Securities Act of 1933 Registration No. 002-41839
Investment Company Act of 1940 Registration No. 811-02105
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
[ ] Pre-Effective Amendment No. ______
[X] Post-Effective Amendment No. 551
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
[X] Amendment No. 551
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number: 617-563-7000
Cynthia Lo Bessette, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
245 Summer Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective on April 26, 2023 pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Like securities of all mutual funds, these securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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![]() 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
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Contents
Fund Summary |
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Fund Basics |
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Shareholder Information |
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares |
Fund Services |
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Appendix |
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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None
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Management fee
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None
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Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees
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None
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Other expensesA
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0.11%
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Total annual operating expenses
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0.11%
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Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursementB
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0.11%
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Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
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0.00%
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1 year
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$
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0
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3 years
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$
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0
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Fund Name
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Dividends Paid
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund
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Declares daily and pays monthly
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Fund Name
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Capital Gains Paid
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund
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October, December
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
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To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT), requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account.
For investors other than individuals: When you open an account, you will be asked for the name of the entity, its principal place of business and taxpayer identification number (TIN). You will be asked to provide information about the entity's control person and beneficial owners, and person(s) with authority over the account, including name, address, date of birth and social security number. You may also be asked to provide documents, such as drivers' licenses, articles of incorporation, trust instruments or partnership agreements and other information that will help Fidelity identify the entity.
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The Statement of Additional Information (SAI), the fund's annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You can also review and copy information about the fund, including the fund's SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room.
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Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number(s), 811-02105
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1.9908950.
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SGB-PRO-0423
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Fund
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Ticker
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund
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[____]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMMITTEE
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NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD
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Operations Committee
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8
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Audit Committee
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5
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Fair Valuation Committee
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4
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Governance and Nominating Committee
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12
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DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND SHARES
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Jonathan Chiel
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Abigail P Johnson
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Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund
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none
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none
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none
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AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND SHARES
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Elizabeth S Acton
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Ann Dunwoody
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John Engler
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Robert Gartland
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund
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none
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none
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none
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none
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AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND SHARES
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Arthur Johnson
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Michael Kenneally
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Mark Murray
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund
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none
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none
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none
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AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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over $100,000
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AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM A FUND
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Elizabeth S Acton
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Laura Bishop(B)
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Ann Dunwoody
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John Engler
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund(C)
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$
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2
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$
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1
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$
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2
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$
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2
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TOTAL COMPENSATION
FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(D)
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$
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563,000
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$
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184,000
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$
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502,500
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$
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496,000
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AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM A FUND
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Robert Gartland
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Robert Helm
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Arthur Johnson
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Michael Kenneally
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund(C)
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$
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2
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$
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2
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$
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2
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$
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2
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TOTAL COMPENSATION
FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(D)
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$
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565,000
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$
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502,500
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$
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492,500
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$
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612,500
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AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM A FUND
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Mark Murray
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Fidelity® Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund(C)
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$
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2
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TOTAL COMPENSATION
FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(D)
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$
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497,500
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(A) Jonathan Chiel, Abigail P. Johnson, and Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity.
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(B) Ms. Bishop serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Salem Street Trust effective September 1, 2022.
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(C) Estimated for the fund's first full fiscal year.
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(D) Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for 295 funds of 31 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts elected to be deferred. Certain individuals elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: Elizabeth S. Acton, $120,000; Laura M. Bishop, $73,674; Ann E. Dunwoody, $274,597; John Engler, $274,597; Robert F. Gartland, $180,000; Robert W. Helm, $274,597; and Mark A. Murray, $274,597.
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Fidelity® Funds' Proxy Voting Guidelines
I. Introduction
These guidelines are intended to help Fidelity's customers and the companies in which Fidelity invests understand how Fidelity votes proxies to further the values that have sustained Fidelity for over 70 years. In particular, these guidelines are animated by two fundamental principles: 1) putting first the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. Fidelity generally adheres to these guidelines in voting proxies and our Stewardship Principles serve as the foundation for these guidelines. Our evaluation of proxies reflects information from many sources, including management or shareholders of a company presenting a proposal and proxy voting advisory firms. Fidelity maintains the flexibility to vote individual proxies based on our assessment of each situation.
In evaluating proxies, we recognize that companies can conduct themselves in ways that have important environmental and social consequences. While Fidelity always remains focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value, we also consider potential environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts that we believe are material to individual companies and investing funds' investment objectives and strategies.
Fidelity will vote on proposals not specifically addressed by these guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposal's likelihood to enhance the long-term economic returns or profitability of the company or to maximize long-term shareholder value. Fidelity will not be influenced by business relationships or outside perspectives that may conflict with the interests of the funds and their shareholders.
II. Board of Directors and Corporate Governance
Directors of public companies play a critical role in ensuring that a company and its management team serve the interests of its shareholders. Fidelity believes that through proxy voting, it can help ensure accountability of management teams and boards of directors, align management and shareholder interests, and monitor and assess the degree of transparency and disclosure with respect to executive compensation and board actions affecting shareholders' rights. The following general guidelines are intended to reflect these proxy voting principles.
A. Election of Directors
Fidelity will generally support director nominees in elections where all directors are unopposed (uncontested elections), except where board composition raises concerns, and/or where a director clearly appears to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment or otherwise failed to sufficiently protect the interests of shareholders.
Fidelity will evaluate board composition and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1. Inside or affiliated directors serve on boards that are not composed of a majority of independent directors.
2. There are no women on the board or if a board of ten or more members has fewer than two women directors.
3. The director is a public company CEO who sits on more than two unaffiliated public company boards.
Fidelity will evaluate board actions and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1. The director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the board and its committees on which the director served during the company's prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
2. The company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to these guidelines, and failed to act on that commitment.
3. For reasons described below under the sections entitled Compensation and Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections.
B. Contested Director Elections
On occasion, directors are forced to compete for election against outside director nominees (contested elections). Fidelity believes that strong management creates long-term shareholder value. As a result, Fidelity generally will vote in support of management of companies in which the funds' assets are invested. Fidelity will vote its proxy on a case-by-case basis in a contested election, taking into consideration a number of factors, amongst others:
1. Management's track record and strategic plan for enhancing shareholder value;
2. The long-term performance of the company compared to its industry peers; and
3. The qualifications of the shareholder's and management's nominees.
Fidelity will vote for the outcome it believes has the best prospects for maximizing shareholder value over the long-term.
C. Cumulative Voting Rights
Under cumulative voting, each shareholder may exercise the number of votes equal to the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors up for election. Shareholders may cast all of their votes for a single nominee (or multiple nominees in varying amounts). With regular (non-cumulative) voting, by contrast, shareholders cannot allocate more than one vote per share to any one director nominee. Fidelity believes that cumulative voting can be detrimental to the overall strength of a board. Generally, therefore, Fidelity will oppose the introduction of, and support the elimination of, cumulative voting rights.
D. Classified Boards
A classified board is one that elects only a percentage of its members each year (usually one-third of directors are elected to serve a three-year term). This means that at each annual meeting only a subset of directors is up for re-election. Fidelity believes that, in general, classified boards are not as accountable to shareholders as declassified boards. For this and other reasons, Fidelity generally will oppose a board's adoption of a classified board structure and support declassification of existing boards.
E. Independent Chairperson
In general, Fidelity believes that boards should have a process and criteria for selecting the board chair, and will oppose shareholder proposals calling for, or recommending the appointment of, a non-executive or independent chairperson. If, however, based on particular facts and circumstances, Fidelity believes that appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors, Fidelity will consider voting to support a proposal for an independent chairperson under such circumstances.
F. Majority Voting in Director Elections
In general, Fidelity supports proposals calling for directors to be elected by a majority of votes cast if the proposal permits election by a plurality in the case of contested elections (where, for example, there are more nominees than board seats). Fidelity may oppose a majority voting shareholder proposal where a company's board has adopted a policy requiring the resignation of an incumbent director who fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
G. Proxy Access
Proxy access proposals generally require a company to amend its by-laws to allow a qualifying shareholder or group of shareholders to nominate directors on a company's proxy ballot. Fidelity believes that certain safeguards as to ownership threshold and duration of ownership are important to assure that proxy access is not misused by those without a significant economic interest in the company or those driven by short term goals. Fidelity will evaluate proxy access proposals on a case-by-case basis, but generally will support proposals that include ownership of at least 3% (5% in the case of small-cap companies) of the company's shares outstanding for at least three years; limit the number of directors that eligible shareholders may nominate to 20% of the board; and limit to 20 the number of shareholders that may form a nominating group.
H. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
In many instances there are sound reasons to indemnify officers and directors, so that they may perform their duties without the distraction of unwarranted litigation or other legal process. Fidelity generally supports charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of officers or directors, or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless Fidelity is dissatisfied with their performance or the proposal is accompanied by anti-takeover provisions (see Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans below).
III. Compensation
Incentive compensation plans can be complicated and many factors are considered when evaluating such plans. Fidelity evaluates such plans based on protecting shareholder interests and our historical knowledge of the company and its management.
A. Equity Compensation Plans
Fidelity encourages the use of reasonably designed equity compensation plans that align the interest of management with those of shareholders by providing officers and employees with incentives to increase long-term shareholder value. Fidelity considers whether such plans are too dilutive to existing shareholders because dilution reduces the voting power or economic interest of existing shareholders as a result of an increase in shares available for distribution to employees in lieu of cash compensation. Fidelity will generally oppose equity compensation plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1. The company grants stock options and equity awards in a given year at a rate higher than a benchmark rate ("burn rate") considered appropriate by Fidelity and there were no circumstances specific to the company or the compensation plans that leads Fidelity to conclude that the rate of awards is otherwise acceptable.
2. The plan includes an evergreen provision, which is a feature that provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity compensation plan on a regular basis.
3. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity compensation even though an actual change in control may not occur.
As to stock option plans, considerations include the following:
1. Pricing: We believe that options should be priced at 100% of fair market value on the date they are granted. We generally oppose options priced at a discount to the market, although the price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus.
2. Re-pricing: An "out-of-the-money" (or underwater) option has an exercise price that is higher than the current price of the stock. We generally oppose the re-pricing of underwater options because it is not consistent with a policy of offering options as a form of long-term compensation. Fidelity also generally opposes a stock option plan if the board or compensation committee has re-priced options outstanding in the past two years without shareholder approval.
Fidelity generally will support a management proposal to exchange, re-price or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, re-pricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account a variety of factors such as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or re-pricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The company's relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries;
4. Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and
5. Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an exchange or re-pricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
B. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
These plans are designed to allow employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price and receive favorable tax treatment when the stock is sold. Fidelity generally will support employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% (or at least 75% in the case of non-U.S. companies where a lower minimum stock purchase price is equal to the prevailing "best practices" in that market) of the stock's fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company's stock.
IV. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and Frequency of Say on Pay Vote
Current law requires companies to allow shareholders to cast non-binding votes on the compensation for named executive officers, as well as the frequency of such votes. Fidelity generally will support proposals to ratify executive compensation unless the compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or is otherwise problematic, taking into account:
- The actions taken by the board or compensation committee in the previous year, including whether the company re-priced or exchanged outstanding stock options without shareholder approval; adopted or extended a golden parachute without shareholder approval; or adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation;
- The alignment of executive compensation and company performance relative to peers; and
- The structure of the compensation program, including factors such as whether incentive plan metrics are appropriate, rigorous and transparent; whether the long-term element of the compensation program is evaluated over at least a three-year period; the sensitivity of pay to below median performance; the amount and nature of non-performance-based compensation; the justification and rationale behind paying discretionary bonuses; the use of stock ownership guidelines and amount of executive stock ownership; and how well elements of compensation are disclosed.
When presented with a frequency of Say on Pay vote, Fidelity generally will support holding an annual advisory vote on Say on Pay.
A. Compensation Committee
Directors serving on the compensation committee of the Board have a special responsibility to ensure that management is appropriately compensated and that compensation, among other things, fairly reflects the performance of the company. Fidelity believes that compensation should align with company performance as measured by key business metrics. Compensation policies should align the interests of executives with those of shareholders. Further, the compensation program should be disclosed in a transparent and timely manner.
Fidelity will oppose the election of directors on the compensation committees if:
1. The company has not adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation.
2. Within the last year, and without shareholder approval, a company's board of directors or compensation committee has either:
a) Re-priced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options; or
b) Adopted or extended a golden parachute.
B. Executive Severance Agreements
Executive severance compensation and benefit arrangements resulting from a termination following a change in control are known as "golden parachutes." Fidelity generally will oppose proposals to ratify golden parachutes where the arrangement includes an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in control.
V. Environmental and Social Issues
Grounded in our Stewardship Principles, these guidelines outline our views on corporate governance. As part of our efforts to maximize long-term shareholder value, we incorporate environmental and social issues into our evaluation of a company, particularly if we believe an issue is material to that company and the investing fund's investment objective and strategies.
Fidelity generally considers management's recommendation and current practice when voting on shareholder proposals concerning environmental or social issues because it generally believes that management and the board are in the best position to determine how to address these matters. Fidelity, however, also believes that transparency is critical to sound corporate governance. Therefore, Fidelity may support shareholder proposals that request additional disclosures from companies regarding environmental or social issues, including where it believes that the proposed disclosures could provide meaningful information to the investment management process without unduly burdening the company. This means that Fidelity may support shareholder proposals calling for reports on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental impact issues. Fidelity also may support proposals on issues in other areas, including but not limited to equal employment, board diversity and workforce diversity.
VI. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans
Fidelity generally will oppose a proposal to adopt an anti-takeover provision.
Anti-takeover provisions include:
- classified boards;
- "blank check" preferred stock (whose terms and conditions may be expressly determined by the company's board, for example, with differential voting rights);
- golden parachutes;
- supermajority provisions (that require a large majority (generally between 67-90%) of shareholders to approve corporate changes as compared to a majority provision that simply requires more than 50% of shareholders to approve those changes);
- poison pills;
- restricting the right to call special meetings;
- provisions restricting the right of shareholders to set board size; and
- any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights.
A. Shareholders Rights Plans ("poison pills")
Poison pills allow shareholders opposed to a takeover offer to purchase stock at discounted prices under certain circumstances and effectively give boards veto power over any takeover offer. While there are advantages and disadvantages to poison pills, they can be detrimental to the creation of shareholder value and can help entrench management by deterring acquisition offers not favored by the board, but that may, in fact, be beneficial to shareholders.
Fidelity generally will support a proposal to adopt or extend a poison pill if the proposal:
1. Includes a condition in the charter or plan that specifies an expiration date (sunset provision) of no greater than five years;
2. Is integral to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater value for the shareholders;
3. Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if amended;
4. Contains a mechanism to allow shareholders to consider a bona fide takeover offer for all outstanding shares without triggering the poison pill; and
5. Allows the Fidelity funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities, where permissible.
Fidelity generally also will support a proposal that is crafted only for the purpose of protecting a specific tax benefit if it also believes the proposal is likely to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
B. Shareholder Ability to Call a Special Meeting
Fidelity generally will support shareholder proposals regarding shareholders' right to call special meetings if the threshold required to call the special meeting is no less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
C. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding shareholders' right to act by written consent if the proposals include appropriate mechanisms for implementation. This means that proposals must include record date requests from at least 25% of the outstanding stockholders and consents must be solicited from all shareholders.
D. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement
Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding supermajority provisions if Fidelity believes that the provisions protect minority shareholder interests in companies where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder.
VII. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections
Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if the board adopted or extended an anti-takeover provision without shareholder approval.
Fidelity will consider supporting the election of directors with respect to poison pills if:
- All of the poison pill's features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights section above are met when a poison pill is adopted or extended.
- A board is willing to consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding the features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans section above to, an existing poison pill. If, however, the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors at that meeting.
- It determines that the poison pill was narrowly tailored to protect a specific tax benefit, and subject to an evaluation of its likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
VIII. Capital Structure and Incorporation
These guidelines are designed to protect shareholders' value in the companies in which the Fidelity funds invest. To the extent a company's management is committed and incentivized to maximize shareholder value, Fidelity generally votes in favor of management proposals; Fidelity may vote contrary to management where a proposal is overly dilutive to shareholders and/or compromises shareholder value or other interests. The guidelines that follow are meant to protect shareholders in these respects.
A. Increases in Common Stock
Fidelity may support reasonable increases in authorized shares for a specific purpose (a stock split or re-capitalization, for example). Fidelity generally will oppose a provision to increase a company's authorized common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than three times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options.
In the case of real estate investment trusts (REITs), however, Fidelity will oppose a provision to increase the REIT's authorized common stock if the increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares.
B. Multi-Class Share Structures
Fidelity generally will support proposals to recapitalize multi-class share structures into structures that provide equal voting rights for all shareholders, and generally will oppose proposals to introduce or increase classes of stock with differential voting rights. However, Fidelity will evaluate all such proposals in the context of their likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
C. Incorporation or Reincorporation in another State or Country
Fidelity generally will support management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a company reincorporate in another state or country if, on balance, the economic and corporate governance factors in the proposed jurisdiction appear reasonably likely to be better aligned with shareholder interests, taking into account the corporate laws of the current and proposed jurisdictions and any changes to the company's current and proposed governing documents. Fidelity will consider supporting these shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests.
IX. Shares of Fidelity Funds, ETFs, or other non-Fidelity Mutual Funds and ETFs
When a Fidelity fund invests in an underlying Fidelity fund with public shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or fund that is not affiliated, Fidelity will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of the underlying fund (this is known as "echo voting"). Fidelity may not vote if "echo voting" is not operationally practical or not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. For Fidelity fund investments in a Fidelity Series Fund, Fidelity generally will vote in a manner consistent with the recommendation of the Fidelity Series Fund's Board of Trustees on all proposals.
X. Foreign Markets
Many Fidelity funds invest in voting securities issued by companies that are domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S. securities, Fidelity generally will evaluate proposals under these guidelines and where applicable and feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining how to vote shares.
In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because these trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in circumstances where such restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
XI. Securities on Loan
Securities on loan as of a record date cannot be voted. In certain circumstances, Fidelity may recall a security on loan before record date (for example, in a particular contested director election or a noteworthy merger or acquisition). Generally, however, securities out on loan remain on loan and are not voted because, for example, the income a fund derives from the loan outweighs the benefit the fund receives from voting the security. In addition, Fidelity may not be able to recall and vote loaned securities if Fidelity is unaware of relevant information before record date, or is otherwise unable to timely recall securities on loan.
XII. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
Voting of shares is conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fidelity funds. In other words, securities of a company generally will be voted in a manner consistent with these guidelines and without regard to any other Fidelity companies' business relationships.
Fidelity takes its responsibility to vote shares in the best interests of the funds seriously and has implemented policies and procedures to address actual and potential conflicts of interest.
XIII. Conclusion
Since its founding more than 70 years ago, Fidelity has been driven by two fundamental values: 1) putting the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders first; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. With these fundamental principles as guideposts, the funds are managed to provide the greatest possible return to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the investment guidelines and objectives of each fund.
Fidelity believes that there is a strong correlation between sound corporate governance and enhancing shareholder value. Fidelity, through the implementation of these guidelines, puts this belief into action through consistent engagement with portfolio companies on matters contained in these guidelines, and, ultimately, through the exercise of voting rights by the funds.
Glossary
- For a large-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 1.5%.
- For a small-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 2.5%.
- For a micro-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 3.5%.
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To view a fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
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.
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
Post-Effective Amendment No. 551
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28.
Exhibits
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(c)
Not applicable.
(d)
(1)
(2)
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(4)
(5)
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(28)
(29)
(30)
(31)
(32)
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(57)
(58)
(59)
(60)
(61)
(62)
(63)
(64)
(65)
(66)
(67)
Management Contract between Fidelity Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(68)
(69)
(70)
(71)
(72)
(73)
(74)
(75)
(76)
(77)
(78)
(79)
(80)
(81)
(82)
(83)
(84)
(85)
(86)
(87)
(88)
(89)
(90)
(91)
(92)
(93)
(94)
(95)
(96)
(97)
(98)
(99)
(100)
(101)
(102)
(103)
(104)
(105)
(106)
(107)
(108)
(109)
(110)
(111)
(112)
(113)
(114)
(115)
(116)
(117)
(118)
(119)
(120)
(121)
(122)
(123)
Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund and Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(124)
(125)
(126)
(127)
(128)
(129)
Schedule B to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(130)
(131)
(132)
Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund and Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(133)
(134)
(135)
(136)
(137)
(138)
Schedule B to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(139)
(140)
(141)
Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund and Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(142)
(143)
(144)
(145)
(146)
(147)
Schedule B to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(e)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
(28)
(29)
(30)
(31)
(32)
(33)
(34)
(35)
(36)
(37)
(38)
(39)
(40)
(41)
(42)
(43)
(44)
(45)
(46)
(47)
(48)
(49)
(50)
(51)
(52)
(53)
(54)
(55)
(56)
(57)
(58)
(59)
(60)
(61)
(62)
(63)
(64)
(65)
(66)
(67)
General Distribution Agreement between Fidelity Salem Street Trust and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, on behalf of Fidelity Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(68)
(69)
(70)
(71)
(72)
(73)
(74)
(75)
(76)
(77)
(78)
(79)
(80)
(81)
(82)
(83)
(84)
(85)
(86)
(f)
(g)
(1)
Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between The Bank of New York (currently known as The Bank of New York Mellon) and Fidelity Salem Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Flex U.S. Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Intermediate Bond Fund, Fidelity Intermediate Treasury Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Municipal Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund, Fidelity Municipal Income 2023 Fund, Fidelity Municipal Income 2025 Fund, Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund, Fidelity SAI International Index Fund, Fidelity SAI Low Duration Income Fund, Fidelity SAI Municipal Bond Index Fund, Fidelity SAI Municipal Income Fund, Fidelity SAI Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity SAI Short-Term Bond Fund, Fidelity SAI Small-Mid Cap 500 Index Fund, Fidelity SAI Sustainable Conservative Income Municipal Bond Fund, Fidelity SAI Sustainable Core Plus Bond Fund, Fidelity SAI Sustainable Municipal Income Fund, Fidelity SAI Tax-Free Bond Fund, Fidelity SAI U.S. Low Volatility Index Fund, Fidelity SAI U.S. Treasury Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Series Government Money Market Fund, Fidelity Series Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Series Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Series Short-Term Credit Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund, Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund, Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond Fund, Fidelity Sustainable Intermediate Municipal Income Fund, Fidelity Tax-Free Bond Fund, and Fidelity U.S. Bond Index Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) of Fidelity Advisor Series IVs (File No. 002-83672) Post-Effective Amendment No. 88.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(h)
(1)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i)
Not applicable.
(j)
To be filed by subsequent amendment.
(k)
Not applicable.
(l)
Not applicable.
(m)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
(28)
(29)
(30)
(31)
(32)
(33)
(34)
(35)
(36)
(37)
(38)
(39)
(40)
(41)
(42)
(43)
(44)
(45)
(46)
(47)
(48)
(49)
(50)
(51)
(52)
(53)
(54)
(55)
(56)
(57)
(58)
(59)
(60)
(61)
(62)
(63)
(64)
(65)
(66)
(67)
(68)
(69)
(70)
(71)
(72)
(73)
(74)
(75)
(76)
(77)
(78)
(79)
(80)
(81)
(82)
(83)
(84)
(85)
(86)
(87)
Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Series Sustainable Investment Grade Bond Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(88)
(89)
(90)
(91)
(92)
(93)
(94)
(95)
(96)
(97)
(98)
(99)
(100)
(101)
(102)
(103)
(104)
(105)
(106)
(107)
(108)
(109)
(110)
(111)
(112)
(113)
(114)
(115)
(116)
(117)
(118)
(119)
(120)
(121)
(122)
(123)
(124)
(125)
(126)
(127)
(128)
(129)
(130)
(131)
(132)
(133)
(134)
(135)
(136)
(137)
(138)
(139)
(140)
(n)
(1)
(2)
(3)
Schedule I (Fixed-Income) to the Amended and Restated Multiple Class of Shares Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Fidelity Funds with Retail, Retirement and/or Advisor Classes, dated November 18, 2021, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund, is to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(4)
(5)
(p)
(1)
(2)
Item 29.
Trusts Controlled by or under Common Control with this Trust
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is the same as the board of other Fidelity funds, each of which has Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, or an affiliate, or Geode Capital Management LLC, as its investment adviser. In addition, the officers of the Trust are substantially identical to those of the other Fidelity funds. Nonetheless, the Trust takes the position that it is not under common control with other Fidelity funds because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the result of an official position with the respective trusts.
Item 30.
Indemnification
Article XI, Section 2 of the Declaration of Trust sets forth the reasonable and fair means for determining whether indemnification shall be provided to any past or present Trustee or officer. It states that the Trust shall indemnify any present or past trustee or officer to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability, and all expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of his or her service as a trustee or officer and against any amount incurred in settlement thereof. Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudged by a court or other adjudicatory body to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties (collectively, disabling conduct), or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust. In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination, as specified in the Declaration of Trust, that the officer or trustee did not engage in disabling conduct.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement, the Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Trust (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Trust does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of the Distributor. In no case is the indemnity of the Trust in favor of the Distributor or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which the Distributor or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
Pursuant to the agreement by which Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, LLC (FIIOC) is appointed transfer agent, the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold FIIOC harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from:
(1)
any claim, demand, action, or suit brought by any person other than the Registrant, including by a shareholder, which names FIIOC and/or the Registrant as a party and is not based on and does not result from FIIOCs willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties, and arises out of or in connection with FIIOCs performance under the Transfer Agency Agreement; or
(2)
any claim, demand, action or suit (except to the extent contributed to by FIIOCs willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties) which results from the negligence of the Registrant, or from FIIOCs acting upon any instruction(s) reasonably believed by it to have been executed or communicated by any person duly authorized by the Registrant, or as a result of FIIOCs acting in reliance upon advice reasonably believed by FIIOC to have been given by counsel for the Registrant, or as a result of FIIOCs acting in reliance upon any instrument or stock certificate reasonably believed by it to have been genuine and signed, countersigned or executed by the proper person.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 31.
Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser(s)
(1) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY LLC (FMR)
FMR serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment companies. The directors and officers of the Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Abigail P. Johnson | Chairman of the Board of certain Trusts; Chairman of the Board and Director of FMR LLC; Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. Previously served as Chairman of the Board and Director FMRC. |
Peter S. Lynch | Vice Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and a member of the Advisory Board of funds advised by FMR. Previously served as Vice Chairman and Director of FMRC. |
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited; Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. |
Christopher Rimmer | Treasurer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, and Strategic Advisers LLC; President and Director FMR Capital Inc.; Director of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2021). Previously served as Treasurer of FMRC, FIMM, and SelectCo, LLC; Chief Accounting Officer FMR LLC. |
Lisa D. Krieser | Assistant Secretary Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, Secretary FMR Capital, Inc and Strategic Advisers LLC (2022). |
Kevin M. Meagher | Chief Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Previously served as Chief Compliance Officer of FMR H.K. (2022), FMR Japan (2022), FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2022), FIAM (2022), Strategic Advisers LLC (2022), FMRC, FIMM, and SelectCo, LLC. |
Kenneth B. Robins | Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. |
Bart Grenier | President of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. |
Margaret Serravalli | Chief Financial Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR). |
Michael Shulman | Assistant Treasurer Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC) (2022), Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022), FIMM (2022), Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (2023), FMR LLC (2023), FMR Capital, Inc. (2023), and Strategic Advisers LLC (2023). |
(2) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (HONG KONG) LIMITED (FMR H.K.)
FMR H.K. provides investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
(3) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (JAPAN) LIMITED (FMR JAPAN)
FMR Japan provides investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Timothy M. Cohen | Director of FMR Japan; Executive Vice President SelectCo, LLC. | ||
Risteard Hogan | Director of FMR Japan. | ||
Rieko Hirai | Director of FMR Japan. | ||
Kan Man Wong | Director of FMR Japan. | ||
Kirk Roland Neureiter | Director of FMR Japan. | ||
William Francis Shanley III | Director of FMR Japan and FMR H.K. | ||
Koichi Iwabuchi | Statutory Auditor of FMR Japan; Previously served as Compliance Officer of FMR Japan. | ||
Ryo Sato | Compliance Officer of FMR Japan. | ||
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited; Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. | ||
Christopher Rimmer | Treasurer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, and Strategic Advisers LLC; President and Director FMR Capital Inc.; Director of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2021). Previously served as Treasurer of FMRC, FIMM, and SelectCo, LLC; Chief Accounting Officer FMR LLC. | ||
Stephanie J. Brown | Chief Compliance Officer of FIAM (2023), FMR H.K. (2023), Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (2023), FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2023), and Strategic Advisers LLC (2023); Assistant Treasurer FMR Capital, Inc.. |
(4) FMR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED (FMR UK)
FMR UK provides investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Mark D. Flaherty | Director FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited. |
Niamh Brodie-Machura | Director FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited. |
Christopher J. Seabolt | Director of FMR H.K. and FMR UK. |
Adrian James Tyerman | Compliance Officer FMR H.K. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited. |
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited; Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. |
Stephanie J. Brown | Chief Compliance Officer of FIAM (2023), FMR H.K. (2023), Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (2023), FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2023), and Strategic Advisers LLC (2023); Assistant Treasurer FMR Capital, Inc.. |
|
|
(5) GEODE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC (Geode)
Geode serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment companies AND OTHER ACCOUNTS. Geode may also provide investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Robert Minicus | President and Chief Executive Officer (2021); Director. |
Jeffrey S. Miller | Chief Operating Officer. |
Joseph Ciardi | Chief Compliance Officer. |
Sorin Codreanu | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. |
Matt Nevins | General Counsel. |
Lionel Harris | Director (2021). |
Franklin Corning Kenly | Director. |
Arlene Rockefeller | Director. |
Eric Roiter | Director. |
Jennifer Uhrig | Director. |
Philip L. Bullen | Director. |
Thomas Sprague | Director. |
Michael Even | Director. |
Alok Kapoor | Director (2022). |
Principal business addresses of the investment adviser, sub-advisers and affiliates.
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.)
Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central
Hong Kong
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FIL Investment Advisors (FIA)
Pembroke Hall
42 Crow Lane
Pembroke HM19, Bermuda
FIL Investment Advisors (UK) Limited (FIA(UK))
Beech Gate Millfield Lane
Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey
KT20 6RP, United Kingdom
FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (FIJ)
Tri Seven Roppongi
7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 106-0032
Strategic Advisers LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC)
900 Salem Street
Smithfield, RI 02917
Geode Capital Management, LLC (Geode)
100 Summer Street
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Fidelity Management Trust Company
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Investors Management LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Item 32.
Principal Underwriters
(a)
Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC) acts as distributor for all funds advised by FMR or an affiliate, as well as Fidelity Commodity Strategy Central Fund and Fidelity Series Commodity Strategy Fund.
(b) |
|
|
Name and Principal | Positions and Offices | Positions and Offices |
Business Address* | with Underwriter | with Fund |
Robert Adams | Chief Operating Officer (2021) | None |
Robert F. Bachman | Executive Vice President and Director (2023) | None |
Dalton Gustafson | President (2021) and Director (2023) | None |
Natalie Kavanaugh | Chief Legal Officer | None |
Robert Litle | Executive Vice President (2021) | None |
Michael Lyons | Chief Financial Officer | None |
John McGinty | Chief Compliance Officer (2021) | None |
Timothy Mulcahy | Director | None |
Michael Kearney | Treasurer | None |
Natalie Kavanaugh | Secretary | None |
Lisa D. Krieser | Assistant Secretary | None |
Michael Shulman | Assistant Treasurer (2022) | None |
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* 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI
(c)
Not applicable.
Item 33.
Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are maintained by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC or Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, LLC, 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, or the funds respective custodians, or special purpose custodian, as applicable, The Bank of New York Mellon, 1 Wall Street, New York, NY; Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA; Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY, 10013; State Street Bank & Trust Company, 1 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA; and The Northern Trust Company, 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60675.
Item 34.
Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 35.
Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 551 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 10th day of February 2023.
| Fidelity Salem Street Trust | ||
| By | /s/Laura M. Del Prato |
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| Laura M. Del Prato, President |
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
(Signature) |
| (Title) | (Date) |
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/s/Laura M. Del Prato |
| President and Treasurer | February 10, 2023 |
Laura M. Del Prato |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/John J. Burke III |
| Chief Financial Officer | February 10, 2023 |
John J. Burke III |
| (Principal Financial Officer) |
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/s/Abigail P. Johnson | | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Abigail P. Johnson |
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/s/Elizabeth S. Acton | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Elizabeth S. Acton |
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/s/Ann E. Dunwoody | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Ann E. Dunwoody |
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/s/Jonathan Chiel | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Jonathan Chiel |
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/s/John Engler | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
John Engler |
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/s/Robert F. Gartland | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Robert F. Gartland |
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/s/Arthur E. Johnson | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Arthur E. Johnson |
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/s/Michael E. Kenneally | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Michael E. Kenneally |
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/s/Mark A. Murray | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Mark A. Murray |
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/s/Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe | * | Trustee | February 10, 2023 |
Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe |
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| By: | /s/ Stephanie J. Brown |
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| Stephanie J. Brown, pursuant to a power of attorney dated January 26, 2023 and filed herewith. |
* | By: | /s/Megan C. Johnson |
|
| Megan C. Johnson, pursuant to powers of attorney dated October 5, 2016 and January 11, 2023, and filed herewith. |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned Directors or Trustees, as the case may be, of the following investment companies:
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Boylston Street Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity Colchester Street Trust Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity Court Street Trust II Fidelity Garrison Street Trust Fidelity Hereford Street Trust Fidelity Income Fund Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust | Fidelity Money Market Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust II Fidelity Newbury Street Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II Fidelity Oxford Street Trust Fidelity Oxford Street Trust II Fidelity Phillips Street Trust Fidelity Revere Street Trust Fidelity Salem Street Trust Fidelity School Street Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust II Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
in addition to any other Fidelity Fund for which the undersigned individuals serve as Directors or Trustees (collectively, the Funds), hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney we have given to sign and otherwise act in our names and behalf in matters involving any investment company for which FMR or an affiliate acts as investment adviser and hereby constitute and appoint Thomas C. Bogle, John V. OHanlon, Megan C. Johnson, and Anthony H. Zacharski, each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for us and in our names in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, or any successors thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements or any successors thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in our names and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. We hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is effective for all documents filed on or after January 11, 2023.
WITNESS our hands on this eleventh day of January 2023.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Trustee of the following investment companies:
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust
Fidelity Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series II
Fidelity Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Advisor Series IV
Fidelity Newbury Street Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust
Fidelity New York Municipal Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC Fidelity Oxford Street Trust
Fidelity Charles Street Trust
Fidelity Oxford Street Trust II
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust
Fidelity Phillips Street Trust
Fidelity Court Street Trust
Fidelity Revere Street Trust
Fidelity Court Street Trust II
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust
Fidelity School Street Trust
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust
Fidelity Union Street Trust
Fidelity Income Fund
Fidelity Union Street Trust II Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund V Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
in addition to any other Fidelity Fund for which the undersigned individual serves as Trustee (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby constitute and appoint Stephanie J. Brown, my true and lawful attorney- in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacity, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, or any successors thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post- Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements or any successors thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorney-in-fact deems necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney-in-fact or her substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
This Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect only for such time as Stephanie J. Brown shall continue to be an officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Power of Attorney may be revoked at any time by the undersigned in writing.
This Power of Attorney has been executed as of January 26, 2023.
/s/ Abigail P. Johnson
Abigail P. Johnson
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Trustee of the following investment company:
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
in addition to any other Fidelity Fund for which the undersigned individual serves as Director or Trustee (collectively, the Funds), hereby constitute and appoint Thomas C. Bogle, Marc R. Bryant, John V. OHanlon, Robert W. Helm, Megan C. Johnson, and Anthony H. Zacharski, each of them singly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacity, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, or any successors thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements or any successors thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is effective for all documents filed on or after October 5, 2016.
WITNESS my hand on this 5th day of October, 2016.
/s/Jonathan Chiel |
|
Jonathan Chiel |
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MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST:
FIDEITY MUNICIPAL CORE PLUS BOND FUND
and
FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY LLC
AGREEMENT made this 16th day of November, 2022, by and between Fidelity Salem Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the Trust), on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (hereinafter called the Fund), and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter called the Adviser) as set forth in its entirety below.
1.
(a)
Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Fund and shall, subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Fund’s Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the 1940 Act), and such other limitations as the Fund may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Trust, of all Trustees of the Trust who are interested persons of the Trust or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Trust or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund. The investment policies and all other actions of the Fund are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.
(b)
Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Trust. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Fund with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Fund, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Trust’s existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund’s shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust as the Trust’s Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Trust’s Board of Trustees with respect to the Trust’s policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c)
The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund’s account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Trust shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Fund.
2.
It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
3.
The Adviser will be compensated on the following basis for the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder. The Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, composed of a Group Fee and an Individual Fund Fee.
(a) Group Fee Rate. The Group Fee Rate shall be based upon the monthly average of the net assets of the registered investment companies included on Master Schedule A to Management Contracts, as may be updated from time to time, which is hereby incorporated by reference to this Agreement, (computed in the manner set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month. The Group Fee Rate shall be determined on a cumulative basis pursuant to the following schedule:
Average Group | Annualized |
0 - $3 billion | .3700% |
3 - 6 | .3400 |
6 - 9 | .3100 |
9 - 12 | .2800 |
12 - 15 | .2500 |
15 - 18 | .2200 |
18 - 21 | .2000 |
21 - 24 | .1900 |
24 - 30 | .1800 |
30 - 36 | .1750 |
36 - 42 | .1700 |
42 - 48 | .1650 |
48 - 66 | .1600 |
66 - 84 | .1550 |
84 - 120 | .1500 |
120 - 156 | .1450 |
156 - 192 | .1400 |
192 - 228 | .1350 |
228 - 264 | .1300 |
264 - 300 | .1275 |
300 - 336 | .1250 |
336 - 372 | .1225 |
372 - 408 | .1200 |
408 - 444 | .1175 |
444 - 480 | .1150 |
480 - 516 | .1125 |
516 - 587 | .1100 |
587 - 646 | .1080 |
646 - 711 | .1060 |
711 - 782 | .1040 |
782 - 860 | .1020 |
860 - 946 | .1000 |
946 - 1,041 | .0980 |
1,041 - 1,145 | .0960 |
1,145 - 1,260 | .0940 |
1,260 - 1,386 | .0920 |
1,386 - 1,525 | .0900 |
1,525 - 1,677 | .0880 |
1,677 - 1,845 | .0860 |
1,845 - 2,030 | .0840 |
over 2,030 | .0820 |
(b) Individual Fund Fee Rate. The Individual Fund Fee Rate shall be 0.25%.
The sum of the Group Fee Rate, calculated as described above to the nearest millionth, and the Individual Fund Fee Rate shall constitute the Annual Management Fee Rate. One-twelfth of the Annual Management Fee Rate shall be applied to the average of the net assets of the Fund (computed in the manner set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month.
(c) In case of termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4.
It is understood that the Fund will pay all its expenses, which expenses payable by the Fund shall include, without limitation, (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iii) fees and expenses of the Trust’s Trustees other than those who are interested persons of the Trust or the Adviser; (iv) legal and audit expenses; (v) custodian, registrar and transfer agent fees and expenses; (vi) fees and expenses related to the registration and qualification of the Trust and the Fund’s shares for distribution under state and federal securities laws; (vii) expenses of printing and mailing reports and notices and proxy material to shareholders of the Fund; (viii) all other expenses incidental to holding meetings of the Fund’s shareholders, including proxy solicitations therefor; (ix) its proportionate share of insurance premiums; (x) its proportionate share of association membership dues; (xi) expenses of typesetting for printing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto; (xii) expenses of printing and mailing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders; and (xiii) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Trust’s Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
5.
The services of the Adviser to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser’s ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Fund hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Fund or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6.
(a)
Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 6, this Contract shall continue in force until September 30,2024 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(b)
This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c)
In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 6, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
(d)
Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Fund by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
7.
The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund or any other Funds of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds.
8.
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, assignment, and interested persons, when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
| FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST |
| on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund |
|
|
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| By | /s/ Laura M. Del Prato |
|
| Laura M. Del Prato |
|
|
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| FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH |
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| COMPANY LLC |
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||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| | By | /s/ Christopher J. Rimmer |
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| Christopher J. Rimmer |
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST:
FIDELITY SAI INTERNATIONAL CREDIT FUND
and
FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY LLC
AGREEMENT made this 16th day of November, 2022, by and between Fidelity Salem Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the Trust), on behalf of Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund (hereinafter called the Fund), and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter called the Adviser) as set forth in its entirety below.
1.
(a)
Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Fund and shall, subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Funds Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the 1940 Act), and such other limitations as the Fund may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Trust, of all Trustees of the Trust who are interested persons of the Trust or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Trust or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund. The investment policies and all other actions of the Fund are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Trusts Board of Trustees.
(b)
Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Trust. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Fund with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Fund, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, any custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Trusts existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Funds shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust as the Trusts Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Trusts Board of Trustees with respect to the Trusts policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c)
The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Funds account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Trust shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Fund.
2.
It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
3.
For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.40% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (computed in the manner set forth in the Declaration of Trust) throughout the month; provided that in the case of initiation or termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4.
It is understood that the Fund will pay all its expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by the Adviser hereunder, which expenses payable by the Fund shall include, without limitation, (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iii) fees and expenses of the Trusts Trustees other than those who are interested persons of the Trust or the Adviser; (iv) legal and audit expenses; (v) custodian, registrar and transfer agent fees and expenses; (vi) fees and expenses related to the registration and qualification of the Trust and the Funds shares for distribution under state and federal securities laws; (vii) expenses of printing and mailing reports and notices and proxy materials to shareholders of the Fund; (viii) all other expenses incidental to holding meetings of the Funds shareholders, including proxy solicitations therefor; (ix) its proportionate share of insurance premiums; (x) its proportionate share of association membership dues; (xi) expenses of typesetting for printing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto; (xii) expenses of printing and mailing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders; and (xiii) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and the legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Trusts Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
5.
The services of the Adviser to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Advisers ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Fund hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Fund or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6.
(a)
Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 6, this Contract shall continue in force until September 30, 2024 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(b)
This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c)
In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 6, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
(d)
Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Fund by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
7.
The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trusts Declaration of Trust or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund or any other Funds of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational documents are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds.
8.
This Contract shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, assignment, and interested persons, when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
| FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST | |
| on behalf of Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund | |
| | |
| By | /s/ Laura M. Del Prato |
| | Laura M. Del Prato |
| | President and Treasurer |
| | |
| FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH | |
| | COMPANY LLC |
| | |
| By | /s/ Christopher J. Rimmer |
| | Christopher J. Rimmer |
| | Treasurer |
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS COMPANY LLC
AGREEMENT made this 16th day of November, 2022, between Fidelity Salem Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest (Issuer), with respect to shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company having its principal place of business in Smithfield, Rhode Island (Distributors).
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1.
Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states (Blue Sky Laws) under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (the Adviser) or any of its affiliates.
2.
Sale of Shares by the Issuer - The rights granted to Distributors shall be non-exclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3.
Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4.
Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuers current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuers current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus a sales charge (if any) described in the Issuers current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right subject to such rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as may then be in effect pursuant to Section 22 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to pay a portion of the sales charge to dealers who have sold shares of the Issuer. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5.
Suspension of Sales - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6.
Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other Issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right to enter into sales agreements with dealers of its choice for the sale of shares of the Issuer to the public at the public offering price only and fix in such agreements the portion of the sales charge which may be retained by dealers, provided that the Issuer shall approve the form of the dealer agreement and the dealer discounts set forth therein and shall evidence such approval by filing said form of dealer agreement and amendments thereto as an exhibit to its currently effective Registration Statement under the 1933 Act. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7.
Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8.
Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or spreads for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9.
Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10.
Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that the Adviser or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of the Adviser or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer.
11.
Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12.
Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until May 31, 2024 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not interested persons of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not interested persons of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms assignment and interested persons shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to the other party.
13.
Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island.
14.
Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuers Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15.
This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
| FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST | |
| | |
| By | /s/ Laura M. Del Prato |
| | |
| FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS COMPANY LLC | |
| | |
| By | /s/ Dalton L. Gustafson |
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS COMPANY LLC
AGREEMENT made this 16th day of November, 2022, between Fidelity Salem Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest (Issuer), with respect to shares of Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company having its principal place of business in Smithfield, Rhode Island (Distributors).
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1.
Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states (Blue Sky Laws) under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (the Adviser) or any of its affiliates.
2.
Sale of Shares by the Issuer - The rights granted to Distributors shall be non-exclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3.
Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4.
Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuers current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuers current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus a sales charge (if any) described in the Issuers current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right subject to such rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as may then be in effect pursuant to Section 22 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to pay a portion of the sales charge to dealers who have sold shares of the Issuer. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5.
Suspension of Sales - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6.
Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other Issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right to enter into sales agreements with dealers of its choice for the sale of shares of the Issuer to the public at the public offering price only and fix in such agreements the portion of the sales charge which may be retained by dealers, provided that the Issuer shall approve the form of the dealer agreement and the dealer discounts set forth therein and shall evidence such approval by filing said form of dealer agreement and amendments thereto as an exhibit to its currently effective Registration Statement under the 1933 Act. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7.
Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8.
Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or spreads for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9.
Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10.
Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that the Adviser or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of the Adviser or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer.
11.
Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12.
Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until May 31, 2024 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not interested persons of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not interested persons of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms assignment and interested persons shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to the other party.
13.
Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island.
14.
Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the
Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuers Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15.
This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
| FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST | |
| | |
| By | /s/ Laura M. Del Prato |
| | |
| FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS COMPANY LLC | |
| | |
| By | /s/ Dalton L. Gustafson |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Retail Class Shares
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act) for the Retail Class (the Class) Shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the Trust).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser (the Adviser), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund’s Shares of beneficial interest (Shares). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports, and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of Shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of the Class Shares, including the activities referred to above.
3.
The Adviser directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of the Class Shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4.
The Class will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class Shares of the Fund within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the Independent Trustees), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
6.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by the Class to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class Shares of the Fund, or to increase materially the amount spent by the Class for distribution shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
7.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class.
8.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or the Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class Shares of the Fund (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class Shares of the Fund.
10.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligations assumed by the Class pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to the Class and its assets, and shall not constitute an obligation of any other Class of Shares of the Fund or any series of the Trust.
11.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class A Shares
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act) for the Class A (Class A) Shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the Trust).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser (the Adviser), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund’s Shares of beneficial interest (Shares). Such efforts may include, but neither are required to include nor are limited to, the following: (1) formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, such as mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (2) preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature; (3) preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses of the Fund and reports to recipients other than the existing shareholders of the Fund; (4) obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Distributor may, from time to time, deem advisable; (5) making payments to securities dealers and others engaged in the sale of Shares or who engage in shareholder support services (Investment Professionals); and (6) providing training, marketing and support to such dealers with respect to the sale of Shares.
3.
In consideration for the services provided and the expenses incurred by the Distributor pursuant to the General Distribution Agreement and paragraph 2 hereof, all with respect to Class A Shares, Class A shall pay to the Distributor a fee at the annual rate of 0.15% (or such lesser amount as the Trustees may, from time to time, determine) of the average daily net assets of Class A throughout the month. The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the Fund’s then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of the Fund’s Class A Shares. The Distributor may use all or any portion of the distribution fee received pursuant to the Plan to compensate Investment Professionals who have engaged in the sale of Class A Shares or in shareholder support services with respect to Class A Shares pursuant to agreements with the Distributor, or to pay any of the expenses associated with other activities authorized under paragraph 2 hereof.
4.
Separate from any payments made as described in paragraph 3 hereof, Class A shall also pay to the Distributor a service fee at the annual rate of 0.25% (or such lesser amount as the Trustees, may from time to time, determine) of the average daily net assets of Class A throughout the month. The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the Fund’s then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of Class A Shares, but shall exclude assets attributable to any other class of Shares of the Fund. In accordance with such terms as the Trustees may from time to time establish, the Distributor may use all or a portion of such service fees to compensate Investment Professionals for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, or for other services for which service fees lawfully may be paid in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
5.
The Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser pursuant to a management agreement between the Fund and the Adviser (the Management Contract). It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Class A Shares, including the activities referred to in paragraph 2 hereof. To the extent that the payment of management fees by the Fund to the Adviser should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares within the meaning of Rule 12b-1, then such payment shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
6.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the Independent Trustees), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
7.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to increase materially the fee provided for in paragraphs 3 and 4 hereof shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class A and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
8.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class A.
9.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares of Class A (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
10.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares.
11.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligation assumed by Class A pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to Class A and its assets and shall not constitute an obligation of any shareholder of the Trust or of any other class of the Fund, series of the Trust or class of such series.
12.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class M Shares
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act) for the Class M (Class M) Shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem State Street Trust (the Trust).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser (the Adviser), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund’s Shares of beneficial interest (Shares). Such efforts may include, but neither are required to include nor are limited to, the following: (1) formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, such as mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (2) preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature; (3) preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses of the Fund and reports to recipients other than the existing shareholders of the Fund; (4) obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Distributor may, from time to time, deem advisable; (5) making payments to securities dealers and others engaged in the sale of Shares or who engage in shareholder support services (Investment Professionals); and (6) providing training, marketing and support to such dealers with respect to the sale of Shares.
3.
In consideration for the services provided and the expenses incurred by the Distributor pursuant to the General Distribution Agreement and paragraph 2 hereof, all with respect to Class M Shares, Class M shall pay to the Distributor a fee at the annual rate of 0.15% (or such lesser amount as the Trustees may, from time to time, determine) of the average daily net assets of Class M throughout the month. The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the Fund’s then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of the Fund’s Class M Shares. The Distributor may use all or any portion of the distribution fee received pursuant to the Plan to compensate Investment Professionals who have engaged in the sale of Class M Shares or in shareholder support services with respect to Class M Shares pursuant to agreements with the Distributor, or to pay any of the expenses associated with other activities authorized under paragraph 2 hereof.
4.
Separate from any payments made as described in paragraph 3 hereof, Class M shall also pay to the Distributor a service fee at the annual rate of 0.25% (or such lesser amount as the Trustees, may from time to time, determine) of the average daily net assets of Class M throughout the month. The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the Fund’s then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of Class M Shares, but shall exclude assets attributable to any other class of Shares of the Fund. In accordance with such terms as the Trustees may from time to time establish, the Distributor may use all or a portion of such service fees to compensate Investment Professionals for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, or for other services for which service fees lawfully may be paid in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
5.
The Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser pursuant to a management agreement between the Fund and the Adviser (the Management Contract). It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Class M Shares, including the activities referred to in paragraph 2 hereof. To the extent that the payment of management fees by the Fund to the Adviser should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class M Shares within the meaning of Rule 12b-1, then such payment shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
6.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the Independent Trustees), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
7.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to increase materially the fee provided for in paragraphs 3 and 4 hereof shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class M and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
8.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class M.
9.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares of Class M (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
10.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class M Shares.
11.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligation assumed by Class M pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to Class M and its assets and shall not constitute an obligation of any shareholder of the Trust or of any other class of the Fund, series of the Trust or class of such series.
12.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class C Shares
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act) for the Class C (Class C) Shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the Trust).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser (the Adviser), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund’s Shares of beneficial interest (Shares). Such efforts may include, but neither are required to include nor are limited to, the following: (1) formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, such as mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (2) preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature; (3) preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses of the Fund and reports to recipients other than existing shareholders of the Fund; (4) obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Distributor may, from time to time, deem advisable; (5) making payments to securities dealers and others engaged in the sale of Shares or in shareholder support services (Investment Professionals); and (6) providing training, marketing and support to Investment Professionals with respect to the sale of Shares.
3.
In accordance with such terms as the Trustees may, from time to time establish, and in conjunction with its services under the General Distribution Agreement with respect to Class C Shares, the Distributor is hereby expressly authorized to make payments to Investment Professionals in connection with the sale of Class C Shares. Such payments may be paid as a percentage of the dollar amount of purchases of Class C Shares attributable to a particular Investment Professional, or may take such other form as may be approved by the Trustees.
4.
In consideration of the services provided and the expenses incurred by the Distributor pursuant to the General Distribution Agreement and paragraphs 2 and 3 hereof, all with respect to Class C Shares:
(a)
Class C shall pay to the Distributor a monthly distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% (or such lesser amount as the Trustees may, from time to time, determine) of the average daily net assets of Class C throughout the month. The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the Fund’s then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of Class C Shares, but shall exclude assets attributable to any other class of Shares of the Fund. The Distributor may, but shall not be required to, use all or any portion of the distribution fee received pursuant to the Plan to compensate Investment Professionals who have engaged in the sale of Class C Shares or in shareholder support services with respect to Class C Shares pursuant to agreements with the Distributor, or to pay any of the expenses associated with other activities authorized under paragraphs 2 and 3 hereof; and
(b)
In addition, the Plan recognizes that the Distributor may, in accordance with such terms as the Trustees may from time to time establish, receive all or a portion of any sales charges, including contingent deferred sales charges, which may be imposed upon the sale or redemption of Class C Shares.
5.
Separate from any payments made as described in paragraph 4 hereof, Class C shall also pay to the Distributor a service fee at the annual rate of 0.25% (or such lesser amount as the Trustees may, from time to time, determine) of the average daily net assets of Class C throughout the month. The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the Fund’s then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of Class C Shares, but shall exclude assets attributable to any other class of Shares of the Fund. In accordance with such terms as the Trustees may from time to time establish, the Distributor may use all or a portion of such service fees to compensate Investment Professionals for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, or for other services for which service fees lawfully may be paid in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
6.
The Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser pursuant to a management agreement between the Fund and the Adviser (the Management Contract). It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Class C Shares, including the activities referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 hereof. To the extent that the payment of management fees by the Fund to the Adviser should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C Shares within the meaning of Rule 12b-1, then such payment shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
7.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the Independent Trustees), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
8.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to increase materially the fees provided for in paragraphs 4 or 5 hereof shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class C and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
9.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class C.
10.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C Shares (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
11.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C Shares.
12.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligation assumed by Class C pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to Class C and its assets and shall not constitute an obligation of any shareholder of the Trust or of any other class of the Fund, series of the Trust or class of such series.
13.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class I Shares
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act) for the Class I (Class I) Shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the Trust).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser (the Adviser), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund’s Shares of beneficial interest (Shares). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports, and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of Shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Class I Shares, including the activities referred to above.
3.
The Adviser directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of Class I Shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4.
Class I will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, Distributor or any other party it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class I Shares within the meaning of Rule 12b-1, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the Independent Trustees), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
6.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by Class I to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class I Shares, to increase materially the amount spent by Class I for distribution, shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class I and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
7.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class I.
8.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class I Shares (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class I Shares.
10.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligation assumed by Class I pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to Class I and its assets and shall not constitute an obligation of any shareholder of the Trust or of any other class of the Fund, series of the Trust or class of such series.
11.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class Z Shares
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act) for the Class Z (Class Z) Shares of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the Trust).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Funds investment adviser (the Adviser), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Funds Shares of beneficial interest (Shares). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports, and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of Shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Class Z Shares, including the activities referred to above.
3.
The Adviser directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of Class Z Shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4.
Class Z will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class Z Shares within the meaning of Rule 12b-1, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the Independent Trustees), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
6.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by Class Z to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class Z Shares, to increase materially the amount spent by Class Z for distribution, shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class Z and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph 6.
7.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class Z.
8.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Class Z Shares (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class Z Shares.
10.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trusts Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligation assumed by Class Z pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to Class Z and its assets and shall not constitute an obligation of any shareholder of the Trust or of any other class of the Fund, series of the Trust or class of such series.
11.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund
1.
This Distribution and Service Plan (the “Plan”), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written Plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”) of Fidelity SAI International Credit Fund (the “Fund”), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the “Trust”).
2.
The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund’s Shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports, and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of Shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Fund Shares, including the activities referred to above.
3.
The Adviser directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of Shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4.
The Fund will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares of the Fund within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5.
This Plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the month following the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the “Independent Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act).
6.
This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect until November 30, 2023, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan (to the extent required by the 1940 Act). This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by the Fund to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares of the Fund, or to increase materially the amount spent by the Fund for distribution, shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
7.
This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
8.
During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or the Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares of the Fund (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9.
This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares of the Fund.
10.
Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Plan and any agreements
related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and shall not constitute obligations of any other series of shares of the Trust.
11.
If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.