<PAGE>
[LOGO] M F S(SM) Semiannual Report
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT June 30, 1997
MFS(R) BOND SERIES
A Series of MFS(R) Variable Insurance Trust(SM)
[Graphic omitted]
<PAGE>
MFS(R) BOND SERIES
A SERIES OF MFS(R) VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST(SM)
TRUSTEES INVESTMENT ADVISER
A. Keith Brodkin* Massachusetts Financial Services Company
Chairman and President 500 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116-3741
Nelson J. Darling, Jr.
Trustee, Eastern Enterprises DISTRIBUTOR
(diversified holding company) MFS Fund Distributors, Inc.
500 Boylston Street
William R. Gutow Boston, MA 02116-3741
Vice Chairman,
Capitol Entertainment Management INVESTOR SERVICE
Company MFS Service Center, Inc.
(Blockbuster Video franchise) P.O. Box 2281
Boston, MA 02107-9906
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Geoffrey L. Kurinsky* For additional information,
contact your financial adviser.
TREASURER
W. Thomas London* CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company
ASSISTANT TREASURERS
Mark E. Bradley* AUDITORS
Ellen Moynihan* Deloitte & Touche LLP
James O. Yost*
WORLD WIDE WEB
SECRETARY www.mfs.com
Stephen E. Cavan*
[DALBAR For the third year in a row,
ASSISTANT SECRETARY LOGO] MFS earned a #1 ranking in the
James R. Bordewick, Jr.* DALBAR, Inc. Broker/Dealer Survey,
Main Office Operations Service Quality
Category. The firm achieved a 3.48
overall score on a scale of 1 to 4 in
the 1996 survey. A total of 110 firms
responded, offering input on the
quality of service they received from
29 mutual fund companies nationwide.
The survey contained questions about
service quality in 15 categories,
including "knowledge of phone service
contacts," "accuracy of transaction
processing," and "overall ease of
doing business with the firm."
*Affiliated with the Investment Adviser
<PAGE>
Dear Contract Owner:
An unprecedented combination of generally positive factors has helped the U.S.
economy enjoy a sustained period of relative stability and moderate growth in
which thousands of new jobs have been created every month, inflation remains
under control, and the investment climate -- at least until now -- has been
favorable. For example, the increased use of technology and other productivity
enhancements, as well as corporate restructuring and global competition, is
improving companies' balance sheets and helping control inflation. Meanwhile,
borrowing by corporations and governments continues to decline, while consumer
confidence is increasing, although consumer debt levels are still
uncomfortably high. While some lenders are beginning to tighten standards to
address this problem, consumer debt and personal bankruptcies continue to
rise. Because of this, plus slight declines in other indicators such as
average hourly wages and the corporate purchasing-managers index, we do not
expect the rapid pace of growth seen in the first quarter of 1997 to continue.
While second-quarter growth has slowed dramatically, we do expect the second
half of the year to pick up once again with real (inflation-adjusted) growth
centering around 2 1/2%.
In the fixed-income markets, we have been encouraged by the Federal
Reserve Board's decision to not raise short-term interest rates at its July
meeting. But we cannot rule out the possibility of future monetary tightening
in the second half of the year if, as we now expect, the economy strengthens
in the second half of 1997. Therefore, our risk/reward outlook for the fixed-
income markets is neutral, and we believe that fixed-income investors should
think in terms of earning the coupon income from their investments rather than
seeking possible gains from price appreciation.
Comments from the portfolio manager of the Series are presented below. We
appreciate your support and welcome any questions or comments you may have.
Respectfully,
/s/ A. Keith Brodkin
A. Keith Brodkin
Chairman and President
July 14, 1997
MFS BOND SERIES
For the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Series provided a total return of
2.88%. This compares to a 2.74% return for the Lehman Brothers Government/
Corporate Bond Index, an unmanaged, market-value-weighted index of all debt
obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies (excluding
mortgage-backed securities) and of all publicly issued fixed-rate,
nonconvertible, investment-grade domestic corporate debt.
The Series has benefited from its overweightings in both investment-grade
and high-yield corporate securities, as well as from overweightings in a
couple of individual sectors. The traditional pattern, in which corporates
outperform U.S. Treasuries in periods of strong economic activity, has worked
again this year as the U.S. economy continues to roll along into its seventh
year of economic recovery (although principal value and interest on Treasury
securities are guaranteed by the U.S. government if held to maturity).
More specifically, the Series had significant overweightings in the
utility and airline sectors that contributed to performance. The Series'
utility holdings, such as Long Island Lighting and Commonwealth Edison, have
benefited from prospects for restructuring that could result in the
elimination of much of their outstanding debt in the next 12 to 18 months.
Holdings in the "big three" airlines -- Delta, American, and United --
benefited from the favorable pricing environment in the airline business
resulting from the strong economy. These companies were able to generate
strong cash flows that they used to purchase their outstanding debt securities
in the open market, further improving their credit profiles. We believe that
environments of steady growth and low inflation like the current one are ideal
for the cash flows and credit quality of American corporations. Despite the
fact that the yield premium for corporate securities is as low today as it has
been in 10 years, we believe the corporate asset class will continue to
outperform Treasury and mortgage securities in the upcoming year.
A strong economy also helps the high-yield segment of the market, in which
credit qualities are improving. The Series focuses on the higher end of the
sector, "BB"-rated bonds, and on issues that we believe will move to
investment-grade ratings in the next 12 to 18 months. Our largest holdings in
this group are in the utility, health care, and airline sectors.
As for the overall fixed-income environment, it has been a more
traditional "clip-the-coupon" environment such as existed in the 1950s and
1960s, when interest rates were much less volatile. With rates remaining in a
relatively tight range, there was little value to add by trying to anticipate
interest-rate movements. Most of the added value came from being overweighted
in the corporate sector and picking the sectors and companies that we felt
would thrive in that environment. We expect a similar environment to dominate
the scene in the coming year because economic growth appears likely to
continue and the current tepid pace of inflation shows little sign of
changing. Given this environment, the Series' duration, or interest-rate
sensitivity, is roughly neutral, which is consistent with our view that rates
will likely remain in a narrow range in coming months.
Respectfully,
/s/ Geoffrey L. Kurinsky
Geoffrey L. Kurinsky
Portfolio Manager
PORTFOLIO MANAGER'S PROFILE
Geoffrey L. Kurinsky began his career at MFS in 1987 in the Fixed Income
Department. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Boston
University's Graduate School of Management, he was named Assistant Vice
President in 1988, Vice President in 1989, and Senior Vice President in 1993.
He has managed the MFS Bond Series since 1995.
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Series' primary investment objective is to provide as high a level of
current income as is believed to be consistent with prudent investment risk.
The Series' secondary objective is to protect shareholders' capital.
Commencement of investment operations: October 24, 1995.
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The information below illustrates the performance of MFS Bond Series.
AVERAGE ANNUAL AND CUMULATIVE TOTAL RATES OF RETURN AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
6 Months 1 Year Life of Series*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Total Return +2.88% +8.33% +8.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Return -- +8.33% +4.79%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* For the period from the commencement of the Series' investment operations,
October 24, 1995, through June 30, 1997.
All results are historical and, therefore, are not an indication of future
results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the
product will vary with changes in market conditions, and shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of the mortality and expense risk
charges and administration fees. Please refer to the annuity product's annual
report for performance that reflects the deduction of the fees and charges
imposed by insurance company separate accounts.
All results reflect any applicable expense subsidies and waivers, without
which the performance results would have been less favorable. Subsidies and
waivers may be rescinded at any time. See the prospectus for details.
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - June 30, 1997
Bonds - 98.9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Amount
Issuer (000 Omitted) Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Bonds - 91.4%
Airlines - 4.3%
Continental Airlines, Inc., 9.5s, 2001 $ 10 $ 10,413
Continental Airlines, Inc., 9.5s, 2013 5 5,513
Delta Airlines, Inc., 8.5s, 2002 30 31,671
Delta Airlines, Inc., 9.75s, 2021 30 35,964
Jet Equipment Trust, 9.41s, 2010## 5 5,718
Jet Equipment Trust, 8.64s, 2015## 5 5,231
----------
$ 94,510
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automotive - 0.7%
Ford Motor Co., 7.7s, 2007 $ 15 $ 14,944
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banks and Credit Companies - 5.2%
Advanta Corp., 6.925s, 2002 $ 5 $ 4,817
Capital One Bank, 6.97s, 2002 10 9,860
Capital One Financial Corp., 7.25s, 2003 10 9,780
MBNA Capital, 8.278s, 2026 35 33,867
Riggs National Corp., 8.5s, 2006 5 5,200
Washington Mutual Capital Trust I, 8.375s, 2027 50 50,813
----------
$ 114,337
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Machines - 0.2%
International Business Machines Corp.,
7.125s, 2066 $ 5 $ 4,712
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronics - 2.7%
Harman International Industries, Inc.,
7.32s, 2007 $ 60 $ 60,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entertainment - 3.8%
NWCG Holdings Corp., 0s, 1999 $ 5 $ 4,396
Paramount Communications, 7.5s, 2002 20 20,037
Time Warner, Inc., 6.1s, 2001## 45 43,105
Time Warner, Inc., 9.15s, 2023 15 16,567
----------
$ 84,105
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Institutions - 2.7%
APP International Finance, 10.25s, 2000 $ 20 $ 20,700
Contifinancial Corp., 8.375s, 2003 10 10,275
HSBC America Capital Trust II, 8.38s, 2027## 5 5,044
Lehman Brothers Holdings, 7.5s, 2026 10 10,277
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Corp., 7.5s, 2024## 10 9,451
Salton Sea Funding Corp., 7.84s, 2010 5 4,992
----------
$ 60,739
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forest and Paper Products - 2.9%
Boise Cascade Corp., 7.43s, 2005 $ 10 $ 10,044
Georgia-Pacific Corp., 9.5s, 2022 50 53,953
----------
$ 63,997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance - 1.4%
Conseco Financing Trust III, 8.796s, 2027 $ 5 $ 5,131
Fairfax Financial Holdings, 8.3s, 2026 5 5,190
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, 8.2s, 2007## 5 5,326
NGL Capital Corp., 8.316s, 2027## 5 5,081
Travelers Capital, 7.75s, 2036 10 9,700
----------
$ 30,428
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical and Health Technology and Services - 0.5%
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8s, 2005 $ 5 $ 5,013
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 10.125s, 2005 5 5,463
----------
$ 10,476
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mining - 0.1%
Freeport-McMoran Corp., 7.5s, 2006 $ 3 $ 2,978
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oils -3.6%
Chesapeake Energy Co., 7.875s, 2004 $ 35 $ 33,950
Clark Oil and Refining, 10.5s, 2001 20 20,600
Enserch Exploration, Inc., 7.54s, 2009## 5 4,917
Oryx Energy Co., 8.375s, 2004 10 10,475
Transocean Offshore, 8s, 2027 10 10,338
----------
$ 80,280
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restaurants and Lodging - 0.2%
Hilton Hotels Corp., 7.95s, 2007 $ 5 $ 5,123
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Products and Services - 2.3%
Federal Express Corp., 7.65s, 2007 $ 40 $ 41,350
Loewen Group International, Inc., 7.5s, 2001 10 9,913
----------
$ 51,263
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telecommunications - 6.2%
Continental Cablevision Inc., 11s, 2007 $ 50 $ 56,223
360 Communications Co., 7.5s, 2006 7 6,983
Tele-Communications, Inc., 9.65s, 2027 5 5,044
Tele-Communications, Inc., 7.385s, 2001 70 70,222
----------
$ 138,472
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation - 0.4%
Norfolk Southern Corp., 7.8s, 2027 $ 3 $ 3,081
Norfolk Southern Corp., 7.05s, 2037 5 5,075
----------
$ 8,156
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Guaranteed - 3.6%
Government National Mortgage Assn., 8s, 2017 - 2025 $ 19 $ 19,777
Government National Mortgage Assn., 8.5s, 2026 58 60,767
----------
$ 80,544
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 36.4%
U.S. Treasury Notes, 6s, 1999 $ 10 $ 9,975
U.S. Treasury Notes, 9.125s, 1999 5 5,265
U.S. Treasury Notes, 6.625s, 2002 - 2007 415 418,812
U.S. Treasury Notes, 7.25s, 2004 5 5,212
U.S. Treasury Notes, 6.5s, 2005 - 2026 17 16,935
U.S. Treasury Notes, 6.875s, 2006 40 40,831
U.S. Treasury Notes, 7s, 2006 36 37,035
U.S. Treasury Notes, 6.25s, 2007 20 19,561
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 7.625s, 2025 6 6,570
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 6.5s, 2026 160 153,450
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 6.625s, 2027 95 92,952
----------
$ 806,598
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities - Electric - 13.8%
Cleveland Electric Illumination, 9.25s, 1999 $ 25 $ 26,092
Cleveland Electric Illumination, 9.375s, 2017 10 10,429
Coastal Corp., 7.42s, 2037 20 19,167
Commonwealth Edison Co., 6.4s, 2005 20 18,706
Commonwealth Edison Co., 7.625s, 2007 5 5,013
Entergy Louisiana Inc., 8.09s, 2017 25 25,000
First PV Funding Corp., 10.3s, 2014 5 5,273
Long Island Lighting Co., 8.9s, 2019 15 15,634
Long Island Lighting Co., 9s, 2022 60 65,701
Midland Cogeneration Venture Corp., 10.33s, 2002 14 14,629
Niagara Mohawk Power, 8.77s, 2018 40 40,360
North Atlantic Energy, 9s, 2002 44 44,514
Northrop Grumman Corp., 9.375s, 2024 5 5,487
Southern Corp. Capital Trust, 8.19s, 2037## 5 5,069
Texas-New Mexico Power Co., 12.5s, 1999 5 5,362
----------
$ 306,436
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities - Gas - 0.4%
California Energy Co. 10.25s, 2004 $ 5 $ 5,376
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total U.S. Bonds $2,023,474
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Bonds - 7.5%
Argentina - 0.9%
Hidroelectrica Alicura, 8.375s, 1999
(Utilities - Electric)## $ 20 $ 20,225
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indonesia - 1.7%
P T Indah Kiat Pulp + Paper, 8.875s, 2000
(Forest and Paper Products)## $ 20 $ 20,000
P T Polysindo International Finance, 13s,
2001 (Financial Institutions) 15 17,006
----------
$ 37,006
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Korea - 2.9%
Development Bank of Korea, 9.6s, 2000 (Banks
and Credit Companies) $ 50 $ 54,312
Development Bank of Korea, 6.75s, 2005
(Banks and Credit Companies) 5 4,845
Korea Electric Power, 7s, 2027 (Utilities -
Electric) 5 4,902
----------
$ 64,059
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mexico - 0.2%
United Mexican States, 9.875s, 2007 $ 5 $ 5,275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panama - 0.5%
Republic of Panama, 7.875s, 2002## $ 10 $ 9,975
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qatar - 0.2%
Ras Laffan Gas, 8.294s, 2014 (Utilities -
Gas)## $ 5 $ 5,225
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spain - 0.2%
Empresa Nacional Electric, 7.325s, 2037
(Utilities - Electric) $ 5 $ 5,014
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thailand - 0.2%
Total Access Communications, 8.375s, 2006
(Telecommunications)## $ 5 $ 4,910
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uruguay - 0.9%
Banco Commercial, 8.258s, 2007 (Financial
Institutions) $ 20 $ 20,010
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Foreign Bonds $ 171,699
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $2,170,947) $2,195,173
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Obligations - 4.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Home Loan Mortgage, due 7/01/97, at
Amortized Cost and Value $100 $ 99,984
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $2,270,931) 2,295,157
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (3.4)% (77,521)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets - 100.0% $2,217,636
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
##SEC Rule 144A restriction.
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
Investments, at value (identified cost, $2,270,931) $2,295,157
Cash 813
Receivable for Series shares sold 13,112
Receivable for investments sold 20,993
Interest receivable 33,596
Receivable from investment adviser 4,296
Deferred organization expenses 6,099
Other assets 94
----------
Total assets $2,374,160
----------
Liabilities:
Payable for Series shares reacquired $ 36
Payable for investments purchased 150,067
Payable to affiliate for management fee 181
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 6,240
----------
Total liabilities $ 156,524
----------
Net assets $2,217,636
==========
Net assets consist of:
Paid-in capital $2,159,741
Unrealized appreciation on investments 24,226
Accumulated undistributed net realized loss on investments (10,634)
Accumulated undistributed net investment income 44,303
----------
Total $2,217,636
==========
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding 214,290
=======
Net asset value price per share
(net assets of $2,217,636 / 214,290 shares of beneficial
interest outstanding) $10.35
======
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
Statement of Operations
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income:
Interest income $ 51,068
---------
Expenses -
Management fee $ 4,206
Trustees' compensation 1,017
Shareholder servicing agent fee 241
Administrative fee 81
Auditing fee 10,876
Custodian fee 5,684
Printing 4,654
Amortization of organization expenses 910
Legal fee 302
Miscellaneous 171
---------
Total expenses $ 28,142
Fees paid indirectly (143)
Preliminary reduction of expenses by investment adviser (20,992)
---------
Net expenses $ 7,007
---------
Net investment income $ 44,061
---------
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments:
Realized loss on investment transactions (identified cost basis) $ (7,156)
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments $ 17,949
---------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments $ 10,793
---------
Increase in net assets from operations $ 54,854
=========
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months Ended Year Ended
June 30, 1997 December 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (decrease) in net assets:
From operations -
Net investment income $ 44,061 $ 28,318
Net realized loss on investments (7,156) (3,478)
Net unrealized gain on investments 17,949 2,384
---------- --------
Increase in net assets from operations $ 54,854 $ 27,224
---------- --------
Distributions declared to shareholders -
From net investment income $ -- $(28,266)
---------- --------
Series share (principal) transactions -
Net proceeds from sale of shares $1,393,841 $683,975
Net asset value of shares issued to
shareholders in reinvestment of
distributions -- 28,266
Cost of shares reacquired (84,260) (85,933)
---------- --------
Increase in net assets from Series share
transactions $1,309,581 $626,308
---------- --------
Total increase in net assets $1,364,435 $625,266
Net assets:
At beginning of period 853,201 227,935
---------- --------
At end of period (including accumulated
undistributed net investment income of
$44,303 and $242, respectively) $2,217,636 $853,201
========== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months Ended Year Ended Period Ended
June 30, 1997 December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995*
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per share data (for a share outstanding
throughout each period):
Net asset value - beginning of period $10.06 $10.19 $10.00
------ ------ ------
Income from investment operations# -
Net investment income(S) $ 0.31 $ 0.58 $ 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments (0.02) (0.36) 0.21
------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations $ 0.29 $ 0.22 $ 0.30
------ ------ ------
Less distributions declared to
shareholders -
From net investment income $ -- $(0.35) $(0.09)
From net realized gain on investments -- -- (0.02)
------ ------ ------
Total distributions declared to
shareholders -- $(0.35) $(0.11)
------ ------ ------
Net asset value - end of period $10.35 $10.06 $10.19
====== ====== ======
Total return 2.88%++ 2.09% 3.02%++
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental data(S):
Expenses 1.00%+ 1.00% 1.00%+
Net investment income 6.25%+ 5.84% 4.89%+
Portfolio turnover 76% 231% 55%
Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted) $2,218 $ 853 $ 228
* For the period from the commencement of the Series' investment operations, October 24, 1995, through
December 31, 1995.
+ Annualized.
++ Not annualized.
# Per share data are based on average shares outstanding.
(S) The adviser voluntarily agreed to maintain the expenses of the Series at not more than 1.00% of
average daily net assets. To the extent actual expenses were over these limitations, the net
investment income (loss) per share and ratios would have been:
Net investment income (loss) $ 0.16 $(0.26) $(0.70)
Ratios (to average net assets):
Expenses 3.99%+ 9.45% 43.85%+
Net investment income (loss) 3.25%+ (2.61)% (37.96)%+
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Business and Organization
MFS Bond Series (the Series) is a diversified series of MFS(R) Variable
Insurance Trust (the Trust) which is comprised of the following 12 series: MFS
Bond Series, MFS(R) Emerging Growth Series, MFS(R) Growth with Income Series,
MFS(R) High Income Series, MFS(R) Limited Maturity Series, MFS(R) Money Market
Series, MFS(R) Research Series, MFS(R) Strategic Fixed Income Series, MFS(R)
Total Return Series, MFS(R) Utilities Series, MFS(R) Value Series, and MFS(R)
World Governments Series. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business
trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
as an open-end management investment company.
The shareholders of each Series of the Trust are separate accounts of
insurance companies which offer variable annuity and/or life insurance
products. As of June 30, 1997, there were 10 shareholders in the Series.
(2) Significant Accounting Policies
General - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments in foreign securities are vulnerable to the effects of changes in
the relative values of the local currency and the U.S. dollar and to the
effects of changes in each country's legal, political, and economic
environment.
Investment Valuations - Debt securities (other than short-term obligations
which mature in 60 days or less), including listed issues, are valued on the
basis of valuations furnished by dealers or by a pricing service with
consideration to factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups
of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading
characteristics, and other market data, without exclusive reliance upon
exchange or over-the-counter prices. Short-term obligations, which mature in
60 days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market
value. Securities for which there are no such quotations or valuations are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of
the Trustees.
Foreign Currency Translation - Investment valuations, other assets, and
liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each
business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases
and sales of foreign investments, income and expenses are converted into U.S.
dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates
of such transactions. Gains and losses attributable to foreign currency
exchange rates on sales of securities are recorded for financial statement
purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. Gains and losses
attributable to foreign exchange rate movements on income and expenses are
recorded for financial statement purposes as foreign currency transaction
gains and losses. That portion of both realized and unrealized gains and
losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates is not separately disclosed.
Deferred Organization Expenses - Costs incurred by the Series in connection
with its organization have been deferred and are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over a five-year period beginning on the date of
commencement of Series operations.
Investment Transactions and Income - Investment transactions are recorded on
the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium
and original issue discount are amortized or accreted for financial statement
and tax reporting purposes as required by federal income tax regulations.
Interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-
interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date.
Fees Paid Indirectly - The Series' custody fee is calculated as a percentage
of the Series' average daily net assets. This fee is reduced according to an
expense offset arrangement with State Street Bank, the dividend disbursing
agent, which provides for partial reimbursement of custody fees based on a
formula developed to measure the value of cash deposited by the Series with
the custodian and with the dividend disbursing agent. This amount is shown as
a reduction of expenses on the Statement of Operations.
Tax Matters and Distributions - The Series' policy is to comply with the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute to shareholders all of its net taxable
income, including any net realized gain on investments. Accordingly, no
provision for federal income or excise tax is provided. The Series files a tax
return annually using tax accounting methods required under provisions of the
Code which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, the basis
on which these financial statements are prepared. Accordingly, the amount of
net investment income and net realized gain reported on these financial
statements may differ from that reported on the Series' tax return and,
consequently, the character of distributions to shareholders reported in the
financial highlights may differ from that reported to shareholders on Form
1099-DIV. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The Series distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial
reporting basis and requires that only distributions in excess of tax basis
earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a tax return
of capital. Differences in the recognition or classification of income between
the financial statements and tax earnings and profits which result in
temporary over-distributions for financial statement purposes are classified
as distributions in excess of net investment income or accumulated net
realized gains.
At December 31, 1996, the Series, for federal income tax purposes, had a
capital loss carryforward of $3,306 which may be applied against any net
taxable realized gains of each succeeding year until the earlier of its
utilization or expiration on December 31, 2004.
(3) Transactions with Affiliates
Investment Adviser - The Series has an investment advisory agreement with
Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS) to provide overall investment
advisory and administrative services, and general office facilities. The
management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at an effective annual rate
of 0.60% of average daily net assets. Under a temporary expense reimbursement
agreement, MFS has voluntarily agreed to pay all of the Series' operating
expenses, exclusive of management fees. The Series in turn will pay MFS an
expense reimbursement fee not greater than 0.40% of the Series' average daily
net assets. To the extent that the expense reimbursement fee exceeds the
Series' actual expenses, the excess will be applied to amounts paid by MFS in
prior years. At June 30, 1997, the aggregate unreimbursed expenses owed to MFS
by the Series amounted to $79,444.
Administrator - Effective March 1, 1997, the Series has an administrative
services agreement with MFS to provide the Series with certain financial,
legal, and other administrative services. As a partial reimbursement for the
cost of providing these services, the Series pays MFS an administrative fee up
to 0.015% per annum of the Series' average daily net assets, provided that the
administrative fee is not assessed on the Series' assets that exceed $3
billion.
The Series pays no compensation directly to its Trustees who are officers of
the investment adviser, or to officers of the Series, all of whom receive
remuneration for their services to the Series from MFS. Certain officers and
Trustees of the Series are officers or directors of MFS and MFS Service
Center, Inc. (MFSC).
Shareholder Servicing Agent - MFSC, a wholly owned subsidiary of MFS, earns a
fee for its services as shareholder servicing agent. The fee is calculated as
a percentage of the Series' average daily net assets at an effective annual
rate of up to 0.035%.
(4) Portfolio Securities
Purchases and sales of investments, other than purchased option transactions
and short-term obligations, were as follows:
Purchases Sales
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. government securities $1,173,544 $554,498
========== ========
Investments (non-U.S. government securities) $1,286,693 $432,598
========== ========
The cost and unrealized appreciation or depreciation in value of the
investments owned by the Series, as computed on a federal income tax basis,
are as follows:
Aggregate cost $2,270,931
==========
Gross unrealized appreciation $ 28,353
Gross unrealized depreciation (4,127)
----------
Net unrealized appreciation $ 24,226
==========
(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest
The Series' Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest (without par
value). Transactions in Series shares were as follows:
Six Months Ended Year Ended
June 30, 1997 December 31, 1996
--------------------- -------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 137,762 $1,393,841 68,218 $ 683,975
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions -- -- 2,796 28,266
Shares reacquired (8,257) (84,260) (8,589) (85,933)
------- ---------- ------ ---------
Net increase 129,505 $1,309,581 62,425 $ 626,308
======= ========== ====== =========
(6) Line of Credit
The Series and other affiliated funds participate in a $400 million unsecured
line of credit provided by a syndication of banks under a line of credit
arrangement. Borrowings may be made to temporarily finance the repurchase of
Series shares. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a
rate equal to the bank's base rate. In addition, a commitment fee, based on
the average daily unused portion of the line of credit, is allocated among the
participating funds at the end of each quarter. The commitment fee allocated
to the Series for the period ended June 30, 1997, was $5.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Trustees of MFS Variable Insurance Trust and Shareholders of MFS Bond
Series:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio of investments, of MFS Bond Series (the Series) (one
of the series constituting the MFS Variable Insurance Trust) as of June 30,
1997, the related statement of operations for the six months then ended, the
statements of changes in net assets for the six months then ended and the year
ended December 31, 1996 and financial highlights for the six months then
ended, the year ended December 31, 1996, and the period from October 24, 1995
(the commencement of investment operations) to December 31, 1995. These
financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the
Series' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of the
securities owned at June 30, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and
brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other
auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MFS Bond Series at
June 30, 1997, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets,
and its financial highlights for the respective stated periods in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
August 1, 1997
---------------------------------------------
This report is prepared for the general information of shareholders. It is
authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or
accompanied by a current prospectus.
<PAGE>
(C)1997 MFS Fund Distributors, Inc., 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116-3741
VFB-3 8/97 3M
