MFS CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND N-CSRS
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-09537

MFS CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Susan S. Newton

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

111 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Name and address of agents for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: May 31, 2013


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


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SEMIANNUAL REPORT

May 31, 2013

 

LOGO

 

MFS® CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND

 

LOGO

 

CCA-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND

NYSE MKT Symbol: CCA

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Portfolio managers’ profiles     4   
Other notes     4   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     13   
Statement of operations     14   
Statements of changes in net assets     15   
Statement of cash flows     16   
Financial highlights     17   
Notes to financial statements     19   
Report of independent registered public accounting firm     30   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     31   
Proxy voting policies and information     31   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     31   
Further information     31   
Contact information    back cover   

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

With the year almost half over, the global economy continues to grind forward slowly, weighed down by various austerity measures. The U.S. economy remains a steadying

force with resilient consumers, who took the payroll tax increase in stride and did not seem fazed by the sequestration’s early impact. The U.S. housing market recovery remains robust. With U.S. consumer sentiment rising to multi-year highs, the country’s economic outlook remains positive, except for an anticipated mid-year sequestration-related slowdown. However, market volatility has been heightened, with renewed expectations of a shift in U.S. Federal Reserve policy and a tapering of its monthly bond-buying program.

Japan has been another bright spot, with signs of a turnaround prompted by “Abenomics,” the stimulus policies of Prime

Minister Shinzo Abe. Consumer and business sentiment have risen, along with prospects for exporters, who gain as a devalued yen means less expensive products overseas and boosted sales. The Japanese stock market advanced more than 30% from January through May. However, doubts remain over whether Abenomics will succeed in lifting Japan out of its long-term deflationary slump. The major deterrent to global growth remains the eurozone’s chronic contraction, which has weighed on that 17-member region. China has seen its factory activity decelerate, which is worrisome news for the country’s trading partners.

As always, managing risk in the face of uncertainty remains a top priority for investors. At MFS®, our uniquely collaborative investment process employs integrated, global research and active risk management. Our global team of investment professionals shares ideas and evaluates opportunities across continents, investment disciplines and asset classes — all with a goal of building better insights, and ultimately better results, for our clients.

We are mindful of the many economic challenges investors face, and believe it is more important than ever to maintain a long-term view and employ time-tested principles, such as asset allocation and diversification. We remain confident that our unique approach can serve investors well as they work with their financial advisors to identify and pursue the most suitable opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management®

July 17, 2013

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

 

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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)(j)

 

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
General Obligations – Schools     26.7%   
Healthcare Revenue – Hospitals     26.3%   
State & Local Agencies     17.5%   
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue     16.5%   
Tax Assessment     13.3%   
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)    
AA     52.6%   
A     68.3%   
BBB     26.9%   
BB     4.8%   
B     4.6%   
Not Rated (j)     3.3%   
Cash & Other     (60.5)%   
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     15.6   
Average Effective Maturity (m)     18.3 yrs.   
 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Cash & Other includes cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these agencies.
(d) Duration is a measure of how much a bond’s price is likely to fluctuate with general changes in interest rates, e.g., if rates rise 1.00%, a bond with a 5-year duration is likely to lose about 5.00% of its value due to the interest rate move.

 

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Portfolio Composition – continued

 

(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the market value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than market value. Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.
(j) For the purpose of managing the fund’s duration, the fund holds short treasury futures with a bond equivalent exposure of (9.0)%, which reduce the fund’s interest rate exposure but not its credit exposure.
(m) In determining an instrument’s effective maturity for purposes of calculating the fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instrument’s stated maturity or, if applicable, an earlier date on which MFS believes it is probable that a maturity-shortening device (such as a put, pre-refunding or prepayment) will cause the instrument to be repaid. Such an earlier date can be substantially shorter than the instrument’s stated maturity.

From time to time “Cash & Other Net Assets” may be negative due to the aggregate liquidation value of variable rate municipal term preferred shares, timing of cash receipts, and/or equivalent exposure from any derivative holdings.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 5/31/13.

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

 

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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS’ PROFILES

 

Michael Dawson     Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1998. Portfolio Manager of the Fund since June 2007.
Geoffrey Schechter     Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1993. Portfolio Manager of the Fund since June 2007.

OTHER NOTES

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

The fund’s monthly distributions may include a return of capital to shareholders to the extent that distributions are in excess of the fund’s net investment income and net capital gains, determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations. Distributions that are treated for federal income tax purposes as a return of capital will reduce each shareholder’s basis in his or her shares and, to the extent the return of capital exceeds such basis, will be treated as gain to the shareholder from a sale of shares. Returns of shareholder capital have the effect of reducing the fund’s assets and increasing the fund’s expense ratio.

 

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

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

5/31/13 (unaudited)

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

 

Municipal Bonds - 167.4%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Airport Revenue - 8.3%                 
Los Angeles, CA, Department of Airports Rev. (Los Angeles International), “C”, BHAC, 5.25%, 2038    $ 750,000      $ 829,895   
Orange County, CA, Airport Rev., “A”, 5%, 2031      190,000        207,746   
San Diego County, CA, Regional Airport Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 2021      500,000        581,265   
San Diego County, CA, Regional Airport Authority Rev., “B”, 5%, 2038      305,000        329,546   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission, International Airport Rev., “A”, 5%, 2030      285,000        310,850   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission, International Airport Rev., “A”, 5%, 2031      150,000        163,133   
San Jose, CA, Airport Rev., “A-2”, 5.25%, 2034      440,000        475,966   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,898,401   
General Obligations - General Purpose - 9.4%                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, “A”, 5.5%, 2018    $ 370,000      $ 396,995   
State of California, AMBAC, 6%, 2017      1,000,000        1,180,600   
State of California, 5.25%, 2035      455,000        514,227   
State of California, 5.5%, 2040      630,000        730,838   
State of California, 5.25%, 2040      415,000        464,302   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,286,962   
General Obligations - Schools - 26.3%                 
Alhambra, CA, Unified School District, “B”, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 2028    $ 500,000      $ 568,500   
Banning, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2006), “B”, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 2033      500,000        552,340   
Beaumont, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, “C”, AGM, 0%, 2040      955,000        240,068   
Chabot-Las Positas, CA, Community College (Election of 2004), “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 2030      60,000        67,616   
El Camino, CA, Community College District (Election of 2002), “C”, 4%, 2037      550,000        562,265   
Lake Tahoe, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, AGM, 0%, 2045      515,000        206,278   
Montebello, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2004), “A-1”, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 2034      355,000        397,671   
Napa Valley, CA, Unified School District, 5%, 2020      225,000        275,162   
Peralta, CA, Community College District, AGM, 5%, 2016      500,000        565,640   
Pittsburg, CA, Unified School District, “B”, AGM, 5.5%, 2034      500,000        563,350   
Pomona, CA, Unified School District, “A”, NATL, 6.55%, 2029      1,000,000        1,288,220   
San Diego County, CA, Southwestern Community College District (Election of 2008), “C”, 5%, 2040      370,000        401,409   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
General Obligations - Schools - continued                 
San Diego, CA, Community College (Election of 2002), 5.25%, 2033    $ 125,000      $ 143,419   
San Joaquin, CA, Delta Community College District (Election of 2004), “B”, Capital Appreciation, AGM, 0%, 2018      400,000        359,708   
Santee, CA, School District (Election of 2006), Capital Appreciation, “D”, ASSD GTY, 0%, 2043      765,000        154,308   
Vallejo City, CA, Unified School District, “A”, NATL, 5.9%, 2025      500,000        552,395   
Victor, CA, Elementary School District (Election of 2008), “A”, ASSD GTY, 5.125%, 2034      500,000        557,805   
Washington, CA, Yolo County Unified School District (New High School Project), 5%, 2021      450,000        499,766   
West Contra Costa, CA, Unified School District, “A”, NATL, 5.7%, 2023      500,000        627,210   
West Covina, CA, Unified School District, “A”, NATL, 5.8%, 2021      500,000        585,275   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,168,405   
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - 26.0%                 
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Sharp Healthcare), 6.25%, 2039    $ 505,000      $ 584,911   
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Sharp Healthcare), “A”, 5%, 2026      110,000        123,976   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center), 5%, 2034      250,000        264,240   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Memorial Health Services), “A”, 5%, 2033      295,000        328,435   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Scripps Health), “A”, 5%, 2032      525,000        571,715   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Scripps Health), “A”, 5%, 2040      255,000        278,078   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “B”, 5.5%, 2020      500,000        621,250   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “B”, 5.875%, 2031      500,000        587,425   
California Municipal Finance Authority, COP (Community Hospitals of Central California), 5.25%, 2027      250,000        267,360   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Adventist), ASSD GTY, 5%, 2037      500,000        537,455   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Catholic Healthcare West), “K”, ASSD GTY, 5.5%, 2041      1,000,000        1,089,130   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Enloe Medical Center), “A”, CALHF, 5.5%, 2023      500,000        582,425   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Huntington Memorial Hospital), 5%, 2035      535,000        560,621   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Kaiser Permanente), “A”, 5%, 2042      455,000        491,682   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued                 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital), 5.25%, 2030    $ 260,000      $ 293,244   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “A”, 5%, 2032      610,000        664,839   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Trinity Health Corp.), 5%, 2041      450,000        492,971   
Santa Clara County, CA, Financing Authority Rev. (El Camino Hospital), AMBAC, 5.125%, 2041      400,000        415,344   
Upland, CA, COP (San Antonio Community Hospital), 6.375%, 2032      250,000        295,980   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,051,081   
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - 2.9%                 
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Episcopal Senior Communities), 6.125%, 2041    $ 150,000      $ 173,480   
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Eskaton Properties, Inc.), 5%, 2035      230,000        242,041   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Episcopal Communities & Services for Seniors Obligated Group),
5%, 2047
     315,000        334,105   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Eskaton Properties, Inc.), 5.25%, 2034      230,000        245,518   
    

 

 

 
             $ 995,144   
Miscellaneous Revenue - Other - 3.0%                 
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Jackson Lab), 5%, 2037    $ 400,000      $ 428,284   
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Jackson Lab), 5.75%, 2037      385,000        435,793   
California Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank Rev. (Walt Disney Family Museum), 5.25%, 2033      160,000        174,293   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,038,370   
Port Revenue - 4.1%                 
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, California Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 2028    $ 305,000      $ 350,033   
Port of Oakland, CA, Rev., “P”, 5%, 2033      1,000,000        1,068,080   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,418,113   
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - 1.9%                 
California Economic Recovery, “A”, 5%, 2020    $ 250,000      $ 295,978   
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, AMBAC, 0%, 2054      1,280,000        111,014   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - continued                 
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Convertible Capital Appreciation, “A”, 0% to 2016, 6.75% to 2032    $ 250,000      $ 258,715   
    

 

 

 
             $ 665,707   
Single Family Housing Revenue - Local - 0.0%                 
California Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority Rev., Mortgage Backed Securities Program, “A”, GNMA, 6.35%, 2029    $ 5,000      $ 5,149   
Single Family Housing - Other - 1.5%                 
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Home Purchase Rev., “A”, 4.5%, 2028    $ 500,000      $ 533,505   
Single Family Housing - State - 3.6%                 
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “E”, 4.75%, 2030    $ 305,000      $ 303,765   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “K”, 5.3%, 2023      255,000        263,252   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “L”, 5.45%, 2033      555,000        565,173   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “L”, FNMA, 5.5%, 2038      110,000        111,205   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,243,395   
Solid Waste Revenue - 1.5%                 
Salinas Valley, CA, Solid Waste Authority Rev., AMBAC, 5.125%, 2022    $ 500,000      $ 501,580   
State & Agency - Other - 1.4%                 
Sacramento County, CA, Public Facilities Project, COP, AMBAC, 4.75%, 2027    $ 500,000      $ 499,970   
State & Local Agencies - 17.3%                 
California Public Works Board Lease Rev. (Judicial Council Projects), “A”, 5%, 2028    $ 380,000      $ 422,036   
Compton, CA, Public Finance Authority, AMBAC, 5%, 2032      500,000        372,800   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., FGIC, 5%, 2035      255,000        265,427   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., BHAC, 5%, 2038      1,000,000        1,038,920   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, “A”, FGIC, 5%, 2038      1,000,000        1,042,070   
Los Angeles County, CA, Schools Regionalized Business Service Corp., Pooled Financing, Capital Appreciation, “A”, AMBAC, 0%, 2018      2,020,000        1,678,034   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
State & Local Agencies - continued                 
Los Angeles County, CA, Schools Regionalized Business Service Corp., Pooled Financing, Capital Appreciation, “A”, AMBAC, 0%, 2023    $ 1,220,000      $ 757,376   
Los Angeles, CA, Municipal Improvement Corp. Lease Rev., “B”, ASSD GTY, 5.5%, 2030      390,000        450,044   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,026,707   
Tax Assessment - 13.2%                 
Dana Point, CA, Community Facilities District, Special Tax, “2006-1”, 4.625%, 2043    $ 145,000      $ 142,554   
Fontana, CA, Public Finance Authority, Tax Allocation Rev. (Sub Lien North Fontana Redevelopment), “A”, AMBAC, 5%, 2029      1,000,000        1,024,810   
Fullerton, CA, Community Facilities District, Special Tax (Amerige Heights), 5%, 2032      155,000        164,161   
Huntington Beach, CA, Community Facilities District, Special Tax (Grand Coast Resort), “2000-1”, 6.45%, 2031      100,000        100,272   
Huntington Park, CA, Public Financing Authority Rev., “A”, AGM, 5.25%, 2019      500,000        532,670   
Irvine, CA, Limited Obligation Improvement (Reassessment District #12-1), 4%, 2022      115,000        125,577   
Irvine, CA, Limited Obligation Improvement (Reassessment District #12-1), 5%, 2023      60,000        69,463   
Sacramento, CA, City Financing Authority, Special Tax Rev. (Westlake and Regency Park), “A”, AGM, 5%, 2027      65,000        70,305   
San Diego, CA, Community Facilities District No. 3, Special Tax, 5%, 2036      160,000        167,970   
San Diego, CA, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation (Centre City), “A”, AMBAC, 5.25%, 2025      500,000        525,135   
San Dieguito, CA, Public Facilities Authority, ‘‘A’’, AMBAC, 5%, 2032      500,000        516,235   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Redevelopment Successor Agency, Community Facilities District No. 6 (Mission Bay South Public Improvements), “A”, 5%, 2030      165,000        181,253   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Redevelopment Successor Agency, Community Facilities District No. 6 (Mission Bay South Public Improvements), “A”, 5%, 2033      130,000        140,364   
San Jose, CA, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation (Merged Area Redevelopment Project), “C”, NATL, 4.25%, 2030      900,000        833,580   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,594,349   
Tobacco - 4.4%                 
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 5.125%, 2047    $ 1,000,000      $ 872,420   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 5.75%, 2047      715,000        668,654   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,541,074   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Toll Roads - 0.7%                 
Foothill/Eastern Corridor Agency, CA, Toll Road Rev., NATL, 5.125%, 2019    $ 250,000      $ 250,400   
Transportation - Special Tax - 3.3%                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, Highway Rev., “Y”, AGM, 5.5%, 2016 (c)    $ 450,000      $ 518,958   
San Francisco, CA, Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Sales Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 2036      220,000        249,110   
San Francisco, CA, Municipal Transportation Agency Rev., “B”, 5%, 2037      335,000        368,560   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,136,628   
Universities - Colleges - 7.5%                 
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Dominican University of California), 5%, 2025    $ 120,000      $ 126,914   
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of San Francisco), 6.125%, 2030      285,000        345,007   
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (Biola University), 5%, 2038      250,000        272,283   
California Public Works Board Lease Rev. (The Regents of the University of California), 5%, 2028      375,000        438,180   
California State University Rev., “A”, 5%, 2024      370,000        433,603   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Plaza Project), 5.875%, 2043      230,000        228,213   
University Enterprises, Inc. (Auxiliary Organization), “A”, FGIC, 4.375%, 2030      500,000        500,355   
University of California Rev., “G”, 4%, 2029      265,000        275,510   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,620,065   
Universities - Secondary Schools - 1.4%                 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, School Facility Rev. (Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools), “A”, 6.1%, 2032    $ 150,000      $ 156,890   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, School Facility Rev. (Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools), “A”, 6.375%, 2047      315,000        329,418   
    

 

 

 
             $ 486,308   
Utilities - Cogeneration - 0.9%                 
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Water Furnishing Rev. (Poseidon Resources Desalination Project), 5%, 2045    $ 305,000      $ 305,430   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Utilities - Municipal Owned - 9.7%                 
California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Rev., “L”, 5%, 2019    $ 805,000      $ 971,233   
California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Rev., “N”, 5%, 2020      205,000        250,692   
Northern California Power Agency, Capital Facilities Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2024      390,000        436,328   
Sacramento, CA, Municipal Utility District Rev., “U”, AGM, 5%, 2019      750,000        883,568   
Sacramento, CA, Municipal Utility District Rev., “X”, 5%, 2025      370,000        429,515   
Vernon, CA, Electric System Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 2041      370,000        397,780   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,369,116   
Utilities - Other - 2.8%                 
California M-S-R Energy Authority Gas Rev., “A”, 6.5%, 2039    $ 245,000      $ 322,087   
Southern California Public Power Authority (Natural Gas Project No. 1), “A”, 5%, 2033      585,000        654,697   
    

 

 

 
             $ 976,784   
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue - 16.3%                 
Atwater, CA, Public Financing Authority Wastewater Rev., ASSD GTY, 5%, 2034    $ 500,000      $ 499,335   
Bay Area, CA, Water Supply & Conservation Agency, “A”, 5%, 2034      225,000        257,263   
California Department of Water Resources (Center Valley Project), “A-E”, 5%, 2028      500,000        580,420   
Chino Basin, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (Inland Empire Utilities Agency), “A”, AMBAC, 5%, 2038 (f)      1,000,000        1,098,830   
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, 5.75%, 2037      110,000        112,175   
Escondido CA, Joint Powers Financing Authority Rev. (Water System Financing), 5%, 2041      460,000        498,203   
Los Angeles, CA, Department of Water & Power Waterworks Rev., “C”, NATL, 5%, 2029      500,000        525,805   
Madera, CA, Irrigation Financing Authority Rev., 6.5%, 2040      440,000        498,388   
Norco, CA, Financing Authority Enterprise Rev., AGM, 5.625%, 2039      215,000        232,836   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Public Utilities Commission Water Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2031      335,000        383,237   
Sonoma County, CA, Water Agency Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 2036      600,000        627,054   
Southern California Metropolitan Water District Rev., “A”, 5%, 2028      325,000        373,022   
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,686,568   
Total Municipal Bonds (Identified Cost, $54,777,490)            $ 58,299,211   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Money Market Funds - 1.7%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.12%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     600,579      $ 600,579   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $55,378,069)            $ 58,899,790   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 1.0%              365,139   
VMTPS, at liquidation value (issued by the fund) - (70.1)%              (24,425,000
Net Assets applicable to common shares - 100.0%            $ 34,839,929   

 

(c) Refunded bond.
(f) All or a portion of the security has been segregated as collateral for open futures contracts.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.

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

 

COP   Certificate of Participation
VMTPS   Variable Rate Municipal Term Preferred Shares

 

Insurers
AGM    Assured Guaranty Municipal
AMBAC    AMBAC Indemnity Corp.
ASSD GTY    Assured Guaranty Insurance Co.
BHAC    Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp.
CALHF    California Housing Finance Agency
FGIC    Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
FNMA    Federal National Mortgage Assn.
GNMA    Government National Mortgage Assn.
NATL    National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

Derivative Contracts at 5/31/13

Futures Contracts Outstanding at 5/31/13

 

Description    Currency      Contracts      Value    Expiration
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives               
Interest Rate Futures            
U.S. Treasury Bond 30 yr (Short)      USD         4       $560,125      September - 2013         $2,654   
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)      USD         20       2,584,375      September - 2013         3,836   
              

 

 

 
                 $6,490   
              

 

 

 

At May 31, 2013, the fund had liquid securities with an aggregate value of $40,657 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 5/31/13 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments-

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $54,777,490)

     $58,299,211   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     600,579   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $55,378,069)

     $58,899,790   

Receivables for

  

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     7,188   

Interest

     758,501   

Deferred VMTPS offering costs

     55,474   

Receivable from investment adviser

     8,532   

Other assets

     10,063   

Total assets

     $59,739,548   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $388,823   

Interest expense

     29,525   

Payable for transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     69   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     1,237   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     54,965   

VMTPS, at liquidation value

     24,425,000   

Total liabilities

     $24,899,619   

Net assets applicable to common shares

     $34,839,929   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital – common shares

     $40,369,906   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     3,528,211   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (9,159,971

Undistributed net investment income

     101,783   

Net assets applicable to common shares

     $34,839,929   

VMTPS, at liquidation value (977 shares of Series 2016/9 issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share)

     24,425,000   

Net assets including VMTPS

     $59,264,929   

Common shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

     2,786,238   

Net asset value per common share (net assets of $34,839,929 / 2,786,238 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)

     $12.50   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 5/31/13 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income         

Income

  

Interest

     $1,329,483   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     351   

Total investment income

     $1,329,834   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $194,382   

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     3,160   

Administrative services fee

     9,346   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     5,647   

Stock exchange fee

     7,478   

Custodian fee

     5,391   

Shareholder communications

     10,329   

Audit and tax fees

     37,465   

Legal fees

     349   

Amortization of VMTPS offering costs

     8,160   

Interest expense

     168,338   

Miscellaneous

     27,188   

Total expenses

     $477,233   

Fees paid indirectly

     (6

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

     (59,545

Net expenses

     $417,682   

Net investment income

     $912,152   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $139,424   

Futures contracts

     63,775   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     $203,199   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $(1,760,965

Futures contracts

     11,920   

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $(1,749,045

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $(1,545,846

Change in net assets from operations

     $(633,694

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

Change in net assets   Six months ended
5/31/13
(unaudited)
    

Year ended
11/30/12

 

 
From operations                 

Net investment income

    $912,152         $1,946,901   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    203,199         322,804   

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,749,045      5,011,105   

Distributions declared to shareholders of ARPS

            (47,375

Change in net assets from operations

    $(633,694      $7,233,435   
Distributions declared to shareholders                 

From net investment income

    $(835,871      $(1,997,500
Share transactions applicable to common
and preferred shares
                

Net asset value of shares issued to common shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

    $—         $7,219   

Net increase resulting from the tender and repurchase of ARPS

            1,221,250   

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

    $—         $1,228,469   

Total change in net assets

    $(1,469,565      $6,464,404   
Net assets applicable to common shares                 

At beginning of period

    36,309,494         29,845,090   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $101,783 and $25,502, respectively)

    $34,839,929         $36,309,494   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended 5/31/13 (unaudited)

This statement provides a summary of cash flows from investment activity for the fund.

 

Cash flows from operating activities:         

Change in net assets from operations

     $(633,694
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:         

Purchase of investment securities

     (3,530,094

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities

     2,487,171   

Proceeds from futures contracts

     63,775   

Proceeds from disposition of short-term investments, net

     1,001,153   

Realized gain/loss on investments

     (139,424

Realized gain/loss on futures contracts and swap agreements

     (63,775

Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     1,760,965   

Net amortization/accretion of income

     (37,764

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

     (17,908

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (27,200

Increase in receivable for daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     (7,188

Increase in receivable from investment adviser

     (1,069

Decrease in payable for daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     (2,813

Increase in other assets

     (7,911

Net cash provided by operating activities

     $844,224   
Cash flows from financing activities:         

Decrease in deferred VMTPS offering costs

     4,461   

Cash distributions paid on common shares

     (835,858

Decrease in payable for VMTPS offering costs

     (5,046

Decrease in payable for ARPS tender and repurchase costs

     (8,367

Increase in payable for interest expense

     586   

Net cash used by financing activities

     $(844,224
Cash:         

Beginning of period

     $—   

End of period

     $—   

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the six months ended May 31, 2013 for interest was $167,752.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/13

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
Common Shares     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.03        $10.71        $10.48        $10.66        $9.35        $13.53   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.33        $0.70        $0.79        $0.86        $0.86        $0.91   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

    (0.56     1.92        0.26        (0.18     1.26        (4.18

Distributions declared to shareholders
of ARPS

           (0.02     (0.03     (0.04     (0.06     (0.31

Total from investment operations

    $(0.23     $2.60        $1.02        $0.64        $2.06        $(3.58
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.30     $(0.72     $(0.79     $(0.82     $(0.75     $(0.60

Net increase resulting from tender and
repurchase of ARPS

    $—        $0.44        $—        $—        $—        $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $12.50        $13.03        $10.71        $10.48        $10.66        $9.35   

Market value, end of period

    $11.21        $12.71        $10.99        $10.75        $10.72        $8.39   

Total return at market value (%) (p)

    (9.58 )(n)      22.84        10.44        7.87        37.90        (23.86

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

    (1.65 )(n)      29.22 (y)      10.40        5.75        23.05        (26.95
Ratios (%) (to average net assets
applicable to common shares)
and Supplemental data:
    

Expenses before expense reductions (f)(p)

    2.69 (a)      2.40        2.01        1.86        2.25        2.05   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)(p)

    2.36 (a)      1.94        1.49        1.44        1.49        1.29   

Net investment income (p)

    5.15 (a)      5.88        7.78        7.85        8.41        7.49   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      19        40        21        20        26   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $34,840        $36,309        $29,845        $29,178        $29,638        $25,992   

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/13

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
      2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
                                 
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

Ratio of expenses to average net assets
applicable to common shares after expense
reductions and excluding interest
expense (f)(l)(p)

    1.40 (a)      1.40        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets
applicable to common shares, ARPS, and
VMTPS after expense reductions and
excluding interest expense (f)(l)(p)

    0.83 (a)      0.81        0.80        0.80        0.80        0.75   

Net investment income available to common
shares

    5.15        5.73        7.51        7.52        7.83        4.93   
Senior Securities:                                                

ARPS

                  978        978        978        978   

VMTPS

    977        977                               

Total preferred shares outstanding

    977        977        978        978        978        978   

Asset coverage per preferred share (k)

    $60,660        $62,164        $55,516        $54,834        $55,305        $51,576   

Involuntary liquidation preference per
preferred share (m)

    $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000   

Average market value per preferred
share (m)(u)

    $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000   

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(j) Total return at net asset value is calculated using the net asset value of the fund, not the publicly traded price and therefore may be different than the total return at market value.
(k) Calculated by subtracting the fund’s total liabilities (not including liquidation preference of ARPS or VMTPS) from the fund’s total assets and dividing this number by the total number of preferred shares outstanding.
(l) For the year ended November 30, 2012, the expense ratio excludes interest expense paid to shareholders of VMTPS and fees and expenses related to the tender and repurchase of the fund’s ARPS.
(m) Amount excludes accrued unpaid distributions on ARPS and accrued interest on VMTPS.
(n) Not annualized.
(p) For the years ended November 30, 2008 through November 30, 2012, the ratio excludes dividend payment on ARPS.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(s) From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.
(u) Average market value represents the approximate fair value of each of the fund’s ARPS and VMTPS.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns at net asset value per share have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes
(y) Included in the total return at net asset value for the year ended November 30, 2012 is the impact of the tender and repurchase by the fund of a portion of its ARPS at 95% of the ARPS’ per share liquidation preference. Had this transaction not occurred, the total return at net asset value for the year ended November 30, 2012 would have been lower by 3.34%.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

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

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests primarily in municipal instruments. The value of municipal instruments can be affected by changes in their actual or perceived credit quality. The credit quality of municipal instruments can be affected by, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer or guarantor, the issuer’s future borrowing plans and sources of revenue, the economic feasibility of the revenue bond project or general borrowing purpose, political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued and the liquidity of the security. Municipal instruments generally trade in the over-the-counter market. Municipal instruments backed by current and anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the projects or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service determines an issuer of a municipal instrument has not complied with the applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable, the security could decline in value, and the fund may be required to issue Forms 1099-DIV.

In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-01 (“ASU 2013-01”) entitled Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities which is intended to clarify the scope of Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Consistent with the effective date for ASU 2011-11, ASU 2013-01 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of ASU 2011-11’s disclosure requirements on offsetting to financial assets and financial liabilities related to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. Although still evaluating the potential impact of these two ASUs to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2013-08”) which is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-08 sets

 

19


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

forth a methodology for determining whether an entity should be characterized as an investment company and prescribes fair value accounting for an investment company’s non-controlling ownership interest in another investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 automatically meets ASU 2013-08’s criteria for an investment company. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2013-08 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations Debt instruments and floating rate loans (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as provided by a third-party pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which they are primarily traded. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from third-party pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the

 

20


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as futures contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of May 31, 2013 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Municipal Bonds      $—         $58,299,211         $—         $58,299,211   
Mutual Funds      600,579                         600,579   
Total Investments      $600,579         $58,299,211         $—         $58,899,790   
Other Financial Instruments                            
Futures Contracts      $6,490         $—         $—         $6,490   

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

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

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

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at May 31, 2013 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $6,490   

 

21


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

 

(a) The value of futures contracts outstanding includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day variation margin for futures contracts is separately reported within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended May 31, 2013 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $63,775   

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended May 31, 2013 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $11,920   

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible by entering into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the fund the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty.

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Futures Contracts – The fund entered into futures contracts which may be used to hedge against or obtain broad market exposure, interest rate exposure, or to manage duration. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an initial margin in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount of the contract. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gain or loss by the fund until the contract is closed or expires at which point the gain or loss on futures contracts is realized.

The fund bears the risk of interest rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. While futures contracts may present less counterparty risk to the fund since the contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse guarantees payments to the broker, there is still counterparty credit risk due to the insolvency of the broker. The fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk is equal to the margin posted by the fund to the broker plus any gains or minus any losses on the outstanding futures contracts.

Statement of Cash Flows Information on financial transactions which have been settled through the receipt or disbursement of cash is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is the amount included within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and includes cash on hand at its custodian bank and does not include any short term investments.

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

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date.

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended May 31, 2013, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The fund’s federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period.

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

Book/tax differences primarily relate to amortization and accretion of debt securities, non-deductible expenses, and the treatment of VMTPS as equity for tax purposes.

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

 

     11/30/12  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $10,841   
Tax-exempt income      2,105,971   
Total distributions      $2,116,812   

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

 

As of 5/31/13       
Cost of investments      $55,197,157   
Gross appreciation      4,050,666   
Gross depreciation      (348,033
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $3,702,633   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

As of 11/30/12       
Undistributed ordinary income      5,886   
Undistributed tax-exempt income      49,176   
Capital loss carryforwards      (9,479,547
Post-October capital loss deferral      (16,510
Other temporary differences      (29,560
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      5,410,143   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after November 30, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses’). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses’). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of November 30, 2012, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

11/30/15      $(820,932
11/30/16      (4,230,528
11/30/17      (3,006,395
11/30/18      (696,235
11/30/19      (725,457
Total      $(9,479,547

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

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

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses other than preferred shares service fees such that total fund operating expenses do not exceed 0.80% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of the variable rate municipal term preferred shares). This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until November 30, 2014. For the six months ended May 31, 2013, this reduction amounted to $59,488 and is reflected as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Transfer Agent – The fund engages Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) as the sole transfer agent for the fund’s common shares. MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC) monitors and supervises the activities of Computershare for an agreed upon fee approved by the Board of Trustees. For the six months ended May 31, 2013, these fees paid to MFSC amounted to $84.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets (including the value of the variable rate municipal term preferred shares). The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended May 31, 2013 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0313% of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of the variable rate municipal term preferred shares).

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

Deferred Trustee Compensation – Prior to MFS’ appointment as investment adviser to the fund, the fund’s former independent Trustees participated in a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Former Colonial Trustees Plan” or “Plan”). The fund’s current independent Trustees are not allowed to defer compensation under the Former Colonial Trustees Plan. Amounts deferred under the Plan are invested in shares of certain non-MFS funds selected by the former independent Trustees as notional investments. Deferred amounts represent an unsecured obligation of the fund until distributed in accordance with the Plan. Included in “Other assets” and “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $956 of deferred Trustees’ compensation. There is no current year expense associated with the Former Colonial Trustees Plan.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. For the six months ended May 31, 2013, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $135 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $57, which is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(4) Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $3,570,800 and $2,487,171, respectively.

(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest

The fund’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. The fund reserves the right to repurchase shares of beneficial interest of the fund subject to Trustee approval. During the six months ended May 31, 2013 and the year ended November 30, 2012, the fund did not repurchase any shares. Other transactions in fund shares were as follows:

 

     Six months ended
5/31/13
     Year ended
11/30/12
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
             $—         604         $7,219   

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended May 31, 2013, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $101 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     1,001,732         3,272,673         (3,673,826      600,579   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $351         $600,579   

(8) Preferred Shares

On August 9, 2012, the fund announced a tender offer for all of its outstanding Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS) at a price equal to 95% of the ARPS’ per share

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

liquidation preference of $25,000, or $23,750 per share, plus any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the tender offer. The tender offer expired on September 12, 2012, and the fund accepted for repurchase 977 ARPS, series TH (approximately 99.8% of the fund’s then outstanding ARPS) with an aggregate liquidation preference of $24,425,000 for an aggregate price of $23,203,750. To finance the ARPS tender offer, the fund issued in a private placement 977 shares of a new type of preferred shares, Variable Rate Municipal Term Preferred Shares (VMTPS), each with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, for an aggregate price of $24,425,000. The outstanding VMTPS are redeemable at the option of the fund in whole or in part at the liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, but generally solely for the purpose of decreasing the leverage of the fund. The VMTPS are subject to a mandatory term redemption date of September 30, 2016 unless extended through negotiation with the private investors. Dividends on the VMTPS are cumulative and are set weekly to a fixed spread against the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index. The average annualized dividend rate on the fund’s VMTPS from the date of initial issuance through May 31, 2013 was 1.38%. The total liquidation preference of the fund’s outstanding preferred shares, comprised of untendered ARPS and VMTPS, remained unchanged as a result of the ARPS tender and VMTPS issuance. The difference between the liquidation preference of the ARPS and the actual purchase price of the tendered ARPS (i.e. the 5% discount on the per share liquidation preference of the tendered ARPS), was recognized by the fund in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets as an increase in net assets applicable to common shares resulting from the tender and the repurchase of the ARPS by the fund.

Following the ARPS tender, the fund had one remaining ARPS outstanding, and the fund subsequently determined to redeem the sole remaining ARPS on November 20, 2012, for its liquidation preference of $25,000 plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. Thus, the fund currently has only one type of preferred shares outstanding, the VMTPS.

In the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the VMTPS aggregate liquidation preference is shown as a liability since they have a stated mandatory redemption date. Dividends paid to VMTPS are treated as interest expense and recorded as incurred. For the six months ended May 31, 2013, interest expense related to VMTPS amounted to $168,338 and is included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. Costs directly related to the issuance of the VMTPS are considered debt issuance costs which have been deferred and are being amortized into expense over the life of the VMTPS. The period-end carrying value for the VMTPS in the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities is its liquidation value which approximates its fair value. If the VMTPS were carried at fair value, its fair value would be considered level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosure.

Under the terms of a purchase agreement between the fund and the investor in VMTPS, there are investment-related requirements that are in various respects more restrictive than those to which the fund is otherwise subject in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, and may limit the investment flexibility that might otherwise be pursued by the fund if the VMTPS were not outstanding.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

The fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the VMTPS as defined in the fund’s By-Laws and the Investment Company Act of 1940 and, as such, is not permitted to declare common share dividends unless the fund’s VMTPS have a minimum asset coverage ratio of 200% after declaration of the common share dividends. With respect to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets of the fund, VMTPS are senior in priority to the fund’s outstanding common shares. To the extent that investments are purchased by the fund with proceeds from the issuance of VMTPS, the fund’s net asset value will increase or decrease at a greater rate than a comparable unleveraged fund.

As of May 31, 2013, the fund had issued and outstanding 977 VMTPS, series 2016/9.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of the MFS California Municipal Fund:

We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the MFS California Municipal Fund (the Fund), including the portfolio of investments, as of May 31, 2013, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, cash flows, and financial highlights for the six-month period ended May 31, 2013. These interim financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management.

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

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

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended November 30, 2012, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended November 30, 2012, and in our report dated January 15, 2013, we expressed an unqualified opinion on such statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

July 17, 2013

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

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

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

A general description of the MFS funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2012 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

 

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LOGO

 

CONTACT US

TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR, AND

DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

CALL

1-800-637-2304

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

WRITE

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

 

NYSE MKT Symbol: CCA


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

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

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

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

 

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

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

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

There were no changes during this period.


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

 

MFS California Municipal Fund

Period

   (a) Total number
of Shares

Purchased
   (b) Average
Price
Paid per
Share
   (c) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of  Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   (d) Maximum
Number (or

Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May

Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans
or Programs

12/01/12-12/31/12

   0    N/A    0    278,582

1/01/13-1/31/13

   0    N/A    0    278,582

2/01/13-2/28/13

   0    N/A    0    278,582

3/01/13-3/31/13

   0    N/A    0    278,623

4/01/13-4/30/13

   0    N/A    0    278,623

5/01/13-5/31/13

   0    N/A    0    278,623
  

 

     

 

  

Total

   0       0   
  

 

     

 

  

Note: The Board of Trustees approves procedures to repurchase shares annually. The notification to shareholders of the program is part of the semi-annual and annual reports sent to shareholders. These annual programs begin on March 1st of each year. The programs conform to the conditions of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and limit the aggregate number of shares that may be purchased in each annual period (March 1 through the following February 28) to 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding shares as of the first day of the plan year (March 1). The aggregate number of shares available for purchase for the March 1, 2013 plan year is 278,623.

 

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

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

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

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


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

 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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Notice

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


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SIGNATURES

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

Registrant MFS CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND

 

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

Date: July 17, 2013

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

 

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

Date: July 17, 2013

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
 

David L. DiLorenzo, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer

and Accounting Officer)

Date: July 17, 2013

 

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