N-CSRS
1
ncsr.txt
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 811-22987
Pioneer ILS Interval 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 Pioneer 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
Date of reporting period: November 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with
the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of
any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may
use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review,
inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR,
and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not
required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR
unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget
("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the
information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the
burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information
under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
Pioneer ILS
Interval Fund
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Semiannual Report | April 30, 2018
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: XILSX
[LOGO] Amundi Pioneer
ASSET MANAGEMENT
visit us: www.amundipioneer.com
Table of Contents
President's Letter 2
Portfolio Management Discussion 4
Portfolio Summary 10
Prices and Distributions 11
Performance Update 12
Schedule of Investments 13
Financial Statements 21
Financial Highlights 25
Notes to Financial Statements 26
Additional Information 41
Trustees, Officers and Service Providers 43
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 1
President's Letter
While 2017 delivered strong positive performance, 2018, thus far, has
introduced market volatility. Equity and fixed-income markets pulled back in
the first quarter of this year, as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index both finished in negative
territory, returning -0.76% and -1.46%, respectively, for the three-month
period ended March 31, 2018. Concerns about the sustainability of the pace of
economic growth, extended equity valuations, and rising interest rates drove a
significant stock market sell-off beginning in late January, approaching
correction levels. The market did recover from its initial slump, but this
year's significant fluctuations have served to remind investors that even the
strongest "bulls" cannot run forever. Within fixed income, rising interest
rates helped drive down returns of most asset classes in the first quarter,
though floating-rate sectors such as bank loans fared well in the rising-rate
environment.
Our view is that the first-quarter pause in the market's near-continuous upward
momentum over the previous 15 months, dating back to the final quarter of 2016,
presents an opportunity for investors to enter the market at healthier valuation
levels. We believe fundamentals are still quite positive, yet also believe that
caution is warranted given that the market remains vulnerable to corrections.
Some areas, such as growth stocks, appear expensive, but we do see opportunity
in value stocks, with prices supported by better corporate earnings due to the
recent tax reforms in the U.S. as well as robust, nominal gross domestic product
(GDP) growth. In fact, GDP growth in the U.S. rose to close to or better than 3%
over the final three quarters of 2017, and GDP growth in the first quarter of
2018 registered at 2.3%.
In the fixed-income markets, we believe investors should consider positioning
their portfolios to defend against rising interest rates, with underweight
positions in U.S. Treasuries. We see more attractive valuations within
structured investment vehicles, such as mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in
both the agency and non-agency residential MBS sectors, as fundamentals within
the U.S. housing market remain positive. We believe that agency MBS, in
particular, offer investors reasonable value.
Since 1928, the foundation of Amundi Pioneer's investment approach has been
active management, which is especially important during periods of market
volatility. We believe investors can benefit from the experience and tenure of
our investment teams who make active and informed decisions across our funds.
In fact, the Pioneer Fund, the third-oldest mutual fund in the U.S., recently
celebrated its 90th birthday. We believe the Fund serves as an important
ambassador of our time-tested value style of investing and our early focus on
understanding the potential benefits of investing in companies with
2 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
sustainable business models. Over its nine decades of existence -- a time
period that included a Great Depression, a devastating World War, a long Cold
War, and enormous technological as well as societal changes -- the Fund has
been well-served by this investment approach.
As always, and particularly during times of market uncertainty, we encourage
you to work with your financial advisor to develop an overall investment plan
that addresses both your short- and long-term goals, and to implement such a
plan in a disciplined manner.
We greatly appreciate the trust you have placed in us and look forward to
continuing to serve you in the future.
/s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones
Head of the Americas, President and CEO of U.S.
Amundi Pioneer Asset Management USA, Inc.
April 30, 2018
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 ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 3
Portfolio Management Discussion | 4/30/18
In the following interview, Charles Melchreit and Chin Liu discuss the factors
that affected the performance of the Pioneer ILS Interval Fund during the
six-month period ended April 30, 2018. Mr. Melchreit*, Senior Managing
Director, Deputy Head of Fixed Income, U.S., and a portfolio manager at Amundi
Pioneer Asset Management, Inc. ("Amundi Pioneer"), and Mr. Liu, Director of
Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) and Quantitative Research, a senior vice
president, and a portfolio manager at Amundi Pioneer, were responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Fund.
Q How did the Fund perform during the six-month period ended April 30, 2018?
A Pioneer ILS Interval Fund returned 1.65% at net asset value during the
six-month period ended April 30, 2018, while the Fund's benchmark, the ICE
Bank of America Merrill Lynch (ICE BofA ML) 3-month U.S. Treasury Bill
Index, returned 0.68%.
Q What were the principal factors affecting the Fund's performance during
the six-month period ended April 30, 2018?
A In the first two months of the period, the ILS market came under pressure
from the ongoing losses incurred towards the end of 2017. As a result, the
Fund returned -0.98% during the final two months of 2017.
The global reinsurer Munich Re reported that 2017 was the second-costliest
year ever for natural disasters, with insured losses coming in at $135
billion and overall economic losses reaching $330 billion. Both insured
and overall losses from natural disasters were significantly higher than
the corresponding averages of $49 billion and $170 billion, respectively,
in the previous ten years. In the latter part of 2017, landfalls by
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, along with two significant earthquakes
in Mexico, devastating wildfires in Southern California, and a series of
smaller events, resulted in estimated total insured losses of between $80
billion and $136 billion. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, with 17
named storms (including the three references above), was the most active
since 2012. A separate series of wildfires in Southern California caused
an additional $3 billion in insured losses in December. While a
* NOTE: Charles Melchreit was a portfolio manager of the Fund during the full
six-month period ended April 30, 2018. Mr. Melchreit departed from Amundi
Pioneer effective June 8, 2018. Mr. Liu remains responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Fund.
4 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
smaller event in comparison to others that occurred in 2017, the wildfires
brought total liabilities to over and above the threshold where some
insurers shared losses with investors on an annual aggregate basis.
That said, after the difficult start, the full six-month period ended up
with relatively few major natural disasters in total, leading to limited
insurance losses and allowing the ILS market to stabilize and recover from
its poor performance of mid-to-late 2017. Performance of ILS improved with
the turn of the calendar into 2018, as the Atlantic hurricane season ended
and we entered a seasonally quiet time for global weather. With the
exception of two windstorms in Europe that combined to cause approximately
two to four billion euro worth of damage, meteorological events played a
limited role in the ILS market over the final four months of the period,
and there was little or no major earthquake activity.
In the improved environment, the Fund, after turning in negative
performance in November and December 2017, posted a gain of 2.34% in the
interval between January and April 2018, and finished the six-month period
with a positive return of 1.65% .
Q What trends did you see in terms of premiums in the ILS market during the
six-month period ended April 30, 2018?
A Premium income comes from proceeds derived from reinsurance contracts
sponsored by property-and-casualty reinsurance companies. The contracts
allow investors such as the Fund to participate in both the risks and
potential rewards associated with major claims events, most commonly
arising from natural disasters.
Going into 2017, the absence of major losses from catastrophic events had
allowed insurance and reinsurance companies to build up capital. As a
result, premium income from contracts between insurers and investors
declined over that time frame. More recently, however, there has been some
stabilization in the market as the rate of decline in premiums has slowed
significantly. We saw pricing improvements in several segments of the ILS
market, including peak zone perils -- or specific areas that are
susceptible to a certain type of natural disaster -- and programs that
incurred material losses in 2017. We are cautiously optimistic that the
rate improvements can continue. More importantly, even modest rate
increases can potentially translate into meaningfully higher returns for
ILS.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 5
Q What trends did you see with regard to investor demand for ILS during the
six-month period ended April 30, 2018?
A Due to stretched valuations in many traditional asset classes, along with
concerns surrounding increased correlations among various segments of the
financial markets, more investors have allocated capital to the ILS
sector, despite the unusual number of loss events in 2017. According to
the reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter & Company, estimated dedicated
reinsurance capital grew by 2% in 2017, even with the significant
catastrophe losses that year. Not only did the market demonstrate
resilience, with no notable capital withdrawal, but the reduced valuations
from the challenging year appeared to attract demand for ILS from
opportunistic investors. Reinsurance risk remains attractive to investors
due to the low correlation of the asset class with other financial asset
classes. In addition, ILS investments lack the interest-rate sensitivity
that weighed heavily on other segments of the global fixed-income market
over the past six months.
Q Did you invest the Fund in any derivative securities during the six-month
period ended April 30, 2018? If so, did they have any impact on
performance?
A We invested the portfolio in some forward foreign currency contracts in an
attempt to hedge the portfolio's risk of having exposure to investments
denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies. The contracts had no material
impact on the Fund's performance.
Q What factors affected the Fund's distributions to shareholders six-month
period ended April 30, 2018?
A The Fund does not distribute income monthly. Rather, distributions are
determined each year based on the premiums earned from the portfolio's
investments during the previous 12 months. In December 2017, the Fund paid
a dividend** of $0.1363 per share, based on the premiums earned from
investments during the previous 12 months. The distribution compares with
the December 2016 dividend of $1.0126 per share.
** Dividends are not guaranteed.
6 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Q What is your investment outlook for insurance-linked securities?
A As always, we believe it is important to keep in mind that the factors
influencing the ILS market are unpredictable and therefore cannot be
assessed using traditional methods of securities analysis. With that said,
we believe our investment strategies of attempting to keep the portfolio
well diversified*** across different regions and perils, focusing on
sponsor quality and deal structure, and seeking to avoid the riskiest
parts of the ILS market helped limit the impact of last year's insurance
losses on Fund performance. We continue striving to add value to the Fund
through our security selection process and rigorous attention to sourcing
investments with attractive yields, while prudently managing the
portfolio's risk profile.
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on pages 13--20 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, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened
uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread.
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
designed primarily as a long-term investment.
The Fund is not a complete investment program.
The Fund invests primarily in insurance-linked securities ("ILS"), which are
high-yield debt securities that involve a high degree of risk.
The Fund is operated as an interval fund, meaning the Fund will seek to conduct
quarterly repurchase offers for a percentage of the Fund's outstanding shares.
Although the Fund will make quarterly repurchase offers, the Fund's shares
should be considered illiquid.
Insurance-linked securities may include event-linked bonds (also known as
insurance-linked bonds or catastrophe bonds). The return of principal and the
payment of interest on insurance-linked securities are contingent on the
non-occurrence of a predefined "trigger" event that leads to physical or
economic loss, such as a hurricane or an aerospace catastrophe.
*** Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 7
Event-linked bonds 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 may also invest in structured reinsurance investments or similar
instruments structured to comprise a portion of a reinsurer's
catastrophe-oriented business (known as "quota share" instruments or
"reinsurance sidecars"). Investors participate in the premiums and losses
associated with these underlying contracts, into which the Fund has limited
transparency.
The size of the ILS market may change over time, which may limit the
availability of ILS for investment. The availability of ILS in the secondary
market may also be limited.
Certain securities, including ILS, structured reinsurance investments and
derivatives, may be impossible or difficult to purchase, sell, or unwind. Such
securities and derivatives also may be difficult to value.
The values of Fund holdings may go up or down, due to market conditions,
inflation, changes in interest or currency rates and lack of liquidity in the
bond market.
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 in the Fund
will generally fall. Conversely, when interest rates fall, the prices of fixed
income securities will generally rise.
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.
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 floating-rate loans and similar instruments which may be
illiquid or less liquid than other investments. The value of any collateral can
decline or be insufficient to meet the issuer's obligations.
The securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored entities (e.g., FNMA,
Freddie Mac) are neither guaranteed nor issued by the U.S. Government.
8 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
The Fund may use derivatives, such as swaps, inverse floating-rate obligations
and others, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and
have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Derivatives may have
a leveraging effect.
Investing in foreign and/or emerging market securities involves risks relating
to interest rates, currency exchange rates, and economic and political
conditions.
These risks may increase share price volatility.
Before investing, consider the product's investment objectives, risks, charges
and expenses. Contact your advisor or Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc.,
for a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this information. Read it
carefully. There is no assurance that these and other strategies used by the
Fund will be successful.
Any information in this shareholder report regarding market or economic trends
or the factors influencing the Fund's historical or future performance are
statements of opinion as of the date of this report. Past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 9
Portfolio Summary | 4/30/18
Portfolio Diversification
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As a percentage of total investments)*
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Reinsurance Sidecars 69.3%
Catastrophe Linked Bonds 10.5%
Collateralized Reinsurance 20.2%
Sector Diversification by Risk*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As a percentage of total investments)
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Worldwide Multiperil 72.9%
U.S. Multiperil 16.7%
U.S. Regional Multiperil 1.9%
U.S. Regional Windstorms 1.8%
Florida Windstorms 1.5%
Japan Earthquakes 0.7%
Worldwide Pandemic 0.7%
Massachusetts Windstorms 0.6%
Texas Windstorms 0.5%
Japan Multiperil 0.5%
California Earthquakes 0.4%
Massachusetts Multiperil 0.4%
U.S. Regional Earthquakes 0.2%
Australia Multiperil 0.2%
Louisiana Multiperil 0.2%
Mexico Windstorms 0.2%
Worldwide Windstorms 0.2%
Chile Earthquakes 0.1%
Colombia Earthquakes 0.1%
Peru Earthquakes 0.1%
U.S. Multistate Windstorms 0.1%
U.S. Earthquakes 0.0%+
Mexico Earthquakes 0.0%+
North Carolina Windstorms 0.0%+
+ Amount rounds to less than 0.1% .
10 Largest Holdings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(As a percentage of total investments)*
1. Merion Re 2018-2 , Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 5.78%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Gullane Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 5.41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Woburn Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 5.05
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Versutus Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 4.37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Harambee Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 4.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Viribus Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 3.53
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Pangaea Re 2017-3, Variable Rate Notes, 5/31/22 3.25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Eden Re II, Variable Rate Notes, 3/22/22 (144A) 3.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Thopas Re 2018, Variable Rates Notes, 12/31/21 3.02
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Lorenz Re, 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 3/31/20 2.93
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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 security listed.
10 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Prices and Distributions | 4/30/18
Net Asset Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/30/18 10/31/17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value $9.61 $9.59
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Long-Term
Dividends Capital Gains Capital Gains
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/1/17 -- 4/30/18 $0.1363 $ -- $ --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The data shown above represents past performance, which is no guarantee of
future results.
Index Definition
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days,
that assumes reinvestment of all income. Index returns are calculated monthly,
assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any
fees, expenses or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an
index.
The index defined here pertains to the "Value of $10,000 Investment" chart
appearing on page 12.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 11
Performance Update | 4/30/18
Investment Returns
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mountain chart on the right shows the change in market value, plus
reinvested dividends and distributions, of a $10,000 investment made in common
shares of Pioneer ILS Interval Fund during the periods shown, compared to that
of the ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill
Index.
Average Annual Total Returns
(As of April 30, 2018)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net ICE BofA ML
Asset 3-Month
Value U.S. Treasury
Period (NAV) Bill Index
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of Fund
(12/22/2014) 3.93% 0.51%
1 Year -6.53 1.17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Ratio
(Per prospectus dated March 1, 2018)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Net
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.00% 1.99%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value of $10,000 Investment
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS A MOUNTAIN CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
ICE BofA ML 3-Month
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund U.S. Treasury Bill Index
12/14 $10,000 $10,000
4/15 $10,110 $10,001
4/16 $11,227 $10,015
4/17 $12,177 $10,055
4/18 $11,381 $10,173
Call 1-844-391-3034 or visit www.amundipioneer.com for the most recent
month-end performance results. Current performance may be lower or higher than
the performance data quoted.
Performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is no
guarantee of future results. Investment return and market price will fluctuate,
and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
NAV results represent the percent change in net asset value per share.
Performance, including short-term performance, is not indicative of future
results. Because the Fund is new, it may not be fully invested and/or it may
have a larger cash allocation, both of which may have an impact on performance.
All results are historical and assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital
gains.
The Fund has no sales charges. Performance results reflect any applicable
expense waivers in effect during the periods shown. Without such waivers Fund
performance would be lower. Waivers may not be in effect for all funds. Certain
fee waivers are contractual through a specified period. Otherwise, fee waivers
can be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus and financial statements for
more information.
The net expense ratio reflects the contractual expense limitation currently in
effect through March 1, 2019. There can be no assurance that Amundi Pioneer
will extend the expense limitation beyond such time. Please see the prospectus
and financial statements for more information.
The performance table and graph do not reflect the deduction of fees and taxes
that a shareowner would pay on Fund distributions.
Please refer to the financial highlights for a more current expense ratio.
12 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Schedule of Investments | 4/30/18 (unaudited)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount USD ($) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS -- 100.3%
CORPORATE BONDS -- 100.3% of Net Assets
INSURANCE -- 100.3%
Reinsurance -- 100.3%
2,000,000+(a)(b) Ailsa Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 6/15/18 $ 1,998,400
2,250,000(c) Akibare Re, 4.198% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
190 bps), 4/7/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 2,258,775
1,500,000(c) Akibare Re, 4.198% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
190 bps), 4/7/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,505,550
3,600,000(c) Alamo Re, 5.557% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
375 bps), 6/8/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 3,660,120
2,100,000+(a)(b) Arlington Re 2015, Variable Rate Notes, 8/1/18 102,060
6,500,000+(a)(b) Arlington Re 2016, Variable Rate Notes, 8/31/18 848,250
5,299,000+(a)(b) Berwick Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 2/1/19 350,794
23,181,708+(a)(b) Berwick Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 23,566,524
12,600,000+(a)(b) Blue Lotus Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 13,077,540
5,110,275+(a)(b) Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Re, Variable Rate
Notes, 12/31/20 5,335,127
1,250,000(c) Buffalo Re, 4.641% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 325 bps),
4/7/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,247,000
1,000,000(c) Buffalo Re, 8.141% (6 Month USD LIBOR + 675 bps),
4/7/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,001,900
250,000(c) Caelus Re IV, 7.297% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
549 bps), 3/6/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 255,250
2,000,000+(a)(b) Carnoustie Re 2015, Variable Rate Notes, 7/1/18 40,800
5,000,000+(a)(b) Carnoustie Re 2016, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/20 541,000
12,500,000+(a)(b) Carnoustie Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/21 3,767,500
19,406,338+(a)(b) Carnoustie Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 19,809,990
1,750,000(c) Casablanca Re, 6.508%, 6/4/20 (Cat Bond) 1,760,150
14,673,432+(a)(b) Castle Stuart Re, Variable Rate Notes, 12/1/21 14,764,407
1,000,000(c) Citrus Re, 9.547% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
774 bps), 2/25/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,001,000
10,000,000+(a)(b) Clarendon Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 1/15/19 8,782,000
4,350,000(c) Cranberry Re, 4.073% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
200 bps), 7/13/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 4,393,500
250,000(c) Cranberry Re, 5.707% (3 Month U.S. Treasury
Bill + 390 bps), 7/6/18 (144A) (Cat Bond) 249,925
4,537,500+(a)(b) Cyprus Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes,, 1/10/19 2,076,360
6,450,000+(a)(b) Dartmouth Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 1/15/19 5,269,005
3,000,000+(a)(b) Denning Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 8/15/18 2,999,100
6,091+(a)(b) Eden Re II, Variable Rate Notes, 4/23/19 (144A) 431,095
2,950,000+(a)(b) Eden Re II, Variable Rate Notes, 3/22/21 (144A) 2,077,390
2,544,175+(a)(b) Eden Re II, Variable Rate Notes, 3/22/21 (144A) 1,778,378
16,911,337+(a)(b) Eden Re II, Variable Rate Notes, 3/22/22 (144A) 17,411,913
8,000,000+(a)(b) Eden Re II, Variable Rate Notes, 3/22/22 (144A) 8,236,800
500,000(c) First Coast Re 2016, 5.717% (3 Month U.S. Treasury
Bill + 391 bps), 6/7/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 501,850
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 13
Schedule of Investments | 4/30/18 (unaudited) (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount USD ($) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance -- (continued)
1,000,000(c) Fortius Re, 5.208% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
375 bps), 7/7/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) $ 996,800
500,000(c) Galilei Re, 6.968% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
545 bps), 1/8/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 502,000
250,000(c) Galilei Re, 6.988% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
545 bps), 1/8/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 253,125
500,000(c) Galilei Re, 8.048% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
653 bps), 1/8/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 504,850
1,250,000(c) Galilei Re, 8.068% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
653 bps), 1/8/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,265,125
750,000(c) Galilei Re, 9.928% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
841 bps), 1/8/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 754,425
500,000(c) Galilei Re, 9.948% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
841 bps), 1/8/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 503,250
500,000(c) Galilei Re, 15.398% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
1,388 bps), 1/8/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 494,450
500,000(c) Galilei Re, 15.418% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
1,388 bps), 1/8/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 498,850
250,000(c) Galileo Re, 9.109% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
750 bps), 11/6/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 251,450
750,000(c) Galileo Re, 10.747% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
894 bps), 1/8/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 745,200
1,250,000(c) Galileo Re, 15.317% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
1,351 bps), 1/8/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,253,625
7,000,000+(a)(b) Gleneagles Re 2016, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/20 820,400
19,900,000+(a)(b) Gleneagles Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/21 14,150,890
21,917,000+(a)(b) Gleneagles Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 22,556,976
7,880,000+(a)(b) Gloucester Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 1/15/19 5,749,248
45,045,450+(a)(b) Gullane Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 43,959,855
33,700,000+(a)(b) Harambee Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 33,831,430
1,000,000(c) Integrity Re, 2.582% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
50 bps), 6/10/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 999,600
1,250,000(c) Integrity Re, 5.322% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
325 bps), 6/10/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,246,375
500,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 4.093% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
250 bps), 2/15/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 497,335
500,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 4.593% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
300 bps), 2/15/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 497,370
1,000,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 7.593% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
600 bps), 2/15/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 994,940
600,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 7.626% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
590 bps), 12/20/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 599,940
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount USD ($) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance -- (continued)
2,300,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 9.187% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
690 bps), 7/15/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) $ 2,299,931
500,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 9.841% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
825 bps), 2/14/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 499,460
1,250,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 11.026% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
930 bps), 12/20/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,249,762
3,050,000(c) International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development, 13.126% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
1,150 bps), 7/15/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 3,047,865
3,000,000(c) Kendall Re, 7.452% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
525 bps), 5/6/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 3,000,900
4,064,752+(a)(b) Kilarney Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 4/15/19 4,190,759
2,500,000(c) Kilimanjaro II Re, 7.902% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
572 bps), 4/20/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 2,552,750
750,000(c) Kilimanjaro II Re, 7.922% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
572 bps), 4/21/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 769,275
3,000,000(c) Kilimanjaro II Re, 9.322% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
714 bps), 4/20/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 3,032,700
1,000,000(c) Kilimanjaro II Re, 9.622% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
714 bps), 4/21/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,009,700
3,300,000(c) Kilimanjaro II Re, 11.672% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
949 bps), 4/20/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 3,325,410
350,000(c) Kilimanjaro Re, 5.557% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
375 bps), 11/25/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 352,695
4,100,000(c) Kilimanjaro Re, 6.809% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
465 bps), 5/6/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 4,100,000
1,850,000(c) Kilimanjaro Re, 8.557% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
675 bps), 12/6/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,847,225
1,850,000(c) Kilimanjaro Re, 11.057% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
925 bps), 12/6/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,848,520
500,000(c) Kilimanjaro Re, 14.616% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
1,250 bps), 5/6/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 500,000
10,000,000+(a)(b) Kingsbarns Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 5/15/18 6,873,000
2,000,000(c) Kizuna Re II, 3.682% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
188 bps), 4/11/23 (144A) (Cat Bond) 2,001,000
1,250,000(c) Kizuna Re II, 4.307% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
250 bps), 4/11/23 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,250,750
2,274,000+(a)(b) Lahinch Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 5/10/22 76,179
750,000+(a)(b) Limestone Re, Variable Rate Notes 8/31/21 720,750
1,750,000+(a)(b) Limestone Re, Variable Rate Notes, 8/31/21 1,681,750
350,000(c) Long Point Re III, 3.5% (ZERO + 350 bps), 5/23/18
(144A) (Cat Bond) 347,865
6,000,000+(a)(b) Lorenz Re 2016, Variable Rate Notes, 3/31/19 81,600
27,480,000+(a)(b) Lorenz Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 3/31/20 23,841,648
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 15
Schedule of Investments | 4/30/18 (unaudited) (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount USD ($) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance -- (continued)
4,000,000+(a)(b) Madison Re 2016, Variable Rate Notes, 3/31/19 $ 254,000
9,006,108+(a)(b) Madison Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/19 2,376,712
20,980,295+(a)(b) Madison Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 21,670,547
4,500,000+(a)(b) Maidstone Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 1/15/19 4,063,500
10,380,000+(a)(b) Merion Re 2018-1, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 9,050,322
44,514,882+(a)(b) Merion Re 2018-2 , Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 46,963,201
2,000,000(c) Merna Re, 3.807% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
200 bps), 4/8/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 2,000,000
1,050,000(c) Nakama Re, 4.28% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
220 bps), 10/13/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,062,600
1,750,000(c) Nakama Re, 4.846% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
300 bps), 4/13/23 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,762,425
4,700,000+(a)(b) NCM Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 4,807,630
2,350,000+(a)(b) Oakmont Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 4/15/19 2,160,590
6,002,500+(a)(b) Oakmont Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 4/15/19 5,503,092
15,350,000+(a)(b) Old Head Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 13,119,645
6,600,000+(a)(b) Oyster Bay Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 1/15/19 6,023,160
2,000,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2015-1, Variable Rate Notes, 2/1/19 4,103
6,000,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2015-2, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/19 46,318
5,220,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2016-1, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/20 49,838
20,000,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2016-2, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/20 1,316,000
17,000,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2017-1, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/21 267,156
33,250,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2017-3, Variable Rate Notes, 5/31/22 26,393,115
12,750,000+(a)(b) Pangaea Re 2018-1, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 13,397,700
1,250,000(c) Pelican IV Re, 4.308% (3 Month USD LIBOR +
225 bps), 5/7/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 1,251,375
250,000(c) PennUnion Re, 6.307% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
450 bps), 12/7/18 (144A) (Cat Bond) 249,350
5,500,405+(a)(b) Portrush Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 6/15/18 5,123,077
2,000,000+(a)(b) Prestwick Re 2015, Variable Rate Notes, 7/1/18 34,000
800,000(c) Queen Street X Re, 7.557% (3 Month U.S. Treasury
Bill + 575 bps), 6/8/18 (144A) (Cat Bond) 800,160
500,000(c) Queen Street XI Re, 7.957% (3 Month U.S. Treasury
Bill + 615 bps), 6/7/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 507,600
250,000(c) Residential Reinsurance 2015, 8.757% (3 Month U.S.
Treasury Bill + 695 bps), 12/6/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 251,025
650,000(c) Residential Reinsurance 2016, 5.737% (3 Month U.S.
Treasury Bill + 393 bps), 12/6/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 647,010
500,000(c) Residential Reinsurance 2016, 7.177% (3 Month U.S.
Treasury Bill + 537 bps), 12/6/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 494,750
1,250,000(c) Residential Reinsurance 2016, 13.357% (3 Month U.S.
Treasury Bill + 1,155 bps), 6/6/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 292,125
250,000(c) Residential Reinsurance 2017, 14.307% (3 Month U.S.
Treasury Bill + 1,250 bps), 12/6/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 248,400
5,000,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes, 4/1/18 3,777,500
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
16 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount USD ($) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance -- (continued)
7,350,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes,, 6/4/18 $ 7,383,075
4,100,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes, 5/1/19 3,669,500
5,880,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes,, 1/8/19 5,573,064
400,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes, 1/8/19 (144A) 400,000
2,100,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes, 1/8/19 (144A) 2,100,000
10,000,000+(a)(b) Resilience Re, Variable Rate Notes,, 4/8/19 9,085,000
3,062,750+(a)(b) Riviera Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 4/15/19 2,845,601
10,171,800+(a)(b) Riviera Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 4/15/19 9,159,504
AUD 2,597,500+(a)(b) RW0011 Re, Variable Rate Notes,, 7/15/18 1,940,661
650,000(c) Sanders Re, 2.96% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
296 bps), 5/25/18 (144A) (Cat Bond) 649,870
250,000(c) Sanders Re, 3.25% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
325 bps), 5/25/18 (144A) (Cat Bond) 249,850
4,800,000(c) Sanders Re, 4.514% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
300 bps), 12/6/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) 4,813,920
2,700,000(c) Sanders Re, 5.324% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
325 bps), 6/5/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 2,718,360
2,324,985+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Variable Rate Notes, 3/1/23 2,324,985
4,049,949+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Variable Rate Notes, 3/1/23 4,049,949
800,000+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 6, Class C, Variable Rate
Notes, 12/1/21 (144A) 212,160
5,550,000+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 6, Class C, Variable Rate
Notes, 12/1/21 (144A) 1,471,860
2,250,000+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 6, Class D, Variable Rate
Notes, 12/1/21 (144A) 598,050
1,260,040+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 7, Class A, Variable Rate
Notes, 3/1/22 (144A) 1,184,438
1,440,011+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 7, Class B, Variable Rate
Notes, 3/1/22 (144A) 1,353,610
9,000,000+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 7, Class C, Variable Rate
Notes, 12/1/22 (144A) 9,143,100
9,000,000+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 7, Class C, Variable Rate
Notes, 12/1/22 (144A) 9,143,100
425,004+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 7, Class F, Variable Rate
Notes, 3/1/22 (144A) 352,668
1,900,011+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 7, Class G, Variable Rate
Notes, 3/1/22 (144A) 1,576,629
2,700,051+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 8, Class A, Variable Rate
Notes, 3/1/23 2,700,051
8,650,072+(a)(b) Sector Re V, Series 8, Class F, Variable Rate
Notes, 3/1/23 8,650,072
13,800,000+(a)(b) Seminole Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 1/15/19 12,373,080
6,935,000+(a)(b) Shinnecock Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 6/15/18 6,900,325
2,000,000+(a)(b) Silverton Re, Variable Rate Notes, 9/17/18 (144A) 16,200
4,750,000+(a)(b) Silverton Re, Variable Rate Notes, 9/16/19 (144A) 1,805,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 17
Schedule of Investments | 4/30/18 (unaudited) (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount USD ($) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance -- (continued)
2,250,000(c) Spectrum Capital, 7.661% (6 Month USD LIBOR +
575 bps), 6/8/21 (144A) (Cat Bond) $ 2,225,025
5,000,000+(a)(b) St. Andrews Re 2017-1, Variable Rate Notes, 2/1/19 1,012,000
10,054,000+(a)(b) St. Andrews Re 2017-3, Variable Rate Notes, 6/30/21 8,646,440
7,760,968+(a)(b) St. Andrews Re 2017-4, Variable Rate Notes, 6/1/19 8,524,647
250,000(c) Tailwind Re 2017-1, 10.807% (3 Month U.S. Treasury
Bill + 900 bps), 1/8/22 (144A) (Cat Bond) 251,925
24,000,000+(a)(b) Thopas Re 2018, Variable Rates Notes, 12/31/21 24,573,600
350,000(c) Tramline Re II, 10.057% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
825 bps), 1/4/19 (144A) (Cat Bond) 351,015
300,000(c) Ursa Re, 4.0% (ZERO + 400 bps), 12/10/19
(144A) (Cat Bond) 299,820
250,000(c) Ursa Re, 5.307% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
350 bps), 5/27/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 250,000
250,000(c) Ursa Re, 7.807% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill +
600 bps), 5/27/20 (144A) (Cat Bond) 252,125
10,000,000+(a)(b) Versutus Re 2016-1, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/20 82,000
20,000,000+(a)(b) Versutus Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 11/30/21 1,380,000
35,000,000+(a)(b) Versutus Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 35,486,500
27,500,000+(a)(b) Viribus Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 28,704,500
8,850,000+(a)(b) Wentworth Re 2017, Variable Rate Notes, 7/13/18 8,665,920
5,700,000+(a)(b) Wentworth Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 5,132,850
40,058,000+(a)(b) Woburn Re 2018, Variable Rate Notes, 12/31/21 41,059,450
------------
Total Insurance $812,837,981
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $819,172,202) $812,837,981
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS -- 100.3%
(Cost $819,172,202) $812,837,981
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES -- (0.3)% $ (2,607,854)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS -- 100.0% $810,230,127
==================================================================================================
bps Basis Point.
LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate.
ZERO Zero Constant Index.
(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 April 30, 2018, the value of these securities
amounted to $142,890,509, or 17.6% of net assets.
(Cat Bond) Catastrophe or event-linked bond. At April 30, 2018, the value of
these securities amounted to $85,358,268, or 10.5% of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1G.
+ Securities that used significant unobservable inputs to determine
their value.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
(a) Structured reinsurance investment. At April 30, 2018, the value of
these securities amounted to $727,479,713, or 89.8% of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1G.
(b) Rate to be determined.
(c) Floating rate note. Coupon rate, reference index and spread shown at
April 30, 2018.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In
Currency Exchange Currency Settlement Unrealized
Purchased for Sold Deliver Counterparty Date Appreciation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USD 1,962,789 AUD (2,557,500) JPMorgan Chase 7/11/18 $36,449
Bank NA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACT $36,449
===========================================================================================
Principal amounts are denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
AUD -- Australian Dollar
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding temporary cash investments) for
the six months ended April 30, 2018 were as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchases Sales
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term U.S. Government $ -- $ --
Other Long-Term Securities $442,512,291 $135,569,209
The Fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions ("cross
trades") with certain funds and accounts for which Amundi Pioneer Asset
Management, Inc., formerly Pioneer Investment Management, 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 six months ended April 30, 2018, the Fund engaged in
purchases and sales pursuant to these procedures amounting to $11,668,936 and
$2,125,637, respectively, resulting in a gain of $20,897.
At April 30, 2018, the net unrealized depreciation on investments based on cost
for federal tax purposes of $828,958,096 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which
there is an excess of value over tax cost $ 22,855,426
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which
there is an excess of tax cost over value (38,939,092)
-------------
Net unrealized depreciation $ (16,083,666)
=============
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 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices
for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds,
credit risks, etc.). See Notes to Financial Statements --
Note 1A.
Level 3-- significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own
assumptions in determining fair value of investments). See
Notes to Financial Statements -- Note 1A.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 19
Schedule of Investments | 4/30/18 (unaudited) (continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2018, in valuing
the Fund's investments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Bonds
Insurance
Reinsurance $ -- $85,358,268 $727,479,713 $812,837,981
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments in Securities $ -- $85,358,268 $727,479,713 $812,837,981
==================================================================================================
Other Financial Instruments
Unrealized appreciation
on forward foreign
currency contracts $ -- $ 36,449 $ -- $ 36,449
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other
Financial Instruments $ -- $ 36,449 $ -- $ 36,449
==================================================================================================
The following is a reconciliation of assets valued using significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate
Bonds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as of 10/31/17 $ 288,033,661
Realized gain (loss)(1) (1,730,123)
Changed in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)(2) 10,674,859
Accrued discounts/premiums 175,237
Purchases 550,953,836
Sales (120,627,757)
Transfers in to Level 3* --
Transfers out of Level 3* --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as of 4/30/18 $ 727,479,713
================================================================================
(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. For the six
months ended April 30, 2018 there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2
and 3.
Net change in unrealized appreciation of Level 3 investments still held
and considered Level 3 at April 30, 2018: $12,358,123
-----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 4/30/18 (unaudited)
ASSETS:
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $819,172,202) $ 812,837,981
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $5,519) 5,412
Receivables --
Fund shares sold 35,000
Interest 511,386
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts 36,449
Other assets 42,213
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 813,468,441
===============================================================================================
LIABILITIES:
Due to custodian $ 939,041
Payables --
Investment securities purchased 1,813,210
Trustees' fees 1,725
Professional fees 71,114
Transfer agent fees 198,856
Due to affiliates 188,091
Accrued expenses 26,277
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities $ 3,238,314
===============================================================================================
NET ASSETS:
Paid-in capital $ 828,698,797
Distributions in excess of net investment income (7,715,092)
Accumulated net realized loss on investments (4,455,699)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments (6,297,879)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets $ 810,230,127
===============================================================================================
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:
No par value
Based on $810,230,127/84,314,123 shares $ 9.61
===============================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 21
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended 4/30/18
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest from unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes
withheld $12,592) $ 8,574,158
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income $ 8,574,158
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Management fees $ 5,592,273
Administrative expense 137,708
Transfer agent fees 311,413
Shareholder communications expense 73,907
Custodian fees 7,643
Registration fees 19,326
Professional fees 97,007
Printing expense 16,712
Pricing fees 3,175
Trustees' fees 11,821
Insurance expense 2,839
Miscellaneous 12,637
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses $ 6,286,461
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income $ 2,287,697
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments in unaffiliated issuers $(2,471,288)
Forward foreign currency contracts (199,336)
Other assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies (11,778) $(2,682,402)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investments in unaffiliated issuers $14,359,519
Forward foreign currency contracts (44,445)
Other assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies (82) $14,314,992
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $11,632,590
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $13,920,287
===============================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended
4/30/18 Year Ended
(unaudited) 10/31/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) $ 2,287,697 $ 7,342,733
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (2,682,402) (1,189,538)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments 14,314,992 (30,815,094)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from operations $ 13,920,287 $(24,661,899)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREOWNERS:
Net investment income
($0.14 and $1.01 per share, respectively) $ (5,104,397) $(14,028,240)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareowners $ (5,104,397) $(14,028,240)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from sales of shares $484,428,201 $265,519,800
Reinvestment of distributions 3,373,493 10,549,101
Cost of shares repurchased (45,501,501) (39,932,112)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from Fund share transactions $442,300,193 $236,136,789
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets $451,116,083 $197,446,650
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period $359,114,044 $161,667,394
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $810,230,127 $359,114,044
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net investment income $ (7,715,092) $ (4,898,392)
================================================================================================
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months Six Months
Ended Ended Year Year
4/30/18 4/30/18 Ended Ended
Shares Amount 10/31/17 10/31/17
(unaudited) (unaudited) Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SHARE TRANSACTION
Shares sold 51,316,958 $484,428,201 25,581,226 $265,519,800
Reinvestment of distributions 356,606 3,373,493 1,033,213 10,549,101
Less shares repurchased (4,809,161) (45,501,501) (3,746,390) (39,932,112)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 46,864,403 $442,300,193 22,868,049 $236,136,789
=============================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 23
Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended 4/30/18
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 13,920,287
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations
to net cash and foreign currencies from operating activities:
Purchase of investment securities (609,267,065)
Proceeds from disposition and maturity of investment securities 168,928,401
Net accretion and amortization of discount/premium on investment securities (177,443)
Net realized loss on investments in unaffiliated issuers 2,471,288
Change in unrealized depreciation on investments in unaffiliated issuers (14,359,519)
Change in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts 44,445
Change in unrealized depreciation on other assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies 107
Increase in interest receivable (151,369)
Increase in other assets (20,753)
Increase in trustees' fees payable 974
Increase in due to affiliates 66,491
Increase in accrued expenses 79,963
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash and foreign currencies used in operating activities $(438,464,193)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in due to custodian $ 939,041
Proceeds from shares sold 484,393,201
Less shares repurchased (45,501,501)
Distributions to shareowners, net of reinvestments (1,730,904)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash and net of reinvestments foreign currencies provided by
financing activities $ 438,099,837
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS ON CASH:
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on cash (107)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES:
Beginning of the period $ 369,875
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of the period $ 5,412
===============================================================================================
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Noncash financing activities not included herein consist of
reinvestment of distributions $ 3,373,493
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Financial Highlights
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Year 12/22/14
4/30/18 Ended Ended to
(unaudited) 10/31/17 10/31/16* 10/31/15*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 9.59 $ 11.09 $ 10.59 $ 10.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (a) $ 0.03 $ 0.25 $ 0.63 $ (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.13 (0.74) 0.51 0.71
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 0.16 $ (0.49) $ 1.14 $ 0.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareowners from:
Net investment income $ (0.14)(b) $ (1.01)(b) $ (0.64) $ --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 0.02 $ (1.50) $ 0.50 $ 0.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 9.61 $ 9.59 $ 11.09 $ 10.59
============================================================================================================================
Total return (c) 1.65%(d) (4.95)% 11.23% 5.90%(d)
Ratios of net expenses to average net assets 1.97%(e) 2.00% 2.10% 2.10%(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 0.72%(e) 2.38% 5.93% (1.30)%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate 26%(d) 34% 29% 1%
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $810,230 $359,114 $161,667 $75,400
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of
expense by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly
Total expenses to average net assets 1.97%(e) 2.00% 2.17% 2.60%(e)
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets 0.72%(e) 2.38% 5.86% (1.80)%(e)
============================================================================================================================
* The Fund was audited by an independent registered public accounting firm
other than Ernst & Young LLP.
(a) The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares
outstanding for the periods presented.
(b) The amount of distributions made to shareowners during the period was in
excess of the net investment income earned by the Fund during the period.
(c) 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.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 25
Notes to Financial Statements | 4/30/18 (unaudited)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund (the "Fund") was organized as a Delaware statutory
trust on July 15, 2014. Prior to commencing operations on December 22, 2014,
the Fund had no operations other than matters relating to its organization and
registration as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The
investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return.
The Fund offers an unlimited amount of shares through Amundi Pioneer
Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"). Shares are offered in a continuous
offering at the Fund's current net asset value ("NAV") per share.
The Fund's ability to accept offers to purchase shares may be limited when
appropriate investments for the Fund are not available. Shares are generally
available for purchase by registered investment advisers acting in a fiduciary
capacity on behalf of their clients and by or through other qualified
intermediaries and programs sponsored by such qualified financial
intermediaries. Shares are also available to certain direct investors, which
may be individuals, trusts, foundations and other institutional investors.
Initial investments are subject to investment minimums described in the
prospectus. Registered investment advisers and other financial intermediaries
may impose different or additional minimum investment and eligibility
requirements from those of the fund. Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc. (the
"Adviser") or the Distributor may waive the Fund's minimum investment
requirements.
The Fund is an "interval" fund and makes periodic offers to repurchase shares
(See Note 6). Except as permitted by the Fund's structure, no shareowner will
have the right to require the Fund to repurchase its shares. No public market
for shares exists, and none is expected to develop in the future. Consequently,
shareowners generally will not be able to liquidate their investment other than
as a result of repurchases of their shares by the Fund.
On July 3, 2017, Amundi acquired Pioneer Investments, a group of asset
management companies located throughout the world. Amundi, one of the world's
largest asset managers, is headquartered in Paris, France. As a result of the
transaction, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., the Fund's investment
adviser, became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Amundi and Amundi's
wholly owned subsidiary, Amundi USA, Inc. Prior to July 3, 2017, Pioneer
Investments was owned by Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A., a wholly owned
subsidiary of UniCredit S.p.A.
26 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
In connection with the transaction, the names of the Fund's investment adviser
and principal underwriter changed. Effective July 3, 2017, the name of Pioneer
Investment Management, Inc. changed to Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc.
(the "Adviser") and the name of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. changed to
Amundi Pioneer Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor").
In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") released its
Final Rule on Investment Company Reporting Modernization. In addition to
introducing two new regulatory reporting forms (Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN),
the Final Rule amends Regulation S-X, which impacts financial statement
presentation, particularly related to the presentation of derivative
investments. The Fund's financial statements were prepared in compliance with
the amendments to Regulation S-X.
The Fund's financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") that require 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 Fund is an investment company and follows investment company accounting and
reporting guidance under U.S. GAAP. 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 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.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 27
Event-linked bonds or catastrophe bonds are valued at the bid price
obtained from an independent third party pricing service. Other
insurance-linked securities (including 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, insurance industry valuation models, or other fair
value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the
instrument.
The value of foreign securities is translated into U.S. dollars based on
foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party
pricing source. Trading in non-U.S. equity securities is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The
values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the
Fund's shares are determined as of such times. The Fund may use a fair
value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S.
equity securities.
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.
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 forward points, in each case provided by a third
party pricing service. Contracts whose forward settlement date falls
between two quoted days are valued by interpolation.
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
28 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings,
natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the
valuation of the Fund's securities may differ significantly from exchange
prices and such differences could be material.
At April 30, 2018, no securities were valued using fair value methods
(other than securities valued using prices supplied by independent pricing
services, broker-dealers or using a third party insurance industry pricing
model).
B. Investment Income and Transactions
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 contracts, disposition of foreign currencies and the
difference between the amount of income accrued and the U.S. dollars
actually received. Further, the effects of changes in foreign currency
exchange rates on investments are not segregated on the Statement of
Operations from the effects of changes in the market prices of those
securities, but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or
loss on investments.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 29
D. Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("contracts")
for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price
on a future date. All contracts are marked to market daily at the
applicable exchange rates, and any resulting unrealized appreciation or
depreciation is recorded in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund
records realized gains and losses at the time a contract is offset by
entry into a closing transaction or extinguished by delivery of the
currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the
potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contract
and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currencies
relative to the U.S. dollar (see Note 5).
At April 30, 2018, the Fund had entered into various forward foreign
currency contracts that obligate 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 contract, the Fund may close
out such contract by entering into an offsetting contract. The average
notional value of forward foreign currency contracts open during the six
months ended April 30, 2018 was $8,539,178.
Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding at April 30, 2018 are
listed in the Schedule of Investments.
E. 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, 2017, 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 overdistributions for financial
statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or
classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax
purposes. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted
for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not
adjusted for temporary differences.
30 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
The tax character of current year distributions payable will be determined
at the end of the current taxable year. The tax character of distributions
paid during the year ended October 31, 2017 was as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income $14,028,240
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $14,028,240
==========================================================================
The following shows the components of distributable earnings on a federal
income tax-basis at October 31, 2017:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributable earnings:
Undistributed ordinary income $ 4,887,502
Capital loss carryforward (1,773,297)
Net unrealized depreciation (30,398,765)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $(27,284,560)
==========================================================================
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized
depreciation is attributable to adjustments relating to catastrophe bonds,
the mark to market of forward contracts and interest on defaulted bonds.
F. Risks
The value of securities held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes
rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real
or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions,
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.
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's prospectus contains unaudited
information regarding the Fund's principal risks. Please refer to that
document when considering the Fund's principal risks.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 31
Interest rates in the U.S. recently have been historically low, so the
Fund faces a heightened risk that interest rates may rise. 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.
The Fund invests primarily in insurance-linked securities ("ILS"). ILS may
include event-linked bonds (also known as insurance-linked bonds or
catastrophe bonds), quota share instruments (also known as "reinsurance
sidecars"), collateralized reinsurance investments, industry loss
warranties, event-linked swaps, securities of companies in the insurance
or reinsurance industries, and other insurance and reinsurance-related
securities. Because ILS are typically rated below investment grade or
unrated, a substantial portion of the Fund's assets ordinarily will
consist of below investment grade (high yield) debt securities. Below
investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and
are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Below investment grade securities, including
floating rate loans, involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater
price volatility, and are less liquid and more difficult to value,
especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher
rated debt securities. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers that
are in default or that are in bankruptcy. The value of collateral, if any,
securing a floating rate loan can decline or may decline or may be
insufficient to meet the issuer's obligations or may be difficult to
liquidate. No active trading market may exist for floating rate loans, and
many loans are subject to restrictions on resale. Any secondary market may
be subject to irregular trading activity and extended settlement periods.
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 Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., the Fund's custodian and
accounting agent, and DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., 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 Amundi
Pioneer 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 Amundi Pioneer or the Fund's service
providers or intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and
impact business operations potentially resulting in financial
32 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV,
impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareowners to effect share
purchases, redemptions or receive distributions, loss of or unauthorized
access to private shareholder information and violations of applicable
privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage,
or additional compliance costs. Such costs and losses may not be covered
under any insurance. In addition, maintaining vigilance against
cyber-attacks may involve substantial costs over time, and system
enhancements may themselves be subject to cyber-attacks.
G. Insurance-Linked Securities ("ILS")
The Fund invests in event-linked bonds. Event-linked bonds are floating
rate debt obligations for which the return of principal and the payment of
interest are contingent on the non-occurrence of a pre-defined "trigger"
event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake of a specific magnitude. The
trigger event's magnitude may be based on losses to a company or industry,
industry indexes or readings of scientific instruments, or may be based on
specified actual losses. If a trigger event occurs, as defined within the
terms of an event-linked bond, the Fund may lose a portion or all of its
accrued interest and/or principal invested in such event-linked bond. The
Fund is entitled to receive principal and interest payments so long as no
trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the
instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked
bonds 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 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.
Structured reinsurance investments, including quota share instruments,
collateralized reinsurance investments and ILWs, generally are subject to
the same risks as event-linked bonds. In addition, where the instruments
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
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 33
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.
H. Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the Fund purchases
securities from a broker-dealer or a bank, called the counterparty, upon
the agreement of the counterparty to repurchase the securities from the
Fund at a later date, and at a specific price, which is typically higher
than the purchase price paid by the Fund. The securities purchased serve
as the Fund's collateral for the obligation of the counterparty to
repurchase the securities. The value of the collateral, including accrued
interest, is required to be equal to or in excess of the repurchase price.
The collateral for all repurchase agreements is held in safekeeping in the
customer-only account of the Fund's custodian or a sub-custodian of the
Fund. The Adviser is responsible for determining that the value of the
collateral remains at least equal to the repurchase price. In the event of
a default by the counterparty, the Fund is entitled to sell the
securities, but the Fund may not be able to sell them for the price at
which they were purchased, thus causing a loss to the Fund. Additionally,
if the counterparty becomes insolvent, there is some risk that the Fund
will not have a right to the securities, or the immediate right to sell
the securities. As of the period ended April 30, 2018, the Fund had no
open repurchase agreements.
I. 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 on 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
34 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments
during the term of the contract, provided that no event of default
occurred. The maximum exposure of loss to the seller would be the notional
value of the credit default swaps outstanding. If no default occurs, the
Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment
obligation. The Fund may also buy credit default swap contracts in order
to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities, in which case the
Fund would function as the counterparty referenced above.
As a buyer of protection, the Fund makes an upfront or periodic payment to
the protection seller in exchange for the right to receive a contingent
payment. An upfront payment made by the Fund, as the protection buyer, is
recorded within the "Swap contracts, at value" line item on the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities. Periodic payments received or paid by the Fund
are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.
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.
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
swaps" 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" in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities.
There were no open credit default swap contracts at April 30, 2018.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 35
2. Management Agreement
The Adviser manages the Fund's portfolio. Management fees payable under the
Fund's Advisory Agreement with the Adviser are calculated daily at the annual
rate of 1.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the six months ended
April 30, 2018, the effective management fee was equivalent to 1.75% 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 1.99% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund. Fees waived
and expenses reimbursed during the six months ended April 30, 2018 are
reflected on the Statement of Operations, if any. This expense limitation is in
effect through March 1, 2019. There can be no assurance that the adviser will
extend the expense limitation beyond such time.
In addition, under the management and administration agreements, certain other
services and costs are paid by the Adviser and reimbursed by the Fund. At April
30, 2018, $188,091 was payable to the Adviser related to management costs,
administrative costs and certain other services is included in "Due to
affiliates" in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
3. Transfer Agent
DST Systems, Inc. serves 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
six months ended April 30, 2018, such out-of-pocket expenses by class of
shares were as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareowner Communications:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund $73,907
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $73,907
================================================================================
36 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
4. Assets and Liabilities Offsetting
The Fund has entered into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association,
Inc. Master Agreement ("ISDA Master Agreement") or similar agreement with
substantially all its derivative counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a
bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs the
trading of certain Over the Counter ("OTC") derivatives and typically contains,
among other things, close-out and set-off provisions which apply upon the
occurrence of an event of default and/or a termination event as defined under
the relevant ISDA Master Agreement. The ISDA Master Agreement may also give a
party the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if,
among other things, there is deterioration in the credit quality of the other
party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement,
the non-defaulting party has the right to close out all transactions under such
agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to determine one net
amount payable by one party to the other. The right to close out and net
payments across all transactions under the ISDA Master Agreement could result
in a reduction of the Fund's credit risk to its counterparty equal to any
amounts payable by the Fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However,
the Fund's right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or
insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which each specific ISDA of
each counterparty is subject.
The collateral requirements for derivatives transactions under an ISDA Master
Agreement are governed by a credit support annex to the ISDA Master Agreement.
Collateral requirements are generally determined at the close of business each
day and are typically based on changes in market values for each transaction
under an ISDA Master Agreement and netted into one amount for such agreement.
Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to
threshold (a "minimum transfer amount") before a transfer is required, which
may vary by counterparty. Collateral pledged for the benefit of the Fund and/or
counterparty is held in segregated accounts by the Fund's custodian and cannot
be sold, re-pledged, assigned or otherwise used while pledged. Cash that has
been segregated to cover the Fund's collateral obligations, if any, will be
reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as "Swaps
collateral" and/or "Futures collateral". Securities pledged by the Fund as
collateral, if any, are identified as such in the Schedule of Investments.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 37
Financial instruments subject to an enforceable master netting agreement such
as an ISDA Master Agreement have not been offset on the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities. The following charts show gross assets and liabilities of the Fund
as of April 30, 2018.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative
Assets
Subject to Derivatives Non-Cash Cash Net Amount
Master Netting Available Collateral Collateral of Derivative
Counterparty Agreement for Offset Received (a) Received (a) Assets (b)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JPMorgan Chase
Bank NA $36,449 $ -- $ -- $ -- $36,449
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $36,449 $ -- $ -- $ -- $36,449
================================================================================================
(a) The amount presented here may be less than the total amount of collateral
received/pledged as the net amount of derivative assets and liabilities
cannot be less than $0.
(b) Represents the net amount due from the counterparty in the event of
default.
5. Additional Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Fund's use of derivatives may enhance or mitigate the Funds exposure to the
following risks:
Interest rate risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of interest-bearing
securities due to changes in the prevailing levels of market interest rates.
Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer of a financial instrument to
make further principal or interest payments on an obligation or commitment that
it has to the Fund.
Foreign exchange rate risk relates to fluctuations in the value of an asset or
liability due to changes in currency exchange rates.
Equity risk relates to the fluctuations in the value of financial instruments
as a result of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest
rate risk or foreign exchange risk), whether caused by factors specific to an
individual investment, its issuer, or all factors affecting all instruments
traded in a market or market segment.
Commodity risk relates to the risk that the value of a commodity or commodity
index will fluctuate based on increases or decreases in the commodities market
and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity.
38 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
The fair value of open derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging
instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) by risk exposure at April 30,
2018, was as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign
Statement of Assets Interest Credit Exchange Equity Commodity
and Liabilities Rate Risk Risk Rate Risk Risk Risk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Unrealized appreciation
on forward foreign
currency contracts $ -- $ -- $36,449 $ -- $ --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Value $ -- $ -- $36,449 $ -- $ --
=====================================================================================
The effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments
for accounting disclosure purposes) on the Statement of Operations by risk
exposure at April 30, 2018 was as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign
Statement of Interest Credit Exchange Equity Commodity
Operations Rate Risk Risk Rate Risk Risk Risk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Forward foreign
currency contracts $ -- $ -- $(199,336) $ -- $ --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Value $ -- $ -- $(199,336) $ -- $ --
================================================================================================
Change in net unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) on:
Forward foreign
currency contracts $ -- $ -- $ (44,445) $ -- $ --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Value $ -- $ -- $ (44,445) $ -- $ --
================================================================================================
6. Repurchase Offers
The Fund is a closed-end "interval" fund. The Fund has adopted, pursuant to
Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy, which cannot be changed
without shareowner approval, requiring the Fund to offer to repurchase at least
5% and up to 25% of the Fund's outstanding shares at NAV on a regular
schedule.
The Fund is required to make repurchase offers every three months. Quarterly
repurchase offers occur in the months of January, April, July and October. The
Fund will typically seek to conduct quarterly repurchase offers for 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares at their NAV per share unless the Fund's Board of
Trustees has approved a higher or lower amount for that repurchase offer.
Repurchase offers in excess of 5% are made solely at the discretion of the
Fund's Board of Trustees and investors should not rely on any expectation of
repurchase offers in excess of 5%. Even though the Fund makes quarterly
repurchase offers investors should consider the Fund's shares illiquid.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 39
In the event a repurchase offer by the Fund is oversubscribed, the Fund may
repurchase, but is not required to repurchase, additional shares up to a
maximum amount of 2% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. If the Fund
determines not to repurchase additional shares beyond the repurchase offer
amount, or if shareowners submit for repurchase an amount of shares greater
than that which the Fund is entitled to repurchase, the Fund will repurchase
the shares submitted for repurchase on a pro rata basis.
Shares repurchased during the six months ended April 30, 2018 were as follows:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
of
Outstanding Amount
NAV on Shares of Shares
Commence- Repurchase Repurchase Repurchase The Fund The Fund Percentage Number
ment Request Pricing Pricing Offered to Offered to of Shares of Shares
Date Deadline Date Date Repurchase Repurchase Tendered Tendered
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/27/17 12/1/17 12/15/17 $ 9.43 10% 3,744,971.972 48.4576% 1,814,723.934
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/19/18 2/23/18 3/9/18 $ 9.48 10% 7,182,517.061 42.0784% 3,022,289.664
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For information regarding the repurchase offer with a commencement date of
4/20/18, see Additional Information.
40 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Charles Melchreit, a portfolio manager of the Fund during the 12-month period
ended April 30, 2018, departed from Amundi Pioneer effective June 8, 2018. Chin
Liu continues to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Information regarding the repurchase offer with a commencement date of 4/20/18
was as follows:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
of
Outstanding Amount
NAV on Shares of Shares
Commence- Repurchase Repurchase Repurchase The Fund The Fund Percentage Number
ment Request Pricing Pricing Offered to Offered to of Shares of Shares
Date Deadline Date Date Repurchase Repurchase Tendered Tendered
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/20/18 5/18/18 6/1/18 $9.65 10% 8,431,203.230 19.0969% 1,610,102.094
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Prior to July 3, 2017 Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), the
Fund's investment adviser, was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of
UniCredit S.p.A. ("UniCredit"). On that date, UniCredit completed the sale of
its Pioneer Investments business, which includes the Adviser, to Amundi (the
"Transaction"). As a result of the Transaction, the Adviser became an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of Amundi. Amundi is controlled by Credit Agricole S.A.
Amundi is headquartered in Paris, France, and, as of September 30, 2016, had
more than $1.1 trillion in assets under management worldwide. Deloitte & Touche
LLP ("D&T"), the Fund's previous independent registered public accounting firm,
informed the Audit Committee and the Board that it would no longer be
independent with respect to the Fund upon the completion of the Transaction as
a result of certain services being provided to Amundi and Credit Agricole, and,
accordingly, that it intended to resign as the Fund's independent registered
public accounting firm upon the completion of the Transaction. D&T's
resignation was effective on July 3, 2017, when the Transaction was completed.
During the periods as to which D&T has served as the Fund's independent
registered public accounting firm, including the Fund's two most recent fiscal
years, D&T's reports on the Fund's financial statements have not contained an
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and have not been qualified or
modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. Further,
there have been no disagreements with D&T on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of D&T, would have caused
D&T to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection
with
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 41
its report on the financial statements. In addition, there have been no
reportable events of the kind described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Effective immediately following the completion of the Transaction on July 3,
2017, the Board, acting upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, engaged
a new independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP ("EY"),
for the Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.
Prior to its engagement, EY had advised the Fund's Audit Committee that EY had
identified the following matters, in each case relating to services rendered by
other member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, all of which are located
outside the United States, to UniCredit and certain of its subsidiaries during
the period commencing July 1, 2016, that it determined to be inconsistent with
the auditor independence rules set forth by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"): (a) project management support services to UniCredit in the
Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Serbia and Slovenia in relation to twenty-two
projects, that were determined to be inconsistent with Rule 2-01(c)(4)(vi) of
Regulation S-X (management functions); (b) two engagements for UniCredit in
Italy where fees were contingent/success based and that were determined to be
inconsistent with Rule 2-01(c)(5) of Regulation S-X (contingent fees); (c) four
engagements where legal and expert services were provided to UniCredit in the
Czech Republic and Germany, and twenty engagements where the legal advisory
services were provided to UniCredit in Austria, Czech Republic, Italy and
Poland, that were determined to be inconsistent with Rule 2-01(c)(4)(ix) and
(x) of Regulation S-X (legal and expert services); and (d) two engagements for
UniCredit in Italy involving assistance in the sale of certain assets, that
were determined to be inconsistent with Rule 2-01(c)(4)(viii) of Regulation S-X
(broker-dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services). None of the
foregoing services involved the Fund, any of the other Funds in the Pioneer
Family of Funds or any other Pioneer entity sold by UniCredit in the
Transaction.
EY advised the Audit Committee that it had considered the matters described
above and had concluded that such matters would not impair EY's ability to
exercise objective and impartial judgment in connection with the audits of the
financial statements of the Fund under the SEC and Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board independence rules, and that a reasonable investor with
knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances would reach the same
conclusion. Management and the Audit Committee considered these matters and
discussed the matters with EY and, based upon EY's description of the matters
and statements made by EY, Management and the Audit Committee believe that EY
will be capable of exercising objective and impartial judgment in connection
with the audits of the financial statements of the Fund, and Management further
believes that a reasonable investor with knowledge of all relevant facts and
circumstances would reach the same conclusion.
42 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
Trustees, Officers and Service Providers
Trustees Officers
Thomas J. Perna, Chairman Lisa M. Jones, President and
David R. Bock Chief Executive Officer
Benjamin M. Friedman Mark E. Bradley, Treasurer and
Margaret B.W. Graham Chief Financial Officer
Lisa M. Jones Christopher J. Kelley, Secretary and
Lorraine H. Monchak Chief Legal Officer
Marguerite A. Piret
Fred J. Ricciardi
Kenneth J. Taubes
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc.
Custodian and Sub-Administrator
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Principal Underwriter
Amundi Pioneer Distributor, Inc.
Legal Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Shareowner Services and Transfer Agent
DST Systems, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Fund are available without charge,
upon request, by calling our toll free number (1-800-225-6292). Information
regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the
most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners
at www.amundipioneer.com. This information is also available on the Securities
and Exchange Commission's web site at www.sec.gov.
Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18 43
This page is for your notes.
44 Pioneer ILS Interval Fund | Semiannual Report | 4/30/18
How to Contact Amundi Pioneer
We are pleased to offer a variety of convenient ways for you to contact us for
assistance or information.
Call us for:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Information, including existing accounts,
new accounts, prospectuses, applications
and service forms 1-844-391-3034
Write to us:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 219695
Kansas City, MO 64121
Our toll-free fax 1-855-247-7422
Our internet e-mail address us.askamundipioneer@amundipioneer.com
(for general questions about Amundi Pioneer only)
Visit our web site: www.amundipioneer.com
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on
Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission's
web site at www.sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the
Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the
operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling
1-800-SEC-0330.
[LOGO] Amundi Pioneer
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Amundi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
www.amundipioneer. com
Securities offered through Amundi Pioneer Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Underwriter of Pioneer Mutual Funds, Member SIPC
[C] 2018 Amundi Pioneer Asset Management 28630-03-0618
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) Disclose whether, as of the end of the period covered by the report, the
registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's
principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting
officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of
whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party. If
the registrant has not adopted such a code of ethics, explain why it has not
done so.
The registrant has adopted, as of the end of the period covered by this report,
a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller.
(b) For purposes of this Item, the term "code of ethics" means written standards
that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual
or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional
relationships;
(2) Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in
reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the
Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and
regulations;
(4) The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an
appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c) The registrant must briefly describe the nature of any amendment, during the
period covered by the report, to a provision of its code of ethics that applies
to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar
functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the
registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of
ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item. The registrant must
file a copy of any such amendment as an exhibit pursuant to Item 10(a), unless
the registrant has elected to satisfy paragraph (f) of this Item by posting its
code of ethics on its website pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this Item, or by
undertaking to provide its code of ethics to any person without charge, upon
request, pursuant to paragraph (f)(3) of this Item.
The registrant has made no amendments to the code of ethics during the period
covered by this report.
(d) If the registrant has, during the period covered by the report, granted a
waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics to
the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar
functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the
registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth
in paragraph (b) of this Item, the registrant must briefly describe the nature
of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted, and the
date of the waiver.
Not applicable.
(e) If the registrant intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under
paragraph (c) or (d) of this Item regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from,
a provision of its code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or
controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any
element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this
Item by posting such information on its Internet website, disclose the
registrant's Internet address and such intention.
Not applicable.
(f) The registrant must:
(1) File with the Commission, pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), a copy of
its code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal
executive officer,principal financial officer, principal accounting
officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions,
as an exhibit to its annual
report on this Form N-CSR (see attachment);
(2) Post the text of such code of ethics on its Internet website and
disclose, in its most recent report on this Form N-CSR, its Internet
address and the fact that it has posted such code of ethics on its
Internet website; or
(3) Undertake in its most recent report on this Form N-CSR to provide to
any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such code of ethics
and explain the manner in which such request may be made.
See Item 10(2)
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
(a) (1) Disclose that the registrant's board of trustees has determined that
the registrant either:
(i) Has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit
committee; or
(ii) Does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit
committee.
The registrant's Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant has at
least one audit committee financial expert.
(2) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph
(a)(1)(i) of this Item, it must disclose the name of the audit committee
financial expert and whether that person is "independent." In order to be
considered "independent" for purposes of this Item, a member of an audit
committee may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit
committee, the board of trustees, or any other board committee:
(i) Accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other
compensatory fee from the issuer; or
(ii) Be an "interested person" of the investment company as defined in
Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(19)).
Ms. Marguerite A. Piret, an independent trustee, is such an audit committee
financial expert.
(3) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1)
(ii) of this Item, it must explain why it does not have an audit committee
financial expert.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) Disclose, under the caption AUDIT FEES, the aggregate fees billed for each
of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal
accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or
services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with
statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
N/A
(b) Disclose, under the caption AUDIT-RELATED FEES, the aggregate fees billed in
each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the
principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit
of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under
paragraph (a) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the
services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
N/A
(c) Disclose, under the caption TAX FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of
the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal
accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. Registrants shall
describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this
category.
N/A
(d) Disclose, under the caption ALL OTHER FEES, the aggregate fees billed in
each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the
principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through
(c) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services
comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
N/A
(e) (1) Disclose the audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures
described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
PIONEER FUNDS
APPROVAL OF AUDIT, AUDIT-RELATED, TAX AND OTHER SERVICES
PROVIDED BY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
SECTION I - POLICY PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
The Pioneer Funds recognize the importance of maintaining the independence of
their outside auditors. Maintaining independence is a shared responsibility
involving Amudi Pioneer Asset Management, Inc, the audit committee and
the independent auditors.
The Funds recognize that a Fund's independent auditors: 1) possess knowledge of
the Funds, 2) are able to incorporate certain services into the scope of the
audit, thereby avoiding redundant work, cost and disruption of Fund personnel
and processes, and 3) have expertise that has value to the Funds. As a result,
there are situations where it is desirable to use the Fund's independent
auditors for services in addition to the annual audit and where the potential
for conflicts of interests are minimal. Consequently, this policy, which is
intended to comply with Rule 210.2-01(C)(7), sets forth guidelines and
procedures to be followed by the Funds when retaining the independent audit firm
to perform audit, audit-related tax and other services under those
circumstances, while also maintaining independence.
Approval of a service in accordance with this policy for a Fund shall also
constitute approval for any other Fund whose pre-approval is required pursuant
to Rule 210.2-01(c)(7)(ii).
In addition to the procedures set forth in this policy, any non-audit services
that may be provided consistently with Rule 210.2-01 may be approved by the
Audit Committee itself and any pre-approval that may be waived in accordance
with Rule 210.2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) is hereby waived.
Selection of a Fund's independent auditors and their compensation shall be
determined by the Audit Committee and shall not be subject to this policy.
SECTION II - POLICY
---------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
SERVICE SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
CATEGORY
---------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
I. AUDIT Services that are directly o Accounting research assistance
SERVICES related to performing the o SEC consultation, registration
independent audit of the Funds statements, and reporting
o Tax accrual related matters
o Implementation of new accounting
standards
o Compliance letters (e.g. rating agency
letters)
o Regulatory reviews and assistance
regarding financial matters
o Semi-annual reviews (if requested)
o Comfort letters for closed end
offerings
---------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
II. Services which are not o AICPA attest and agreed-upon procedures
AUDIT-RELATED prohibited under Rule o Technology control assessments
SERVICES 210.2-01(C)(4) (the "Rule") o Financial reporting control assessments
and are related extensions of o Enterprise security architecture
the audit services support the assessment
audit, or use the
knowledge/expertise gained
from the audit procedures as a
foundation to complete the
project. In most cases, if
the Audit-Related Services are
not performed by the Audit
firm, the scope of the Audit
Services would likely
increase. The Services are
typically well-defined and
governed by accounting
professional standards (AICPA,
SEC, etc.)
---------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY AUDIT COMMITTEE
REPORTING POLICY
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
o "One-time" pre-approval o A summary of all such
for the audit period for all services and related fees
pre-approved specific service reported at each regularly
subcategories. Approval of the scheduled Audit Committee
independent auditors as meeting.
auditors for a Fund shall
constitute pre approval for
these services.
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
o "One-time" pre-approval o A summary of all such
for the fund fiscal year within services and related fees
a specified dollar limit (including comparison to
for all pre-approved specified dollar limits)
specific service subcategories reported quarterly.
o Specific approval is
needed to exceed the
pre-approved dollar limit for
these services (see general
Audit Committee approval policy
below for details on obtaining
specific approvals)
o Specific approval is
needed to use the Fund's
auditors for Audit-Related
Services not denoted as
"pre-approved", or
to add a specific service
subcategory as "pre-approved"
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
SERVICE CATEGORY SERVICE CATEGORY SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
DESCRIPTION
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
III. TAX SERVICES Services which are not o Tax planning and support
prohibited by the Rule, o Tax controversy assistance
if an officer of the Fund o Tax compliance, tax returns, excise
determines that using the tax returns and support
Fund's auditor to provide o Tax opinions
these services creates
significant synergy in
the form of efficiency,
minimized disruption, or
the ability to maintain a
desired level of
confidentiality.
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------- -------------------------
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY AUDIT COMMITTEE
REPORTING POLICY
------------------------------------- -------------------------
------------------------------------- -------------------------
o "One-time" pre-approval o A summary of
for the fund fiscal year all such services and
within a specified dollar limit related fees
(including comparison
to specified dollar
limits) reported
quarterly.
o Specific approval is
needed to exceed the
pre-approved dollar limits for
these services (see general
Audit Committee approval policy
below for details on obtaining
specific approvals)
o Specific approval is
needed to use the Fund's
auditors for tax services not
denoted as pre-approved, or to add a specific
service subcategory as
"pre-approved"
------------------------------------- -------------------------
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
SERVICE CATEGORY SERVICE CATEGORY SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
DESCRIPTION
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
IV. OTHER SERVICES Services which are not o Business Risk Management support
prohibited by the Rule, o Other control and regulatory
A. SYNERGISTIC, if an officer of the Fund compliance projects
UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS determines that using the
Fund's auditor to provide
these services creates
significant synergy in
the form of efficiency,
minimized disruption,
the ability to maintain a
desired level of
confidentiality, or where
the Fund's auditors
posses unique or superior
qualifications to provide
these services, resulting
in superior value and
results for the Fund.
----------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------- ------------------------
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY AUDIT COMMITTEE
REPORTING POLICY
------------------------------------- --------------------------
o "One-time" pre-approval o A summary of
for the fund fiscal year within all such services and
a specified dollar limit related fees
(including comparison
to specified dollar
limits) reported
quarterly.
o Specific approval is
needed to exceed the
pre-approved dollar limits for
these services (see general
Audit Committee approval policy
below for details on obtaining
specific approvals)
o Specific approval is
needed to use the Fund's
auditors for "Synergistic" or
"Unique Qualifications" Other
Services not denoted as
pre-approved to the left, or to
add a specific service
subcategory as "pre-approved"
------------------------------------- --------------------------
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
----------------------- ------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
SERVICE CATEGORY SERVICE CATEGORY SPECIFIC PROHIBITED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES
DESCRIPTION
----------------------- ------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
PROHIBITED SERVICES Services which result 1. Bookkeeping or other services
in the auditors losing related to the accounting records or
independence status financial statements of the audit
under the Rule. client*
2. Financial information systems design
and implementation*
3. Appraisal or valuation services,
fairness* opinions, or
contribution-in-kind reports
4. Actuarial services (i.e., setting
actuarial reserves versus actuarial
audit work)*
5. Internal audit outsourcing services*
6. Management functions or human
resources
7. Broker or dealer, investment
advisor, or investment banking services
8. Legal services and expert services
unrelated to the audit
9. Any other service that the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board
determines, by regulation, is
impermissible
----------------------- ------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY AUDIT COMMITTEE
REPORTING POLICY
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
o These services are not to be o A summary of all
performed with the exception of the(*) services and related
services that may be permitted fees reported at each
if they would not be subject to audit regularly scheduled
procedures at the audit client (as Audit Committee meeting
defined in rule 2-01(f)(4)) level will serve as continual
the firm providing the service. confirmation that has
not provided any
restricted services.
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY:
o For all projects, the officers of the Funds and the Fund's auditors will each
make an assessment to determine that any proposed projects will not impair
independence.
o Potential services will be classified into the four non-restricted service
categories and the "Approval of Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other
Services" Policy above will be applied. Any services outside the specific
pre-approved service subcategories set forth above must be specifically
approved by the Audit Committee.
o At least quarterly, the Audit Committee shall review a report summarizing the
services by service category, including fees, provided by the Audit firm as
set forth in the above policy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Disclose the percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b)
through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant
to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
N/A
(f) If greater than 50 percent, disclose the percentage of hours expended on the
principal accountants engagement to audit the registrant's financial statements
for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by
persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.
N/A
(g) Disclose the aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrants accountant
for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrants
investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily
portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment
adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control
with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of
the last two fiscal years of the registrant.
N/A
(h) Disclose whether the registrants audit committee of the board of trustees
has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to
the registrants investment adviser (not including any subadviser whose role is
primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another
investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common
control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the
registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of
Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal
accountant's independence.
The Fund's audit committee of the Board of Trustees
has considered whether the provision of non-audit
services that were rendered to the Affiliates (as
defined) that were not pre- approved pursuant to
paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is
compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's
independence.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
(a) If the registrant is a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10A-3), state whether
or not the registrant has a separately-designated standing
audit committee established in accordance with Section
3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)).
If the registrant has such a committee, however designated,
identify each committee member. If the entire board of directors
is acting as the registrant's audit committee as specified in
Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(B)),
so state.
N/A
(b) If applicable, provide the disclosure required by Rule 10A-3(d)
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10A-3(d)) regarding an exemption
from the listing standards for audit committees.
N/A
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
File Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers
as of the close of the reporting period as set forth in 210.1212
of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.12-12], unless the schedule is
included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item
1 of this Form.
Included in Item 1
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR
CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
A closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on
this Form N-CSR must, unless it invests exclusively in non-voting securities,
describe the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote
proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the
company uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of its
shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the company's investment adviser;
principal underwriter; or any affiliated person (as defined in Section 2(a)(3)
of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(3)) and the rules
thereunder) of the company, its investment adviser, or its principal
underwriter, on the other. Include any policies and procedures of the company's
investment adviser, or any other third party, that the company uses, or that are
used on the company's behalf, to determine how to vote proxies relating to
portfolio securities.
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company that
is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR,provide the following
information:
(1) State the name, title, and length of service of the person or persons
employed by or associated with the registrant or an investment adviser
of the registrant who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of the registrant's portfolio ("Portfolio Manager"). Also state each Portfolio
Manager's business experience during the past 5 years.
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company,
in the following tabular format, provide the information specified in
paragraph (b) of this Item with respect to any purchase made by or on
behalf of the registrant or any affiliated purchaser, as defined in
Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18(a)(3)), of
shares or other units of any class of the registrant's equity securities
that is registered by the registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the
Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 781).
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Describe any material changes to the procedures by which shareholders
may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of directors, where
those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided
disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of
Regulation S-R(17 CFR 229.407)(as required by Item 22(b)(15))
of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the
shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of
directors since the registrant last provided disclosure in response
to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-R of Schedule 14(A)
in its definitive proxy statement, or this item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Disclose the conclusions of the registrant's principal executive and
principal financials officers, or persons performing similar functions,
regarding the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR
270.30a-3(c))) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report
that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph,
based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule
30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30(a)-3(b) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b)
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
The registrant's principal executive officer
and principal financial officer have
concluded that the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures are effective based
on the evaluation of these controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days of the
filing date of this report.
(b) Disclose any change in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that
occured during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
There were no significant changes in the
registrant's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the second
fiscal quarter of the period covered by this
report that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant's internal control over financial
reporting.
The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, however, voluntarily are reporting the following information:
In August of 2006 the registrant's investment adviser
enhanced its internal procedures for reporting performance
information required to be included in prospectuses.
Those enhancements involved additional internal controls
over the appropriateness of performance data
generated for this purpose. Such enhancements were made
following an internal review which identified
prospectuses relating to certain classes of shares of
a limited number of registrants where, inadvertently,
performance information not reflecting the deduction of
applicable sales charges was included. Those prospectuses
were revised, and the revised prospectuses were distributed to
shareholders.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company,
provide the following dollar amounts of income and compensation related
to the securities lending activities of the registrant during its most
recent fiscal year:
N/A
(1) Gross income from securities lending activities;
N/A
(2) All fees and/or compensation for each of the following securities
lending activities and related services: any share of revenue generated
by the securities lending program paid to the securities lending agent(s)
(revenue split); fees paid for cash collateral management services
(including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment
vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split; administrative
fees that are not included in the revenue split; fees for
indemnification that are not included in the revenue split; rebates
paid to borrowers; and any other fees relating to the securities lending
program that are not included in the revenue split, including a description
of those other fees;
N/A
(3) The aggregate fees/compensation disclosed pursuant to paragraph (2); and
N/A
(4) Net income from securities lending activities (i.e., the dollar amount in
paragraph (1) minus the dollar amount in paragraph (3)).
If a fee for a service is included in the revenue split, state that the fee
is included in the revenue split.
N/A
(b) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, describe
the services provided to the registrant by the securities lending agent in
the registrants most recent fiscal year.
N/A
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.
(a) File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form. Letter or number the
exhibits in the sequence indicated.
(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the
disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to
satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit.
(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal
financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act
(17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) , exactly as set forth below:
Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
[See General Instruction F]
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) Pioneer ILS Interval Fund
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones, President & Chief Executive Officer
Date June 28, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones, President & Chief Executive Officer
Date June 28, 2018
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Mark E. Bradley
Mark E. Bradley, Treasurer & Chief Accounting & Financial Officer
Date June 28, 2018
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.