See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
19 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (Cost $400,744,684) |
|
$ |
382,435,104 |
|
Receivable for: |
|
|
|
|
Investments sold |
|
|
6,014,296 |
|
Interest |
|
|
4,805,471 |
|
Investments matured, at value (Cost $2,346,956) |
|
|
2,033,531 |
|
Investment for trustee deferred compensation and retirement plans |
|
|
39,158 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
1,472 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
395,329,032 |
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Floating rate note obligations |
|
|
59,385,000 |
|
Variable rate muni term preferred shares ($0.01 par value, 300 shares issued with liquidation preference of $100,000 per share) |
|
|
29,981,119 |
|
Payable for: |
|
|
|
|
Investments purchased |
|
|
3,141,890 |
|
Dividends |
|
|
24,434 |
|
Amount due custodian |
|
|
3,559,308 |
|
Accrued fees to affiliates |
|
|
41,193 |
|
Accrued interest expense |
|
|
95,242 |
|
Accrued trustees’ and officers’ fees and benefits |
|
|
1,645 |
|
Accrued other operating expenses |
|
|
170,794 |
|
Trustee deferred compensation and retirement plans |
|
|
169,157 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
96,569,782 |
|
Net assets applicable to common shares |
|
$ |
298,759,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares consist of: |
|
|
|
|
Shares of beneficial interest – common shares |
|
$ |
345,832,375 |
|
Distributable earnings (loss) |
|
|
(47,073,125 |
) |
|
|
$ |
298,759,250 |
|
|
|
Common shares outstanding, no par value, with an unlimited number of common shares authorized: |
|
|
|
|
Common shares outstanding |
|
|
47,620,753 |
|
Net asset value per common share |
|
$ |
6.27 |
|
Market value per common share |
|
$ |
6.89 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
20 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Statement of Operations
For the year ended February 28, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income: |
|
|
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
20,540,363 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Advisory fees |
|
|
2,251,841 |
|
|
|
Administrative services fees |
|
|
44,766 |
|
|
|
Custodian fees |
|
|
4,221 |
|
|
|
Interest, facilities and maintenance fees |
|
|
2,481,120 |
|
|
|
Transfer agent fees |
|
|
34,130 |
|
|
|
Trustees’ and officers’ fees and benefits |
|
|
28,342 |
|
|
|
Registration and filing fees |
|
|
41,439 |
|
|
|
Reports to shareholders |
|
|
26,140 |
|
|
|
Professional services fees |
|
|
122,911 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
7,164 |
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
5,042,074 |
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
15,498,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from: |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) from unaffiliated investment securities (includes net gains (losses) from securities sold to affiliates of $ (5,132,360)) |
|
|
(11,738,642 |
) |
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of unaffiliated investment securities |
|
|
(42,808,862 |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
|
|
(54,547,504 |
) |
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations applicable to common shares |
|
$ |
(39,049,215 |
) |
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
21 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
$ |
15,498,289 |
|
|
$ |
17,120,754 |
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) |
|
|
(11,738,642 |
) |
|
|
1,590,622 |
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
|
|
(42,808,862 |
) |
|
|
(13,119,764 |
) |
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations applicable to common shares |
|
|
(39,049,215 |
) |
|
|
5,591,612 |
|
|
|
Distributions to common shareholders from distributable earnings |
|
|
(16,488,388 |
) |
|
|
(17,730,121 |
) |
|
|
Return of capital applicable to common shares |
|
|
(212,557 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Total distributions |
|
|
(16,700,945 |
) |
|
|
(17,730,121 |
) |
|
|
Net increase in common shares of beneficial interest |
|
|
145,314 |
|
|
|
256,839 |
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares |
|
|
(55,604,846 |
) |
|
|
(11,881,670 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of year |
|
|
354,364,096 |
|
|
|
366,245,766 |
|
|
|
End of year |
|
$ |
298,759,250 |
|
|
$ |
354,364,096 |
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
22 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended February 28, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations applicable to common shares |
|
$ |
(39,049,215 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile the change in net assets applicable to common shares from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
Purchases of investments |
|
|
(81,517,487 |
) |
|
|
Proceeds from sales of investments |
|
|
96,831,470 |
|
|
|
Purchases of short-term investments, net |
|
|
(1,394,889 |
) |
|
|
Amortization of premium on investment securities |
|
|
1,266,486 |
|
|
|
Accretion of discount on investment securities |
|
|
(3,783,537 |
) |
|
|
Net realized loss from investment securities |
|
|
11,738,642 |
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investment securities |
|
|
42,808,862 |
|
|
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in receivables and other assets |
|
|
713,352 |
|
|
|
Increase in accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
117,155 |
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
27,730,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to common shareholders from distributable earnings |
|
|
(16,341,028 |
) |
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(212,557 |
) |
|
|
Increase in payable for amount due custodian |
|
|
3,559,308 |
|
|
|
Proceeds of TOB Trusts |
|
|
31,580,000 |
|
|
|
Repayments of TOB Trusts |
|
|
(47,190,000 |
) |
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
(28,604,277 |
) |
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(873,438 |
) |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
873,438 |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
Value of shares of beneficial interest issued in reinvestment of dividends paid to common shareholders |
|
$ |
145,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest, facilities and maintenance fees |
|
$ |
2,411,339 |
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
23 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Financial Highlights
The following schedule presents financial highlights for a share of the Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended February 28, |
|
|
Year Ended February 29, |
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
Net asset value per common share, beginning of period |
|
$ |
7.44 |
|
|
$ |
7.70 |
|
|
$ |
8.02 |
|
|
$ |
7.33 |
|
|
$ |
7.41 |
|
|
|
Net investment income(a) |
|
|
0.33 |
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized) |
|
|
(1.15 |
) |
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
(0.31 |
) |
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
Total from investment operations |
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Dividends paid to common shareholders from net investment income |
|
|
(0.35 |
) |
|
|
(0.37 |
) |
|
|
(0.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
Total distributions |
|
|
(0.35 |
) |
|
|
(0.37 |
) |
|
|
(0.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
|
Net asset value per common share, end of period |
|
$ |
6.27 |
|
|
$ |
7.44 |
|
|
$ |
7.70 |
|
|
$ |
8.02 |
|
|
$ |
7.33 |
|
|
|
Market value per common share, end of period |
|
$ |
6.89 |
|
|
$ |
7.20 |
|
|
$ |
7.80 |
|
|
$ |
7.96 |
|
|
$ |
7.65 |
|
|
|
Total return at net asset value(b) |
|
|
(11.08 |
)% |
|
|
1.34 |
% |
|
|
1.11 |
% |
|
|
14.99 |
% |
|
|
4.49 |
% |
|
|
Total return at market value(c) |
|
|
1.07 |
% |
|
|
(3.18 |
)% |
|
|
3.20 |
% |
|
|
9.35 |
% |
|
|
7.32 |
% |
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of period (000’s omitted) |
|
$ |
298,759 |
|
|
$ |
354,364 |
|
|
$ |
366,246 |
|
|
$ |
381,288 |
|
|
$ |
348,568 |
|
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate(d) |
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
13 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios/supplemental data based on average net assets applicable to common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements |
|
|
1.62 |
% |
|
|
1.05 |
% |
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
1.55 |
% |
|
|
1.62 |
% |
|
|
With fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements excluding interest,facilities and maintenance fees |
|
|
0.82 |
% |
|
|
0.80 |
% |
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
Without fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements |
|
|
1.62 |
% |
|
|
1.05 |
% |
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
1.55 |
% |
|
|
1.62 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
|
|
4.97 |
% |
|
|
4.59 |
% |
|
|
5.03 |
% |
|
|
4.91 |
% |
|
|
5.13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total amount of preferred shares outstanding (000’s omitted) |
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
|
|
Asset coverage per preferred share(e) |
|
$ |
1,095,864 |
|
|
$ |
1,281,214 |
|
|
$ |
1,320,819 |
|
|
$ |
1,370,961 |
|
|
$ |
1,261,893 |
|
|
|
Liquidating preference per preferred share |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
|
(a) |
Calculated using average shares outstanding. |
(b) |
Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. Not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
(c) |
Total return assumes an investment at the common share market price at the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the period in accordance with the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan, and sale of all shares at the closing common share market price at the end of the period indicated. Not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
(d) |
Portfolio turnover is not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable. |
(e) |
Calculated by subtracting the Trust’s total liabilities (not including preferred shares, at liquidation value) from the Trust’s total assets and dividing this by the total number of preferred shares outstanding. |
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of the financial statements.
24 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Notes to Financial Statements
February 28, 2023
NOTE 1–Significant Accounting Policies
Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is a Delaware statutory trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company.
The Trust’s investment objective is to provide a high level of current income which is exempt from federal income tax.
The Trust is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements.
A. |
Security Valuations – Securities, including restricted securities, are valued according to the following policy. |
Securities generally are valued on the basis of prices provided by independent pricing services. Prices provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, developments related to specific securities, dividend rate (for unlisted equities), yield (for debt obligations), quality, type of issue, coupon rate (for debt obligations), maturity (for debt obligations), individual trading characteristics and other market data. Pricing services generally value debt obligations assuming orderly transactions of institutional round lot size, but a trust may hold or transact in the same securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots, and their value may be adjusted accordingly. Debt obligations are subject to interest rate and credit risks. In addition, all debt obligations involve some risk of default with respect to interest and/or principal payments.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued by Invesco Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “Invesco”) in accordance with Board-approved policies and related Adviser procedures (“Valuation Procedures”). If a fair value price provided by a pricing service is not representative of market value in the Adviser’s judgment (“unreliable”), the Adviser will fair value the security using the Valuation Procedures. Issuer specific events, market trends, bid/asked quotes of brokers and information providers and other market data may be reviewed in the course of making a good faith determination of a security’s fair value.
The Trust may invest in securities that are subject to interest rate risk, meaning the risk that the prices will generally fall as interest rates rise and, conversely, the prices will generally rise as interest rates fall. Specific securities differ in their sensitivity to changes in interest rates depending on their individual characteristics. Changes in interest rates may result in increased market volatility, which may affect the value and/or liquidity of certain Trust investments.
Valuations change in response to many factors including the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the value of the issuer’s assets, general market conditions which are not specifically related to the particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for revenues or corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, regional or global instability, natural or environmental disasters, widespread disease or other public health issues, war, acts of terrorism, significant governmental actions or adverse investor sentiment generally and market liquidity. Because of the inherent uncertainties of valuation, the values reflected in the financial statements may materially differ from the value received upon actual sale of those investments.
The price the Trust could receive upon the sale of any investment may differ from the Adviser’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that are valued using a fair valuation technique. When fair valuation techniques are applied, the Adviser uses available information, including both observable and unobservable inputs and assumptions, to determine a methodology that will result in a valuation that the Adviser believes approximates market value. Trust securities that are fair valued may be subject to greater fluctuation in their value from one day to the next than would be the case if market quotations were used. Because of the inherent uncertainties of valuation, and the degree of subjectivity in such decisions, the Trust could realize a greater or lesser than expected gain or loss upon the sale of the investment.
B. |
Securities Transactions and Investment Income – Securities transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses on sales are computed on the basis of specific identification of the securities sold. Interest income (net of withholding tax, if any) is recorded on an accrual basis from settlement date and includes coupon interest and amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities as applicable. Pay-in-kind interest income and non-cash dividend income received in the form of securities in-lieu of cash are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Dividend income (net of withholding tax, if any) is recorded on the ex-dividend date. |
The Trust may periodically participate in litigation related to Trust investments. As such, the Trust may receive proceeds from litigation settlements. Any proceeds received are included in the Statement of Operations as realized gain (loss) for investments no longer held and as unrealized gain (loss) for investments still held.
Brokerage commissions and mark ups are considered transaction costs and are recorded as an increase to the cost basis of securities purchased and/or a reduction of proceeds on a sale of securities. Such transaction costs are included in the determination of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investment securities reported in the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and the net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on securities per share in the Financial Highlights. Transaction costs are included in the calculation of the Trust’s net asset value and, accordingly, they reduce the Trust’s total returns. These transaction costs are not considered operating expenses and are not reflected in net investment income reported in the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Changes in Net Assets, or the net investment income per share and the ratios of expenses and net investment income reported in the Financial Highlights, nor are they limited by any expense limitation arrangements between the Trust and the investment adviser.
C. |
Country Determination – For the purposes of making investment selection decisions and presentation in the Schedule of Investments, the investment adviser may determine the country in which an issuer is located and/or credit risk exposure based on various factors. These factors include the laws of the country under which the issuer is organized, where the issuer maintains a principal office, the country in which the issuer derives 50% or more of its total revenues, the country that has the primary market for the issuer’s securities and its “country of risk” as determined by a third party service provider, as well as other criteria. Among the other criteria that may be evaluated for making this determination are the country in which the issuer maintains 50% or more of its assets, the type of security, financial guarantees and enhancements, the nature of the collateral and the sponsor organization. Country of issuer and/or credit risk exposure has been determined to be the United States of America, unless otherwise noted. |
D. |
Distributions – The Trust declares and pays monthly dividends from net investment income to common shareholders. Distributions from net realized capital gain, if any, are generally declared and paid annually and are distributed on a pro rata basis to common and preferred shareholders. |
E. |
Federal Income Taxes –The Trust intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and to distribute substantially all of the Trust’s taxable earnings to shareholders. As such, the Trust will not be subject to federal income taxes on otherwise taxable income (including net realized capital gain) that is distributed to shareholders. |
Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is recorded in the financial statements.
The Trust recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Management has analyzed the Trust’s uncertain tax positions and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions. Management is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.
In addition, the Trust intends to invest in such municipal securities to allow it to qualify to pay shareholders “exempt dividends”, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
25 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
The Trust files tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and certain other jurisdictions. Generally, the Trust is subject to examinations by such taxing authorities for up to three years after the filing of the return for the tax period.
F. |
Interest, Facilities and Maintenance Fees – Interest, Facilities and Maintenance Fees include interest and related borrowing costs such as commitment fees, rating and bank agent fees, administrative expenses and other expenses associated with establishing and maintaining the line of credit and Variable Rate Muni Term Preferred Shares (“VMTP Shares”). In addition, interest and administrative expenses related to establishing and maintaining floating rate note obligations, if any, are included. |
G. |
Accounting Estimates –The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period including estimates and assumptions related to taxation. Actual results could differ from those estimates by a significant amount. In addition, the Trust monitors for material events or transactions that may occur or become known after the period-end date and before the date the financial statements are released to print. |
H. |
Indemnifications – Under the Trust’s organizational documents, each Trustee, officer, employee or other agent of the Trust is indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts, including the Trust’s servicing agreements, that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. The risk of material loss as a result of such indemnification claims is considered remote. |
I. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents –For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Trust defines Cash and Cash Equivalents as cash (including foreign currency), money market funds and other investments held in lieu of cash and excludes investments made with cash collateral received. |
J. |
Floating Rate Note Obligations – The Trust invests in inverse floating rate securities, such as Tender Option Bonds (“TOBs”), for investment purposes and to enhance the yield of the Trust. Such securities may be purchased in the secondary market without first owning an underlying bond but generally are created through the sale of fixed rate bonds by the Trust to special purpose trusts established by a broker dealer or by the Trust (“TOB Trusts”) in exchange for cash and residual interests in the TOB Trusts’ assets and cash flows, which are in the form of inverse floating rate securities. The TOB Trusts finance the purchases of the fixed rate bonds by issuing floating rate notes to third parties and allowing the Trust to retain residual interests in the bonds. The floating rate notes issued by the TOB Trusts have interest rates that reset weekly and the floating rate note holders have the option to tender their notes to the TOB Trusts for redemption at par at each reset date. The residual interests held by the Trust (inverse floating rate securities) include the right of the Trust (1) to cause the holders of the floating rate notes to tender their notes at par at the next interest rate reset date, and (2) to transfer the municipal bond from the TOB Trust to the Trust, thereby collapsing the TOB Trust. Inverse floating rate securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. |
The Trust generally invests in inverse floating rate securities that include embedded leverage, thus exposing the Trust to greater risks and increased costs. The primary risks associated with inverse floating rate securities are varying degrees of liquidity and decreases in the value of such securities in response to changes in interest rates to a greater extent than fixed rate securities having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity, which may cause the Trust’s net asset value to be more volatile than if it had not invested in inverse floating rate securities. In certain instances, the short-term floating rate notes created by the TOB Trust may not be able to be sold to third parties or, in the case of holders tendering (or putting) such notes for repayment of principal, may not be able to be remarketed to third parties. In such cases, the TOB Trust holding the fixed rate bonds may be collapsed with the entity that contributed the fixed rate bonds to the TOB Trust. In the case where a TOB Trust is collapsed with the Trust, the Trust will be required to repay the principal amount of the tendered securities, which may require the Trust to sell other portfolio holdings to raise cash to meet that obligation. The Trust could therefore be required to sell other portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time or price to raise cash to meet this obligation, which risk will be heightened during times of market volatility, illiquidity or uncertainty. The embedded leverage in the TOB Trust could cause the Trust to lose more money than the value of the asset it has contributed to the TOB Trust and greater levels of leverage create the potential for greater losses. In addition, a Trust may enter into reimbursement agreements with the liquidity provider of certain TOB transactions in connection with certain residuals held by the Trust. These agreements commit a Trust to reimburse the liquidity provider to the extent that the liquidity provider must provide cash to a TOB Trust, including following the termination of a TOB Trust resulting from a mandatory tender event (“liquidity shortfall”). The reimbursement agreement will effectively make the Trust liable for the amount of the negative difference, if any, between the liquidation value of the underlying security and the purchase price of the floating rate notes issued by the TOB Trust.
The Trust accounts for the transfer of fixed rate bonds to the TOB Trusts as secured borrowings, with the securities transferred remaining in the Trust’s investment assets, and the related floating rate notes reflected as Trust liabilities under the caption Floating rate note obligations on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The carrying amount of the Trust’s floating rate note obligations as reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities approximates its fair value. The Trust records the interest income from the fixed rate bonds under the caption Interest and records the expenses related to floating rate obligations and any administrative expenses of the TOB Trusts as a component of Interest, facilities and maintenance fees on the Statement of Operations.
Final rules implementing section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Volcker Rule”) prohibit banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading of certain instruments and limit such entities’ investments in, and relationships with, “covered funds”, as defined in the rules. These rules preclude banking entities and their affiliates from sponsoring and/or providing services for existing TOB Trusts. A new TOB structure is being utilized by the Trust wherein the Trust, as holder of the residuals, will perform certain duties previously performed by banking entities as “sponsors” of TOB Trusts. These duties may be performed by a third-party service provider. The Trust’s expanded role under the new TOB structure may increase its operational and regulatory risk. The new structure is substantially similar to the previous structure; however, pursuant to the Volcker Rule, the remarketing agent would not be able to repurchase tendered floaters for its own account upon a failed remarketing. In the event of a failed remarketing, a banking entity serving as liquidity provider may loan the necessary funds to the TOB Trust to purchase the tendered floaters. The TOB Trust, not the Trust, would be the borrower and the loan from the liquidity provider will be secured by the purchased floaters now held by the TOB Trust. However, as previously described, the Trust would bear the risk of loss with respect to any liquidity shortfall to the extent it entered into a reimbursement agreement with the liquidity provider.
Further, the SEC and various banking agencies have adopted rules implementing credit risk retention requirements for asset-backed securities (the “Risk Retention Rules”). The Risk Retention Rules require the sponsor of a TOB Trust to retain at least 5% of the credit risk of the underlying assets supporting the TOB Trust’s municipal bonds. The Trust has adopted policies intended to comply with the Risk Retention Rules. The Risk Retention Rules may adversely affect the Trust’s ability to engage in TOB Trust transactions or increase the costs of such transactions in certain circumstances.
There can be no assurances that the new TOB structure will continue to be a viable form of leverage. Further, there can be no assurances that alternative forms of leverage will be available to the Trust in order to maintain current levels of leverage. Any alternative forms of leverage may be less advantageous to the Trust, and may adversely affect the Trust’s net asset value, distribution rate and ability to achieve its investment objective.
TOBs are presently classified as private placement securities. Private placement securities are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), or are otherwise not readily marketable. As a result of the absence of a public trading market for these securities, they may be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Although atypical, these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Trust or less than what may be considered the fair value of such securities.
K. |
Other Risks - The value of, payment of interest on, repayment of principal for and the ability to sell a municipal security may be affected by constitutional amendments, legislative enactments, executive orders, administrative regulations, voter initiatives and the economics of the regions in which the issuers are |
26 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
located. Since many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal securities market and the Trust’s investments in municipal securities. There is some risk that a portion or all of the interest received from certain tax-free municipal securities could become taxable as a result of determinations by the Internal Revenue Service.
Increases in the federal funds and equivalent foreign rates or other changes to monetary policy or regulatory actions may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity for certain fixed income investments, particularly those with longer maturities. It is difficult to predict the impact of interest rate changes on various markets. In addition, decreases in fixed income dealer market-making capacity may also potentially lead to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed income markets. As a result, the value of the Trust’s investments and share price may decline. Changes in central bank policies could also result in higher than normal redemptions by shareholders, which could potentially increase the Trust’s portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs.
Policy changes by the U.S. government or its regulatory agencies and political events within the U.S. and abroad may, among other things, affect investor and consumer confidence and increase volatility in the financial markets, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree, which may adversely impact the Trust’s operations, universe of potential investment options, and return potential.
L. |
COVID-19 Risk - The COVID-19 strain of coronavirus has resulted in instances of market closures and dislocations, extreme volatility, liquidity constraints and increased trading costs. Efforts to contain its spread have resulted in travel restrictions, disruptions of healthcare systems, business operations (including business closures) and supply chains, layoffs, lower consumer demand and employee availability, and defaults and credit downgrades, among other significant economic impacts that have disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Such economic impacts may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks locally or globally and cause general concern and uncertainty. The full economic impact and ongoing effects of COVID-19 (or other future epidemics or pandemics) at the macro-level and on individual businesses are unpredictable and may result in significant and prolonged effects on the Trust’s performance. |
NOTE 2–Advisory Fees and Other Fees Paid to Affiliates
The Trust has entered into a master investment advisory agreement with the Adviser. Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Trust accrues daily and pays monthly an advisory fee to the Adviser based on the annual rate of 0.55% of the Trust’s average weekly managed assets. Managed assets for this purpose means the Trust’s net assets, plus assets attributable to outstanding preferred shares and the amount of any borrowings incurred for the purpose of leverage (whether or not such borrowed amounts are reflected in the Trust’s financial statements for purposes of GAAP).
Under the terms of a master sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Canada Ltd. (collectively, the “Affiliated Sub-Advisers”) the Adviser, not the Trust, will pay 40% of the fees paid to the Adviser to any such Affiliated Sub-Adviser(s) that provide(s) discretionary investment management services to the Trust based on the percentage of assets allocated to such Affiliated Sub-Adviser(s).
The Trust has entered into a master administrative services agreement with Invesco pursuant to which the Trust has agreed to pay Invesco for certain administrative costs incurred in providing accounting services to the Trust. For the year ended February 28, 2023, expenses incurred under this agreement are shown in the Statement of Operations as Administrative services fees. Invesco has entered into a sub-administration agreement whereby State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”) serves as fund accountant and provides certain administrative services to the Trust. Pursuant to a custody agreement with the Trust, SSB also serves as the Trust’s custodian.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are officers and directors of Invesco.
NOTE 3–Additional Valuation Information
GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, under current market conditions. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods, giving the highest priority to readily available unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical assets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), generally when market prices are not readily available. Based on the valuation inputs, the securities or other investments are tiered into one of three levels. Changes in valuation methods may result in transfers in or out of an investment’s assigned level:
|
|
|
Level 1 - |
|
Prices are determined using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets. |
Level 2 - |
|
Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs are inputs that other market participants may use in pricing a security. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, loss severities, default rates, discount rates, volatilities and others. |
Level 3 - |
|
Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable (for example, when there is little or no market activity for an investment at the end of the period), unobservable inputs may be used. Unobservable inputs reflect the Adviser’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in determining fair value of the securities or instruments and would be based on the best available information. |
The following is a summary of the tiered valuation input levels, as of February 28, 2023. The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities. Because of the inherent uncertainties of valuation, the values reflected in the financial statements may materially differ from the value received upon actual sale of those investments.
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|
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|
|
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Level 1 |
|
|
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|
|
Level 2 |
|
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|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Investments in Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal Obligations |
|
|
$- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
381,370,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,064,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
382,435,104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investments - Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments Matured |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,033,531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,033,531 |
|
Total Investments |
|
|
$- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
383,403,935 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,064,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
384,468,635 |
|
NOTE 4–Security Transactions with Affiliated Funds
The Trust is permitted to purchase securities from or sell securities to certain other affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Trust from or to another fund that is or could be considered an “affiliated person” by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers is made in reliance on Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act and, to the extent applicable, related SEC staff positions. Each such transaction is effected at the security’s “current market price”, as provided for in these procedures and Rule 17a-7. Pursuant to these procedures, for the year ended February 28, 2023, the Trust engaged in securities purchases of $10,003,892 and securities sales of $33,676,918, which resulted in net realized gains (losses) of $(5,132,360).
27 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
NOTE 5–Trustees’ and Officers’ Fees and Benefits
Trustees’ and Officers’ Fees and Benefits include amounts accrued by the Trust to pay remuneration to certain Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Trustees have the option to defer compensation payable by the Trust, and Trustees’ and Officers’ Fees and Benefits also include amounts accrued by the Trust to fund such deferred compensation amounts. Those Trustees who defer compensation have the option to select various Invesco Trusts in which their deferral accounts shall be deemed to be invested. Finally, certain current Trustees were eligible to participate in a retirement plan that provided for benefits to be paid upon retirement to Trustees over a period of time based on the number of years of service. The Trust may have certain former Trustees who also participate in a retirement plan and receive benefits under such plan. Trustees’ and Officers’ Fees and Benefits include amounts accrued by the Trust to fund such retirement benefits. Obligations under the deferred compensation and retirement plans represent unsecured claims against the general assets of the Trust.
NOTE 6–Cash Balances and Borrowings
The Trust is permitted to temporarily carry a negative or overdrawn balance in its account with SSB, the custodian bank. Such balances, if any at period-end, are shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under the payable caption Amount due custodian. To compensate the custodian bank for such overdrafts, the overdrawn Trust may either (1) leave funds as a compensating balance in the account so the custodian bank can be compensated by earning the additional interest; or (2) compensate by paying the custodian bank at a rate agreed upon by the custodian bank and Invesco, not to exceed the contractually agreed upon rate.
Inverse floating rate obligations resulting from the transfer of bonds to TOB Trusts are accounted for as secured borrowings. The average floating rate notes outstanding and average annual interest and fee rate related to inverse floating rate note obligations during the year ended February 28, 2023 were $66,384,973 and 2.45%, respectively.
NOTE 7–Distributions to Shareholders and Tax Components of Net Assets
Tax Character of Distributions to Shareholders Paid During the Fiscal Years Ended February 28, 2023 and 2022:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
Ordinary income |
|
$ |
289,247 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Ordinary income-tax-exempt |
|
|
16,199,141 |
|
|
|
17,730,121 |
|
Ordinary income-tax-exempt VMTP shares |
|
|
809,572 |
|
|
|
336,847 |
|
Return of capital |
|
|
212,557 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total distributions |
|
$ |
17,510,517 |
|
|
$ |
18,066,968 |
|
Tax Components of Net Assets at Period-End:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - investments |
|
$ |
(19,094,299 |
) |
|
|
Temporary book/tax differences |
|
|
(158,228 |
) |
|
|
Capital loss carryforward |
|
|
(27,820,598 |
) |
|
|
Shares of beneficial interest |
|
|
345,832,375 |
|
|
|
Total net assets |
|
$ |
298,759,250 |
|
|
|
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is due to differences in the timing of recognition of gains and losses on investments for tax and book purposes. The Trust’s net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) difference is attributable primarily to amortization and accretion on debt securities and defaulted bonds.
The temporary book/tax differences are a result of timing differences between book and tax recognition of income and/or expenses. The Trust’s temporary book/tax differences are the result of the trustee deferral of compensation and retirement plan benefits.
Capital loss carryforward is calculated and reported as of a specific date. Results of transactions and other activity after that date may affect the amount of capital loss carryforward actually available for the Trust to utilize. The ability to utilize capital loss carryforward in the future may be limited under the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations based on the results of future transactions.
The Trust has a capital loss carryforward as of February 28, 2023, as follows:
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|
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|
|
|
|
Capital Loss Carryforward* |
Expiration |
|
Short-Term |
|
Long-Term |
|
Total |
Not subject to expiration |
|
$12,020,320 |
|
$15,800,278 |
|
$27,820,598 |
* |
Capital loss carryforward is reduced for limitations, if any, to the extent required by the Internal Revenue Code and may be further limited depending upon a variety of factors, including the realization of net unrealized gains or losses as of the date of any reorganization. |
NOTE 8–Investment Transactions
The aggregate amount of investment securities (other than short-term securities, U.S. Government obligations and money market funds, if any) purchased and sold by the Trust during the year ended February 28, 2023 was $81,476,995 and $102,660,766, respectively. Cost of investments, including any derivatives, on a tax basis includes the adjustments for financial reporting purposes as of the most recently completed federal income tax reporting period-end.
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments on a Tax Basis |
|
|
|
Aggregate unrealized appreciation of investments |
|
$ |
14,651,976 |
|
|
|
Aggregate unrealized (depreciation) of investments |
|
|
(33,746,275 |
) |
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments |
|
$ |
(19,094,299 |
) |
|
|
Cost of investments for tax purposes is $403,562,934.
28 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
NOTE 9–Reclassification of Permanent Differences
Primarily as a result of differing book/tax treatment of market discounts, defaulted bonds, return of capital distributions and amortization and accretion on debt securities, on February 28, 2023, undistributed net investment income was increased by $1,155,434, undistributed net realized gain (loss) was decreased by $941,175 and shares of beneficial interest was decreased by $214,259. This reclassification had no effect on the net assets of the Trust.
NOTE 10–Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
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|
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|
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Year Ended February 28, |
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|
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Year Ended February 28, |
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|
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2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Beginning shares |
|
|
47,598,708 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,566,081 |
|
Shares issued through dividend reinvestment |
|
|
22,045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,627 |
|
Ending shares |
|
|
47,620,753 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,598,708 |
|
The Trust may, when appropriate, purchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at a price not above market value or net asset value, whichever is lower at the time of purchase.
NOTE 11–Variable Rate Muni Term Preferred Shares
The Trust issued Series 2020 VMTP Shares, with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. As of February 28, 2023, the VMTP Shares outstanding were as follows:
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Issue Date |
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Shares Issued |
|
|
Term Redemption Date |
|
|
Extension Date |
|
|
|
11/01/2017 |
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
11/01/2023 |
|
|
|
04/27/2020 |
|
|
|
VMTP Shares are a variable-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date and are considered debt for financial reporting purposes. Effective March 21, 2023, the Trust extended the term of the VMTP Shares and is required to redeem all outstanding VMTP Shares on October 31, 2025, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or extended. VMTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends and a redemption premium, if any. On or prior to the redemption date, the Trust will be required to segregate assets having a value equal to 110% of the redemption amount.
The Trust incurs costs in connection with the issuance and/or the extension of the VMTP Shares. These costs are recorded as a deferred charge and are amortized over the term life of the VMTP Shares. Amortization of these costs is included in Interest, facilities and maintenance fees on the Statement of Operations, and the unamortized balance is included in the value of Variable rate muni term preferred shares on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Dividends paid on the VMTP Shares (which are treated as interest expense for financial reporting purposes) are declared daily and paid monthly. The initial rate for dividends was equal to the sum of 1.05% per annum plus Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index (the “SIFMA” Index). As of February 28, 2023, the dividend rate is equal to the SIFMA Index plus a spread of 1.07%, which is based on the long term preferred share ratings assigned to the VMTP Shares by a ratings agency. The average aggregate liquidation preference outstanding and the average annualized dividend rate of the VMTP Shares during the year ended February 28, 2023 were $30,000,000 and 2.70%, respectively.
The Trust utilizes the VMTP Shares as leverage in order to enhance the yield of its common shareholders. The primary risk associated with VMTP Shares is exposing the net asset value of the common shares and total return to increased volatility if the value of the Trust decreases while the value of the VMTP Shares remains unchanged. Fluctuations in the dividend rates on the VMTP Shares can also impact the Trust’s yield or its distributions to common shareholders. The Trust is subject to certain restrictions relating to the VMTP Shares, such as maintaining certain asset coverage and leverage ratio requirements. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Trust from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or purchasing common shares and/or could trigger an increased rate which, if not cured, could cause the mandatory redemption of VMTP Shares at the liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.
The liquidation preference of VMTP Shares, which approximates fair value, is recorded as a liability under the caption Variable rate muni term preferred shares on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The fair value of VMTP Shares is expected to be approximately their liquidation preference so long as the credit rating on the VMTP Shares, and therefore the “spread” on the VMTP Shares (determined in accordance with the VMTP Shares’ governing document) remains unchanged. At period-end, the Trust’s Adviser has determined that fair value of VMTP Shares is approximately their liquidation preference. Fair value could vary if market conditions change materially. Unpaid dividends on VMTP Shares are recognized as Accrued interest expense on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends paid on VMTP Shares are recognized as a component of Interest, facilities and maintenance fees on the Statement of Operations.
NOTE 12–Dividends
The Trust declared the following dividends to common shareholders from net investment income subsequent to February 28, 2023:
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
Declaration Date |
|
Amount per Share |
|
|
|
Record Date |
|
|
|
|
|
Payable Date |
|
March 1, 2023 |
|
$0.0275 |
|
|
|
|
March 15, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
April 3, 2023 |
|
$0.0265 |
|
|
|
|
April 17, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 28, 2023 |
|
29 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) as of February 28, 2023, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended February 28, 2023, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended February 28, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of February 28, 2023, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2023 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended February 28, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Trust’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 28, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
April 21, 2023
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the investment companies in the Invesco group of investment companies since at least 1995. We have not been able to determine the specific year we began serving as auditor.
30 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Tax Information
Form 1099-DIV, Form 1042-S and other year–end tax information provide shareholders with actual calendar year amounts that should be included in their tax returns. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers.
The following distribution information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code or to meet a specific state’s requirement.
The Trust designates the following amounts or, if subsequently determined to be different, the maximum amount allowable for its fiscal year ended February 28, 2023:
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|
|
|
|
|
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Federal and State Income Tax |
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Qualified Dividend Income* |
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0.00 |
% |
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Corporate Dividends Received Deduction* |
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0.00 |
% |
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U.S. Treasury Obligations* |
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0.00 |
% |
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Qualified Business Income* |
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0.00 |
% |
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Business Interest Income* |
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41.04 |
% |
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Tax-Exempt Interest Dividends* |
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98.33 |
% |
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* |
The above percentages are based on ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders during the Trust’s fiscal year. |
31 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
Additional Information
Investment Objective, Policies and Principal Risks of the Trust
Recent Changes
During the Trust’s most recent fiscal year, there were no material changes in the Trust’s investment objectives or policies that have not been approved by shareholders or in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the Trust. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased the Trust.
Investment Objective
The investment objective of Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is to provide a high level of current income which is exempt from federal income tax. The investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval of a majority of the Trust’s outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
Investment Policies of the Trust
The Trust will invest at least 80% of its net assets in Municipal Obligations, except during temporary defensive periods. The remaining portion of the Trust’s net assets may be invested in “temporary investments” and in options and futures. Under normal circumstances, the Trust expects that substantially greater than 80% of its net assets will be invested in Municipal Obligations. “Municipal Obligations” consist of Municipal Bonds, Municipal Notes and Municipal Commercial Paper (each described below), including such obligations purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
Under normal circumstances, the Trust will seek to invest at least 65% of its total assets in: (i) non-rated Municipal Obligations which are deemed by Invesco Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) to be of medium quality and which provide a high rate of current income; and (ii) Municipal Obligations rated A, Baa or Ba by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or A, Baa or Ba by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”). The Adviser attributes to medium quality, non-rated Municipal Obligations many of the same general characteristics as Moody’s does with respect to Municipal Obligations rated A, Baa and Ba and as S&P does with respect to Municipal Obligations rated A, BBB and BB. Medium quality, non-rated Municipal Obligations are obligations of those issuers which the Adviser believes possess adequate but not outstanding capacities to service their obligations. The Trust may also invest in other types of Municipal Obligations, including rated or non-rated higher quality or lower quality Municipal Obligations.
The Trust may acquire higher quality obligations for its portfolio when the difference in yields on higher and lower quality obligations is narrowed to the extent that higher risk is not justified by higher return, or, when unusual market conditions are present. The Trust intends to emphasize investments in Municipal Obligations with long-term maturities (10 years or more) because such long-term obligations generally produce higher income than short-term obligations although such longer-term obligations are more susceptible to market fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates than shorter-term obligations. The average maturity of the Trust’s portfolio as well as the emphasis on
longer-term obligations may vary depending upon market conditions. The Trust will only invest in Municipal Obligations which are currently paying or accruing income at the time of purchase.
The Adviser will attempt to reduce the risks of investing in medium and lower quality Municipal Obligations through the use of active portfolio management, diversification, extensive credit research and analysis, economic analysis, including attention to current trends in the economy and financial markets, and participation in the financial futures and options markets. Also, the Trust will take any action it considers appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties or default, or an actual default or bankruptcy, of either the issuer of any such obligation or of the underlying source of funds for debt service of such obligation. Such action may include retaining the services of various persons or firms such as consulting or management services (including affiliates of the Adviser), to evaluate or protect any real estate, facilities or other assets securing such obligation or acquired by the Trust as a result of any of the aforementioned events.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Trust may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in “temporary investments,” the income from which may be subject to federal income taxes. The Trust may invest more than 20% of its net assets in temporary investments for defensive purposes when market or economic conditions dictate. The Trust will invest only in temporary investments which are certificates of deposit of U.S. domestic banks, including foreign branches of domestic banks, with assets of $1 billion or more; bankers’ acceptances; time deposits; U.S. Government securities; or debt securities rated within the two highest grades by Moody’s or S&P or, if not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Trustees, and which mature within one year from the date of purchase. Temporary investments made by the Trust may also include repurchase agreements.
Certain Municipal Bonds in which the Trust may invest without limit may subject certain investors to the alternative minimum tax and, therefore, a substantial portion of the income produced by the Trust may be taxable for such investors under the alternative minimum tax. The Trust, therefore, may not ordinarily be a suitable investment for investors who are subject to the alternative minimum tax.
The foregoing percentage and rating limitations apply at the time of acquisition of a security based on the last previous determination of the Trust’s net asset value. Any subsequent change in any rating by a rating service or change in percentages resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the Trust’s total assets will not require elimination of any security from the Trust’s portfolio.
The foregoing investment objective and policies are fundamental policies of the Trust and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act.
“Municipal Bonds,” “Municipal Notes” and “Municipal Commercial Paper” are debt obligations of states or territories, cities, counties, municipalities and other agencies or instrumentalities which
generally have maturities, at the time of their issuance, of either one year or more (Bonds), or from six months to three years (Notes), or less than one year (Commercial Paper). While most Municipal Obligations pay a fixed rate of interest, certain Municipal Obligations are floating or variable rate instruments which generally have a final maturity of more than one year and are subject to periodic rate changes and/or short-term put or tender dates in order to attempt to minimize the fluctuation in the values of these instruments. Municipal Obligations in which the Trust will primarily invest bear interest that, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from federal income tax. The Adviser does not conduct its own analysis of the tax status of the interest paid by municipal securities held by the Trust, but will rely on the opinion of counsel to the issuer of each such instrument.
Included within the general category of Municipal Obligations in which the Trust may invest are participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called “lease obligations”) of counties, cities or other governmental authorities or entities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which the issuer’s taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation is ordinarily backed by the issuer’s covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation. The Trust may also purchase “certificates of participation,” which evidence a proportionate interest in base rental or lease payments to be made by a county, city or other governmental authority or entity.
The Trust reserves the right to invest 25% or more of its total assets in any of the following types of Municipal Obligations provided that the percentage of the Trust’s total assets in private activity bonds in any one category does not exceed 25% of the Trust’s total assets: health facility obligations, housing obligations, single family mortgage revenue bonds, industrial revenue obligations (including pollution control obligations), electric utility obligations, airport facility revenue obligations, water and sewer obligations, university and college revenue obligations, bridge authority and toll road obligations and resource recovery obligations. Subject to the foregoing, the Trust may invest more than 25% of its total assets in a segment of the municipal securities market with similar characteristics if the Adviser determines that the yields available from obligations in a particular segment justify the additional risks of a larger investment in such segment. The Trust has no policy limiting its investments in municipal securities whose issuers are located in the same state. If the Trust were to invest a significant portion of its total assets in issuers located in the same state, it would be more susceptible to adverse economic, business or regulatory conditions in that state.
The Trust may invest up to 35% of its assets in lower-grade municipal securities. Lower-grade municipal securities shall include securities rated by S&P or Fitch, Inc. as BB- through D (inclusive) for bonds or SP-2 or lower for notes; by Moody’s as Ba3 through D (inclusive) for bonds or MIG3 or VMIG3 or lower for notes, or unrated municipal securities
32 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
determined by Invesco to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase.1 If two or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”) have assigned different ratings to a security, the Adviser uses the lowest rating assigned. Medium- and lower-grade securities are inclusive of some securities rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as junk bonds. The Trust may invest in securities that are in default.
The Adviser actively manages the Trust’s portfolio and adjusts the average maturity of portfolio investments based upon its expectations regarding the direction of interest rates and other economic factors. The Adviser seeks to identify those securities that it believes entail reasonable credit risk considered in relation to the Trust’s investment policies. In selecting securities for investment, the Adviser uses its extensive research capabilities to assess potential investments and considers a number of factors, including general market and economic conditions and interest rate, credit and prepayment risks. Each security considered for investment is subjected to an in-depth credit analysis to evaluate the level of risk it presents. Finally, the Adviser employs leverage in an effort to enhance the Trust’s income and total return.
Decisions to purchase or sell securities are determined by the relative value considerations of the portfolio managers that factor in economic and credit-related fundamentals, market supply and demand, market dislocations and situation-specific opportunities. The purchase or sale of securities may be related to a decision to alter the Trust’s macro risk exposure (such as duration, yield curve positioning and sector exposure), a need to limit or reduce the Trust’s exposure to a particular security or issuer, degradation of an issuer’s credit quality, or general liquidity needs of the Trust. The potential for realization of capital gains or losses resulting from possible changes in interest rates will not be a major consideration and frequency of portfolio turnover generally will not be a limiting factor if the Adviser considers it advantageous to purchase or sell securities.
Municipal Securities. The yields of municipal securities depend on, among other things, general money market conditions, general conditions of the municipal securities market, size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and rating of the issue. The ratings of S&P and Moody’s represent their opinions of the quality of the municipal securities they undertake to rate. These ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while municipal securities of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. The Trust has no limitation as to the maturity of municipal securities in which it may invest. The Adviser may adjust the average maturity of the Trust’s portfolio from time to time depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest rates.
The principal types of municipal debt securities purchased by the Trust are revenue obligations and general obligations. Revenue obligations are usually payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source, but not from the
general taxing power. Revenue obligations may include industrial development, pollution control, public utility, housing, and health care issues. General obligation securities are secured by the issuer’s pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
Within these principal classifications of municipal securities, there are a variety of types of municipal securities, including but not limited to:
∎ Variable rate securities, which bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended to reflect market rates of interest.
∎ Municipal notes, including tax, revenue and bond anticipation notes of short maturity, generally less than three years, which are issued to obtain temporary funds for various public purposes.
∎ Variable rate demand notes, which are obligations that contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and which are subject to a right of demand for payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest either at any time or at specified intervals. The interest rate on a variable rate demand note may be based on a known lending rate, such as a bank’s prime rate, and may be adjusted when such rate changes, or the interest rate may be a market rate that is adjusted at specified intervals. The adjustment formula maintains the value of the variable rate demand note at approximately the par value of such note at the adjustment date.
∎ Municipal leases, which are obligations issued by state and local governments or authorities to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities. Certain municipal lease obligations may include non-appropriation clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis.
∎ Private activity bonds, which are issued by, or on behalf of, public authorities to finance privately operated facilities.
∎ Participation certificates, which are obligations issued by state or local governments or authorities to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities. They may represent participations in a lease, an installment purchase contract or a conditional sales contract.
∎ Municipal securities that may not be backed by the faith, credit and taxing power of the issuer.
∎ Municipal securities that are privately placed and that may have restrictions on the Trust’s ability to resell, such as timing restrictions or requirements that the securities only be sold to qualified institutional investors.
∎ Municipal securities that are insured by financial insurance companies.
The following investment practices apply to the portfolio investments of the Trust and may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust without shareholder approval.
Inverse Floating Rate Obligations. The Trust may invest in inverse floating rate obligations for investment purposes and to enhance the yield of the Trust. Inverse floating rate obligations are variable rate debt instruments that pay interest at rates that move in the opposite direction of prevailing interest rates. Inverse floating rate obligations in which the Trust may invest include derivative instruments such as residual interest bonds, tender option bonds or municipal bond trust certificates. Such instruments are typically created by a special purpose trust (the TOB Trust) that holds long-term fixed rate bonds,
which are contributed by the Trust (the underlying security), and sells two classes of beneficial interests: short-term floating rate interests, which are sold to or held by third party investors, and inverse floating residual interests, which are purchased by the Trust. Because the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations is generally determined by subtracting the available or floating rate from a predetermined amount, the interest rate paid to holders of such obligations will decrease as such variable or floating rate increases and increase as such variable or floating rate decrease. For additional information regarding Inverse Floating Rate Obligations, see “Notes to Financial Statements.”
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions. The Trust may purchase municipal securities on a “when-issued” basis and may purchase or sell such securities on a “delayed-delivery” basis, which means that a Trust buys or sells a security with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time a Trust enters into the commitment. No income accrues on such securities until the date a Trust actually takes delivery of the securities.
Restricted Securities. The Trust may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities subject to contractual restrictions on resale.
Rule 144A Securities and Other Exempt Securities. The Trust may invest in Rule 144A securities and other types of exempt securities, which are registered for sale pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Zero Coupon/Pay-in-Kind Securities. The Trust may invest in securities not producing immediate cash income, including zero coupon securities or pay-in-kind securities, when their effective yield over comparable instruments producing cash income makes these investments attractive. Zero coupon securities are debt securities that do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the securities begin paying current interest. Pay-in-kind securities are debt securities that pay interest through the issuance of additional securities.
Preferred Shares. The Trust may issue preferred shares as leverage. The Trust currently utilizes Variable Rate Muni Term Preferred (“VMTP”) Shares as leverage in order to enhance the yield of its common shareholders. For additional information regarding the VMTP Shares, see “Notes to Financial Statements.”
Principal Risks of Investing in the Trust
As with any fund investment, loss of money is a risk of investing. The risks associated with an investment in the Trust can increase during times of significant market volatility. The principal risks of investing in the Trust are:
Market Risk. The market values of the Trust’s investments, and therefore the value of the Trust’s shares, will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry or section of the economy, or it may affect the market as a whole. The value of the Trust’s investments may go up or down due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to the particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for revenues or corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, regional or global instability, or adverse investor sentiment generally.
33 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
The value of the Trust’s investments may also go up or down due to factors that affect an individual issuer or a particular industry or sector, such as changes in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, natural or environmental disasters, widespread disease or other public health issues, war, military conflict, acts of terrorism, economic crisis or other events may have a significant impact on the value of the Trust’s investments, as well as the financial markets and global economy generally. Such circumstances may also impact the ability of the Adviser to effectively implement the Trust’s investment strategy. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that specific investments held by the Trust will rise in value.
COVID-19. The “COVID-19” strain of coronavirus has resulted in instances of market closures and dislocations, extreme volatility, liquidity constraints and increased trading costs. Efforts to contain its spread have resulted in travel restrictions, disruptions of healthcare systems, business operations (including business closures) and supply chains, layoffs, lower consumer demand and employee availability, and defaults and credit downgrades, among other significant economic impacts that have disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Such economic impacts may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks locally or globally and cause general concern and uncertainty. The full economic impact and ongoing effects of COVID-19 (or other future epidemics or pandemics) at the macro-level and on individual businesses are unpredictable and may result in significant and prolonged effects on the Trust’s performance.
Market Disruption Risks Related to Russia-Ukraine Conflict. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, various countries, including the United States, as well as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries and the European Union, issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia. The war in Ukraine (and the potential for further sanctions in response to Russia’s continued military activity) may escalate. These and other corresponding events, have had, and could continue to have, severe negative effects on regional and global economic and financial markets, including increased volatility, reduced liquidity, and overall uncertainty. The negative impacts may be particularly acute in certain sectors including, but not limited to, energy and financials. Russia may take additional countermeasures or retaliatory actions (including cyberattacks), which could exacerbate negative consequences on global financial markets. The duration of the conflict and corresponding sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. The foregoing may result in a negative impact on Trust performance and the value of an investment in the Trust, even beyond any direct investment exposure the Trust may have to Russian issuers or the adjoining geographic regions.
Debt Securities Risk. The prices of debt securities held by the Trust will be affected by changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuer and other factors. An increase in prevailing interest rates typically causes the value of existing debt securities to fall and often has a greater impact on longer-duration debt securities and higher quality debt securities. Falling interest rates will cause the Trust to reinvest the proceeds of debt securities that
have been repaid by the issuer at lower interest rates. Falling interest rates may also reduce the Trust’s distributable income because interest payments on floating rate debt instruments held by the Trust will decline. The Trust could lose money on investments in debt securities if the issuer or borrower fails to meet its obligations to make interest payments and/or to repay principal in a timely manner. If an issuer seeks to restructure the terms of its borrowings or the Trust is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of interest or the repayment of principal, the Trust may incur additional expenses. Changes in an issuer’s financial strength, the market’s perception of such strength or in the credit rating of the issuer or the security may affect the value of debt securities. The Adviser’s credit analysis may fail to anticipate such changes, which could result in buying a debt security at an inopportune time or failing to sell a debt security in advance of a price decline or other credit event.
Municipal Securities Risk. Under normal market conditions, longer-term municipal securities generally provide a higher yield than shorter-term municipal securities. The yields of municipal securities may move differently and adversely compared to the yields of the overall debt securities markets. The risk of a municipal obligation generally depends on the financial and credit status of the issuer. Constitutional amendments, legislative enactments, executive orders, administrative regulations, voter initiatives, and the issuer’s regional economic conditions may affect the municipal security’s value, interest payments, repayment of principal and the Trust’s ability to sell the security. Municipal obligations may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. Municipal securities structured as revenue bonds are generally not backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality but rather the revenue from the particular project or entity for which the bonds were issued. If the Internal Revenue Service determines that an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could be treated as taxable, which could result in a decline in the security’s value. In addition, there could be changes in applicable tax laws or tax treatments that reduce or eliminate the current federal income tax exemption on municipal securities or otherwise adversely affect the current federal or state tax status of municipal securities.
Changing Fixed Income Market Conditions Risk. Increases in the federal funds and equivalent foreign rates or other changes to monetary policy or regulatory actions may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity for certain fixed income investments, particularly those with longer maturities. It is difficult to predict the impact of interest rate changes on various markets. In addition, decreases in fixed income dealer market-making capacity may persist in the future, potentially leading to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed income markets. As a result, the value of the Trust’s investments and share price may decline. Changes in central bank policies could also result inhigher than normal redemptions by shareholders, which could potentially increase the Trust’s portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs and potentially lower the Trust’s performance returns.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates, or an expectation of rising interest rates in the near future, will cause the values
of the Trust’s investments to decline. The values of debt securities usually change when prevailing interest rates change. When interest rates rise, the values of outstanding debt securities generally fall, and those securities may sell at a discount from their face amount. When interest rates rise, the decrease in values of outstanding debt securities may not be offset by higher income from new investments. When interest rates fall, the values of already-issued debt securities generally rise. However, when interest rates fall, the Trust’s investments in new securities may be at lower yields and may reduce the Trust’s income. The values of longer-term debt securities usually change more than the values of shorter-term debt securities when interest rates change; thus, interest rate risk is usually greater for securities with longer maturities or durations. “Zero-coupon” or “stripped” securities may be particularly sensitive to interest rate changes.
Market Discount from Net Asset Value Risk. Shares of closed-end investment companies like the Trust frequently trade at prices lower than their net asset value. Because the market price of the Trust’s common shares is determined by factors such as relative market supply and demand, general market and economic circumstances, and other factors beyond the control of the Trust, the Trust cannot predict whether its shares of common stock will trade at, below or above net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Trust’s net asset value could decrease as a result of investment activities. Common shareholders bear a risk of loss to the extent that the price at which they sell their shares is lower than at the time of purchase.
Defaulted Securities Risk. Defaulted securities pose a greater risk that principal will not be repaid than non-defaulted securities. The Trust will generally not receive interest payments on defaulted securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. Defaulted securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale. Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers are considered speculative and the prices of these securities may be more volatile than non-defaulted securities.
High Yield Debt Securities (Junk Bond) Risk. The Trust’s investments in high yield debt securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) and other lower-rated securities will subject the Trust to substantial risk of loss. These securities are considered to be speculative with respect to the issuer’s ability to pay interest and principal when due and are more susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic, regulatory, political or company developments than higher rated or investment grade securities. Prices of high yield debt securities tend to be very volatile. These securities are less liquid than investment grade debt securities and may be difficult to sell at a desirable time or price, particularly in times of negative sentiment toward high yield securities.
Medium- and Lower-Grade Municipal Securities Risk. Securities that are in the medium- and lower-grade categories generally offer higher yields than are offered by higher-grade securities of similar maturity, but they also generally involve more volatility and greater risks, such as greater credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and management risk. Furthermore, many issuers of medium- and lower-grade securities choose not to have a rating assigned to their obligations by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization. As such,
34 Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
the Trust’s portfolio may consist of a higher portion of unrated securities as compared with an investment company that invests solely in higher-grade securities. Unrated securities may not be as attractive to as many buyers as are rated securities, a factor that may make unrated securities less able to be sold at a desirable time or price. These factors may limit the ability of the Trust to sell such securities at their fair value either to raise cash or in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
Unrated Securities Risk. Because the Trust purchases securities that are not rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, the Adviser may internally assign ratings to those securities, after assessing their credit quality and other factors, in categories similar to those of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. There can be no assurance, nor is it intended, that the Adviser’s credit analysis process is consistent or comparable with the credit analysis process used by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Unrated securities are considered “investment-grade” or “below-investment-grade” if judged by the Adviser to be comparable to rated investment-grade or below-investment-grade securities. The Adviser’s rating does not constitute a guarantee of the credit quality. In addition, some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may trade less actively than rated securities, which means that the Trust might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price. In evaluating the credit quality of a particular security, whether rated or unrated, the Adviser will normally take into consideration a number of factors such as, if applicable, the financial resources of the issuer, the underlying source of funds for debt service on a security, the issuer’s sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, any operating history of the facility financed by the obligation, the degree of community support for the financed facility, the capabilities of the issuer’s management, and regulatory factors affecting the issuer or the particular facility. A reduction in the rating of a security after the Trust buys it will not require the Trust to dispose of the security. However, the Adviser will evaluate such downgraded securities to determine whether to keep them in the Trust’s portfolio.
Credit Risk. The issuers of instruments in which the Trust invests may be unable to meet interest and/or principal payments. This risk is increased to the extent the Trust invests in junk bonds, which may cause the Trust to incur higher expenses to protect its interests. The credit risks and market prices of lower-grade securities generally are more sensitive to negative issuer developments, such as reduced revenues or increased expenditures, or adverse economic conditions, such as a recession, than are higher-grade securities. An issuer’s securities may decrease in value if its financial strength weakens, which may reduce its credit rating and possibly its ability to meet its contractual obligations. In the event that an issuer of securities held by the Trust experiences difficulties in the timely payment of principal and interest and such issuer seeks to restructure the terms of its borrowings, the Trust may incur additional expenses and may determine to invest additional assets with respect to such issuer or the project or projects to which the Trust’s securities relate. Further, the Trust may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of interest or
the repayment of principal on its portfolio holdings and the Trust may be unable to obtain full recovery on such amounts.
Income Risk. The income you receive from the Trust is based primarily on prevailing interest rates, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If interest rates decrease, your income from the Trust may decrease as well.
Call Risk. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of securities with high interest rates will prepay or call their securities before their maturity dates. In this event, the proceeds from the called securities would likely be reinvested by the Trust in securities bearing the new, lower interest rates, resulting in a possible decline in the Trust’s income and distributions to shareholders.
Municipal Issuer Focus Risk. The municipal issuers in which the Trust invests may be located in the same geographic area or may pay their interest obligations from revenue of similar projects, such as hospitals, airports, utility systems and housing finance agencies. This may make the Trust’s investments more susceptible to similar social, economic, political or regulatory occurrences, making the Trust more susceptible to experience a drop in its share price than if the Trust had been more diversified across issuers that did not have similar characteristics. From time to time, the Trust’s investments may include securities that alone or together with securities held by other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser, represents a major portion or all of an issue of municipal securities. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments and, in some cases, there may be contractual restrictions on resales, the Trust may find it more difficult to sell such securities at a desirable time or price.
Insurance Risk. Financial insurance guarantees that interest payments on a bond will be made on time and that principal will be repaid when the bond matures. Insured municipal obligations would generally be assigned a lower rating if the rating was based primarily on the credit quality of the issuer without regard to the insurance feature. If the claims-paying ability of the insurer were downgraded, the ratings on the municipal obligations it insures may also be downgraded. Insurance does not protect the Trust against losses caused by declines in a bond’s value due to a change in market conditions.
Alternative Minimum Tax Risk. Although the interest received from municipal securities generally is exempt from federal income tax, the Trust may invest all or a substantial portion of its total assets in municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Accordingly, an investment in the Trust could cause shareholders to be subject to (or result in an increased liability under) the federal alternative minimum tax.
Taxability Risk. The Trust’s investments in municipal securities rely on the opinion of the issuer’s bond counsel that the interest paid on those securities will not be subject to federal income tax. Tax opinions are generally provided at the time the municipal security is initially issued. However, tax opinions are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any court and after the Trust buys a security, the Internal Revenue Service or a court may determine that a bond issued as tax-exempt should in fact be taxable and the Trust’s dividends with respect to that bond might be subject to federal income tax. As a result, the treatment of dividends previously paid or to be paid by the Trust as “exempt-interest dividends” could be adversely affected, subjecting
the Trust’s shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities. In addition, income from tax-exempt municipal securities could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or a court, or the non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer.
The value of the Trust’s investments and its net asset value may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal securities. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Trust’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels.
Inverse Floating Rate Obligations Risk. Inverse floating rate obligations (inverse floaters) represent interests in bonds with interest rates that vary inversely to changes in short-term rates. As short-term rates rise, inverse floaters produce less income, and as short-term rates decline, inverse floaters produce more income. As a result, the price of inverse floaters is expected to decline when interest rates rise, and generally will decline further than the price of a bond with a similar maturity. The price of inverse floaters is typically more volatile than the price of bonds with similar maturities. Interest rate risk and price volatility of inverse floaters can be particularly high if leverage is used in the formula that determines the interest payable by the inverse floater. Leverage may make the Trust’s returns more volatile and increase the risk of loss. The Trust generally invests in inverse floaters that include embedded leverage, thus exposing the Trust to greater risks and increased costs. The market value of a “leveraged” inverse floater will fluctuate in response to changes in market rates of interest to a greater extent than the value of an unleveraged investment, and the value of, and income earned on, an inverse floater that has a higher degree of leverage are more likely to be eliminated entirely under adverse market conditions. Upon the occurrence of certain adverse events, the special purpose trust that created the inverse floater may be collapsed and the underlying security liquidated, and the Trust could lose the entire amount of its investment in the inverse floater and may, in some cases, be contractually required to pay the negative difference, if any, between the liquidation value of the underlying security and the principal amount of the short-term floating rate interests. Regulatory changes have prompted changes to the structure of tender option bonds. The Trust’s enhanced role under the revised structure may increase the Trust’s operational and regulatory risk. For additional information regarding the risks of Inverse Floating Rate Obligations, see “Notes to Financial Statements.”
Liquidity Risk. The Trust may be unable to sell illiquid investments at the time or price it desires and, as a result, could lose its entire investment in such investments. An investment may be illiquid due to a lack of trading volume in the investment or if the investment is privately placed and not traded in any public market or is otherwise restricted from trading.
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Consequently, the Trust may have to accept a lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell other investments to raise cash or abandon an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Trust’s performance. Liquid securities can become illiquid during periods of market stress.
Investing in U.S. Territories, Commonwealths and Possessions Risk. The Trust also invests in obligations of the governments of U.S. territories, commonwealths and possessions such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to the extent such obligations are exempt from regular federal individual and state income taxes. Accordingly, the Trust may be adversely affected by local political, economic, social and environmental conditions and developments, including natural disasters, within these U.S. territories, commonwealths and possessions affecting the issuers of such obligations. Certain of the municipalities in which the Trust invests, including Puerto Rico, currently experience significant financial difficulties, which may include default, insolvency or bankruptcy. As a result, securities issued by certain of these municipalities are currently considered below-investment-grade securities. A credit rating downgrade relating to, default by, or insolvency or bankruptcy of, one or several municipal security issuers of a state, territory, commonwealth or possession in which the Trust invests could affect the payment of principal and interest, the market values and marketability of many or all municipal obligations of such state, territory, commonwealth or possession. In the past several years, securities issued by Puerto Rico and its agencies and instrumentalities have been subject to multiple credit downgrades as a result of Puerto Rico’s ongoing fiscal challenges, growing debt obligations and uncertainty about its ability to make full repayment on these obligations, and certain issuers of Puerto Rican municipal securities have filed for bankruptcy and/or failed to make payments on obligations that have come due. Such developments could adversely impact the Fund’s performance and the Fund may pay expenses to preserve its claims related to its Puerto Rican holdings. The outcome of the debt restructuring of certain Puerto Rican issuers in which the Fund invests, both within and outside bankruptcy proceedings is uncertain, and could adversely affect the Fund.
Risks of Land-Secured or “Dirt” Bonds. These bonds, which include special assessment, special tax, and tax increment financing bonds, are issued to promote residential, commercial and industrial growth and redevelopment. They are exposed to real estate development-related risks. The bonds could default if the developments failed to progress as anticipated or if taxpayers failed to pay the assessments, fees and taxes specified in the financing plans for a project.
Risks of Tobacco Related Bonds. In 1998, the largest U.S. tobacco manufacturers reached an out of court agreement, known as the Master Settlement Agreement (the MSA), to settle claims against them by 46 states and six other U.S. jurisdictions. The tobacco manufacturers agreed to make annual payments to the government entities in exchange for the release of all litigation claims. A number of the states have sold bonds that are backed by those future payments. The Trust may invest in two types of those bonds: (i) bonds that make payments only from a state’s interest in the MSA and (ii) bonds that make payments from both the MSA revenue and from an
“appropriation pledge” by the state. An “appropriation pledge” requires the state to pass a specific periodic appropriation to make the payments and is generally not an unconditional guarantee of payment by a state. The settlement payments are based on factors, including, but not limited to, annual domestic cigarette shipments, cigarette consumption, inflation and the financial capability of participating tobacco companies. Payments could be reduced if consumption decreases, if market share is lost to non-MSA manufacturers, or if there is a negative outcome in litigation regarding the MSA, including challenges by participating tobacco manufacturers regarding the amount of annual payments owed under the MSA.
Restricted Securities Risk. Limitations on the resale of restricted securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Trust from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. In addition, the Trust may get only limited information about the issuer of a restricted security and therefore may be less able to predict a loss.
Rule 144A Securities and Other Exempt Securities Risk. The Trust may invest in Rule 144A securities and other types of exempt securities, which are not registered for sale pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities are also known as privately issued securities, and typically may be resold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction, or to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met for an exemption from registration. If there are an insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing such securities at a particular time, the Trust may have difficulty selling such securities at a desirable time or price. As a result, the Trust’s investment in such securities may be subject to increased liquidity risk. In addition, the issuers of Rule 144A securities may require their qualified institutional buyers (such as the Trust) to keep certain offering information confidential, which could adversely affect the ability of the Trust to sell such securities.
Preferred Shares Risk. The primary risk associated with the Trust’s issuance of preferred shares, such as the VMTP Shares, is exposing the net asset value of the common shares and total return to increased volatility if the value of the Trust decreases while the value of the preferred shares remain unchanged. Fluctuations in the dividend rates on the VMTP Shares can also impact the Trust’s yield or its distributions to common shareholders. The Trust is subject to certain restrictions relating to the VMTP Shares, such as maintaining certain asset coverage and leverage ratio requirements. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Trust from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or purchasing common shares and/or could trigger an increased rate which, if not cured, could cause the mandatory redemption of VMTP Shares at the liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. For additional information
regarding the risks of VMTP Shares, see “Notes to Financial Statements.”
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment Risks. When-issued and delayed delivery transactions are subject to market risk as the value or yield of a security at delivery may be more or less than the purchase price or the yield generally available on securities when delivery occurs. In addition, the Trust is subject to counterparty risk because it relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may be, to consummate the transaction, and failure by the counterparty to complete the transaction may result in the Trust missing the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. These transactions have a leveraging effect on the Trust because the Trust commits to purchase securities that it does not have to pay for until a later date. These investments therefore increase the Trust’s overall investment exposure and, as a result, its volatility. Typically, no income accrues on securities the Trust has committed to purchase prior to the time delivery of the securities is made.
Zero Coupon or Pay-In-Kind Securities Risk. Zero coupon and pay-in-kind securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at regular interest payment periods. Prices on non-cash-paying instruments may be more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s financial condition, fluctuation in interest rates and market demand/supply imbalances than cash-paying securities with similar credit ratings, and thus may be more speculative. Investors may purchase zero coupon and pay-in-kind securities at a price below the amount payable at maturity. Because such securities do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments of interest prior to maturity, this prevents any reinvestment of interest payments at prevailing interest rates if prevailing interest rates rise. The higher yields and interest rates on pay-in-kind securities reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with such instruments and that such investments may represent a higher credit risk than coupon loans. Pay-in-kind securities may have a potential variability in valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. Special tax considerations are associated with investing in certain lower-grade securities, such as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities.
Derivatives Risk. The value of a derivative instrument depends largely on (and is derived from) the value of an underlying security, currency, commodity, interest rate, index or other asset (each referred to as an underlying asset). In addition to risks relating to the underlying assets, the use of derivatives may include other, possibly greater, risks, including counterparty, leverage and liquidity risks. Counterparty risk is the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will default on its obligation to pay the Trust the amount owed or otherwise perform under the derivative contract. Derivatives create leverage risk because they do not require payment up front equal to the economic exposure created by holding a position in the derivative. As a result, an adverse change in the value of the underlying asset could result in the Trust sustaining a loss that is substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative or the anticipated value of the underlying asset, which may make the Trust’s returns more
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volatile and increase the risk of loss. Derivative instruments may also be less liquid than more traditional investments and the Trust may be unable to sell or close out its derivative positions at a desirable time or price. This risk may be more acute under adverse market conditions, during which the Trust may be most in need of liquidating its derivative positions. Derivatives may also be harder to value, less tax efficient and subject to changing government regulation that could impact the Trust’s ability to use certain derivatives or their cost. Derivatives strategies may not always be successful. For example, derivatives used for hedging or to gain or limit exposure to a particular market segment may not provide the expected benefits, particularly during adverse market conditions.
Variable-Rate Demand Notes Risk. The absence of an active secondary market for certain variable and floating rate notes could make it difficult to dispose of these instruments, and a portfolio could suffer a loss if the issuer defaults during periods in which a portfolio is not entitled to exercise its demand rights.
Repurchase Agreement Risk. If the seller of a repurchase agreement defaults or otherwise does not fulfill its obligations, the Trust may incur delays and losses arising from selling the underlying securities, enforcing its rights, or declining collateral value. These risks are magnified to the extent that a repurchase agreement is secured by securities other than cash or U.S. Government securities.
Financial Markets Regulatory Risk. Policy changes by the U.S. government or its regulatory agencies and political events within the U.S. and abroad, changes to the monetary policy by the Federal Reserve or other regulatory actions, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan or other legislation aimed at addressing financial or economic conditions, the threat of a federal government shutdown, and threats not to increase or suspend the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence, increase volatility in the financial markets, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree, result in higher interest rates, and even raise concerns about the U.S. government’s credit rating and ability service its debt. Such changes and events may adversely impact the Trust’s operations, universe of potential investment options, and return potential.
Management Risk. The Trust is actively managed and depends heavily on the Adviser’s judgment about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Trust’s portfolio. The Trust could experience losses if these judgments prove to be incorrect. There can be no guarantee that the Adviser’s investment techniques or investment decisions will produce the desired results. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investments or investment strategies available to the Adviser in connection with managing the Trust, which may also adversely affect the ability of the Trust to achieve its investment objective.
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A credit rating is an assessment provided by a NRSRO of the creditworthiness of an issuer with respect to debt obligations, including specific securities, money market instruments or other debts. Ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest); ratings are subject to change without notice. For more information on rating methodology, please visit www.spglobal.com and select “Understanding Credit Ratings” under About Ratings on the homepage; www.fitchratings.com and select “Understanding Credit Ratings” from the drop-down menu on the homepage; and www.moodys.com and select “Methodology,” then “Rating Methodologies” under Research Type on the left-hand side. |
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