect of any changes to -- or discontinuation of -- LIBOR on the portfolio will vary depending on, among other things, provisions in individual contracts and whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and alternative reference rates for both legacy and new products and instruments. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark may deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could materialize prior to June 30, 2023.
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. While the Fund’s Adviser has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, limit or mitigate, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund such as the Fund’s custodian and accounting agent, and the Fund’s transfer agent. In addition, many beneficial owners of Fund shares hold them through accounts at broker-dealers, retirement platforms and other financial market participants over which neither the Fund nor the Adviser exercises control. Each of these may in turn rely on service providers to them, which are also subject to the risk of cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity failures or breaches at the Adviser or the Fund’s service providers or intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, redemptions or exchanges, the inability of Fund shareowners to effect share purchases or receive distributions, loss of or unauthorized access to private shareowner information and violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. Such costs and losses may not be covered under any insurance. In addition,
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maintaining vigilance against cyber-attacks may involve substantial costs over time, and system enhancements may themselves be subject to cyber-attacks.
COVID-19
The global pandemic of the coronavirus respiratory disease designated COVID-19 has resulted in major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Global financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some interest rates are very low and in some cases yields are negative. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. Rates of inflation have recently risen. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the U.S., have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The impact of these measures will not be known for some time.
The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, likewise may not be known for some time. The Fund’s prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund’s principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund’s principal risks.
H. | Restricted Securities |
Restricted Securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Restricted securities generally are resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
Disposal of restricted investments may involve negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Restricted investments held by the Fund at October 31, 2021 are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
I. | Insurance-Linked Securities (“ILS”) |
The Fund invests in ILS. The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more
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trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events, generally, are hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural events of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur, and accordingly, ILS carry significant risk. The Fund is entitled to receive principal, and interest and/or dividend payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, ILS may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences.
The Fund’s investments in ILS may include event-linked bonds. ILS also may include special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”) or similar instruments structured to comprise a portion of a reinsurer’s catastrophe-oriented business, known as quota share instruments (sometimes referred to as reinsurance sidecars), or to provide reinsurance relating to specific risks to insurance or reinsurance companies through a collateralized instrument, known as collateralized reinsurance. Structured reinsurance investments also may include industry loss warranties (“ILWs”). A traditional ILW takes the form of a bilateral reinsurance contract, but there are also products that take the form of derivatives, collateralized structures, or exchange-traded instruments.
Where the ILS are based on the performance of underlying reinsurance contracts, the Fund has limited transparency into the individual underlying contracts, and therefore must rely upon the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the issuer. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for the Adviser to fully evaluate the underlying risk profile of the Fund’s structured reinsurance investments, and therefore the Fund’s assets are placed at greater risk of loss than if the Adviser had more complete information. Structured reinsurance instruments generally will be considered illiquid securities by the Fund. These securities may be difficult to purchase, sell or unwind. Illiquid securities also may be difficult to value. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset, the Fund may be forced to sell at a loss.
J. | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“contracts”) for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. All contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable exchange rates, and any resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund
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records realized gains and losses at the time a contract is offset by entry into a closing transaction or extinguished by delivery of the currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar (see Note 7).
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund had entered into various forward foreign currency exchange contracts that obligated the Fund to deliver or take delivery of currencies at specified future maturity dates. Alternatively, prior to the settlement date of a forward foreign currency exchange contract, the Fund may close out such contract by entering into an offsetting contract.
The average market value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $1,103,416. There were no open forward foreign currency exchange contracts at October 31, 2021.
K. | Credit Default Swap Contracts |
A credit default swap is a contract between a buyer of protection and a seller of protection against a pre-defined credit event or an underlying reference obligation, which may be a single security or a basket or index of securities. The Fund may buy or sell credit default swap contracts to seek to increase the Fund’s income, or to attempt to hedge the risk of default on portfolio securities. A credit default swap index is used to hedge risk or take a position on a basket of credit entities or indices.
As a seller of protection, the Fund would be required to pay the notional (or other agreed-upon) value of the referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer of a debt obligation, which would likely result in a loss to the Fund. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments during the term of the contract, provided that no event of default occurred. The maximum exposure of loss to the seller would be the notional value of the credit default swaps outstanding. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligation. The Fund may also buy credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities, in which case the Fund would function as the counterparty referenced above.
As a buyer of protection, the Fund makes an upfront or periodic payment to the protection seller in exchange for the right to receive a contingent payment. An upfront payment made by the Fund, as the protection buyer, is recorded within the “Swap contracts, at value” line item on the
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.
Credit default swap contracts are marked-to-market daily using valuations supplied by independent sources, and the change in value, if any, is recorded within the “Swap contracts, at value” line item on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or upon termination of the contract are recognized, net of the appropriate amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.
Credit default swap contracts involving the sale of protection may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced debt instrument directly. Credit default swap contracts are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a protection buyer and no credit event occurs, it will lose its investment. If the Fund is a protection seller and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced debt instrument received by the Fund, together with the periodic payments received, may be less than the amount the Fund pays to the protection buyer, resulting in a loss to the Fund. In addition, obligations under sell protection credit default swaps may be partially offset by net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty.
Certain swap contracts that are cleared through a central clearinghouse are referred to as centrally cleared swaps. All payments made or received by the Fund are pursuant to a centrally cleared swap contract with the central clearing party rather than the original counterparty. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap contract, the Fund is required to make an initial margin deposit, either in cash or in securities. The daily change in value on open centrally cleared contracts is recorded as “Variation margin for centrally cleared swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Cash received from or paid to the broker related to previous margin movement is held in a segregated account at the broker and is recorded as either “Due from broker for swaps” or “Due to broker for swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The amount of cash deposited with a broker as collateral at October 31, 2021, is recorded as “Swaps collateral” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
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The average market value of credit default swap contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2021, was $2,506,743. Open credit default swap contracts at October 31, 2021, are listed in the Schedule of Investments.
2. Management Agreement
The Adviser manages the Fund’s portfolio. Management fees payable under the Fund's Investment Management Agreement with the Adviser are calculated daily and paid monthly at the annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $500 million, 0.65% of the next $500 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.60% of the next $4 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.55% of the next $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.50% of the next $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.45% of the next $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.40% of the next $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.35% of the next $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, and 0.30% of the fund’s average daily net assets over $10 billion. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the effective management fee (excluding waivers and/or assumption of expenses) was equivalent to 0.69% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit ordinary operating expenses (ordinary operating expenses means all fund expenses other than extraordinary expenses, such as litigation, taxes, brokerage commissions and acquired fund fees and expenses) of the Fund to the extent required to reduce Fund expenses to 1.10% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A and Class Y shares, respectively. These expense limitations are in effect through March 1, 2022. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will extend the expense limitation agreement for a class of shares beyond the date referred to above. Fees waived and expenses reimbursed during the year ended October 31, 2021 are reflected on the Statement of Operations.
In addition, under the management and administration agreements, certain other services and costs, including accounting, regulatory reporting and insurance premiums, are paid by the Fund as administrative reimbursements. Included in “Due to affiliates” reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $59,186 in management fees, administrative costs and certain other reimbursements payable to the Adviser at October 31, 2021.
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3. Compensation of Trustees and Officers
The Fund pays an annual fee to its Trustees. The Adviser reimburses the Fund for fees paid to the Interested Trustees. The Fund does not pay any salary or other compensation to its officers. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid $25,376 in Trustees’ compensation, which is reflected on the Statement of Operations as Trustees’ fees. At October 31, 2021, the Fund had a payable for Trustees’ fees on its Statement of Assets and Liabilities of $2,303.
4. Transfer Agent
During the period covered by the report DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. served as the transfer agent to the Fund at negotiated rates. Transfer agent fees and payables shown on the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, respectively, include sub-transfer agent expenses incurred through the Fund’s omnibus relationship contracts.
In addition, the Fund reimbursed the transfer agent for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the transfer agent related to shareowner communications activities such as proxy and statement mailings, and outgoing phone calls. For the year ended October 31, 2021, such out-of-pocket expenses by class of shares were as follows:
Shareowner Communications: | |
Class A | $ 93,835 |
Class C | 4,640 |
Class R | 1,381 |
Class Y | 9,881 |
Total | $109,737 |
5. Distribution and Service Plans
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to its Class A, Class C and Class R shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class A shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund also pays the Distributor 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. The fee for Class C shares consists of a 0.25% service fee and a 0.75% distribution fee paid as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services or distribution services with regard to Class C shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund further pays the Distributor 0.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class R
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shares for distribution services. Included in “Due to affiliates” reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $60,555 in distribution fees payable to the Distributor at October 31, 2021.
The Fund also has adopted a separate service plan for Class R shares (the “Service Plan”). The Service Plan authorizes the Fund to pay securities dealers, plan administrators or other service organizations that agree to provide certain services to retirement plans or plan participants holding shares of the Fund a service fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares held by such plans.
In addition, redemptions of Class A and Class C shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”). A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions of certain net asset value purchases of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. Redemptions of Class C shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00% based on the lower of cost or market value of shares being redeemed. Shares purchased as part of an exchange remain subject to any CDSC that applied to the original purchase of those shares. There is no CDSC for Class R or Class Y shares. Proceeds from the CDSCs are paid to the Distributor. For the year ended October 31, 2021, CDSCs in the amount of $1,453 were paid to the Distributor.
6. Line of Credit Facility
The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Pioneer Family of Funds, participates in a committed, unsecured revolving line of credit (“credit facility”). Borrowings are used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may borrow up to the lesser of the amount available under the credit facility or the limits set for borrowing by the Fund’s prospectus and the 1940 Act. Effective February 3, 2021, the Fund participates in a facility in the amount of $450 million. Under such facility, depending on the type of loan, interest on borrowings is payable at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a credit spread. The Fund also pays both an upfront fee and an annual commitment fee to participate in the credit facility. The upfront fee in the amount of 0.10% of the total credit facility and the commitment fee in the amount of 0.25% of the daily unused portion of each lender’s commitment are allocated among participating funds based on an allocation schedule set forth in the credit agreement. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund had no borrowings under the credit facility.
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7. Additional Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Fund’s use of derivatives may enhance or mitigate the Fund’s exposure to the following risks:
Interest rate risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of interest-bearing securities due to changes in the prevailing levels of market interest rates.
Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer of a financial instrument to make further principal or interest payments on an obligation or commitment that it has to the Fund.
Foreign exchange rate risk relates to fluctuations in the value of an asset or liability due to changes in currency exchange rates.