As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on May 31, 2017
1933 Act File No.
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1940 Act File No.
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811-23259
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Form N-1A
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Pre-Effective Amendment No.
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Post-Effective Amendment No.
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and/or
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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X
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Amendment No.
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FEDERATED MDT EQUITY TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(412) 288-1900
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including
Area Code)
John W. McGonigle, Esquire
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:
As soon as possible after the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 24f-2 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, Registrant hereby elects to register an indefinite number of shares.
Amendment Pursuant to Rule 473
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement
on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities
Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said Section
8(a), may determine.
Prospectus
August __, 2017
Share Class
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Ticker
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A
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TBD
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B
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TBD
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C
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TBD
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R
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TBD
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Institutional
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TBD
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Service
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TBD
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R6
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TBD
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The information contained herein
relates to all classes of the Fund's Shares, as listed above, unless otherwise noted.
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
A Portfolio of Federated MDT Equity Trust
A
mutual fund seeking to provide growth of income and capital by investing primarily in common stocks of large-sized U.S. companies undervalued relative to the market.
As
with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Not FDIC Insured • May Lose
Value • No Bank Guarantee
CONTENTS
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1
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6
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7
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7
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9
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14
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16
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18
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21
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24
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24
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26
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28
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30
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34
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Fund Summary
Information
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
(the “Fund”)
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The
Fund's investment objective is to provide growth of income and capital.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: FEES AND
EXPENSES
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Class A Shares (A), Class B Shares (B), Class C Shares (C), Class R Shares (R), Institutional Shares (IS), Service Shares (SS) and R6 Shares
(R6) of the Fund. You may qualify for certain sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in certain classes of Federated Funds. More information about
these and other discounts is available from your financial professional, in the “What Do Shares Cost?” section of the Prospectus on page 9 and in “Appendix B” to this Prospectus. If you
purchase the Fund's IS, SS or R6 Shares through a broker acting as an agent on behalf of its customers, you may be required to pay a commission to such broker; such commissions, if any, are not reflected in the
Example below.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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A
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B
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C
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R
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IS
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SS
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R6
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Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.50%
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, as applicable)
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0.00%
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5.50%
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1.00%
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (and other Distributions) (as a percentage of offering price)
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable)
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Exchange Fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Management Fee
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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Distribution (12b-1) Fee
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0.00%
1
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.50%
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None
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None
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None
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Other Expenses
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0.47%
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0.47%
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0.47%
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0.47%
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0.23%
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0.47%
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0.18%
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Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
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1.16%
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1.91%
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1.91%
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1.66%
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0.92%
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1.16%
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0.87%
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Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursements
2
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(0.17)%
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(0.17)%
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(0.17)%
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(0.22)%
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(0.15)%
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(0.17)%
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(0.17)%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
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0.99%
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1.74%
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1.74%
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1.44%
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0.77%
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0.99%
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0.70%
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1
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The Fund has adopted a Distribution (12b-1) Plan for its Class A Shares pursuant to which the A class of the Fund may incur or charge a Distribution (12b-1) Fee of up to a maximum of 0.05%. No such fee
is currently incurred or charged by the A class of the Fund. The A class of the Fund will not incur or charge such a Distribution (12b-1) Fee until such time as approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees (the
“Trustees”).
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2
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The Adviser and certain of its affiliates on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (excluding
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest expense, extraordinary expenses, and proxy-related expenses, paid by the Fund, if any) paid by the Fund's A class,, B class, C class, R class, IS class, SS class and R6 class
(after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 0.98%, 1.73%, 1.73%, 1.43%, 0.76%, 0.98%, and 0.69% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the
“Termination Date”): (a) September 1, 2018; or (b) the date of the Fund's next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its affiliates currently do not anticipate terminating or increasing these
additional arrangements prior to the Termination Date, these additional arrangements may only be terminated or the Fee Limit increased prior to the Termination Date with the agreement of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
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The Fund is the legal entity
successor to Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund (the “Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund”) pursuant to expected tax-free reorganization. The Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund is
also managed by the Adviser. Pursuant to the expected reorganization, the Predecessor Fund will be the accounting survivor.
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The
Example assumes that you invest $10,000 for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. Expenses assuming no redemption are also shown. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses are based on the contractual expense limitation as shown in the table above and remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns may be
higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
TO BE UPDATED BY AMENDMENT
Share Class
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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A:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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B:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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C:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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R:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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IS:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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SS:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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R6:
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Expenses assuming redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses assuming no redemption
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher
transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 88% of the average value of its portfolio.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS,
RISKS and PERFORMANCE
What are the Fund's Main
Investment Strategies?
The
Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of large-sized U.S. companies undervalued relative to the market.
The
Fund's investment adviser's (“Adviser”) investment strategy utilizes a large-cap value approach by selecting most of its investments from companies listed in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index, an index that measures the performance of those companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower
forecasted growth values within the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, which includes the 1,000 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization. The Fund considers large-cap companies to be those of a size
similar to companies listed in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index. As of October 31, 2016, companies in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index ranged in market capitalization from $642.2 million to $605.9 billion. As more fully described in this
Prospectus, the Fund's investments primarily include the following: equity securities of domestic issuers.
The Adviser implements its strategy using a quantitative model driven by fundamental stock selection variables, including profit trends, capital structure and price history. This process seeks to
impose strict discipline over stock selection, unimpeded by market or manager psychology. It seeks to maximize compound annual return while controlling risk. The process also takes into account trading costs in an
effort to ensure that trades are generated only to the extent they are expected to be profitable on an after-trading-cost basis. Additionally, risk is controlled through diversification constraints which limit
exposure to individual companies as well as groups of correlated companies.
The
Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in large-cap investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of
any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in large-cap investments.
The Fund actively trades its portfolio securities in an attempt to achieve its investment objective. Active trading will cause the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover rate, which may
generate shorter-term gains (or losses) for its shareholders, which are taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains (or losses). Actively trading portfolio securities increases the Fund's trading costs and may have
an adverse impact on the Fund's performance.
What are the Main Risks of
Investing in the Fund?
All
mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The primary factors that may reduce the Fund's returns include:
■
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Stock Market Risk.
The value of equity securities in the Fund's portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund's Share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period of time. Information publicly
available about a company, whether from the company's financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can affect the price of a
company's shares in the market. Among other factors, equity securities may decline in value because of an increase in interest rates or changes in the stock market. Recent and potential future changes in industry
and/or economic trends, as well as changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments, also can affect the level of interest rates and contribute to the development of or increase in volatility,
illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other adverse effects (such as a decline in a company's stock price), which could negatively impact the Fund's performance.
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■
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Risk Related to the Economy.
The value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or the stock market. Economic and financial
conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments, may from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause the Fund to experience volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and/or other
potentially adverse effects.
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■
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Large-Cap Company Risk.
The Fund will invest in large capitalization (or “large-cap”) companies. Large-cap companies may have fewer opportunities to expand the market for their products or services,
may focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share, and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges. These factors could result in the share price of large
companies not keeping pace with the overall stock market or growth in the general economy, and could have a negative effect on the Fund's portfolio, performance and Share price.
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■
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Risk Related to Investing for Value.
Due to their relatively low valuations, value stocks are typically less volatile than growth stocks. Additionally, value stocks tend to have higher dividends than growth stocks. This means
they depend less on price changes for returns and may lag behind growth stocks in an up market.
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■
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Sector Risk.
Because the Fund may allocate relatively more assets to certain industry sectors than others, the Fund's performance may be more susceptible to any developments which affect those sectors
emphasized by the Fund.
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■
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Quantitative Modeling Risk.
The Fund employs quantitative models as a management technique. These models examine multiple economic factors using various proprietary and third-party data. The results generated by
quantitative analysis may perform differently than expected and may negatively affect Fund performance for various reasons (for example, human judgment, data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, or
programming inaccuracies).
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The
Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
Performance: Bar Chart and
Table
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
Risk/Return Bar Chart
Pursuant to a tax-free reorganization (the “Reorganization”), the Fund is expected to become the successor to Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund (“Predecessor Fund”). As a
result of the expected Reorganization, the Fund will become the legal entity survivor while the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund will become the accounting survivor. Prior to that date, the Fund had no
investment operations. Shares of the Fund are expected to be offered on or about November 27, 2017. Accordingly, the performance information and financial information, including information on fees and expenses,
provided in this prospectus for periods prior to the first business day following the Reorganization is historical information for the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund, which commenced operations on
March 31, 1982. The Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund was managed by the Adviser and had the same investment objectives and similar strategies as the Fund. Holders of the Predecessor Fund's Class A
Shares, Institutional Shares, Service Shares and Class R6 Shares will receive Class A Shares, Institutional Shares, Service Shares and Class R6 Shares, respectively, of the Fund as a result of the Reorganization.
The bar
chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the Fund and are intended to help you analyze the Fund's investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the
variability of the Fund's SS class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. The Average Annual Total Return table shows returns for each class
averaged
over the stated periods, and includes comparative performance information.
The Fund's performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Updated performance information for the Fund
is available under the “Products” section at FederatedInvestors.com or by calling 1-800-341-7400.
The Fund's SS
class total return for the nine-month period from January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, was 7.24%.
Within the periods shown in the
bar chart, the Fund's SS class highest quarterly return was 16.69% (quarter ended June 30, 2009). Its lowest quarterly return was (19.13)% (quarter ended September 30, 2011).
Average Annual Total Return
Table
In
addition to Return Before Taxes, Return After Taxes is shown for the Fund's SS class to illustrate the effect of federal taxes on Fund returns. After-tax returns are shown only for the SS class and after tax-returns
for the A, B, C, R, IS and R6 classes will differ from those shown for the SS class.
Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor's personal tax situation, and are likely to differ from those shown.
After-tax returns are calculated using a standard set of
assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical
federal
income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do
not
reflect the effect of any applicable
state
and
local
taxes. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other tax-advantaged investment plans.
(For the Period Ended December
31, 2016)
TO BE UPDATED BY
AMENDMENT
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1 Year
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5 Years
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10 Years
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A:
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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B:
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|
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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C:
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|
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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R:
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|
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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IS:
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|
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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SS:
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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R6:
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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Return Before Taxes
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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Russell 1000
®
Value Index
1
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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X.XX%
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Morningstar Large Value Funds Average
2
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
X.XX%
|
X.XX%
|
X.XX%
|
1
|
The Russell 1000
®
Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe.
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2
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Morningstar figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all the mutual funds designated by Morningstar as falling into the respective category
indicated. They do not reflect sales charges.
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FUND MANAGEMENT
The
Fund's Investment Adviser is Federated MDTA LLC.
Daniel J. Mahr, Managing Director of Research, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since
August 2017.
Frederick L. Konopka, Portfolio and Trading Manager, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since August
2017.
Brian
M. Greenberg, Research Manager, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since August 2017.
John
Paul Lewicke, Research Manager, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since September 2014 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since August 2017.
purchase and sale of fund
shares
You may
purchase, redeem or exchange Shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open. Shares may be purchased through a financial intermediary firm that has entered into a Fund selling and/or servicing
agreement with the Distributor or an affiliate (“Financial Intermediary”) or directly from the Fund, by wire or by check. Please note that certain purchase restrictions may apply. Redeem or exchange Shares
through a financial intermediary or directly from the Fund by telephone at 1-800-341-7400 or by mail.
A, B & C
Classes
The
minimum investment amount for the Fund's A, B & C classes is generally $1,500 for initial investments and $100 for subsequent investments. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual
Retirement Accounts are $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent investment amount for employer-sponsored retirement plans. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum
investments. The minimum investment for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.
R Class
The
minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual Retirement Account rollovers into the Fund's R class are generally $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent amount for
employer-sponsored retirement plans. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum investments. The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.
IS & SS Classes
The
minimum initial investment amount for the Fund's IS and SS classes is generally $1,000,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment amount. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum investments.
The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.
R6 Class
There
are no minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts required. The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.
Tax Information
A, B, C, R, IS
& SS Classes
The
Fund's distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains except when your investment is through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan.
R6 Class
The
Fund's distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains except when your investment is through a tax-advantaged investment plan.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries
A, B, C, R, IS
& SS Classes
If you
purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and/or its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund Shares and related services. These
payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial
intermediary's website for more information.
What are the Fund's
Investment Strategies?
The
Fund's investment objective is to provide growth of income and capital. While there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, it endeavors to do so by following the principal strategies and
policies described in this Prospectus. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides information about the Fund's non-principal strategies.
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of large-sized, U.S. companies undervalued relative to the market. The strategy seeks to maximize return while
controlling risk. Individual stocks are selected for inclusion in the Fund based upon a proprietary, quantitative model that is designed to facilitate an objective, disciplined, quantitative analysis of every stock in
the Fund's investment universe.
The
quantitative model constructs the portfolio by considering fundamental measures, analyzing expected trading costs and employing risk controls to promote diversification. Fundamental measures used in the process are
derived from sources that include company financial statements, analyst analyses and market performance. Risk is controlled through diversification constraints which limit exposure to individual companies as well as
to groups of correlated companies. The process also estimates trading costs in an effort to ensure that trades are generated only to the extent they are expected to be profitable on an after-trading-cost basis. The
Adviser reviews the proposed trades produced by the process in an effort to ensure that they are based on accurate and current information. If a proposed trade is deemed to be based on inaccurate or stale information,
the trade decision is deferred until the model incorporates timely and accurate information.
The
Adviser selects most of its investments from companies listed in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index, an index that measures the performance of those companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower
forecasted growth values within the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, which includes the 1,000 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization. Because the Fund invests in companies that are defined
largely by reference to the Russell 1000
®
Value Index, the market capitalization of companies in which the Fund may invest will vary with market conditions. The
Russell Index is reconstituted on an annual basis. As of October 31, 2016, companies in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index ranged in market capitalization from $642.2 million to $605.9 billion.
The
Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in large-cap investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of
any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in large-cap investments.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The
Fund actively trades its portfolio securities in an attempt to achieve its investment objective. Active trading will cause the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover rate, which is likely to generate
shorter-term gains (losses) for its shareholders, which are taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains (losses). Actively trading portfolio securities increases the Fund's trading costs and may have an adverse
impact on the Fund's performance.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
The
Fund may temporarily depart from its principal investment strategies by investing its assets in shorter-term debt securities and similar obligations or holding cash. It may do this in response to unusual
circumstances, such as: adverse market, economic or other conditions (for example, to help avoid potential losses, or during periods when there is a shortage of appropriate securities); to maintain liquidity to meet
shareholder redemptions; or to accommodate cash inflows. It is possible that such investments could affect the Fund's investment returns and/or the ability to achieve the Fund's investment objectives.
What are the Fund's
Principal Investments?
The
following provides general information on the Fund's principal investments. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides information about the Fund's non-principal investments and may provide
additional information about the Fund's principal investments.
Equity Securities
Equity
securities represent a share of an issuer's earnings and assets, after the issuer pays its liabilities. The Fund cannot predict the income it will receive from equity securities because issuers generally have
discretion as to the payment of any dividends or distributions. However, equity securities offer greater potential for appreciation than many other types of securities, because their value increases directly with the
value of the issuer's business. The following describes the equity securities in which the Fund principally invests.
Common Stocks
Common
stocks are the most prevalent type of equity security. Common stocks receive the issuer's earnings after the issuer pays its creditors and any preferred stockholders. As a result, changes in an issuer's earnings
directly influence the value of its common stock.
What are the Specific
Risks of Investing in the Fund?
The
following provides general information on the risks associated with the Fund's principal investments. Any additional risks associated with the Fund's non-principal investments are described in the Fund's SAI. The
Fund's SAI also may provide additional information about the risks associated with the Fund's principal investments.
Stock Market Risk
The
value of equity securities in the Fund's portfolio will rise and fall over time. These fluctuations could be a sustained trend or a drastic movement. Historically, the equity market has moved in cycles, and the value
of the Fund's securities may fluctuate from day to day. The Fund's portfolio will reflect changes in prices of individual portfolio stocks or general changes in stock valuations. Consequently, the Fund's Share price
may decline. The Adviser attempts to manage market risk by limiting the amount the Fund invests in each company's equity securities. However, diversification will not protect the Fund against widespread or prolonged
declines in the stock market.
Information publicly available about a company, whether from the company's financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can
affect the price of a company's shares in the market. The price of a company's shares depends significantly on the information publicly available about the company. The reporting of poor results by a company, the
restatement of a company's financial statements or corrections to other information regarding a company or its business may adversely affect the price of its shares, as would allegations of fraud or other misconduct
by the company's management. The Fund may also be disadvantaged if some market participants have access to material information not readily available to other market participants, including the Fund.
Economic, political and financial conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments, may from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause volatility, illiquidity and/or other potentially adverse
effects in the financial markets. The commencement, continuation or ending of government policies and economic stimulus programs, changes in monetary policy, increases or decreases in interest rates, or other factors
or events that affect the financial markets may contribute to the development of or increase in volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other adverse effects (such as a decline in a company's stock
price), which could negatively impact the Fund's performance. For example, the value of equity securities may rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Market factors, such as the demand for particular
equity securities, may cause the price of certain equity securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged.
Risk Related to
the Economy
The
value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or the stock market based on negative developments in the U.S. and global economies.
Economic, political and financial conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments, may, from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause volatility, illiquidity and/or other potentially adverse
effects in the financial markets, including the fixed-income market. The commencement, continuation or ending of government policies and economic stimulus programs, changes in monetary policy, increases or decreases
in interest rates, or other factors or events that affect the financial markets, including the fixed-income markets, may contribute to the development of or increase in volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions
and other adverse effects which could negatively impact the Fund's performance. A general rise in interest rates, which could result from a change in government policies, has the potential to cause investors to move
out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities and may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the
fixed-income markets.
Large-Cap Company Risk
The Fund will invest in large capitalization (or “large cap”) companies. Market capitalization is determined by multiplying the number of a company's outstanding shares by the current
market price per share. Larger, more established, companies may have fewer opportunities to expand the market for their products or services, may focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their
market share, and may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, like price competition, changes in consumer tastes or innovative products. These factors could result in the share price of larger
companies not keeping pace with the overall stock market or growth in the general economy, and could have a negative effect on the Fund's portfolio, performance and Share price.
Risk Related to Investing for
Value
Due to
their relatively low valuations, value stocks are typically less volatile than growth stocks. For instance, the price of a value stock may experience a smaller increase on a forecast of higher earnings, a positive
fundamental development or positive market development. Further, value stocks tend to have higher dividends than growth stocks. This means they depend less on price changes for returns and may lag behind growth stocks
in an up market.
Sector Risk
Companies with similar characteristics may be grouped together in broad categories called sectors. Sector risk is the possibility that a certain sector may underperform other sectors or the market as a whole. As the
Adviser allocates more of the Fund's portfolio holdings to a particular sector, the Fund's performance will be more susceptible to any economic, business or other developments which generally affect that sector.
Quantitative MOdeling Risk
The Fund employs quantitative models as a management technique. These models examine multiple economic and market factors using large data sets. The results generated by quantitative analysis may
be different than expected and may negatively affect Fund performance for a variety of reasons. For example, human judgment plays a role in building, utilizing, testing and modifying the financial algorithms and
formulas used in these models. Additionally, the data, which is typically supplied by third parties, can be imprecise or become stale due to new events or changing circumstances. Market performance can be affected by
non-quantitative factors (for example, investor fear or over-reaction or other emotional considerations) that are not easily integrated into quantitative analysis. There may also be technical issues with the
construction and implementation of quantitative models (for example, software or other technology malfunctions, or programming inaccuracies).
What Do Shares Cost?
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET
VALUE
When
the Fund receives your transaction request in proper form (as described in this Prospectus), it is processed at the next calculated net asset value of a Share (NAV) plus any applicable front-end sales charge
(“public offering price”). A Share's NAV is determined as of the end of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), each day the NYSE is open. The Fund
calculates the NAV of each class by valuing the assets allocated to the Share's class, subtracting the liabilities allocated to each class and dividing the balance by the number of Shares of the class outstanding. The
NAV for each class of Shares may differ due to the level of expenses allocated to each class as well as a result of the variance between the amount of accrued investment income and capital gains or losses allocated to
each class and the amount actually distributed to shareholders of each class. The Fund's current NAV and/or public offering price may be found at FederatedInvestors.com, via online news sources and in certain
newspapers.
You
can purchase, redeem or exchange Shares any day the NYSE is open.
When
the Fund holds securities that trade principally in foreign markets on days the NYSE is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may change on days you cannot purchase or redeem Shares. This may also occur when the U.S.
markets for fixed-income securities are open on a day the NYSE is closed.
In
calculating its NAV, the Fund generally values investments as follows:
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|
Equity securities listed on an exchange or traded through a regulated market system are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing price in their principal exchange or market.
|
|
If any price, quotation, price evaluation or other pricing source is not readily available when the NAV is calculated, if the Fund cannot obtain price evaluations from a pricing service or from more
than one dealer for an investment within a reasonable period of time as set forth in the Fund's valuation policies and procedures, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, is deemed not representative of the fair value of such security, the Fund uses the fair value of the investment determined in accordance with the procedures generally described below. There can be no
assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
|
|
Shares of other mutual funds are valued based upon their reported NAVs. The prospectuses for these mutual funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of
using fair value pricing.
|
Fair Valuation
and Significant Events Procedures
The
Board has ultimate responsibility for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Board has appointed a Valuation Committee comprised of officers of the Fund,
the Adviser and certain of the Adviser's affiliated companies to assist in determining fair value and in overseeing the calculation of the NAV. The Board has also authorized the use of pricing services recommended by
the Valuation Committee to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available
for an investment, the Valuation Committee determines the fair value of the investment in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The Board periodically reviews and approves the fair valuations made by the
Valuation Committee and any changes made to the procedures. The Fund's SAI discusses the methods used by pricing services and the Valuation Committee to assist the Board in valuing investments.
Using
fair value to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs. The application of the
fair value procedures to an investment represent a good faith determination of such investment's fair value. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the
investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
The
Board also has adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Adviser determines that a significant event affecting the value of the investment has occurred between the time as
of which the price of the investment would otherwise be determined and the time as of which the NAV is computed. An event is considered significant if there is both an affirmative expectation that the investment's
value will change in response to the event and a reasonable basis for quantifying the resulting change in value.
Examples of significant events that may occur after the close of the principal market on which a security is traded, or after the time of a price evaluation provided by a pricing service or a dealer, include:
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With respect to securities traded principally in foreign markets, significant trends in U.S. equity markets or in the trading of foreign securities index futures contracts;
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■
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Political or other developments affecting the economy or markets in which an issuer conducts its operations or its securities are traded; and
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Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations or litigation developments or a natural disaster affecting the issuer's operations or regulatory changes or market developments
affecting the issuer's industry.
|
The
Board has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to determine the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets when the Adviser determines that there has
been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading. For other significant events, the Fund may seek to obtain more current quotations or price evaluations from alternative pricing sources.
If a reliable alternative pricing source is not available, the Valuation Committee will determine the fair value of the investment using another method approved by the Board. The Board has ultimate responsibility for
any fair valuations made in response to a significant event.
The
fair valuation of securities following a significant event can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities for short-term traders to profit at the expense of long-term investors in the Fund. For example, such arbitrage
opportunities may exist when the market on which portfolio securities are traded closes before the Fund calculates its NAV, which is typically the case with Asian and European markets. However, there is no assurance
that these significant event procedures will prevent dilution of the NAV by short-term traders. See “Account and Share Information
–
Frequent Trading Policies” for other procedures the Fund employs to deter such short-term trading.
SALES CHARGE INFORMATION
The
following table summarizes the minimum investment amount and the maximum sales charge, if any, that you will pay on an investment in the Fund. Keep in mind that financial intermediaries may charge you fees for their
services in connection with your Share transactions.
|
Minimum
Initial/Subsequent
Investment
Amounts
1
|
Maximum Sales Charges
|
Shares Offered
|
Front-End
Sales Charge
2
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charge
3
|
A
|
$1,500/$100
|
5.50%
|
0.00%
|
B
|
$1,500/$100
|
None
|
5.50%
|
C
|
$1,500/$100
|
None
|
1.00%
|
1
|
The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are generally $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent
investment amount required for employer-sponsored retirement plans; however, such accounts remain subject to the Fund's policy on “Accounts with Low Balances” as discussed later in this Prospectus. Please
see “By Systematic Investment Program” for applicable minimum investment. Financial intermediaries may impose higher or lower minimum investment requirements on their customers than those imposed by the
Fund.
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|
To maximize your return and minimize the sales charges and marketing fees, purchases of the B class are generally limited to $100,000 and purchases of the C class are generally
limited to $1,000,000. Purchases equal to or in excess of these limits may be made in the A class. If your Shares are held on the books of the Fund in the name of a financial intermediary, you may be subject to rules
of your financial intermediary that differ from those of the Fund. See “Purchase Restrictions on B Class and C Class” below. After the B class has been held for eight years from the date of purchase, they
will automatically convert to the A class. This conversion is a non-taxable event.
|
2
|
Front-End Sales Charge is expressed as a percentage of public offering price. See “Sales Charge When You Purchase.”
|
3
|
See “Sales Charge When You Redeem.”
|
As shown in the table above, each class of Shares has a different sales charge structure. In addition, the ongoing annual operating expenses (expense ratios), as well as the compensation payable
to financial intermediaries, also vary among the classes. Before you decide which class to purchase, you should review the different charges and expenses of each class carefully, in light of your personal
circumstances, and consult with your financial intermediary.
Among
the important factors to consider are the amount you plan to invest and the length of time you expect to hold your investment (for example, whether the investment is in connection with a long-term retirement program).
You should also consider, for example, that it may be possible to reduce or eliminate the front-end sales charges imposed on purchases of the A class. Among other ways, the A class has a series of
“breakpoints,” which means that the front-end sales charges decrease (and can be eliminated entirely) as the amount invested increases. (The breakpoint schedule is set out below, along with detailed
information on ways to reduce, or eliminate, front-end sales charges.) On the other hand, the B class does not have front-end sales charges, but the deferred sales charges imposed on redemptions of the B class do not
vary at all in relation to the amounts invested. Rather, these charges decrease with the passage of time (ultimately going to zero after Shares have been held for six full years). Finally, the C class does not have
front-end sales charges, but do impose a contingent deferred sales charge only if redeemed within one year after purchase; however, the asset-based 12b-1 fees charged to the C class are greater than those charged to
the A class and comparable to those charged to the B class.
You
should also consider that the expense ratio for the A class will be lower than that for the B class or the C class. Thus, the fact that no front-end charges are ever imposed on purchases of the B class and C class
does not always make them preferable to the A class.
SALES CHARGE WHEN YOU PURCHASE
The
following table lists the sales charges which will be applied to your Share purchase, subject to the breakpoint discounts indicated in the table and described below.
A:
|
|
|
Purchase Amount
|
Sales Charge
as a Percentage
of Public
Offering Price
|
Sales Charge
as a Percentage
of NAV
|
Less than $50,000
|
5.50%
|
5.82%
|
$50,000 but less than $100,000
|
4.50%
|
4.71%
|
$100,000 but less than $250,000
|
3.75%
|
3.90%
|
$250,000 but less than $500,000
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
$500,000 but less than $1 million
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
$1 million or greater
1
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
1
|
A contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 0.75% of the redemption amount applies to Shares originally purchased in an amount of $1 million or more and redeemed up to 24 months
after purchase under certain investment programs where a financial intermediary received an advance payment on the transaction. CDSC exceptions may apply. See “Sales Charge When You Redeem.”
|
REDUCING THE SALES CHARGE WITH
BREAKPOINT DISCOUNTS
Your
investment may qualify for a reduction or elimination of the sales charge, also known as a breakpoint discount. The breakpoint discounts offered by the Fund are indicated in the table above.
You or
your financial intermediary must notify the Fund's Transfer Agent of eligibility for any applicable breakpoint discount at the time of purchase.
In
order to receive the applicable breakpoint discount, it may be necessary at the time of purchase for you to inform your financial intermediary or the Transfer Agent of the existence of other accounts in which there
are holdings eligible to be aggregated to meet a sales charge breakpoint (“Qualifying Accounts”). Qualifying Accounts mean those share accounts in the Federated funds held directly or through a financial
intermediary or through a single-participant retirement account by you, your spouse, your parents (if you are under age 21) and/or your children under age 21, which can be linked using tax identification numbers
(TINs), social security numbers (SSNs) or broker identification numbers (BINs). Accounts held through 401(k) plans and similar multi-participant retirement plans, or through “Section 529” college savings
plans or those accounts which cannot be linked using TINs, SSNs or BINs, are not Qualifying Accounts.
In
order to verify your eligibility for a breakpoint discount, you will be required to provide to your financial intermediary or the Transfer Agent certain information on your New Account Form and may be required to
provide account statements regarding Qualifying Accounts. If you purchase through a financial intermediary, you may be asked to provide additional information and records as required by the financial intermediary.
Failure to provide proper notification or verification of eligibility for a breakpoint discount may result in your not receiving a breakpoint discount to which you are otherwise entitled. Breakpoint discounts apply
only to your current purchase and do not apply retroactively to previous purchases. The sales charges applicable to the Shares offered in this Prospectus, and the breakpoint discounts offered with respect to such
Shares, are described in full in this Prospectus. Because the Prospectus is available on Federated's website free of charge, Federated does not disclose this information separately on the website.
Contingent upon notification to the Transfer Agent, the sales charge at purchase of the A class only, may be reduced or eliminated by:
Larger Purchases
■
|
Purchasing the A class in greater quantities to reduce the applicable sales charge;
|
Concurrent and Accumulated
Purchases
■
|
Combining concurrent purchases of and/or current investments in the A class, B class, C class, F class and R class of any Federated fund made or held by Qualifying Accounts; the purchase amount used in
determining the sales charge on your additional Share purchase will be calculated by multiplying the respective maximum public offering price times the number of the A class, B class, C class, F class and R class
shares of any Federated fund currently held in Qualifying Accounts and adding the dollar amount of your current purchase; or
|
Letter of Intent
■
|
Signing a letter of intent to purchase a qualifying amount of the A class within 13 months. (Call your financial intermediary or the Fund for more information.) The Fund's custodian will hold Shares in
escrow equal to the maximum applicable sales charge. If you complete the Letter of Intent, the Custodian will release the Shares in escrow to your account. If you do not fulfill the Letter of Intent, the Custodian
will redeem the appropriate amount from the Shares held in escrow to pay the sales charges that were not applied to your purchases.
|
PURCHASE
RESTRICTIONS ON b class AND c class
In
order to maximize shareholder returns and minimize sales charges and marketing fees, an investor's purchases of the B class are generally limited to $100,000 and an investor's purchases of the C class are generally
limited to $1,000,000 (except for employer-sponsored retirement plans held in omnibus accounts with respect to C Shares). In applying the limit, the dollar amount of the current purchase is added to the product
obtained by multiplying the respective maximum public offering price times the number of the A class, B class, C class, F class and R class of any Federated fund currently held in linked Qualifying Accounts, as
defined in the section entitled “Reducing the Sales Charge with Breakpoint Discounts.” If the sum of these two amounts would equal or exceed the limit, then the current purchase order will not be
processed. Instead, the Distributor will attempt to contact the investor or the investor's financial intermediary to offer the opportunity to convert the order to the A class.
If your
Shares are held on the books of the Fund in the name of a financial intermediary, you may be subject to rules of your financial intermediary that differ from those of the Fund.
ELIMINATING The SALES CHARGE
Your
investment may qualify for a sales charge waiver. Sales charge waivers offered by the Fund are listed below. In order to receive a sales charge waiver, you must inform your financial intermediary or the Transfer Agent
at the time of each purchase that your investment is eligible for a waiver. It is possible that your financial intermediary may not, in accordance with its policies, procedures and system limitations, be able to
ensure your receipt of one or more of these waiver categories. In this situation, you would need to invest directly through the Fund's Transfer Agent. If you do not let your financial intermediary or the Transfer
Agent know that your investment is eligible for a sales charge waiver at the time of purchase, you may not receive the waiver to which you may otherwise be entitled.
Contingent upon notification to the Transfer Agent, the sales charge will be eliminated when you purchase or acquire Shares:
■
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within 120 days of redeeming Shares of an equal or greater amount (see “120 Day Reinstatement Program” below);
|
■
|
through a program offered by a Financial Intermediary that provides for the purchase of Shares without imposition of a sales charge (for example, a wrap account, self-directed brokerage account,
retirement or other fee-based program offered by the Financial Intermediary) and where the Financial Intermediary has agreed with the Distributor not to receive a dealer reallowance on purchases under such program;
|
■
|
with reinvested dividends or capital gains;
|
■
|
issued in connection with the merger, consolidation or acquisition of the assets of another fund. Further, the sales charge will be eliminated on purchases of Shares made by a shareholder that
originally became a shareholder of a Federated Fund pursuant to the terms of an agreement and plan of reorganization which permits shareholders to acquire Shares at NAV, provided that such purchased Shares are held
directly with the Fund's transfer agent. If the Shares are held through a financial intermediary, the sales charge waiver will not apply (A class only);
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■
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as a Federated Life Member (Federated shareholders who originally were issued shares through the “Liberty Account,” which was an account for the Liberty Family of Funds on February 28, 1987,
or who invested through an affinity group prior to August 1, 1987, into the Liberty Account) (A class only);
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■
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as a Trustee, employee or former employee of the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates, an employee of any financial intermediary that sells Shares according to a sales agreement with
the Distributor, an immediate family member of these individuals or a trust, pension or profit-sharing plan for these individuals; or
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■
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pursuant to the exchange privilege.
|
The
sales charge will not be eliminated if you purchase Shares of the Fund through an exchange of shares of Federated Government Reserves Fund unless your Federated Government Reserves Fund shares were acquired through an
exchange of shares on which the sales charge had previously been paid.
120 Day
reinstatement program
Within
120 days of redeeming Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of the Fund, upon proper notification to the Fund's Transfer Agent, you may reinvest all or a portion of the redemption proceeds in Class A Shares of the Fund
at net asset value, without the imposition of a sales charge or CDSC, provided that:
■
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The ownership of the account receiving the purchase is not required to be identical to that of the account in which the redemption was placed; however, the registration of the account receiving the
purchase must include at least one registered shareholder of the account from which the redemption occurred.
|
■
|
You will not be reimbursed for any fees originally incurred on the redemption (e.g., CDSC or redemption fees) by subsequently participating in the 120 Day Reinstatement Program.
|
■
|
The 120 Day Reinstatement Program does not supersede or override any restrictions placed on an account due to frequent trading and/or client contractual issues.
|
sales charge when you redeem
Your
redemption proceeds may be reduced by a sales charge, commonly referred to as a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). Shares otherwise subject to a CDSC will not be charged a CDSC at the time of an exchange;
however, the CDSC will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase. The CDSC schedule applicable to your original purchase will continue to apply to the shares you receive in an exchange.
To keep
the sales charge as low as possible, the Fund redeems your Shares in this order:
■
|
Shares that are not subject to a CDSC; and
|
■
|
Shares held the longest. (To determine the number of years your Shares have been held, include the time you held shares of other Federated funds that have been exchanged for Shares of
this Fund.)
|
The
CDSC is then calculated using the Share price at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is lower.
A:
|
|
|
If you make a purchase of the A class in the amount of $1 million or more and your financial
intermediary received an advance commission on the sale, you will pay a 0.75% CDSC on any such Shares redeemed within 24 months of the purchase.
|
B:
|
|
|
Shares Held Up To:
|
|
CDSC
|
1 Year
|
|
5.50%
|
2 Years
|
|
4.75%
|
3 Years
|
|
4.00%
|
4 Years
|
|
3.00%
|
5 Years
|
|
2.00%
|
6 Years
|
|
1.00%
|
7 Years or More
|
|
0.00%
|
C:
|
|
|
You will pay a 1.00% CDSC if you redeem Shares within 12 months of the purchase date.
|
Your
redemption may qualify for a waiver of the CDSC. The CDSC waivers offered by the Fund are listed below. In order to receive a waiver of the CDSC, you must inform your financial intermediary or the Transfer Agent at
the time of each redemption that your investment is eligible for a waiver. It is possible that your financial intermediary may not, in accordance with its policies, procedures and system limitations, be able to ensure
your receipt of one or more of these waiver categories. In this situation, you would need to invest directly through the Fund's Transfer Agent in order to take advantage of the waiver. If you do not let your financial
intermediary or the Transfer Agent know that your redemption is eligible for a CDSC waiver at the time of redemption, you may not receive the waiver to which you may otherwise be entitled.
Contingent upon notification to the Transfer Agent, you will not be charged a CDSC when redeeming Shares:
■
|
following the death of the last surviving shareholder on the account or the post-purchase disability of all registered shareholders, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(the beneficiary on an account with a Transfer on Death registration is deemed the last surviving shareholder on the account);
|
■
|
due to the termination of a trust following the death of the trustor/grantor or beneficiary, provided that the trust document specifically states that the trust is terminated upon the death;
|
■
|
representing minimum required distributions from an IRA or other retirement plan as required under the Internal Revenue Code;
|
■
|
purchased by Trustees, employees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates, by employees of a financial intermediary that sells Shares according to a sales
agreement with the Distributor, by the immediate family members of the above persons and by trusts, pension or profit-sharing plans for the above persons;
|
■
|
purchased through a program offered by a Financial Intermediary that provides for the purchase of Shares without imposition of a sales charge (for example, a wrap account, self-directed brokerage
account, retirement or other fee-based program offered by the Financial Intermediary) and where the Financial Intermediary has agreed with the Distributor not to receive an advance commission on purchases under such
program;
|
■
|
purchased with reinvested dividends or capital gains;
|
■
|
redeemed by the Fund when it closes an account for not meeting the minimum balance requirements;
|
■
|
purchased pursuant to the exchange privilege if the Shares were held for the applicable CDSC holding period (the holding period on the Shares purchased in the exchange will include
the holding period of the Shares sold in the exchange); or
|
A Class Only
■
|
purchased in the amount of $1 million or more and redeemed within 24 months of purchase if the Shares were originally purchased through a program offered by a Financial Intermediary that provides for
the purchase of Shares without imposition of a sales charge (for example, a wrap account, self-directed brokerage account, retirement or other fee-based program offered by the Financial Intermediary) and where the
Financial Intermediary has agreed with the principal underwriter not to receive an advanced commission on purchases under such program.
|
B Class Only
■
|
which are qualifying redemptions of the B class under a Systematic Withdrawal Program.
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE
AVAILABILITY OF CERTAIN WAIVERS AND DISCOUNTS
The
availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary.
Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC waivers which are discussed in Appendix B to this
Prospectus.
In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to notify the Fund or the shareholder's Financial Intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the
investor for sales charge waivers or discounts.
For waivers and discounts not available through a particular financial intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund or through another financial
intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
COMMISSIONS ON CERTAIN SHARES
The
Fund does not charge any front-end load, deferred sales charge or other asset-based fee for sales or distribution of IS, SS or R6 Shares. However, if you purchase IS, SS or R6 Shares through a broker acting solely as
an agent on behalf of its customers, you may be required to pay a commission to the broker in an amount determined and separately disclosed to you by the broker.
Because
the Fund is not a party to any such commission arrangement between you and your broker, any purchases and redemptions of IS, SS or R6 Shares will be made at the applicable net asset value (before imposition of the
sales commission). Any such commissions charged by a broker are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the “Risk/Return Summary: Fees and Expenses” section of the Fund's Prospectus and described
above nor are they reflected in the “Performance: Bar Chart and Table,” because they are not charged by the Fund.
Shares
of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
How is the Fund Sold?
The Fund offers the following Share classes: Class A Shares (A), Class B Shares (B), Class C Shares (C), Class R Shares (R), Institutional Shares (IS), Service Shares (SS) and Class R6 Shares
(R6), each representing interests in a single portfolio of securities. All Share classes have different sales charges and other expenses expenses which affect their performance. Please note that certain purchase
restrictions may apply.
Under
the Distributor's Contract with the Fund, the Distributor, Federated Securities Corp., offers Shares on a continuous, best-efforts basis. The Distributor is a subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc.
(“Federated”).
The Fund offers seven Share classes: Class A Shares (A), Class B Shares (B), Class C Shares (C), Class R Shares (R), Institutional Shares (IS), Service Shares (SS) and Class R6 Shares (R6), each
representing interests in a single portfolio of securities. The Fund has also registered Class T Shares which are currently not being offered. All Share classes have different sales charges and other expenses expenses
which affect their performance. Please note that certain purchase restrictions may apply. Contact your financial intermediary or call 1-800-341-7400 for more information concerning the other classes.
Under
the Distributor's Contract with the Fund, the Distributor, Federated Securities Corp., offers Shares on a continuous, best-efforts basis. The Distributor is a subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc.
(“Federated”).
A, B & C
Classes
The
Fund's Distributor markets the A class to institutions or to individuals, directly or through financial intermediaries.
R Class
The
Fund's Distributor markets the R class to 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans
and IRA Rollovers from such plans, directly or through financial intermediaries. The Fund's Distributor may also market the R class to IRAs held through financial intermediaries who hold the IRAs in an omnibus
account. The R class is generally available only to retirement plans (and IRA Rollovers from such plans) and IRAs where assets are held in omnibus accounts on the books of the Fund.
IS & SS
The
Fund's Distributor markets the IS and SS classes to Eligible Investors, as described below. In connection with a request to purchase an IS or SS class, you should provide documentation sufficient to verify your status
as an Eligible Investor. As a general matter, IS and SS classes are not available for direct investment by natural persons.
The
following categories of Eligible Investors are not subject to any minimum initial investment amount for the purchase of IS or SS classes (however, such accounts remain subject to the Fund's policy on “Accounts
with Low Balances” as discussed later in this Prospectus):
■
|
An investor participating in a wrap program or other fee-based program sponsored by a financial intermediary;
|
■
|
An investor participating in a no-load network or platform sponsored by a financial intermediary where Federated has entered into an agreement with the intermediary;
|
■
|
A trustee/director, employee or former employee of the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates; an immediate family member of these individuals or a trust, pension or profit-sharing plan
for these individuals;
|
■
|
An employer-sponsored retirement plan;
|
■
|
A trust institution investing on behalf of its trust customers;
|
■
|
Additional Sales to an investor (including a natural person) who owned the SS class of the Fund as of January 29, 2010;
|
■
|
A Federated Fund;
|
■
|
An investor (including a natural person) who acquired IS and/or SS classes of a Federated fund pursuant to the terms of an agreement and plan of reorganization which permits the investor to acquire such
shares; and
|
■
|
In connection with an acquisition of an investment management or advisory business, or related investment services, products or assets, by Federated or its investment advisory
subsidiaries, an investor (including a natural person) who: (1) becomes a client of an investment advisory subsidiary of Federated; or (2) is a shareholder or interest holder of a pooled investment vehicle or product
that becomes advised or subadvised by a Federated investment advisory subsidiary as a result of such an acquisition other than as a result of a fund reorganization transaction pursuant to an agreement and plan of
reorganization.
|
The
following categories of Eligible Investors are subject to applicable minimum initial investment amounts for the purchase of the IS or SS classes (see “How to Purchase Shares” below):
■
|
An investor, other than a natural person, purchasing IS and/or SS classes directly from the Fund; and
|
■
|
In connection with an initial purchase of IS and/or SS classes through an exchange, an investor (including a natural person) who owned IS and/or SS classes of another Federated fund
as of December 31, 2008.
|
R6 Class
The
Fund's Distributor markets the R6 class to Eligible Investors, as described below. The R6 Shares are sold at net asset value and are not subject to any minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts. In connection
with a request to purchase the R6 class, you should provide documentation sufficient to verify your status as an Eligible Investor.
R6
Shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees, or make similar payments to financial intermediaries. As a general matter, the R6 class is not available for direct investment by natural persons.
Individual shareholders who purchase R6 Shares through retirement platforms or other intermediaries will not be eligible to hold R6 Shares outside of their respective plan or intermediary platform.
Following are categories of Eligible Investors:
■
|
An investor participating in a wrap program or other fee-based program sponsored by a financial intermediary;
|
■
|
An investor participating in a no-load network or platform sponsored by a financial intermediary where Federated has entered into an agreement with the intermediary;
|
■
|
A trustee/director, employee or former employee of the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates; an immediate family member of these individuals or a trust, pension or profit-sharing plan
for these individuals;
|
■
|
An employer-sponsored retirement plan;
|
■
|
A trust institution investing on behalf of its trust customers;
|
■
|
An investor, other than a natural person, purchasing Shares directly from the Fund;
|
■
|
A Federated Fund;
|
■
|
An investor (including a natural person) who acquired the R6 class of a Federated fund pursuant to the terms of an agreement and plan of reorganization which permits the investor to acquire such shares;
and
|
■
|
In connection with an acquisition of an investment management or advisory business, or related investment services, products or assets, by Federated or its investment advisory
subsidiaries, an investor (including a natural person) who: (1) becomes a client of an investment advisory subsidiary of Federated; or (2) is a shareholder or interest holder of a pooled investment vehicle or product
that becomes advised or subadvised by a Federated investment advisory subsidiary as a result of such an acquisition other than as a result of a fund reorganization transaction pursuant to an agreement and plan of
reorganization.
|
|
A shareholder in the Fund's Shares may convert their Shares at net asset value to any other share class of the Fund if the shareholder meets the investment minimum and eligibility requirements for the
share class into which the conversion is sought, as applicable. This share conversion program is not applicable to the Fund's Class B Shares. The share conversion program is not applicable to the Fund's Class A Shares
and Class C Shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. For Class C Shares purchased through a financial intermediary, such shares may only be converted to another share class of the same Fund
if (i) the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC or the financial intermediary agrees to reimburse the Funds' distributor the CDSC otherwise payable upon the sale of such shares, (ii) the shareholder meets the
investment minimum and eligibility requirements for the share class into which the conversion is sought, as applicable, and (iii) (A) the conversion is made to facilitate the shareholder's participation in a
self-directed brokerage (non-advice) account or a fee-based advisory program offered by the intermediary; or (B) the conversion is part of a multiple-client transaction through a particular financial intermediary as
pre-approved by the Fund's Administrator. Conversion of Shares under this share conversion program should not result in a realization event for tax purposes. Contact your financial intermediary or call 1-800-341-7400
to convert your Shares.
|
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
The
Fund and its affiliated service providers may pay fees as described below to financial intermediaries (such as broker-dealers, banks, investment advisers or third-party administrators) whose customers are shareholders
of the Fund.
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
REALLOWANCES
The
Distributor receives a front-end sales charge on certain Share sales. The Distributor pays a portion of this charge to financial intermediaries that are eligible to receive it (the “Dealer Reallowance”)
and retains any remaining portion of the front-end sales charge.
When a
financial intermediary's customer purchases Shares, the financial intermediary may receive a Dealer Reallowance as follows:
A:
|
|
Purchase Amount
|
Dealer Reallowance
as a Percentage of
Public Offering Price
|
Less than $50,000
|
5.00%
|
$50,000 but less than $100,000
|
4.00%
|
$100,000 but less than $250,000
|
3.25%
|
$250,000 but less than $500,000
|
2.25%
|
$500,000 but less than $1 million
|
1.80%
|
$1 million or greater
|
0.00%
|
ADVANCE COMMISSIONS
When a
financial intermediary's customer purchases Shares, the financial intermediary may receive an advance commission as follows:
A (for purchases over $1 million):
|
|
Purchase Amount
|
Advance Commission
as a Percentage of
Public Offering Price
|
First $1 million - $5 million
|
0.75%
|
Next $5 million - $20 million
|
0.50%
|
Over $20 million
|
0.25%
|
Advance
commissions are calculated on a year-by-year basis based on amounts invested during that year. Accordingly, with respect to additional purchase amounts, the advance commission breakpoint resets annually to the first
breakpoint on the anniversary of the first purchase.
The A
class purchases under this program may be made by Letter of Intent or by combining concurrent purchases. The above advance commission will be paid only on those purchases that were not previously subject to a
front-end sales charge or dealer advance commission. Certain retirement accounts may not be eligible for this program.
B:
|
|
|
Advance Commission
as a Percentage of
Public Offering Price
|
All Purchase Amounts
|
Up to 5.00%
|
C:
|
|
|
Advance Commission
as a Percentage of
Public Offering Price
|
All Purchase Amounts
|
1.00%
|
RULE 12b-1 FEES
A, B, C & R
Classes
The
Board has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan, which allows payment of marketing fees of up to 0.05%, 0.75%, 0.75% and 0.50% of average net assets to the Distributor for the sale, distribution, administration and customer
servicing of the Fund's A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class, respectively. When the Distributor receives Rule 12b-1 Fees, it may pay some or all of them to financial intermediaries whose customers purchase Shares.
The Fund's A class has no present intention of paying, accruing or incurring any Rule 12b-1 Fees until such time as approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. Because these Shares pay marketing fees on an ongoing
basis, your investment cost may be higher over time than other shares with different sales charges and marketing fees.
service fees
A, B, C & SS
Classes
The A,
B, C and SS classes may pay Service Fees of up to 0.25% of average net assets to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC), a subsidiary of Federated, for providing services to
shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Intermediaries that receive Service Fees may include a company affiliated with management of Federated. If a financial intermediary receives Service Fees on an
account, it is not eligible to also receive Account Administration Fees on that same account.
ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATION FEES
A, B, C & SS
Classes
The A,
B, C and SS classes may pay Account Administration Fees of up to 0.25% of average net assets to banks that are not registered as broker-dealers or investment advisers for providing administrative services to the Fund
and its shareholders. If a financial intermediary receives Account Administration Fees on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Service Fees or Recordkeeping Fees on that same account.
RECORDKEEPING FEES
A, B, C, R, IS
& SS Classes
The
Fund may pay Recordkeeping Fees on an average-net-assets basis or on a per-account-per-year basis to financial intermediaries for providing recordkeeping services to the Fund and its shareholders. If a financial
intermediary receives Recordkeeping Fees on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Account Administration Fees or Networking Fees on that same account.
networking fees
A, B, C, R, IS
& SS Classes
The
Fund may reimburse Networking Fees on a per-account-per-year basis to financial intermediaries for providing administrative services to the Fund and its shareholders on certain non-omnibus accounts. If a financial
intermediary receives Networking Fees on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Recordkeeping Fees on that same account.
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL
INTERMEDIARIES
A, B, C, R, IS
& SS Classes
The
Distributor may pay out of its own resources amounts to certain financial intermediaries, including broker-dealers, banks, registered investment advisers, independent financial planners and retirement plan
administrators, that support the sale of Shares or provide services to Fund shareholders. The amounts of these payments could be significant, and may create an incentive for the financial intermediary or its employees
or associated persons to recommend or sell Shares of the Fund to you. Not all financial intermediaries receive such payments, and the amount of compensation may vary by intermediary. In some cases, such payments may
be made by or funded from the resources of companies affiliated with the Distributor (including the Adviser). These payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's
Prospectus and described above because they are not paid by the Fund.
These payments are negotiated and may be based on such factors as: the number or value of Shares that the financial intermediary sells or may sell; the value of client assets invested; the level
and types of services or support furnished by the financial intermediary; or the Fund's and/or other Federated funds' relationship with the financial intermediary. These payments may be in addition to payments, as
described above, made by the Fund to the financial intermediary. In connection with these payments, the financial intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the Fund and/or other Federated funds, within the
financial intermediary's organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting the Distributor preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the funds in various ways
within the financial intermediary's organization. In addition, as discussed above in “Commissions on Certain Shares,” if you purchase IS, SS or R6 Shares through a broker acting as an agent on behalf of
its customers, you may be required to pay a commission to the broker in an amount determined and separately disclosed to you by the broker. You can ask your financial intermediary for information about any payments it
receives from the Distributor or the Fund and any services provided, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.
How to Purchase
Shares
You may purchase Shares of the Fund any day the NYSE is open. The Fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase or exchange Shares. New investors must submit a completed New Account
Form. All accounts, with the exception of R6 class accounts, including those for which there is no minimum initial investment amount required, are subject to the Fund's policy on “Accounts with Low
Balances” as discussed later in this Prospectus.
Where
the Fund offers more than one Share class and you do not specify the class choice on your New Account Form or form of payment (e.g
.,
Federal Reserve wire or check), you automatically will receive the A class.
For
important account information, see the section “Security and Privacy Protection.”
A, B & C
Classes
You may
purchase Shares through a financial intermediary, directly from the Fund or through an exchange from another Federated fund.
R Class
You may
purchase Shares through a financial intermediary, directly from the Fund or through an exchange from another Federated fund.
The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for IRA Rollovers from retirement plans are generally $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent amount for
employer-sponsored retirement plans; however, such accounts remain subject to the Fund's policy on “Accounts with Low Balances” as discussed later in this Prospectus.
An institutional investor's minimum investment is calculated by combining all accounts it maintains with the Fund.
IS & SS Classes
Eligible investors may purchase Shares through a financial intermediary, directly from the Fund or through an exchange from another Federated fund in the manner described above under “How is the Fund
Sold?”
Where
applicable, the required minimum initial investment for the IS and SS classes is generally $1,000,000. There is no minimum subsequent investment amount.
R6 Class
Eligible Investors may purchase Shares through a financial intermediary, directly from the Fund or through an exchange from another Federated fund in the manner described above under “How is the Fund
Sold?”
There
is no minimum initial or subsequent investment amount required.
THROUGH A FINANCIAL
INTERMEDIARY
■
|
Establish an account with the financial intermediary; and
|
■
|
Submit your purchase order to the financial intermediary before the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).
|
You
will receive the next calculated NAV if the financial intermediary forwards the order on the same day, and forwards your payment by the prescribed trade settlement date (typically within one to three business days) to
the Fund's transfer agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“Transfer Agent”). You will become the owner of Shares and receive dividends when your payment is received in accordance with these time
frames (provided that, if payment is received in the form of a check, the check clears). If your payment is not received in accordance with these time frames, or a check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled
and you could be liable for any losses, fees or expenses incurred by the Fund or the Fund's Transfer Agent.
Financial intermediaries should send payments according to the instructions in the sections “By Wire” or “By Check.”
Financial intermediaries may impose higher or lower minimum investment requirements on their customers than those imposed by the Fund. Keep in mind that financial intermediaries may charge you fees for their
services in connection with your Share transactions.
DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND
■
|
Establish your account with the Fund by submitting a completed New Account Form; and
|
■
|
Send your payment to the Fund by Federal Reserve wire or check.
|
You
will become the owner of Shares and your Shares will be priced at the next calculated NAV after the Fund receives your wire or your check. If your check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled and you could be
liable for any losses or fees incurred by the Fund or the Fund's Transfer Agent.
By Wire
To
facilitate processing your order, please call the Fund before sending the wire. Send your wire to:
State
Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA
Dollar Amount of Wire
ABA Number 011000028
BNF: 23026552
Attention: Federated EDGEWIRE
Wire Order Number, Dealer Number or Group Number
Nominee/Institution Name
Fund Name and Number and Account Number
You
cannot purchase Shares by wire on holidays when wire transfers are restricted.
By Check
Make
your check payable to
The Federated Funds
, note your account number on the check, and send it to:
The
Federated Funds
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
If you
send your check by a
private courier or overnight delivery service
that requires a street address, send it to:
The
Federated Funds
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021-2809
Payment
should be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any
purchase request. For example, to protect against check fraud the Fund may reject any purchase request involving a check that is not made payable to
The Federated Funds
(including, but not limited to, requests to purchase Shares using third-party checks) or involving temporary checks or credit card checks.
By Direct Deposit
You may
establish Payroll Deduction/Direct Deposit arrangements for investments into the Fund by either calling a Client Service Representative at 1-800-341-7400; or by completing the Payroll Deduction/Direct Deposit Form,
which is available on FederatedInvestors.com under Customer Service/Find a Form. You will receive a confirmation when this service is available.
THROUGH AN EXCHANGE
You
may purchase Fund Shares through an exchange from another Federated fund. To do this you must:
■
|
meet any applicable shareholder eligibility requirements;
|
■
|
ensure that the account registrations are identical;
|
■
|
meet any applicable minimum initial investment requirements; and
|
■
|
receive a prospectus for the fund into which you wish to exchange.
|
An
exchange is treated as a redemption and a subsequent purchase, and is a taxable transaction. The Fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase or exchange Shares. The Fund may modify or terminate the
exchange privilege at any time.
A, B, C & R
Classes
You
may purchase Shares through an exchange from the same share class of another Federated fund.
IS, SS & R6 Classes
You may
purchase Shares through an exchange from any Federated fund or share class that does not have a stated sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge, except Shares of Federated Institutional Prime 60 Day Fund,
Federated Institutional Money Market Management, Federated Institutional Tax-Free Cash Trust, Federated Institutional Prime Obligations Fund, Federated Institutional Prime Value Obligations Fund, Class A Shares of
Federated Government Reserves Fund and Class R Shares of any Fund.
By Online Account Services
You may
access your accounts online to purchase shares through Federated's Shareholder Account Access system once you have registered for access. Online transactions may be subject to certain limitations including limitations
as to the amount of the transaction. For more information about the services available through Shareholder Account Access, please visit www.FederatedInvestors.com and select “My Investments,” or call (800)
245-4770 to speak with a Client Service Representative.
BY SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
(SIP)
Once
you have opened an account, you may automatically purchase additional Shares on a regular basis by completing the SIP section of the New Account Form or by contacting the Fund or your financial intermediary. The
minimum investment amount for SIPs is $50.
BY AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE
(ACH)
Once
you have opened an account, you may purchase additional Shares through a depository institution that is an ACH member. This purchase option can be established by completing the appropriate sections of the New Account
Form.
RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS
A, B & C
Classes
You may
purchase Shares as retirement investments (such as qualified plans and IRAs or transfer or rollover of assets). Call your financial intermediary or the Fund for information on retirement investments. We suggest that
you discuss retirement investments with your tax adviser. You may be subject to an account fee charged by your financial intermediary.
R6 Class
You may purchase Shares as retirement investments (such as qualified plans or transfer of assets). Call your financial intermediary or the Fund for information on retirement investments. We
suggest that you discuss retirement investments with your tax adviser. You may be subject to an account fee charged by your financial intermediary.
How to Redeem and
Exchange Shares
You
should redeem or exchange Shares:
■
|
through a financial intermediary if you purchased Shares through a financial intermediary; or
|
■
|
directly from the Fund if you purchased Shares directly from the Fund.
|
Shares
of the Fund may be redeemed for cash, or exchanged for shares of other Federated funds as described herein, on days on which the Fund computes its NAV. Redemption requests may be made by telephone or in writing.
Depending upon the method of payment, shareholder receipt of redemption proceeds may differ. Redemption proceeds normally are wired or mailed within one business day after receiving a timely
request in proper form. Payment may be delayed for up to seven days under certain circumstances (see “Limitations on Redemption Proceeds”).
For
important account information, see the section “Security and Privacy Protection.”
THROUGH A FINANCIAL
INTERMEDIARY
Submit
your redemption or exchange request to your financial intermediary by the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The redemption amount you will receive is based upon the next calculated
NAV after the Fund receives the order from your financial intermediary.
DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND
By Telephone
You
may redeem or exchange Shares by simply calling the Fund at 1-800-341-7400.
If you
call before the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), you will receive a redemption amount based on that day's NAV.
By Mail
You
may redeem or exchange Shares by sending a written request to the Fund.
You
will receive a redemption amount based on the next calculated NAV after the Fund receives your written request in proper form.
Send
requests by mail to:
The
Federated Funds
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
Send
requests by
private courier or overnight delivery service
to:
The
Federated Funds
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021-2809
All
requests must include:
■
|
Fund name and Share class, account number and account registration;
|
■
|
amount to be redeemed or exchanged;
|
■
|
signatures of all shareholders exactly as registered; and
|
■
|
if exchanging
, the Fund name and Share class, account number and account registration into which you are exchanging.
|
Call
your financial intermediary or the Fund if you need special instructions.
Signature Guarantees
Signatures must be guaranteed by a financial institution which is a participant in a Medallion signature guarantee program if:
■
|
your redemption will be sent to an address other than the address of record;
|
■
|
your redemption will be sent to an address of record that was changed within the last 30 days;
|
■
|
a redemption is payable to someone other than the shareholder(s) of record; or
|
■
|
transferring into another fund with a different shareholder registration.
|
A
Medallion signature guarantee is designed to protect your account from fraud. Obtain a Medallion signature guarantee from a bank or trust company, savings association, credit union or broker, dealer or securities
exchange member.
A notary
public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
By Online Account Services
You may
access your accounts online to redeem or exchange shares through Federated's Shareholder Account Access system once you have registered for access. Online transactions may be subject to certain limitations including
limitations as to the amount of the transaction. For more information about the services available through Shareholder Account Access, please visit www.FederatedInvestors.com and select “My Investments,”
or call (800) 245-4770 to speak with a Client Service Representative.
PAYMENT METHODS FOR
REDEMPTIONS
Your
redemption proceeds will be mailed by check to your address of record. The following payment options are available if you complete the appropriate section of the New Account Form or an Account Service Options Form.
These payment options require a signature guarantee if they were not established when the account was opened:
■
|
An electronic transfer to your account at a financial institution that is an ACH member; or
|
■
|
Wire payment to your account at a domestic commercial bank that is a Federal Reserve System member.
|
Methods the
Fund May Use to Meet Redemption Requests
The
Fund intends to pay Share redemptions in cash. To ensure that the Fund has cash to meet Share redemptions on any day, the Fund will typically hold a cash or cash equivalent reserve or sell portfolio securities.
The
Fund may generate cash through inter-fund borrowing or lending. The SEC has granted an exemption that permits the Fund and all other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated
funds”) to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other Federated funds. Inter-fund borrowing and lending is permitted only: (a) to meet shareholder redemption requests; (b) to
meet commitments arising from “failed” trades; and (c) for other temporary purposes. All inter-fund loans must be repaid in seven days or less.
In
addition, the Fund may participate with certain other Federated funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (“LOC”) agreement. The LOC was
made available to finance temporarily the repurchase or redemption of Shares of the Fund, failed trades, payment of dividends, settlement of trades and for other short-term, temporary or emergency general business
purposes. The Fund cannot borrow under the LOC if an inter-fund loan is outstanding.
Although the Fund intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right to pay the redemption proceeds in whole or in part by an “in-kind” distribution of the Fund's portfolio securities.
LIMITATIONS ON REDEMPTION
PROCEEDS
Redemption proceeds normally are wired or mailed within one business day after receiving a request in proper form. Payment may be delayed for up to seven days:
■
|
to allow your purchase to clear (as discussed below);
|
■
|
during periods of market volatility;
|
■
|
when a shareholder's trade activity or amount adversely impacts the Fund's ability to manage its assets; or
|
■
|
during any period when the Federal Reserve wire or applicable Federal Reserve banks are closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings.
|
If you
request a redemption of Shares recently purchased by check (including a cashier's check or certified check), money order, bank draft or ACH, your redemption proceeds may not be made available for up to seven calendar
days to allow the Fund to collect payment on the instrument used to purchase such Shares. If the purchase instrument does not clear, your purchase order will be canceled and you will be responsible for any losses
incurred by the Fund as a result of your canceled order.
In
addition, the right of redemption may be suspended, or the payment of proceeds may be delayed (including beyond seven days), during any period:
■
|
when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings;
|
■
|
when trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC;
|
■
|
in which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or
|
■
|
as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of Fund shareholders.
|
You
will not accrue interest or dividends on uncashed redemption checks from the Fund if those checks are undeliverable and returned to the Fund.
redemptions from retirement
accounts
A, B, C & R6
Classes
In the
absence of your specific instructions, 10% of the value of your redemption from a retirement account in the Fund may be withheld for taxes. This withholding only applies to certain types of retirement accounts.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
You
may exchange Shares of the Fund. To do this, you must:
■
|
meet any applicable shareholder eligibility requirements;
|
■
|
ensure that the account registrations are identical;
|
■
|
meet any applicable minimum initial investment requirements; and
|
■
|
receive a prospectus for the fund into which you wish to exchange.
|
An
exchange is treated as a redemption and a subsequent purchase, and is a taxable transaction. The Fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase or exchange Shares. The Fund may modify or terminate the
exchange privilege at any time.
In
addition, the Fund may terminate your exchange privilege if your exchange activity is found to be excessive under the Fund's frequent trading policies. See “Account and Share Information
–
Frequent Trading Policies.”
A, B, C & R
Classes
You
may exchange Shares into shares of the same class of another Federated fund.
IS, SS & R6 Classes
You may
exchange Shares of the Fund for shares of any Federated fund or share class that does not have a stated sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge, except Shares of Federated Institutional Prime 60 Day Fund,
Federated Institutional Money Market Management, Federated Institutional Tax-Free Cash Trust, Federated Institutional Prime Obligations Fund, Federated Institutional Prime Value Obligations Fund, Class A Shares of
Federated Government Reserves Fund and Class R Shares of any Fund.
Systematic Withdrawal/Exchange
Program
You may
automatically redeem or exchange Shares. The minimum amount for all new or revised systematic redemptions or exchanges of Shares is $50 per transaction per fund. Complete the appropriate section of the New Account
Form or an Account Service Options Form or contact your financial intermediary or the Fund. Your account value must meet the minimum initial investment amount at the time the program is established. This program may
reduce, and eventually deplete, your account. Payments should not be considered yield or income.
Generally, it is not advisable to continue to purchase Shares subject to a sales charge while redeeming Shares using this program.
Systematic
Withdrawal Program (SWP) on B Class
You
will not be charged a CDSC on SWP redemptions if:
■
|
you redeem 12% or less of your account value in a single year;
|
■
|
you reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions;
|
■
|
your account has at least a $10,000 balance when you establish the SWP. (You cannot aggregate multiple B class accounts to meet this minimum balance.) and;
|
■
|
for all B class accounts established on or after August 2, 2010, the minimum SWP redemption amount is $50 per transaction, per fund, including transactions that qualify for a CDSC
waiver as outlined in this Prospectus.
|
You
will be subject to a CDSC on redemption amounts that exceed the 12% annual limit. In measuring the redemption percentage, your account is valued when you establish the SWP and then annually at calendar year-end. You
can redeem monthly, quarterly or semi-annually.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Telephone Transactions
The
Fund will record your telephone instructions. If the Fund does not follow reasonable procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Share Certificates
The Fund does not issue share certificates.
Security and Privacy
Protection
ONLINE ACCOUNT and TELEPHONE
ACCESS SECURITY
Federated Investors, Inc. will not be responsible for losses that result from unauthorized transactions, unless Federated does not follow procedures designed to verify your identity. When initiating a transaction by
telephone or online, shareholders should be aware that any person with access to your account and other personal information including PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) may be able to submit instructions by
telephone or online. Shareholders are responsible for protecting their identity by using strong usernames and complex passwords which utilize combinations of mixed case letters, numbers and symbols, and change
passwords and PINs frequently.
Using
Federated's Account Access website means you are consenting to sending and receiving personal financial information over the Internet, so you should be sure you are comfortable with the risks. You will be required to
accept the terms of an online agreement and to establish and utilize a password in order to access online account services. The Transfer Agent has adopted security procedures to confirm that internet instructions are
genuine. The Transfer Agent will also send you written confirmation of share transactions. The Transfer Agent, the Fund and any of its affiliates will not be liable for losses or expenses that occur from fraudulent
Internet instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
The
Transfer Agent or the Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone transaction requests are genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification
information, sending you written confirmation, or requiring other confirmation security procedures. The Transfer Agent, the Fund and any of its affiliates will not be liable for relying on instructions submitted by
telephone that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING
COMPLIANCE
To help
the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each new customer who opens a Fund
account and to determine whether such person's name appears on governmental lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations. Pursuant to the requirements under the Patriot Act, the information
obtained will be used for compliance with the Patriot Act or other applicable laws, regulations and rules in connection with money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities.
Information required includes your name, residential or business address, date of birth (for an individual), and other information that identifies you, including your social security number, tax identification
number or other identifying number. The Fund cannot waive these requirements. The Fund is required by law to reject your Account Application if the required information is not provided. If, after reasonable effort,
the Fund is unable to verify your identity or that of any other person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or believes it has identified potentially suspicious, fraudulent or criminal activity, the Fund reserves the
right to close your account and redeem your shares at the next calculated NAV without your permission. Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) will be assessed upon redemption of your shares.
The
Fund has a strict policy designed to protect the privacy of your personal information. A copy of Federated Investors' privacy policy notice was given to you at the time you opened your account. The Fund sends a copy
of the privacy notice to you annually. You may also obtain the privacy notice by calling the Fund, or through Federated Investors' website.
Account and Share
Information
CONFIRMATIONS AND ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS
You
will receive confirmation of purchases, redemptions and exchanges (except for systematic transactions). In addition, you will receive periodic statements reporting all account activity, including systematic
transactions, dividends and capital gains paid.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS
The
Fund declares and pays any dividends quarterly to shareholders. Dividends are paid to all shareholders invested in the Fund on the record date. The record date is the date on which a shareholder must officially own
Shares in order to earn a dividend.
In
addition, the Fund pays any capital gains at least annually and may make such special distributions of dividends and capital gains as may be necessary to meet applicable regulatory requirements. Your dividends and
capital gains distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Shares without a sales charge, unless you elect cash payments. Dividends may also be reinvested without sales charges in shares of any class
of any other Federated fund of which you are already a shareholder.
If you
purchase Shares just before the record date for a dividend or capital gain distribution, you will pay the full price for the Shares and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution,
whether or not you reinvest the distribution in Shares. Therefore, you should consider the tax implications of purchasing Shares shortly before the record date for a dividend or capital gain. Contact your financial
intermediary or the Fund for information concerning when dividends and capital gains will be paid.
Under
the federal securities laws, the Fund is required to provide a notice to shareholders regarding the source of distributions made by the Fund if such distributions are from sources other than ordinary investment
income. In addition, important information regarding the Fund's distributions, if applicable, is available via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation.
Small Distributions and Uncashed
Checks
Generally, dividend and/or capital gain distributions payable by check in an amount of less than $25 will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. This policy does not apply if you have elected to receive
cash distributions that are directly deposited into your bank account via wire or ACH.
Additionally, if one or more dividend or capital gain distribution checks are returned as “undeliverable,” or remain uncashed for 180 days, all subsequent dividend and capital gain distributions will be
reinvested in additional shares. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks. For questions on whether reinvestment applies to your distributions, please contact a Client Service
Representative at 1-800-341-7400.
ACCOUNTS WITH LOW BALANCES
Federated reserves the right to close accounts if redemptions or exchanges cause the account balance to fall below:
■
|
$1,500 for the A, B and C classes (or in the case of IRAs, $250);
|
■
|
$250 for the R class; and
|
■
|
$25,000 for the IS and SS classes.
|
Before
an account is closed, you will be notified and allowed at least 30 days to purchase additional Shares to meet the minimum.
TAX INFORMATION
The
Fund sends an IRS Form 1099 and an annual statement of your account activity to assist you in completing your federal, state and local tax returns. Fund distributions of dividends and capital gains are taxable to you
whether paid in cash or reinvested in the Fund. Dividends are taxable at different rates depending on the source of dividend income. Distributions of net short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your Shares.
Fund
distributions are expected to be both dividends and capital gains. Redemptions and exchanges are taxable sales. Please consult your tax adviser regarding your federal, state and local tax liability.
FREQUENT TRADING POLICIES
Frequent or short-term trading into and out of the Fund can have adverse consequences for the Fund and shareholders who use the Fund as a long-term investment vehicle. Such trading in significant amounts can disrupt
the Fund's investment strategies (e.g., by requiring it to sell investments at inopportune times or maintain excessive short-term or cash positions to support redemptions), increase brokerage and administrative costs
and affect the timing and amount of taxable gains distributed by the Fund. Investors engaged in such trading may also seek to profit by anticipating changes in the Fund's NAV in advance of the time as of which NAV is
calculated.
The
Fund's Board has approved policies and procedures intended to discourage excessive frequent or short-term trading of the Fund's Shares. The Fund's fair valuation procedures are intended in part to discourage
short-term trading strategies by reducing the potential for these strategies to succeed. See “What Do Shares Cost?” The Fund also monitors trading in Fund Shares in an effort to identify disruptive trading
activity. The Fund monitors trades into and out of the Fund within a period of 30 days or less. The Fund may also monitor trades into and out of the Fund for potentially disruptive trading activity over periods longer
than 30 days. The size of Share transactions subject to monitoring varies. Where it is determined that a shareholder has exceeded the detection amounts twice within a period of 12 months, the Fund will temporarily
prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares. If the shareholder continues to exceed the detection amounts for specified periods, the Fund will impose lengthier trading
restrictions on the shareholder, up to and including permanently prohibiting the shareholder from making any further purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares. Whether or not the specific monitoring limits are exceeded,
the Fund's management or the Adviser may determine from
the amount, frequency or pattern of
purchases and redemptions or exchanges that a shareholder is engaged in excessive trading that is or could be detrimental to the Fund and other shareholders and may prohibit the shareholder from making further
purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares. No matter how the Fund defines its limits on frequent trading of Fund Shares, other purchases and sales of Fund Shares may have adverse effects on the management of the Fund's
portfolio and its performance.
The
Fund's frequent trading restrictions do not apply to purchases and sales of Fund Shares by other Federated funds. These funds impose the same frequent trading restrictions as the Fund at their shareholder level. In
addition, allocation changes of the investing Federated fund are monitored, and the managers of the recipient fund must determine that there is no disruption to their management activity. The intent of this exception
is to allow investing fund managers to accommodate cash flows and other activity that result from non-abusive trading in the investing fund, without being stopped from such trading because the aggregate of such trades
exceeds the monitoring limits. Nonetheless, as with any trading in Fund Shares, purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares by other Federated funds could adversely affect the management of the Fund's portfolio and its
performance.
The
Fund will not restrict transactions made on a non-discretionary basis by certain asset allocation programs, wrap programs, fund of funds, collective funds or other similar accounts that have been pre-approved by
Federated (“Approved Accounts”). The Fund will continue to monitor transactions by the Approved Accounts and will seek to limit or restrict even non-discretionary transactions by Approved Accounts that are
determined to be disruptive or harmful to the Fund.
The
Fund's objective is that its restrictions on short-term trading should apply to all shareholders that are subject to the restrictions, regardless of the number or type of accounts in which Shares are held. However,
the Fund anticipates that limitations on its ability to identify trading activity to specific shareholders, including where Shares are held through intermediaries in multiple or omnibus accounts, will mean that these
restrictions may not be able to be applied uniformly in all cases.
Other
funds in the Federated family of funds may impose different monitoring policies or in some cases, may not monitor for frequent or short-term trading. Under normal market conditions such monitoring policies are
designed to protect the funds being monitored and their shareholders and the operation of such policies and shareholder investments under such monitoring are not expected to have materially adverse impact on the
Federated funds or their shareholders. If you plan to exchange your fund shares for shares of another Federated fund, please read the prospectus of that other Federated fund for more information.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings is available via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. A complete listing of the Fund's portfolio holdings as
of the end of each calendar quarter is posted on the website 30 days (or the next business day) after the end of the quarter and remains posted for six months thereafter. Summary portfolio composition information as
of the close of each month is posted on the website 15 days (or the next business day) after month-end and remains posted until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. The summary portfolio composition
information may include identification of the Fund's top 10 holdings and a percentage breakdown of the portfolio by sector.
You may
also access portfolio information as of the end of the Fund's fiscal quarters via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. The Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder
Reports contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Fund's Form N-Q filings contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings
as of the end of the Fund's first and third fiscal quarters. Fiscal quarter information is made available on the website within 70 days after the end of the fiscal quarter. This information is also available in
reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
In
addition, from time to time (for example, during periods of unusual market conditions), additional information regarding the Fund's portfolio holdings and/or composition may be posted to Federated's website. If and
when such information is posted, its availability will be noted on, and the information will be accessible from, the home page of the website.
Who Manages the Fund?
The
Board governs the Fund. The Board selects and oversees the Adviser, Federated MDTA LLC (“MDT Advisers”), which is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Federated acquired MDT Advisers in July
2006. MDT Advisers commenced advising the Fund effective April 1, 2009. MDT Advisers or its affiliates have managed the Fund since its inception. MDT Advisers is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives and policies (subject to the general supervision of the Fund's Board). This includes designing, developing, periodically enhancing and implementing the quantitative
model that drives investment decisions. Federated
Advisory Services Company (FASC), an
affiliate of the Adviser, provides security and market data and certain other support services to the Adviser. The fee for these services is paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund. The address of the Adviser is 125
High Street, Oliver Street Tower, 21st Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2704. The address of FASC is Federated Investors Tower, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779.
The Adviser and other subsidiaries of Federated advise approximately 124 equity, fixed-income and money market mutual funds as well as a variety of other pooled investment vehicles, private
investment companies and customized separately managed accounts (including non-U.S./offshore funds) which totaled approximately $365.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016. Federated was established in 1955 and
is one of the largest investment managers in the United States with approximately 1,400 employees. Federated provides investment products to approximately 8,500 investment professionals and institutions.
The
Adviser advises approximately eight equity mutual funds (including sub-advised funds) as well as a variety of institutional separate accounts, separately managed accounts and pooled investment vehicles, which totaled
approximately $1.4 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION
The Fund is managed by a proprietary, quantitative model that drives investment selection, which is supported and implemented by the MDT Advisers Investment Team (“Investment
Team”).
The
following members of the Investment Team managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund from the dates noted below and continue to manage the Fund as Portfolio Managers of the Fund and employees of the
Adviser since August 2017.
Daniel J.
Mahr, CFA
joined the Investment Team in 2002 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009.
He is
Vice President of the Trust and is a Senior Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. He is responsible for leading the Investment Team as it relates to the ongoing design, development and implementation of the investment
model. He received his A.B., Computer Science from Harvard College and his S.M., Computer Science from Harvard University.
Frederick
L. Konopka, CFA
joined the Investment Team in 1997 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009.
Mr.
Konopka is a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. He is responsible for ongoing improvement of the research processes and software development for the investment model, focusing on trading impact evaluation and
implementation. He received his A.B., Mathematics from Dartmouth College and his M.S., Concentration in Information Technology and Finance from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Brian M.
Greenberg
joined the Investment Team in 2004 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009.
Mr.
Greenberg is a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. As a Group Leader, he is responsible for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the investment model, including software code design and development. Mr. Greenberg
received his A.B., Computer Science from Harvard College and his S.M., Computer Science from Harvard University.
John Paul
Lewicke
joined the Investment Team in 2007 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since September 2014.
Mr.
Lewicke is a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. As Research Manager, he is responsible for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the investment model, including software code design and development. Mr. Lewicke
received his A.B., Mathematics and Computer Science from Dartmouth College.
The
Fund's SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers' compensation, management of other accounts and ownership of securities in the Fund.
ADVISORY FEES
The
Fund's investment advisory contract provides for payment to the Adviser of an annual investment advisory fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets as shown in the chart below. The Adviser may voluntarily waive
a portion of its fee or reimburse the Fund for certain operating expenses.
Average Daily Net Assets
|
Advisory Fee as a
Percentage of Average
Daily Net Assets
|
First $500 million
|
0.750%
|
Second $500 million
|
0.675%
|
Third $500 million
|
0.600%
|
Fourth $500 million
|
0.525%
|
Over $2 billion
|
0.400%
|
The
Adviser and its affiliates have also agreed to certain “Fee Limits” as described in the footnote to the “Risk/Return Summary: Fees and Expenses” table found in the “Fund Summary”
section of the Prospectus.
A discussion of the Board's review of the Fund's investment advisory contract will be available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual shareholder reports for the periods ended October 31 and April
30, respectively.
Financial Information
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Fund's fiscal year end is October 31. As the Fund's first fiscal year will end October 31, 2017, the Fund's audited financial information is not available as of the date of this
Prospectus.
The Financial Highlights will help you
understand the Fund's financial performance for its past five fiscal years, or since inception, if the life of the Fund is shorter. Some of the information is presented on a per Share basis. Total returns represent
the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. Pursuant to an expected tax-free reorganization, the Fund will be the legal
entity successor to Federated MDT Large Cap Value (“Predecessor Fund”). The Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund will be the accounting survivor as a result of the reorganization. The information
presented incorporates the operations of the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund which, as a result of the reorganization, are the Fund's operations. Prior to the reorganization, the Fund had no investment
operations.This information has been audited by [ ], an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's audited financial statements, is
included in the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's Annual Report.
Financial Highlights
–
Predecessor Fund
–
Service Shares
(For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period)
Year Ended October 31
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2013
|
2012
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$27.85
|
$29.90
|
$28.56
|
$22.31
|
$22.53
|
Income From Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
0.42
1
|
0.37
|
0.30
|
0.35
1
|
0.23
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
0.17
|
(0.01)
|
4.55
|
7.57
|
2.67
|
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
|
0.59
|
0.36
|
4.85
|
7.92
|
2.90
|
Less Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net investment income
|
(0.42)
|
(0.35)
|
(0.28)
|
(0.35)
|
(0.25)
|
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
|
(1.91)
|
(2.06)
|
(3.23)
|
(1.32)
|
(2.87)
|
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS
|
(2.33)
|
(2.41)
|
(3.51)
|
(1.67)
|
(3.12)
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
$26.11
|
$27.85
|
$29.90
|
$28.56
|
$22.31
|
Total Return
2
|
2.50%
|
1.10%
|
18.68%
|
37.85%
|
14.63%
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses
|
0.98%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
Net investment income
|
1.66%
|
1.28%
|
1.06%
|
1.39%
|
1.08%
|
Expense waiver/reimbursement
3
|
0.24%
|
0.23%
|
0.23%
|
0.25%
|
0.28%
|
Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)
|
$251,246
|
$277,253
|
$313,714
|
$228,665
|
$178,109
|
Portfolio turnover
|
88%
|
77%
|
34%
|
77%
|
121%
|
1
|
Per share number has been calculated using the average shares method.
|
2
|
Based on net asset value.
|
3
|
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and net investment income ratios shown above.
|
Further
information about the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's performance is contained in that fund's Annual Report, dated October 31, 2016, which can be obtained free of charge.
Appendix A: Hypothetical Investment and
Expense Information
The following charts provide additional hypothetical information about the effect of the Fund's expenses, including investment advisory fees and other Fund costs, on the Fund's assumed returns
over a 10-year period. Each chart shows the estimated expenses that would be incurred in respect of a hypothetical investment of $10,000, assuming a 5% return each year, and no redemption of Shares. Each chart also
assumes that the Fund's annual expense ratio stays the same throughout the 10-year period (except the B class, which converts to the A class after you have held them for eight years) and that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The annual expense ratios used in each chart are the same as stated in the “Fees and Expenses” table of this Prospectus (and thus may not reflect any fee waiver or expense
reimbursement currently in effect). The maximum amount of any sales charge that might be imposed on the
purchase
of Shares (and deducted from the hypothetical initial investment of $10,000; the “Front-End Sales Charge”) is reflected in the “Hypothetical Expenses”
column. The hypothetical investment information does not reflect the effect of charges (if any) normally applicable to
redemptions
of Shares (e.g., deferred sales charges, redemption fees). Mutual fund returns, as well as fees and expenses, may fluctuate over time, and your actual investment returns
and total expenses may be higher or lower than those shown below.
TO BE UPDATED BY AMENDMENT
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - A CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 1.16%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: 5.50%
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - B CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 1.91%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: NONE
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - C CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 1.91%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: NONE
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - R CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 1.66%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: NONE
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - IS CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 0.92%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: NONE
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - SS CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 1.16%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: NONE
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - R6 CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 0.87%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: NONE
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
Appendix B: Sales Charge Waivers for Shareholders Purchasing Through Certain Financial Intermediaries
Merrill Lynch
Effective April 10, 2017, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers and shareholders redeeming Fund shares
through a Merrill Lynch platform or account (regardless of purchase date) will be eligible only for the following contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge (CDSC) waivers and discounts, which may differ from
those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's prospectus.
Front-End Sales Load Waivers on
Class A Shares Available at Merrill Lynch
■
|
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are
not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
|
■
|
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
|
■
|
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
|
■
|
Shares purchased by third-party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch's platform
|
■
|
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform
|
■
|
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
|
■
|
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date
|
■
|
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
|
■
|
Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund's investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
|
■
|
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided: (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption; (2) the
redemption and purchase occur in the same account; and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
|
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares
available at Merrill Lynch
■
|
Death or disability of the shareholder
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund's prospectus
|
■
|
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70
1
⁄
2
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
|
■
|
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
|
■
|
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are converted to a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable
to A and C shares only). The CDSC applicable to the converted shares will be waived, and Merrill Lynch will remit to the Fund's Distributor a portion of the waived CDSC. Such portion shall be equal to the number of
months remaining on the CDSC period divided by the total number of months of the CDSC period.
|
Front-End Load Discounts Available
at Merrill Lynch:
Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent
■
|
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
|
■
|
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family
assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her
financial advisor about such assets.
|
■
|
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time
|
An SAI
dated August __, 2017, includes additional information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The SAI contains a description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of its portfolio securities. To obtain the SAI and other information without charge, and to make inquiries, call your financial intermediary or the Fund at 1-800-341-7400.
These documents, as well
as additional information about the Fund (including portfolio holdings, performance and distributions), are also available on Federated's website at FederatedInvestors.com.
You can obtain
information about the Fund (including the SAI) by writing to or visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. You may also access Fund information from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov. You can purchase copies of this information by contacting the SEC by email at publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549. Call 1-202-551-8090 for
information on the Public Reference Room's operations and copying fees.
Federated MDT Large Cap Value
Fund
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at
FederatedInvestors.com
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp.,
Distributor
Investment Company Act File No.
811-3385
CUSIP TBD
CUSIP TBD
CUSIP TBD
CUSIP TBD
CUSIP TBD
CUSIP TBD
CUSIP TBD
Q453818 (x/17)
Federated is a registered trademark
of Federated Investors, Inc.
2017 ©Federated Investors, Inc.
Prospectus
August __, 2017
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
A Portfolio of Federated MDT Equity Trust
A
mutual fund seeking to provide growth of income and capital by investing primarily in common stocks of large-sized U.S. companies undervalued relative to the market.
As
with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Not FDIC Insured • May Lose
Value • No Bank Guarantee
CONTENTS
|
1
|
|
5
|
|
6
|
|
6
|
|
7
|
|
10
|
|
10
|
|
11
|
|
13
|
|
15
|
|
16
|
|
18
|
|
19
|
|
23
|
Fund Summary
Information
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
(the “Fund”)
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The
Fund's investment objective is to provide growth of income and capital.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: FEES AND
EXPENSES
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Class T Shares (T) of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
|
T
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
|
2.50%
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, as applicable)
|
None
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (and other Distributions) (as a percentage of offering price)
|
None
|
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable)
|
None
|
Exchange Fee
|
None
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
Management Fee
|
0.68%
|
Distribution (12b-1) Fee
|
None
|
Other Expenses
|
0.47%
|
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
|
0.01%
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
1.16%
|
Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursements
1
|
(0.17)%
|
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursements
1
|
(0.17)%
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
|
0.99%
|
The Adviser and certain of its
affiliates on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest
expense, extraordinary expenses, and proxy-related expenses, paid by the Fund, if any) paid by the Fund's T class, (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 0.98% (the “Fee
Limit”), up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) September 1, 2018; or (b) the date of the Fund's next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its affiliates currently
do not anticipate terminating or increasing these arrangements prior to the Termination Date, these arrangements may only be terminated or the Fee Limit increased prior to the Termination Date with the agreement of
the Fund's Board of Trustees.
The Fund is the legal entity
successor to Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund (the “Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund”) pursuant to expected tax-free reorganization. Pursuant to the expected reorganization, the Predecessor
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund is the accounting survivor.
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The
Example assumes that you invest $10,000 for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that
the operating expenses are based on the contractual expense limitation as shown in the table above and remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:
TO BE UPDATED BY AMENDMENT
Share Class
|
1 Year
|
3 Years
|
5 Years
|
10 Years
|
T:
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher
transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 88% of the average value of its portfolio.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS,
RISKS and PERFORMANCE
What are the Fund's Main
Investment Strategies?
The
Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of large-sized U.S. companies undervalued relative to the market.
The
Fund's investment adviser's (“Adviser”) investment strategy utilizes a large-cap value approach by selecting most of its investments from companies listed in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index, an index that measures the performance of those companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower
forecasted growth values within the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, which includes the 1,000 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization. The Fund considers large-cap companies to be those of a size
similar to companies listed in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index. As of October 31, 2016, companies in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index ranged in market capitalization from $642.2 million to $605.9 billion. As more fully described in this
Prospectus, the Fund's investments primarily include the following: equity securities of domestic issuers.
The Adviser implements its strategy using a quantitative model driven by fundamental stock selection variables, including profit trends, capital structure and price history. This process seeks to
impose strict discipline over stock selection, unimpeded by market or manager psychology. It seeks to maximize compound annual return while controlling risk. The process also takes into account trading costs in an
effort to ensure that trades are generated only to the extent they are expected to be profitable on an after-trading-cost basis. Additionally, risk is controlled through diversification constraints which limit
exposure to individual companies as well as groups of correlated companies.
The
Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in large-cap investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of
any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in large-cap investments.
The Fund actively trades its portfolio securities in an attempt to achieve its investment objective. Active trading will cause the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover rate, which may
generate shorter-term gains (or losses) for its shareholders, which are taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains (or losses). Actively trading portfolio securities increases the Fund's trading costs and may have
an adverse impact on the Fund's performance.
What are the Main Risks of
Investing in the Fund?
All
mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The primary factors that may reduce the Fund's returns include:
■
|
Stock Market Risk.
The value of equity securities in the Fund's portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund's Share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period of time. Information publicly
available about a company, whether from the company's financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can affect the price of a
company's shares in the market. Among other factors, equity securities may decline in value because of an increase in interest rates or changes in the stock market. Recent and potential future changes in industry
and/or economic trends, as well as changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments, also can affect the level of interest rates and contribute to the development of or increase in volatility,
illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other adverse effects (such as a decline in a company's stock price), which could negatively impact the Fund's performance.
|
■
|
Risk Related to the Economy.
The value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or the stock market. Economic and financial
conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments, may from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause the Fund to experience volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and/or other
potentially adverse effects.
|
■
|
Large-Cap Company Risk.
The Fund will invest in large capitalization (or “large-cap”) companies. Large-cap companies may have fewer opportunities to expand the market for their products or services,
may focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share, and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges. These factors could result in the share price of large
companies not keeping pace with the overall stock market or growth in the general economy, and could have a negative effect on the Fund's portfolio, performance and Share price.
|
■
|
Risk Related to Investing for Value.
Due to their relatively low valuations, value stocks are typically less volatile than growth stocks. Additionally, value stocks tend to have higher dividends than growth stocks. This means
they depend less on price changes for returns and may lag behind growth stocks in an up market.
|
■
|
Sector Risk.
Because the Fund may allocate relatively more assets to certain industry sectors than others, the Fund's performance may be more susceptible to any developments which affect those sectors
emphasized by the Fund.
|
■
|
Quantitative Modeling Risk.
The Fund employs quantitative models as a management technique. These models examine multiple economic factors using various proprietary and third-party data. The results generated by
quantitative analysis may perform differently than expected and may negatively affect Fund performance for various reasons (for example, human judgment, data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, or
programming inaccuracies).
|
The
Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
Performance: Bar Chart and
Table
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
Risk/Return Bar Chart
Pursuant to a tax-free reorganization (the “Reorganization”), the Fund is expected to become the successor to Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund (“Predecessor Fund”). As a
result of the expected Reorganization, the Fund will become the legal entity survivor while the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund will become the accounting survivor. Prior to the date of the expected
Reorganization, the Fund had no investment operations. The Fund's Class T Shares (“T class”) has not yet commenced operations. Accordingly, the T class performance information and financial information,
including information on fees and expenses, provided in this Prospectus for periods prior to the first business day following the Reorganization is historical information for the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap
Value Fund's A class and has not been adjusted since the T class is expected to have the same net expense ratio as the A class. The Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's A class commenced operations on May
1, 2014. For the periods prior to the commencement of operations of the A class, the performance information shown is of the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's SS class adjusted to reflect the expenses
of the A class for each year the A class gross expenses would have exceeded the actual expenses paid by the SS class. The performance information has also been adjusted to reflect the differences between the sales
loads and charges imposed on the purchase and redemption of A class and SS class shares. The Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund was managed by the Adviser and had the same investment objectives and similar
strategies as the Fund.
The bar
chart and performance table below are intended to help you analyze the Fund's investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund's T class total returns on a calendar
year-by-year basis. The Average Annual Total Return table shows returns
averaged
over the stated periods, and includes comparative performance information.
The Fund's performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Updated performance information for the Fund
is available under the “Products” section at FederatedInvestors.com or by calling 1-800-341-7400.
The total returns shown in the
bar chart do not reflect the payment of any sales charges or recurring shareholder account fees. If these charges or fees had been included, the returns shown would have been lower.
The Fund's SS
class total return for the nine-month period from January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, was 7.24%.
The Fund's A class total return
for the nine-month period from January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, was 15.10%.
Within the periods shown in the
bar chart, the Fund's T class highest quarterly return was 16.69% (quarter ended June 30, 2009). Its lowest quarterly return was (19.13)% (quarter ended September 30, 2011).
Average Annual Total Return
Table
The Fund's T class has not yet commenced operations. The T class performance information shown below is for the Predecessor Fund's A class as described above.
In
addition to Return Before Taxes, Return After Taxes is shown for the T class to illustrate the effect of federal taxes on Fund returns.
Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor's personal tax situation, and are likely to differ from those shown.
After-tax returns are calculated using a standard set of
assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical
federal
income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do
not
reflect the effect of any applicable
state
and
local
taxes. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other tax-advantaged investment plans.
(For the Period Ended December
31, 2016)
TO BE UPDATED BY
AMENDMENT
|
1 Year
|
5 Years
|
10 Years
|
T:
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes
|
8.76%
|
14.57%
|
6.14%
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions
|
6.82%
|
12.00%
|
4.33%
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
|
5.36%
|
11.01%
|
4.52%
|
Russell 1000
®
Value Index
1
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
17.34%
|
14.80%
|
5.72%
|
Morningstar Large Value Funds Average
2
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
14.81%
|
12.97%
|
5.38%
|
1
|
The Russell 1000
®
Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe.
|
2
|
Morningstar figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all the mutual funds designated by Morningstar as falling into the respective category
indicated. They do not reflect sales charges.
|
FUND MANAGEMENT
The
Fund's Investment Adviser is Federated MDTA LLC.
Daniel J. Mahr, Managing Director of Research, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since
August 2017.
Frederick L. Konopka, Portfolio and Trading Manager, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since August
2017.
Brian M. Greenberg, Research Manager, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since August
2017.
John
Paul Lewicke, Research Manager, managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since September 2014 and has continued to manage the Fund as an employee of the Adviser since August 2017.
purchase and sale of fund
shares
You may
purchase or redeem Shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Shares may not be exchanged for shares of another Federated fund.
Shares may be purchased through a financial intermediary firm that has entered into a Fund selling and/or servicing
agreement with the Distributor or an affiliate (“Financial Intermediary”) or directly from the Fund, by wire or by check. Please note that certain purchase restrictions may apply. Redeem Shares through a
financial intermediary or directly from the Fund by telephone at 1-800-341-7400 or by mail.
The
minimum investment amount for the Fund's T class is generally $1,500 for initial investments and $100 for subsequent investments. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual Retirement
Accounts are generally $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent investment amount for employer-sponsored retirement plans. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum
investments. The minimum investment for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.
Tax Information
The
Fund's distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains except when your investment is through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries
If you
purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and/or its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund Shares and related services. These
payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial
intermediary's website for more information.
What are the Fund's
Investment Strategies?
The
Fund's investment objective is to provide growth of income and capital. While there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, it endeavors to do so by following the principal strategies and
policies described in this Prospectus. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides information about the Fund's non-principal strategies.
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of large-sized, U.S. companies undervalued relative to the market. The strategy seeks to maximize return while
controlling risk. Individual stocks are selected for inclusion in the Fund based upon a proprietary, quantitative model that is designed to facilitate an objective, disciplined, quantitative analysis of every stock in
the Fund's investment universe.
The
quantitative model constructs the portfolio by considering fundamental measures, analyzing expected trading costs and employing risk controls to promote diversification. Fundamental measures used in the process are
derived from sources that include company financial statements, analyst analyses and market performance. Risk is controlled through diversification constraints which limit exposure to individual companies as well as
to groups of correlated companies. The process also estimates trading costs in an effort to ensure that trades are generated only to the extent they are expected to be profitable on an after-trading-cost basis. The
Adviser reviews the proposed trades produced by the process in an effort to ensure that they are based on accurate and current information. If a proposed trade is deemed to be based on inaccurate or stale information,
the trade decision is deferred until the model incorporates timely and accurate information.
The
Adviser selects most of its investments from companies listed in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index, an index that measures the performance of those companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower
forecasted growth values within the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, which includes the 1,000 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization. Because the Fund invests in companies that are defined
largely by reference to the Russell 1000
®
Value Index, the market capitalization of companies in which the Fund may invest will vary with market conditions. The
Russell Index is reconstituted on an annual basis. As of October 31, 2016, companies in the Russell 1000
®
Value Index ranged in market capitalization from $642.2 million to $605.9 billion.
The
Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in large-cap investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of
any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in large-cap investments.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The
Fund actively trades its portfolio securities in an attempt to achieve its investment objective. Active trading will cause the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover rate, which is likely to generate
shorter-term gains (losses) for its shareholders, which are taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains (losses). Actively trading portfolio securities increases the Fund's trading costs and may have an adverse
impact on the Fund's performance.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
The
Fund may temporarily depart from its principal investment strategies by investing its assets in shorter-term debt securities and similar obligations or holding cash. It may do this in response to unusual
circumstances, such as: adverse market, economic or other conditions (for example, to help avoid potential losses, or during periods when there is a shortage of appropriate securities); to maintain liquidity to meet
shareholder redemptions; or to accommodate cash inflows. It is possible that such investments could affect the Fund's investment returns and/or the ability to achieve the Fund's investment objectives.
What are the Fund's
Principal Investments?
The
following provides general information on the Fund's principal investments. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides information about the Fund's non-principal investments and may provide
additional information about the Fund's principal investments.
Equity Securities
Equity
securities represent a share of an issuer's earnings and assets, after the issuer pays its liabilities. The Fund cannot predict the income it will receive from equity securities because issuers generally have
discretion as to the payment of any dividends or distributions. However, equity securities offer greater potential for appreciation than many other types of securities, because their value increases directly with the
value of the issuer's business. The following describes the equity securities in which the Fund principally invests.
Common Stocks
Common
stocks are the most prevalent type of equity security. Common stocks receive the issuer's earnings after the issuer pays its creditors and any preferred stockholders. As a result, changes in an issuer's earnings
directly influence the value of its common stock.
What are the Specific
Risks of Investing in the Fund?
The
following provides general information on the risks associated with the Fund's principal investments. Any additional risks associated with the Fund's non-principal investments are described in the Fund's SAI. The
Fund's SAI also may provide additional information about the risks associated with the Fund's principal investments.
Stock Market Risk
The
value of equity securities in the Fund's portfolio will rise and fall over time. These fluctuations could be a sustained trend or a drastic movement. Historically, the equity market has moved in cycles, and the value
of the Fund's securities may fluctuate from day to day. The Fund's portfolio will reflect changes in prices of individual portfolio stocks or general changes in stock valuations. Consequently, the Fund's Share price
may decline. The Adviser attempts to manage market risk by limiting the amount the Fund invests in each company's equity securities. However, diversification will not protect the Fund against widespread or prolonged
declines in the stock market.
Information publicly available about a company, whether from the company's financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can
affect the price of a company's shares in the market. The price of a company's shares depends significantly on the information publicly available about the company. The reporting of poor results by a company, the
restatement of a company's financial statements or corrections to other information regarding a company or its business may adversely affect the price of its shares, as would allegations of fraud or other misconduct
by the company's management. The Fund may also be disadvantaged if some market participants have access to material information not readily available to other market participants, including the Fund.
Economic, political and financial conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments, may from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause volatility, illiquidity and/or other potentially adverse
effects in the financial markets. The commencement, continuation or ending of government policies and economic stimulus programs, changes in monetary policy, increases or decreases in interest rates, or other factors
or events that affect the financial markets may contribute to the
development of or increase in
volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other adverse effects (such as a decline in a company's stock price), which could negatively impact the Fund's performance. For example, the value of equity
securities may rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Market factors, such as the demand for particular equity securities, may cause the price of certain equity securities to fall while the prices of
other securities rise or remain unchanged.
Risk Related to
the Economy
The
value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or the stock market based on negative developments in the U.S. and global economies.
Economic, political and financial conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments, may, from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause volatility, illiquidity and/or other potentially adverse
effects in the financial markets, including the fixed-income market. The commencement, continuation or ending of government policies and economic stimulus programs, changes in monetary policy, increases or decreases
in interest rates, or other factors or events that affect the financial markets, including the fixed-income markets, may contribute to the development of or increase in volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions
and other adverse effects which could negatively impact the Fund's performance. A general rise in interest rates, which could result from a change in government policies, has the potential to cause investors to move
out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities and may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the
fixed-income markets.
Large-Cap Company Risk
The Fund will invest in large capitalization (or “large cap”) companies. Market capitalization is determined by multiplying the number of a company's outstanding shares by the current
market price per share. Larger, more established, companies may have fewer opportunities to expand the market for their products or services, may focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their
market share, and may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, like price competition, changes in consumer tastes or innovative products. These factors could result in the share price of larger
companies not keeping pace with the overall stock market or growth in the general economy, and could have a negative effect on the Fund's portfolio, performance and Share price.
Risk Related to Investing for
Value
Due to
their relatively low valuations, value stocks are typically less volatile than growth stocks. For instance, the price of a value stock may experience a smaller increase on a forecast of higher earnings, a positive
fundamental development or positive market development. Further, value stocks tend to have higher dividends than growth stocks. This means they depend less on price changes for returns and may lag behind growth stocks
in an up market.
Sector Risk
Companies with similar characteristics may be grouped together in broad categories called sectors. Sector risk is the possibility that a certain sector may underperform other sectors or the market as a whole. As the
Adviser allocates more of the Fund's portfolio holdings to a particular sector, the Fund's performance will be more susceptible to any economic, business or other developments which generally affect that sector.
Quantitative MOdeling Risk
The
Fund employs quantitative models as a management technique. These models examine multiple economic and market factors using large data sets. The results generated by quantitative analysis may be different than
expected and may negatively affect Fund performance for a variety of reasons. For example, human judgment plays a role in building, utilizing, testing and modifying the financial algorithms and formulas used in these
models. Additionally, the data, which is typically supplied by third parties, can be imprecise or become stale due to new events or changing circumstances. Market performance can be affected by non-quantitative
factors (for example, investor fear or over-reaction or other emotional considerations) that are not easily integrated into quantitative analysis. There may also be technical issues with the construction and
implementation of quantitative models (for example, software or other technology malfunctions, or programming inaccuracies).
What Do Shares Cost?
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET
VALUE
When
the Fund receives your transaction request in proper form (as described in this Prospectus), it is processed at the next calculated net asset value of a Share (NAV) plus any applicable front-end sales charge
(“public offering price”). A Share's NAV is determined as of the end of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), each day the NYSE is open. The Fund
calculates the NAV of each class by valuing the assets allocated to the Share's class, subtracting the liabilities allocated to each class and dividing the balance by the number of
Shares of the class outstanding. The NAV
for each class of Shares may differ due to the level of expenses allocated to each class as well as a result of the variance between the amount of accrued investment income and capital gains or losses allocated to
each class and the amount actually distributed to shareholders of each class. The Fund's current NAV and/or public offering price may be found at FederatedInvestors.com, via online news sources and in certain
newspapers.
You
can purchase or redeem Shares any day the NYSE is open.
When
the Fund holds securities that trade principally in foreign markets on days the NYSE is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may change on days you cannot purchase or redeem Shares. This may also occur when the U.S.
markets for fixed-income securities are open on a day the NYSE is closed.
In
calculating its NAV, the Fund generally values investments as follows:
■
|
Equity securities listed on an exchange or traded through a regulated market system are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing price in their principal exchange or market.
|
|
If any price, quotation, price evaluation or other pricing source is not readily available when the NAV is calculated, if the Fund cannot obtain price evaluations from a pricing service or from more
than one dealer for an investment within a reasonable period of time as set forth in the Fund's valuation policies and procedures, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, is deemed not representative of the fair value of such security, the Fund uses the fair value of the investment determined in accordance with the procedures generally described below. There can be no
assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
|
|
Shares of other mutual funds are valued based upon their reported NAVs. The prospectuses for these mutual funds explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of
using fair value pricing.
|
Fair Valuation
and Significant Events Procedures
The
Board has ultimate responsibility for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Board has appointed a Valuation Committee comprised of officers of the Fund,
the Adviser and certain of the Adviser's affiliated companies to assist in determining fair value and in overseeing the calculation of the NAV. The Board has also authorized the use of pricing services recommended by
the Valuation Committee to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available
for an investment, the Valuation Committee determines the fair value of the investment in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The Board periodically reviews and approves the fair valuations made by the
Valuation Committee and any changes made to the procedures. The Fund's SAI discusses the methods used by pricing services and the Valuation Committee to assist the Board in valuing investments.
Using
fair value to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs. The application of the
fair value procedures to an investment represent a good faith determination of such investment's fair value. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the
investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
The
Board also has adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Adviser determines that a significant event affecting the value of the investment has occurred between the time as
of which the price of the investment would otherwise be determined and the time as of which the NAV is computed. An event is considered significant if there is both an affirmative expectation that the investment's
value will change in response to the event and a reasonable basis for quantifying the resulting change in value.
Examples of significant events that may occur after the close of the principal market on which a security is traded, or after the time of a price evaluation provided by a pricing service or a dealer, include:
■
|
With respect to securities traded principally in foreign markets, significant trends in U.S. equity markets or in the trading of foreign securities index futures contracts;
|
■
|
Political or other developments affecting the economy or markets in which an issuer conducts its operations or its securities are traded; and
|
■
|
Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations or litigation developments or a natural disaster affecting the issuer's operations or regulatory changes or
market developments affecting the issuer's industry.
|
The
Board has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to determine the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets when the Adviser determines that there has
been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading. For other significant events, the Fund may seek to obtain more current quotations or price evaluations from alternative pricing sources.
If a reliable alternative pricing source is not available, the Valuation Committee will determine the fair value of the investment using another method approved by the Board. The Board has ultimate responsibility for
any fair valuations made in response to a significant event.
The
fair valuation of securities following a significant event can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities for short-term traders to profit at the expense of long-term investors in the Fund. For example, such arbitrage
opportunities may exist when the market on which portfolio securities are traded closes before the Fund calculates its NAV, which is typically the case with Asian and European markets. However, there is no assurance
that these significant event procedures will prevent dilution of the NAV by short-term traders. See “Account and Share Information
–
Frequent Trading Policies” for other procedures the Fund employs to deter such short-term trading.
SALES CHARGE INFORMATION
The
following table summarizes the minimum investment amount and the maximum sales charge that you will pay on an investment in the Fund. Keep in mind that financial intermediaries may charge you fees for their services
in connection with your Share transactions.
|
Minimum
Initial/Subsequent
Investment
Amounts
1
|
Maximum Sales Charges
|
Shares Offered
|
Front-End
Sales Charge
2
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charge
|
T
|
$1,500/$100
|
2.50%
|
None
|
1
|
The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are generally $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent
investment amount required for employer-sponsored retirement plans; however, such accounts remain subject to the Fund's policy on “Accounts with Low Balances” as discussed later in this Prospectus. Please
see “By Systematic Investment Program” for applicable minimum investment. Financial intermediaries may impose higher or lower minimum investment requirements on their customers than those imposed by the
Fund.
|
2
|
Front-End Sales Charge is expressed as a percentage of public offering price. See “Sales Charge When You Purchase.”
|
SALES CHARGE WHEN YOU PURCHASE
The
following table lists the sales charges which will be applied to your Share purchase, subject to the breakpoint discounts indicated in the table and described below.
T:
|
Purchase Amount
|
Sales Charge
as a Percentage
of Public
Offering Price
|
Sales Charge
as a Percentage
of NAV
|
Less than $250,000
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
$250,000 but less than $500,000
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
$500,000 but less than $1 million
|
1.50%
|
1.52%
|
$1 million or greater
|
1.00%
|
1.01%
|
REDUCING THE SALES CHARGE WITH
BREAKPOINT DISCOUNTS
Your
purchase transaction may qualify for a reduction of the sales charge, also known as a breakpoint discount. The breakpoint discounts offered by the Fund are indicated in the table above. You or your financial
intermediary must notify the Fund's Transfer Agent of eligibility for any applicable breakpoint discount at the time of purchase. Share class availability depends upon your financial intermediary's policies and
procedures. Consult with your financial intermediary for more information.
Rights of
Accumulation and Letter of Intent privileges are not available for you to reduce the front-end sales charge you pay on Class T Shares.
The applicable front-end sales charge applies to each individual transaction in the Fund.
Waiver of the Class T Sales
Charge
No
sales charge is imposed on Class T Shares of the Fund if the shares were purchased with the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
No
sales charge is imposed on Class T Shares if the shares are issued in connection with the merger, consolidation or acquisition of the assets of another fund.
Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge
Redemptions of Class T Shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
How is the Fund Sold?
The Fund offers the following Share classes: Class A Shares (A), Class B Shares (B), Class C Shares (C), Class R Shares (R), Institutional Shares (IS), Service Shares (SS), Class R6 Shares (R6)
and Class T Shares (T) each representing interests in a single portfolio of securities. This Prospectus relates only to the Tclass. All Share classes have different sales charges and other expenses which affect their
performance. Contact your financial intermediary or call 1-800-341-7400 for more information concerning another class. Share class availability depends upon your financial intermediary's policies and procedures.
Consult with your financial intermediary for more information.
Under
the Distributor's Contract with the Fund, the Distributor, Federated Securities Corp., offers Shares on a continuous, best-efforts basis. The Distributor is a subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc.
(“Federated”).
The
Fund's Distributor markets the T class to customers of financial institutions or to individuals, directly or through financial intermediaries.
A shareholder in the Fund's Shares may convert their Shares at net asset value to any other share class of the Fund if the shareholder meets the investment minimum and eligibility requirements
for the share class into which the conversion is sought, as applicable. This share conversion program is not applicable to the Fund's Class B Shares. The share conversion program is not applicable to the Fund's Class
A Shares and Class C Shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. For Class C Shares purchased through a financial intermediary, such shares may only be converted to another share class of the
same Fund if (i) the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC or the financial intermediary agrees to reimburse the Funds' distributor the CDSC otherwise payable upon the sale of such shares, (ii) the shareholder meets
the investment minimum and eligibility requirements for the share class into which the conversion is sought, as applicable, and (iii) (A) the conversion is made to facilitate the shareholder's participation in a
self-directed brokerage (non-advice) account or a fee-based advisory program offered by the intermediary; or (B) the conversion is part of a multiple-client transaction through a particular financial intermediary as
pre-approved by the Fund's Administrator. Conversion of Shares under this share conversion program should not result in a realization event for tax purposes. Contact your financial intermediary or call 1-800-341-7400
to convert your Shares.
Payments to Financial
Intermediaries
The
Fund and its affiliated service providers may pay fees as described below to financial intermediaries (such as broker-dealers, banks, investment advisers or third-party administrators) whose customers are shareholders
of the Fund.
The
services provided (and the fees and sales charges received) by financial intermediaries may vary.
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
REALLOWANCES
The
Distributor receives a front-end sales charge on Share sales. The Distributor pays all of this charge to financial intermediaries that are eligible to receive it (the “Dealer Reallowance”) and retains any
remaining portion of the front-end sales charge.
When a
financial intermediary's customer purchases Shares, the financial intermediary will receive a Dealer Reallowance as follows:
T:
|
|
Purchase Amount
|
Dealer Reallowance
as a Percentage of
Public Offering Price
|
Less than $250,000
|
2.50%
|
$250,000 but less than $500,000
|
2.00%
|
$500,000 but less than $1 million
|
1.50%
|
$1 million or greater
|
1.00%
|
service fees
The T class may pay Service Fees of up to 0.25% of average net assets to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC), a subsidiary of Federated, for providing
services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Intermediaries that receive Service Fees may include a company affiliated with management of Federated. If a financial intermediary receives Service Fees
on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Account Administration Fees on that same account.
ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATION FEES
The T class may pay Account Administration Fees of up to 0.25% of average net assets to banks that are not registered as broker-dealers or investment advisers for providing administrative
services to the Fund and its shareholders. If a financial intermediary receives Account Administration Fees on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Service Fees or Recordkeeping Fees on that same account.
RECORDKEEPING FEES
The
Fund may pay Recordkeeping Fees on an average-net-assets basis or on a per-account-per-year basis to financial intermediaries for providing recordkeeping services to the Fund and its shareholders. If a financial
intermediary receives Recordkeeping Fees on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Account Administration Fees or Networking Fees on that same account.
networking fees
The
Fund may reimburse Networking Fees on a per-account-per-year basis to financial intermediaries for providing administrative services to the Fund and its shareholders on certain non-omnibus accounts. If a financial
intermediary receives Networking Fees on an account, it is not eligible to also receive Recordkeeping Fees on that same account.
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL
INTERMEDIARIES
The
Distributor may pay out of its own resources amounts to certain financial intermediaries, including broker-dealers, banks, registered investment advisers, independent financial planners and retirement plan
administrators, that support the sale of Shares or provide services to Fund shareholders. The amounts of these payments could be significant, and may create an incentive for the financial intermediary or its employees
or associated persons to recommend or sell Shares of the Fund to you. Not all financial intermediaries receive such payments, and the amount of compensation may vary by intermediary. In some cases, such payments may
be made by or funded from the resources of companies affiliated with the Distributor (including the Adviser). These payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's
Prospectus and described above because they are not paid by the Fund.
These
payments are negotiated and may be based on such factors as: the number or value of Shares that the financial intermediary sells or may sell; the value of client assets invested; the level and types of services or
support furnished by the financial intermediary; or the Fund's and/or other Federated funds' relationship with the financial intermediary. These payments may be in addition to payments, as described above, made by the
Fund to the financial intermediary. In connection with these payments, the financial intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the Fund and/or other Federated funds, within the financial intermediary's
organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting the Distributor preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the funds in various ways within the financial
intermediary's organization. You can ask your financial intermediary for information about any payments it receives from the Distributor or the Fund and any services provided, as well as about fees and/or commissions
it charges.
How to Purchase
Shares
You may
purchase Shares of the Fund any day the NYSE is open. The Fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase Shares. New investors must submit a completed New Account Form. All accounts, including those for
which there is no minimum initial investment amount required, are subject to the Fund's policy on “Accounts with Low Balances” as discussed later in this Prospectus.
Where
the Fund offers more than one Share class and you do not specify the class choice on your New Account Form or form of payment (e.g., Federal Reserve wire or check), you automatically will receive the A class.
For
important account information, see the section “Security and Privacy Protection.”
You
may purchase Shares through a financial intermediary or directly from the Fund.
THROUGH A FINANCIAL
INTERMEDIARY
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Establish an account with the financial intermediary; and
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Submit your purchase order to the financial intermediary before the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).
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You
will receive the next calculated NAV if the financial intermediary forwards the order on the same day, and forwards your payment by the prescribed trade settlement date (typically within one to three business days) to
the Fund's transfer agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“Transfer Agent”). You will become the owner of Shares and receive dividends when your payment is received in accordance with these time
frames (provided that, if payment is received in the form of a check, the check clears). If your payment is not received in accordance with these time frames, or a check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled
and you could be liable for any losses, fees or expenses incurred by the Fund or the Fund's Transfer Agent.
Financial intermediaries should send payments according to the instructions in the sections “By Wire” or “By Check.”
Financial intermediaries may impose higher or lower minimum investment requirements on their customers than those imposed by the Fund. Keep in mind that financial intermediaries may charge you fees for their
services in connection with your Share transactions.
DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND
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Establish your account with the Fund by submitting a completed New Account Form; and
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Send your payment to the Fund by Federal Reserve wire or check.
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You
will become the owner of Shares and your Shares will be priced at the next calculated NAV after the Fund receives your wire or your check. If your check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled and you could be
liable for any losses or fees incurred by the Fund or the Fund's Transfer Agent.
By Wire
To
facilitate processing your order, please call the Fund before sending the wire. Send your wire to:
State
Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA
Dollar Amount of Wire
ABA Number 011000028
BNF: 23026552
Attention: Federated EDGEWIRE
Wire Order Number, Dealer Number or Group Number
Nominee/Institution Name
Fund Name and Number and Account Number
You
cannot purchase Shares by wire on holidays when wire transfers are restricted.
By Check
Make
your check payable to
The Federated Funds
, note your account number on the check, and send it to:
The
Federated Funds
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
If you
send your check by a
private courier or overnight delivery service
that requires a street address, send it to:
The
Federated Funds
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021-2809
Payment
should be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any
purchase request. For example, to protect against check fraud the Fund may reject any purchase request involving a check that is not made payable to
The Federated Funds
(including, but not limited to, requests to purchase Shares using third-party checks) or involving temporary checks or credit card checks.
By Direct Deposit
You may
establish Payroll Deduction/Direct Deposit arrangements for investments into the Fund by either calling a Client Service Representative at 1-800-341-7400; or by completing the Payroll Deduction/Direct Deposit Form,
which is available on FederatedInvestors.com under Customer Service/Find a Form. You will receive a confirmation when this service is available.
By Online Account Services
You may
access your accounts online to purchase shares through Federated's Shareholder Account Access system once you have registered for access. This is only available for accounts held directly with the Fund. Online
transactions may be subject to certain limitations including limitations as to the amount of the transaction. For more information about the services available through Shareholder Account Access, please visit
www.FederatedInvestors.com and select “My Investments,” or call (800) 245-4770 to speak with a Client Service Representative.
BY SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
(SIP)
Once
you have opened an account, you may automatically purchase additional Shares on a regular basis by completing the SIP section of the New Account Form or by contacting the Fund or your financial intermediary. The
minimum investment amount for SIPs is $50.
BY AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE
(ACH)
Once
you have opened an account, you may purchase additional Shares through a depository institution that is an ACH member. This purchase option can be established by completing the appropriate sections of the New Account
Form.
RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS
You may
purchase Shares as retirement investments (such as qualified plans and IRAs or transfer or rollover of assets). Call your financial intermediary or the Fund for information on retirement investments. We suggest that
you discuss retirement investments with your tax adviser. You may be subject to an account fee charged by your financial intermediary.
How to
Redeem Shares
You
should redeem Shares:
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through a financial intermediary if you purchased Shares through a financial intermediary; or
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directly from the Fund if you purchased Shares directly from the Fund.
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Shares
of the Fund may be redeemed for cash as described herein, on days on which the Fund computes its NAV. Redemption requests may be made by telephone or in writing.
For
important account information, see the section “Security and Privacy Protection.”
Depending upon the method of payment, shareholder receipt of redemption proceeds may differ. Redemption proceeds normally are wired or mailed within one business day after receiving a timely request in proper form.
Payment may be delayed for up to seven days under certain circumstances (see “Limitations on Redemption Proceeds”).
THROUGH A FINANCIAL
INTERMEDIARY
Submit
your redemption request to your financial intermediary by the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The redemption amount you will receive is based upon the next calculated NAV after
the Fund receives the order from your financial intermediary.
DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND
By Telephone
You
may redeem Shares by simply calling the Fund at 1-800-341-7400.
If you
call before the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), you will receive a redemption amount based on that day's NAV.
By Mail
You
may redeem Shares by sending a written request to the Fund.
You
will receive a redemption amount based on the next calculated NAV after the Fund receives your written request in proper form.
Send
requests by mail to:
The
Federated Funds
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
Send
requests by
private courier or overnight delivery service
to:
The
Federated Funds
30 Dan Road
Canton, MA 02021-2809
All
requests must include:
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Fund name and Share class, account number and account registration;
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amount to be redeemed; and
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signatures of all shareholders exactly as registered.
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Call your financial intermediary or the Fund if you need special instructions.
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Signature Guarantees
Signatures must be guaranteed by a financial institution which is a participant in a Medallion signature guarantee program if:
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your redemption will be sent to an address other than the address of record;
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your redemption will be sent to an address of record that was changed within the last 30 days;
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a redemption is payable to someone other than the shareholder(s) of record; or
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transferring into another fund with a different shareholder registration.
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A
Medallion signature guarantee is designed to protect your account from fraud. Obtain a Medallion signature guarantee from a bank or trust company, savings association, credit union or broker, dealer or securities
exchange member.
A notary
public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
By Online Account Services
You may
access your accounts online to redeem shares through Federated's Shareholder Account Access system once you have registered for access. This is only available for accounts held directly with the Fund. Online
transactions may be subject to certain limitations including limitations as to the amount of the transaction. For more information about the services available through Shareholder Account Access, please visit
www.FederatedInvestors.com and select “My Investments,” or call (800) 245-4770 to speak with a Client Service Representative.
PAYMENT METHODS FOR
REDEMPTIONS
Your
redemption proceeds will be mailed by check to your address of record. The following payment options are available if you complete the appropriate section of the New Account Form or an Account Service Options Form.
These payment options require a signature guarantee if they were not established when the account was opened:
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An electronic transfer to your account at a financial institution that is an ACH member; or
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Wire payment to your account at a domestic commercial bank that is a Federal Reserve System member.
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Redemption In-Kind
Although the Fund intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of the Fund's portfolio securities.
LIMITATIONS ON REDEMPTION
PROCEEDS
Redemption proceeds normally are wired or mailed within one business day after receiving a request in proper form. Payment may be delayed for up to seven days:
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to allow your purchase to clear (as discussed below);
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during periods of market volatility;
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when a shareholder's trade activity or amount adversely impacts the Fund's ability to manage its assets; or
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during any period when the Federal Reserve wire or applicable Federal Reserve banks are closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings.
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If you
request a redemption of Shares recently purchased by check (including a cashier's check or certified check), money order, bank draft or ACH, your redemption proceeds may not be made available for up to seven calendar
days to allow the Fund to collect payment on the instrument used to purchase such Shares. If the purchase instrument does not clear, your purchase order will be canceled and you will be responsible for any losses
incurred by the Fund as a result of your canceled order.
In
addition, the right of redemption may be suspended, or the payment of proceeds may be delayed (including beyond seven days), during any period:
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when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings;
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when trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC;
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in which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or
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as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of Fund shareholders.
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You
will not accrue interest or dividends on uncashed redemption checks from the Fund if those checks are undeliverable and returned to the Fund.
redemptions from retirement
accounts
In the
absence of your specific instructions, 10% of the value of your redemption from a retirement account in the Fund may be withheld for taxes. This withholding only applies to certain types of retirement accounts.
Systematic Withdrawal Program
You may
automatically redeem Shares. The minimum amount for all new or revised systematic redemptions of Shares is $50 per transaction per fund. Complete the appropriate section of the New Account Form or an Account Service
Options Form or contact your financial intermediary or the Fund. Your account value must meet the minimum initial investment amount at the time the program is established. This program may reduce, and eventually
deplete, your account. Payments should not be considered yield or income.
Generally, it is not advisable to continue to purchase Shares subject to a sales charge while redeeming Shares using this program.
Methods the Fund May Use to Meet
Redemption Requests
The
Fund intends to pay Share redemptions in cash. To ensure that the Fund has cash to meet Share redemptions on any day, the Fund will typically hold a cash or cash equivalent reserve or sell portfolio securities.
The
Fund may generate cash through inter-fund borrowing or lending. The SEC has granted an exemption that permits the Fund and all other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated
funds”) to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other Federated funds. Inter-fund borrowing and lending is permitted only: (a) to meet shareholder redemption requests; (b) to
meet commitments arising from “failed” trades; and (c) for other temporary purposes. All inter-fund loans must be repaid in seven days or less.
In
addition, the Fund may participate with certain other Federated funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (“LOC”) agreement. The LOC was
made available to finance temporarily the repurchase or redemption of Shares of the Fund, failed trades, payment of dividends, settlement of trades and for other short-term, temporary or emergency general business
purposes. The Fund cannot borrow under the LOC if an inter-fund loan is outstanding.
Although the Fund intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right to pay the redemption proceeds in whole or in part by an “in-kind” distribution of the Fund's portfolio securities.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Telephone Transactions
The
Fund will record your telephone instructions. If the Fund does not follow reasonable procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Share Certificates
The
Fund does not issue share certificates.
Security and Privacy
Protection
ONLINE ACCOUNT and TELEPHONE
ACCESS SECURITY
Federated Investors, Inc. will not be responsible for losses that result from unauthorized transactions, unless Federated does not follow procedures designed to verify your identity. When initiating a transaction by
telephone or online, shareholders should be aware that any person with access to your account and other personal information including PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) may be able to submit instructions by
telephone or online. Shareholders are responsible for protecting their identity by using strong usernames and complex passwords which utilize combinations of mixed case letters, numbers and symbols, and change
passwords and PINs frequently.
Using
Federated's Account Access website means you are consenting to sending and receiving personal financial information over the Internet, so you should be sure you are comfortable with the risks. You will be required to
accept the terms of an online agreement and to establish and utilize a password in order to access online account services. The Transfer Agent has adopted security procedures to confirm that internet instructions are
genuine. The Transfer Agent will also send you written confirmation of share transactions. The Transfer Agent, the Fund and any of its affiliates will not be liable for losses or expenses that occur from fraudulent
Internet instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
The
Transfer Agent or the Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone transaction requests are genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification
information, sending you written confirmation, or requiring other confirmation security procedures. The Transfer Agent, the Fund and any of its affiliates will not be liable for relying on instructions submitted by
telephone that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING
COMPLIANCE
To help
the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each new customer who opens a Fund
account and to determine whether such person's name appears on governmental lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations. Pursuant to the requirements under the Patriot Act, the information
obtained will be used for compliance with the Patriot Act or other applicable laws, regulations and rules in connection with money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities.
Information required includes your name, residential or business address, date of birth (for an individual), and other information that identifies you, including your social security number, tax identification
number or other identifying number. The Fund cannot waive these requirements. The Fund is required by law to reject your Account Application if the required information is not provided. If, after reasonable effort,
the Fund is unable to verify your identity or that of any other person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or believes it has identified potentially suspicious, fraudulent or criminal activity, the Fund reserves the
right to close your account and redeem your shares at the next calculated NAV without your permission. Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) will be assessed upon redemption of your shares.
The
Fund has a strict policy designed to protect the privacy of your personal information. A copy of Federated Investors' privacy policy notice was given to you at the time you opened your account. The Fund sends a copy
of the privacy notice to you annually. You may also obtain the privacy notice by calling the Fund, or through Federated Investors' website.
Account and Share
Information
CONFIRMATIONS AND ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS
You
will receive confirmation of purchases and redemptions (except for systematic transactions). In addition, you will receive periodic statements reporting all account activity, including systematic transactions,
dividends and capital gains paid.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS
The
Fund declares and pays any dividends quarterly to shareholders. Dividends are paid to all shareholders invested in the Fund on the record date. The record date is the date on which a shareholder must officially own
Shares in order to earn a dividend.
In
addition, the Fund pays any capital gains at least annually and may make such special distributions of dividends and capital gains as may be necessary to meet applicable regulatory requirements. Your dividends and
capital gains distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Shares without a sales charge, unless you elect cash payments.
If you
purchase Shares just before the record date for a dividend or capital gain distribution, you will pay the full price for the Shares and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution,
whether or not you reinvest the distribution in Shares. Therefore, you should consider the tax implications of purchasing Shares shortly before the record date for a dividend or capital gain. Contact your financial
intermediary or the Fund for information concerning when dividends and capital gains will be paid.
Under
the federal securities laws, the Fund is required to provide a notice to shareholders regarding the source of distributions made by the Fund if such distributions are from sources other than ordinary investment
income. In addition, important information regarding the Fund's distributions, if applicable, is available via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation.
Small Distributions and Uncashed
Checks
Generally, dividend and/or capital gain distributions payable by check in an amount of less than $25 will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. This policy does not apply if you have elected to receive
cash distributions that are directly deposited into your bank account via wire or ACH.
Additionally, if one or more dividend or capital gain distribution checks are returned as “undeliverable,” or remain uncashed for 180 days, all subsequent dividend and capital gain distributions will be
reinvested in additional shares. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks. For questions on whether reinvestment applies to your distributions, please contact a Client Service
Representative at 1-800-341-7400.
ACCOUNTS WITH LOW BALANCES
Federated reserves the right to close accounts if redemptions cause the account balance to fall below:
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$1,500 for the T class (or in the case of IRAs, $250).
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Before
an account is closed, you will be notified and allowed at least 30 days to purchase additional Shares to meet the minimum.
TAX INFORMATION
The
Fund sends an IRS Form 1099 and an annual statement of your account activity to assist you in completing your federal, state and local tax returns. Fund distributions of dividends and capital gains are taxable to you
whether paid in cash or reinvested in the Fund. Dividends are taxable at different rates depending on the source of dividend income. Distributions of net short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your Shares.
Fund
distributions are expected to be both dividends and capital gains. Redemptions are taxable sales. Please consult your tax adviser regarding your federal, state and local tax liability.
FREQUENT TRADING POLICIES
Special Notice Regarding the
Fund's T Shares and Frequent Trading
With
respect to the Frequent Trading Policies described below, the Fund's T Shares are not eligible for exchanges and therefore references to exchanges below should be disregarded with respect to the Fund's T Shares.
Frequent or short-term trading into and out of the Fund can have adverse consequences for the Fund and shareholders who use the Fund as a long-term investment vehicle. Such trading in significant amounts can disrupt
the Fund's investment strategies (e.g., by requiring it to sell investments at inopportune times or maintain excessive short-term or cash positions to support redemptions), increase brokerage and administrative costs
and affect the timing and amount of taxable gains distributed by the Fund. Investors engaged in such trading may also seek to profit by anticipating changes in the Fund's NAV in advance of the time as of which NAV is
calculated.
The
Fund's Board has approved policies and procedures intended to discourage excessive frequent or short-term trading of the Fund's Shares. The Fund's fair valuation procedures are intended in part to discourage
short-term trading strategies by reducing the potential for these strategies to succeed. See “What Do Shares Cost?” The Fund also monitors trading in Fund Shares in an effort to identify disruptive trading
activity. The Fund monitors trades into and out of the Fund within a period of 30 days or less. The Fund may also monitor trades into and out of the Fund for potentially disruptive trading activity over periods longer
than 30 days. The size of Share transactions subject to monitoring varies. Where it is determined that a shareholder has exceeded the detection amounts twice within a period of 12 months, the Fund will temporarily
prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares. If the shareholder continues to exceed the detection amounts for specified periods, the Fund will impose lengthier trading
restrictions on the shareholder, up to and including permanently prohibiting the shareholder from making any further purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares. Whether or not the specific monitoring limits are exceeded,
the Fund's management or the Adviser may determine from the amount, frequency or pattern of purchases and redemptions or exchanges that a shareholder is engaged in excessive trading that is or could be detrimental to
the Fund and other shareholders and may prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares. No matter how the Fund defines its limits on frequent trading of Fund Shares, other purchases
and sales of Fund Shares may have adverse effects on the management of the Fund's portfolio and its performance.
The
Fund's frequent trading restrictions do not apply to purchases and sales of Fund Shares by other Federated funds. These funds impose the same frequent trading restrictions as the Fund at their shareholder level. In
addition, allocation changes of the investing Federated fund are monitored, and the managers of the recipient fund must determine that there is no disruption to their management activity. The intent of this exception
is to allow investing fund managers to accommodate cash flows and other activity that result from non-abusive trading in the investing fund, without being stopped from such trading because the aggregate of such trades
exceeds the monitoring limits. Nonetheless, as with any trading in Fund Shares, purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares by other Federated funds could adversely affect the management of the Fund's portfolio and its
performance.
The
Fund will not restrict transactions made on a non-discretionary basis by certain asset allocation programs, wrap programs, fund of funds, collective funds or other similar accounts that have been pre-approved by
Federated (“Approved Accounts”). The Fund will continue to monitor transactions by the Approved Accounts and will seek to limit or restrict even non-discretionary transactions by Approved Accounts that are
determined to be disruptive or harmful to the Fund.
The
Fund's objective is that its restrictions on short-term trading should apply to all shareholders that are subject to the restrictions, regardless of the number or type of accounts in which Shares are held. However,
the Fund anticipates that limitations on its ability to identify trading activity to specific shareholders, including where Shares are held through intermediaries in multiple or omnibus accounts, will mean that these
restrictions may not be able to be applied uniformly in all cases.
Other
funds in the Federated family of funds may impose different monitoring policies or in some cases, may not monitor for frequent or short-term trading. Under normal market conditions such monitoring policies are
designed to protect the funds being monitored and their shareholders and the operation of such policies and shareholder investments under such monitoring are not expected to have materially adverse impact on the
Federated funds or their shareholders. If you plan to exchange your fund shares for shares of another Federated fund, please read the prospectus of that other Federated fund for more information.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings is available via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. A complete listing of the Fund's portfolio holdings as
of the end of each calendar quarter is posted on the website 30 days (or the next business day) after the end of the quarter and remains posted for six months thereafter. Summary portfolio composition information as
of the close of each month is posted on the website 15 days (or the next business day) after month-end and remains posted until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. The summary portfolio composition
information may include identification of the Fund's top 10 holdings and a percentage breakdown of the portfolio by sector.
You may
also access portfolio information as of the end of the Fund's fiscal quarters via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. The Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder
Reports contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Fund's Form N-Q filings contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings
as of the end of the Fund's first and third fiscal quarters. Fiscal quarter information is made available on the website within 70 days after the end of the fiscal quarter. This information is also available in
reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
In
addition, from time to time (for example, during periods of unusual market conditions), additional information regarding the Fund's portfolio holdings and/or composition may be posted to Federated's website. If and
when such information is posted, its availability will be noted on, and the information will be accessible from, the home page of the website.
Who Manages the Fund?
The
Board governs the Fund. The Board selects and oversees the Adviser, Federated MDTA LLC (“MDT Advisers”), which is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Federated acquired MDT Advisers in July
2006. MDT Advisers commenced advising the Fund effective April 1, 2009. MDT Advisers or its affiliates have managed the Fund since its inception. MDT Advisers is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives and policies (subject to the general supervision of the Fund's Board). This includes designing, developing, periodically enhancing and implementing the quantitative
model that drives investment decisions. Federated Advisory Services Company (FASC), an affiliate of the Adviser, provides security and market data and certain other support services to the Adviser. The fee for these
services is paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund. The address of the Adviser is 125 High Street, Oliver Street Tower, 21st Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2704. The address of FASC is Federated Investors Tower,
1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779.
The
Adviser and other subsidiaries of Federated advise approximately 124 equity, fixed-income and money market mutual funds as well as a variety of other pooled investment vehicles, private investment companies and
customized separately managed accounts (including non-U.S./offshore funds) which totaled approximately $365.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016. Federated was established in 1955 and is one of the largest
investment managers in the United States with approximately 1,400 employees. Federated provides investment products to approximately 8,500 investment professionals and institutions.
The
Adviser advises approximately eight equity mutual funds (including sub-advised funds) as well as a variety of institutional separate accounts, separately managed accounts and pooled investment vehicles, which totaled
approximately $1.4 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION
The Fund is managed by a proprietary, quantitative model that drives investment selection, which is supported and implemented by the MDT Advisers Investment Team (“Investment
Team”).
The
following members of the Investment Team managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund from the dates noted below and continue to manage the Fund as Portfolio Managers of the Fund and employees of the
Adviser since August 2017.
Daniel J.
Mahr, CFA
joined the Investment Team in 2002 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009.
He is Vice President
of the Trust and is a Senior Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. He is responsible for leading the Investment Team as it relates to the ongoing design, development and implementation of the investment model. He
received his A.B., Computer Science from Harvard College and his S.M., Computer Science from Harvard University.
Frederick
L. Konopka, CFA
joined the Investment Team in 1997 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009.
Mr.
Konopka is a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. He is responsible for ongoing improvement of the research processes and software development for the investment model, focusing on trading impact evaluation and
implementation. He received his A.B., Mathematics from Dartmouth College and his M.S., Concentration in Information Technology and Finance from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Brian M.
Greenberg
joined the Investment Team in 2004 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since April 2009.
Mr.
Greenberg is a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. As a Group Leader, he is responsible for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the investment model, including software code design and development. Mr. Greenberg
received his A.B., Computer Science from Harvard College and his S.M., Computer Science from Harvard University.
John Paul
Lewicke
joined the Investment Team in 2007 and managed the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund since September 2014.
Mr.
Lewicke is a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. As Research Manager, he is responsible for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the investment model, including software code design and development. Mr. Lewicke
received his A.B., Mathematics and Computer Science from Dartmouth College.
The
Fund's SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers' compensation, management of other accounts and ownership of securities in the Fund.
ADVISORY FEES
ADVISORY
FEES
The
Fund's investment advisory contract provides for payment to the Adviser of an annual investment advisory fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets as shown in the chart below. The Adviser may voluntarily waive
a portion of its fee or reimburse the Fund for certain operating expenses.
Average Daily Net Assets
|
Advisory Fee as a
Percentage of Average
Daily Net Assets
|
First $500 million
|
0.750%
|
Second $500 million
|
0.675%
|
Third $500 million
|
0.600%
|
Fourth $500 million
|
0.525%
|
Over $2 billion
|
0.400%
|
The
Adviser and its affiliates have also agreed to certain “Fee Limits” as described in the footnote to the “Risk/Return Summary: Fees and Expenses” table found in the “Fund Summary”
section of the Prospectus.
A discussion of the Board's review of the Fund's investment advisory contract will be available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual shareholder reports for the periods ended October 31 and April
30, respectively.
Financial Information
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Fund's fiscal year end is October 31. As the Fund's first fiscal year will end October 31, 2017, the Fund's audited financial information is not available as of the date of this
Prospectus.
The Financial Highlights will help you
understand the Fund's financial performance for its past five fiscal years, or since inception, if the life of the Fund is shorter. Some of the information is presented on a per Share basis. Total returns represent
the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. Pursuant to an expected tax-free reorganization, the Fund will be the legal
entity successor to Federated MDT Large Cap Value (“Predecessor Fund”). The Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund will be the accounting survivor as a result of the reorganization. The information
presented incorporates the operations of the Predecessor
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
which, as a result of the reorganization, are the Fund's operations. Prior to the reorganization, the Fund had no investment operations.This information has been audited by [ ], an independent registered public
accounting firm, whose report, along with the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's audited financial statements, is included in the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's Annual Report.
Financial Highlights
–
Predecessor Fund
–
Class A Shares
(For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period)
|
Year Ended
October 31,
|
Period
Ended
10/31/2014
1
|
2016
|
2015
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$27.84
|
$29.89
|
$28.47
|
Income From Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
0.42
2
|
0.37
|
0.13
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
0.16
|
(0.00)
3
|
1.44
|
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
|
0.58
|
0.37
|
1.57
|
Less Distributions:
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net investment income
|
(0.42)
|
(0.36)
|
(0.15)
|
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
|
(1.91)
|
(2.06)
|
—
|
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS
|
(2.33)
|
(2.42)
|
(0.15)
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
26.09
|
$27.84
|
$29.89
|
Total Return
4
|
2.47%
|
1.12%
|
5.51%
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
Net expenses
|
0.98%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
5
|
Net investment income
|
1.65%
|
1.28%
|
1.04%
5
|
Expense waiver/reimbursement
6
|
0.22%
|
0.24%
|
0.26%
5
|
Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)
|
$14,389
|
$12,035
|
$3,518
|
Portfolio turnover
|
88%
|
77%
|
34%
7
|
1
|
Reflects operations for the period from May 1, 2014 (date of initial investment) to October 31, 2014.
|
2
|
Per share number has been calculated using the average shares method.
|
3
|
Represents less than $0.01.
|
4
|
Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. Total returns for periods less than one year are
not annualized.
|
5
|
Computed on an annualized basis.
|
6
|
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and net investment income ratios shown above.
|
7
|
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014.
|
Further
information about the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's performance is contained in that fund's Annual Report, dated October 31, 2016, which can be obtained free of charge.
Financial Highlights
–
Predecessor Fund
–
Service Shares
(For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period)
Year Ended October 31
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2013
|
2012
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$27.85
|
$29.90
|
$28.56
|
$22.31
|
$22.53
|
Income From Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
0.42
1
|
0.37
|
0.30
|
0.35
1
|
0.23
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
0.17
|
(0.01)
|
4.55
|
7.57
|
2.67
|
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
|
0.59
|
0.36
|
4.85
|
7.92
|
2.90
|
Less Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net investment income
|
(0.42)
|
(0.35)
|
(0.28)
|
(0.35)
|
(0.25)
|
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
|
(1.91)
|
(2.06)
|
(3.23)
|
(1.32)
|
(2.87)
|
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS
|
(2.33)
|
(2.41)
|
(3.51)
|
(1.67)
|
(3.12)
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
$26.11
|
$27.85
|
$29.90
|
$28.56
|
$22.31
|
Total Return
2
|
2.50%
|
1.10%
|
18.68%
|
37.85%
|
14.63%
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses
|
0.98%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
Net investment income
|
1.66%
|
1.28%
|
1.06%
|
1.39%
|
1.08%
|
Expense waiver/reimbursement
3
|
0.24%
|
0.23%
|
0.23%
|
0.25%
|
0.28%
|
Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)
|
$251,246
|
$277,253
|
$313,714
|
$228,665
|
$178,109
|
Portfolio turnover
|
88%
|
77%
|
34%
|
77%
|
121%
|
1
|
Per share number has been calculated using the average shares method.
|
2
|
Based on net asset value.
|
3
|
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and net investment income ratios shown above.
|
Further
information about the Predecessor Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund's performance is contained in that fund's Annual Report, dated October 31, 2016, which can be obtained free of charge.
Appendix A: Hypothetical Investment and
Expense Information
The
following chart provides additional hypothetical information about the effect of the Fund's expenses, including investment advisory fees and other Fund costs, on the Fund's assumed returns over a 10-year period. The
chart shows the estimated expenses that would be incurred in respect of a hypothetical investment of $10,000, assuming a 5% return each year, and no redemption of Shares. The chart also assumes that the Fund's annual
expense ratio stays the same throughout the 10-year period and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested. The annual expense ratio used in the chart is the same as stated in the “Fees and
Expenses” table of this Prospectus (and thus may not reflect any fee waiver or expense reimbursement currently in effect). The maximum amount of any sales charge that might be imposed on the
purchase
of Shares (and deducted from the hypothetical initial investment of $10,000; the “Front-End Sales Charge”) is reflected in the “Hypothetical Expenses”
column. The hypothetical investment information does not reflect the effect of charges (if any) normally applicable to
redemptions
of Shares (e.g., deferred sales charges, redemption fees). Mutual fund returns, as well as fees and expenses, may fluctuate over time, and your actual investment returns
and total expenses may be higher or lower than those shown below.
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
FEDERATED MDT LARGE CAP VALUE FUND - T CLASS
|
ANNUAL EXPENSE RATIO: 1.16%
|
MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES CHARGE: 2.50%
|
Year
|
Hypothetical
Beginning
Investment
|
Hypothetical
Performance
Earnings
|
Investment
After
Returns
|
Hypothetical
Expenses
|
Hypothetical
Ending
Investment
|
1
|
$10,000.00
|
$472.50
|
$9,922.50
|
$647.35
|
$9,827.06
|
2
|
$9,827.06
|
$491.35
|
$10,318.41
|
$101.23
|
$10,219.16
|
3
|
$10,219.16
|
$510.96
|
$10,730.12
|
$105.27
|
$10,626.90
|
4
|
$10,626.90
|
$531.35
|
$11,158.25
|
$109.47
|
$11,050.91
|
5
|
$11,050.91
|
$552.55
|
$11,603.46
|
$113.84
|
$11,491.84
|
6
|
$11,491.84
|
$574.59
|
$12,066.43
|
$118.38
|
$11,950.36
|
7
|
$11,950.36
|
$597.52
|
$12,547.88
|
$123.11
|
$12,427.18
|
8
|
$12,427.18
|
$621.36
|
$13,048.54
|
$128.02
|
$12,923.02
|
9
|
$12,923.02
|
$646.15
|
$13,569.17
|
$133.13
|
$13,438.65
|
10
|
$13,438.65
|
$671.93
|
$14,110.58
|
$138.44
|
$13,974.85
|
Cumulative
|
|
$5,670.26
|
|
$1,718.24
|
|
An SAI
dated August __, 2017, includes additional information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The SAI contains a description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of its portfolio securities. To obtain the SAI and other information without charge, and to make inquiries, call your financial intermediary or the Fund at 1-800-341-7400.
These documents, as well
as additional information about the Fund (including portfolio holdings, performance and distributions), are also available on Federated's website at FederatedInvestors.com.
You can obtain
information about the Fund (including the SAI) by writing to or visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. You may also access Fund information from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov. You can purchase copies of this information by contacting the SEC by email at publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549. Call 1-202-551-8090 for
information on the Public Reference Room's operations and copying fees.
Federated MDT Large Cap Value
Fund
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at
FederatedInvestors.com
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp.,
Distributor
Investment Company Act File No.
811-3385
CUSIP TBD
Q453821 (x/17)
Federated is a registered trademark
of Federated Investors, Inc.
2017 ©Federated Investors, Inc.
Statement of Additional
Information
August , 2017
Share Class
|
Ticker
|
A
|
TBD
|
B
|
TBD
|
C
|
TBD
|
R
|
TBD
|
Institutional
|
TBD
|
Service
|
TBD
|
R6
|
TBD
|
Federated MDT Large Cap Value
Fund
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at
FederatedInvestors.com
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp.,
Distributor
Q453819 (x/17)
Federated is a registered
trademark
of Federated Investors, Inc.
2017 ©Federated Investors, Inc.
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
A Portfolio of Federated MDT Equity Trust
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a Prospectus. Read this SAI in conjunction with the Prospectus for Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund (“Fund”), dated August ,
2017.
Obtain the Prospectus
without charge by calling 1-800-341-7400.
How is the Fund Organized?
The
Fund is a portfolio of Federated MDT Equity Trust (“Trust”) and is a diversified, open-end, management investment company. The Trust was established as a Delaware statutory trust on May , 2017, pursuant to
a Certificate of Trust, which is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
The
Board of Trustees (“Board”) has established eight classes of shares of the Fund, known as Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Institutional Shares, Institutional Service Shares,
Class R6 Shares and Class T Shares. This SAI relates only to Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Institutional Shares, Institutional Service Shares and Class R6 Shares. Class T Shares are
currently not being offered. The Fund's investment adviser is Federated MDTA LLC and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”).
Additional Investment
Strategies
The
Fund's principal investment strategies are described in the Fund's Prospectus. As a non-principal investment strategy, the Fund may also invest in derivatives, such as options or futures, in a manner that is
consistent with its investment objective.
The
Fund may use derivative contracts and/or hybrid instruments to implement elements of its investment strategy. For example, the Fund may use derivative contracts and/or hybrid instruments to increase or decrease the
portfolio's exposure to the investment(s) underlying the derivative or hybrid in an attempt to benefit from changes in the value of the underlying investments. The Fund may also, for example, use derivative contracts
to:
■
|
obtain premiums from the sale of derivative contracts;
|
■
|
realize gains from trading a derivative contract; or
|
■
|
hedge against potential losses.
|
|
There can be no assurance that the Fund's use of derivative contracts or hybrid instruments will work as intended.
|
Securities in Which the
Fund Invests
The
principal securities or other investments in which the Fund invests are described in the Fund's Prospectus. The Fund also may invest in securities or other investments as non-principal investments for any purpose that
is consistent with its investment objective. The following information is either additional information in respect of a principal security or other investment referenced in the Prospectus or information in respect of
a non-principal security or other investment (in which case there is no related disclosure in the Prospectus).
Securities Descriptions and
Techniques
Equity Securities
Equity
securities represent a share of an issuer's earnings and assets, after the issuer pays its liabilities. The Fund cannot predict the income it will receive from equity securities because issuers generally have
discretion as to the payment of any dividends or distributions. However, equity securities offer greater potential for appreciation than many other types of securities, because their value increases directly with the
value of the issuer's business. The following describes the types of equity securities in which the Fund invests.
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stocks have the right to receive specified dividends or distributions before the issuer makes payments on its common stock. Some preferred stocks also participate in dividends and distributions paid on
common stock. Preferred stocks may also permit the issuer to redeem the stock. The Fund may also treat such redeemable preferred stock as a fixed-income security.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
(REITs)
REITs
are real estate investment trusts (including foreign REITs and REIT-like entities) that lease, operate and finance commercial real estate. REITs in the United States are exempt from federal corporate income tax if
they limit their operations and distribute most of their income. Such tax requirements limit a U.S. REIT's ability to respond to changes in the commercial real estate market.
Warrants
Warrants give the Fund the option to buy the issuer's equity securities at a specified price (the “exercise price”) at a specified future date (the “expiration date”). The Fund may buy the
designated securities by paying the exercise price before the expiration date. Warrants may become worthless if the price of the stock does not rise above the exercise price by the expiration date. This increases the
market risks of warrants as compared to the underlying security. Rights are the same as warrants, except companies typically issue rights to existing stockholders.
Fixed-Income Securities
Fixed-income securities pay interest, dividends or distributions at a specified rate. The rate may be a fixed percentage of the principal or may be adjusted periodically. In addition, the issuer of a fixed-income
security must repay the principal amount of the security, normally within a specified time. Fixed-income securities provide more regular income than equity securities. However, the returns on fixed-income securities
are limited and normally do not increase with the issuer's earnings. This limits the potential appreciation of fixed-income securities as compared to equity securities.
A
security's yield measures the annual income earned on a security as a percentage of its price. A security's yield will increase or decrease depending upon whether it costs less (a “discount”) or more (a
“premium”) than the principal amount. If the issuer may redeem the security before its scheduled maturity, the price and yield on a discount or premium security may change based upon the probability of an
early redemption. Securities with higher risks generally have higher yields.
The
following describes the types of fixed-income securities in which the Fund invests.
Treasury Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Treasury securities are direct obligations of the federal government of the United States. Treasury securities are generally regarded as having minimal credit risks.
Government Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Government securities are issued or guaranteed by a federal agency or instrumentality acting under federal authority. Some government securities, including those issued by Government National Mortgage Association
(“Ginnie Mae”), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal.
Other
government securities receive support through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. For example, the U.S. Treasury is authorized to purchase
specified amounts of securities issued by (or otherwise make funds available to) the Federal Home Loan Bank System, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal National Mortgage
Association (“Fannie Mae”) and Tennessee Valley Authority in support of such obligations.
Some
government agency securities have no explicit financial support and are supported only by the credit of the applicable agency, instrumentality or corporation. The U.S. government has provided financial support to
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, but there is no assurance that it will support these or other agencies in the future.
Investors regard government securities as having minimal credit risks, but not as low as Treasury securities.
The
Fund treats mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a federal agency or instrumentality as government securities. Although such a guarantee helps protect against credit risk, it does not eliminate it entirely or
reduce other risks.
Additional Information Related to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
.
The extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption that impacted the capital and credit markets beginning in 2008 led to market concerns regarding the ability of
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to withstand future credit losses associated with securities held in their investment portfolios, and on which they provide guarantees, without the direct support of the federal government.
On September 7, 2008, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Under the plan of conservatorship, the FHFA assumed control of, and generally has
the power to direct, the operations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and is empowered to exercise all powers collectively held by their respective shareholders, directors and officers, including the power to: (1) take
over the assets of and operate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors and the officers of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and conduct all business of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae;
(2) collect all obligations and money due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (3) perform all functions of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are consistent with the conservator's appointment; (4) preserve and conserve the
assets and property of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and (5) contract for assistance in fulfilling any function, activity, action or duty of the conservator.
In
connection with the actions taken by the FHFA, the Treasury has entered into certain preferred stock purchase agreements (SPAs) with each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which establish the Treasury as the holder of a
new class of senior preferred stock in each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The senior preferred stock was issued in connection with financial contributions from the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Although the
SPAs are subject to amendment from time to time, currently the Treasury is obligated to provide such financial contributions up to an aggregate maximum amount determined by a formula set forth in the SPAs, and until
such aggregate maximum amount is reached, there is not a specific end date to the Treasury's obligations.
The
future status and role of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the
restrictions placed on Freddie Mac's and Fannie Mae's operations and activities under the SPAs, market responses to developments at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, downgrades or upgrades in the credit ratings assigned to
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or ratings services, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or
mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any securities guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
In
addition, the future of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and other U.S. government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (GSEs), remains in question as the U.S.
government continues to consider options ranging from structural reform, nationalization, privatization or consolidation, to outright elimination. The issues that have led to significant U.S. government support for
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have sparked serious debate regarding the continued role of the U.S. government in providing mortgage loan liquidity.
Corporate Debt Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most prevalent types of corporate debt securities. The Fund may also purchase
interests in bank loans to companies. The credit risks of corporate debt securities vary widely among issuers.
In
addition, the credit risk of an issuer's debt security may vary based on its priority for repayment. For example, higher ranking (“senior”) debt securities have a higher priority than lower ranking
(“subordinated”) securities. This means that the issuer might not make payments on subordinated securities while continuing to make payments on senior securities. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy,
holders of senior securities may receive amounts otherwise payable to the holders of subordinated securities. Some subordinated securities, such as trust preferred and capital securities notes, also permit the issuer
to defer payments under certain circumstances. For example, insurance companies issue securities known as surplus notes that permit the insurance company to defer any payment that would reduce its capital below
regulatory requirements.
Commercial Paper (A Type of
Corporate Debt Security)
Commercial paper is an issuer's obligation with a maturity of less than nine months. Companies typically issue commercial paper to pay for current expenditures. Most issuers constantly reissue their commercial paper
and use the proceeds (or bank loans) to repay maturing paper. If the issuer cannot continue to obtain liquidity in this fashion, its commercial paper may default. The short maturity of commercial paper generally
reduces both the market and credit risks as compared to other debt securities of the same issuer.
Demand Instruments (A Type of
Corporate Debt Security)
Demand
instruments are corporate securities that require the issuer or a third party, such as a dealer or bank (the “Demand Provider”), to repurchase the security for its face value upon demand. Some demand
instruments are “conditional,” so that the occurrence of certain conditions relieves the Demand Provider of its obligation to repurchase the security. Other demand instruments are
“unconditional,” so that there are no conditions under which the Demand Provider's obligation to repurchase the security can terminate. The Fund treats demand instruments as short-term securities, even
though their stated maturity may extend beyond one year.
Mortgage-Backed Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
An MBS
is a type of pass-through security, which is a pooled debt obligation repackaged as interests that pass principal and interest through an intermediary to investors. In the case of MBS, the ownership interests are
issued by a trust and represent participation interests in pools of adjustable and fixed-rate mortgage loans. MBS are most commonly issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government (or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities). Unlike conventional debt obligations, MBS provide monthly payments derived from the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the
pooled mortgage loans. Most MBS make these payments monthly; however, certain MBS are backed by mortgage loans which do not generate monthly payments but rather generate payments less frequently.
The MBS
acquired by the Fund could be secured by fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages or hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages. Adjustable-rate mortgages are mortgages whose interest rates are periodically reset when
market rates change. A hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (“hybrid ARM”) is a type of mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed for a specified period and then resets periodically, or floats, for the
remaining mortgage term. Hybrid ARMs are usually referred to by their fixed and floating periods. For example, a “5/1 ARM” refers to a mortgage with a five-year fixed interest rate period, followed by 25
annual interest rate adjustment periods.
Investments in MBS expose the Fund to interest rate, prepayment and credit risks.
Zero-Coupon Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Zero-coupon securities do not pay interest or principal until final maturity unlike debt securities that provide periodic payments of interest (referred to as a coupon payment). Investors buy zero-coupon securities
at a price below the amount payable at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the amount paid at maturity represents interest on the zero-coupon security. Investors must wait until maturity to receive
interest and principal, which increases the interest rate and credit risks of a zero-coupon security. A zero-coupon step-up security converts to a coupon security before final maturity.
There
are many forms of zero-coupon securities. Some are issued at a discount and are referred to as zero coupon or capital appreciation bonds. Others are created from interest bearing bonds by separating the right to
receive the bond's coupon payments from the right to receive the bond's principal due at maturity, a process known as coupon stripping. Treasury STRIPs, IOs and POs are the most common forms of stripped zero-coupon
securities. In addition, some securities give the issuer the option to deliver additional securities in place of cash interest payments, thereby increasing the amount payable at maturity. These are referred to as
pay-in-kind or PIK securities.
Stripped Securities
As a
non-principal strategy, the Fund may have the ability to purchase participations in trusts that hold U.S. Treasury and agency securities (such as TIGRs and CATs) and also may purchase Treasury receipts and other
“stripped” securities that evidence ownership in either the future interest payments or the future principal payments of U.S. government obligations. These participations are issued at a discount to their
“face value,” and may (particularly in the case of stripped mortgage-backed securities) exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities because of the manner in which their principal and
interest are returned to investors.
Asset-Backed Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Asset-backed securities are payable from pools of obligations other than mortgages. Most asset-backed securities involve consumer or commercial debts with maturities of less than 10 years. However, almost any type
of fixed-income assets (including other fixed-income securities) may be used to create an asset-backed security. Asset-backed securities may take the form of commercial paper, notes, or pass through certificates.
Asset-backed securities have prepayment risks. Like CMOs, asset-backed securities may be structured like Floaters, Inverse Floaters, IOs and POs.
Bank Instruments (A Fixed-Income
Security)
Bank
instruments are unsecured interest bearing deposits with banks. Bank instruments include, but are not limited to, bank accounts, time deposits, certificates of deposit and banker's acceptances. Yankee instruments are
denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by U.S. branches of foreign banks. Eurodollar instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by non-U.S. branches of U.S. or foreign banks.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities or preferred stocks that the Fund has the option to exchange for equity securities at a specified conversion price. The option allows the Fund to realize additional
returns if the market price of the equity securities exceeds the conversion price. For example, the Fund may hold fixed-income securities that are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $10
per share. If the market value of the shares of common stock reached $12, the Fund could realize an additional $2 per share by converting its fixed-income securities.
Convertible securities have lower yields than comparable fixed-income securities. In addition, at the time a convertible security is issued the conversion price exceeds the market value of the underlying equity
securities. Thus, convertible securities may provide lower returns than non-convertible fixed-income securities or equity securities depending upon changes in the price of the underlying equity securities. However,
convertible securities permit the Fund to realize some of the potential appreciation of the underlying equity securities with less risk of losing its initial investment.
The
Fund treats convertible securities as both fixed-income and equity securities for purposes of its investment policies and limitations, because of their unique characteristics.
Foreign Securities
Foreign
securities are securities of issuers based outside the United States. The Fund considers an issuer to be based outside the United States if:
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it is organized under the laws of, or has its principal office located in, another country;
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the principal trading market for its securities is in another country; or
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it (directly or through its consolidated subsidiaries) derived in its most current fiscal year at least 50% of its total assets, capitalization, gross revenue or profit from goods
produced, services performed or sales made in another country.
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Foreign
securities are primarily denominated in foreign currencies. Along with the risks normally associated with domestic securities of the same type, foreign securities are subject to currency risks and risks of foreign
investing. Trading in certain foreign markets is also subject to liquidity risks.
For
purposes of complying with any limitation on the investment in foreign securities, the Adviser will not consider securities of a company organized outside of the United States to be “foreign securities”
if: (1) their principal trading market is in the United States; (2) the securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; and (3) the issuer/company files financial statements with the SEC or other U.S. regulatory
authority. However, these securities may still be subject to the risks associated with foreign securities described in the Fund's Prospectus and/or SAI.
Depositary Receipts (A Type of
Foreign Equity Security)
Depositary receipts represent interests in underlying securities issued by a foreign company. Depositary receipts are not traded in the same market as the underlying security. The foreign securities underlying
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are traded outside the United States. ADRs provide a way to buy shares of foreign-based companies in the United States rather than in overseas markets. ADRs are also traded in U.S.
dollars, eliminating the need for foreign exchange transactions. The foreign securities underlying European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and International Depositary Receipts (IDRs),
are traded globally or outside the United States. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in foreign securities, including currency risks and risks of foreign investing.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
In
order to convert U.S. dollars into the currency needed to buy a foreign security, or to convert foreign currency received from the sale of a foreign security into U.S. dollars, the Fund may enter into spot currency
trades. In a spot trade, the Fund agrees to exchange one currency for another at the current exchange rate. The Fund may also enter into derivative contracts in which a foreign currency is an underlying asset. The
exchange rate for currency derivative contracts may be higher or lower than the spot exchange rate. Use of these derivative contracts may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to currency risks.
Foreign Government Securities
Foreign
government securities generally consist of fixed-income securities supported by national, state or provincial governments or similar political subdivisions. Foreign government securities also include debt obligations
of supranational entities, such as international organizations designed or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development, international banking institutions and related
government agencies. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “World Bank”), the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment
Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Foreign
government securities also include fixed-income securities of quasi-governmental agencies that are either issued by entities owned by a national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit
that are not backed by the national government's full faith and credit. Further, foreign government securities include mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by national, state or provincial governmental
instrumentalities, including quasi-governmental agencies.
Emerging Market Securities
As a
non-principal strategy, the Fund may also invest in emerging market countries or developing countries. Developing countries may impose restrictions on a Fund's ability to repatriate investment income or capital. Even
where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of investment income or capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operations of the Fund. For example, funds may be withdrawn from
the People's Republic of China only in U.S. or Hong Kong dollars and only at an exchange rate established by the government once each week. Furthermore, some of the currencies in emerging markets have experienced
devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major adjustments have been made periodically in certain of such currencies. Certain developing countries face serious exchange constraints.
Governments of some developing countries exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In some countries, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the
country. As such, government actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in developing countries in these regions, which could affect private sector companies, a portfolio and the
value of its securities. Furthermore, certain developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. Trading in debt obligations issued or guaranteed by such governments or
their agencies and instrumentalities involve a high degree of risk.
Derivative Contracts
Derivative contracts are financial instruments that require payments based upon changes in the values of designated securities, commodities, currencies, indices, or other assets or instruments including other
derivative contracts, (each a “Reference Instrument” and collectively, “Reference Instruments”). Each party to a derivative contract may sometimes be referred to as a counterparty. Some
derivative contracts require payments relating to an actual, future trade involving the Reference Instrument. These types of derivatives are frequently referred to as “physically settled” derivatives.
Other derivative contracts require payments relating to the income or returns from, or changes in the market value of, a Reference Instrument. These types of derivatives are known as “cash settled”
derivatives, since they require cash payments in lieu of delivery of the Reference Instrument.
Many
derivative contracts are traded on securities or commodities exchanges. In this case, the exchange sets all the terms of the contract except for the price. Investors make payments due under their contracts through the
exchange. Most exchanges require investors to maintain margin accounts through their brokers to cover their potential obligations to the exchange. Parties to the contract make (or collect) daily payments to the margin
accounts to reflect losses (or gains) in the value of their contracts. This protects investors against potential defaults by the other party to the contract. Trading contracts on an exchange also allows investors to
close out their contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.
For
example, the Fund could close out an open contract to buy an asset at a future date by entering into an offsetting contract to sell the same asset on the same date. If the offsetting sale price is more than the
original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. Exchanges may limit the amount of open contracts permitted at any one time. Such limits may prevent the Fund from closing out
a position. If this happens, the Fund will be required to keep the contract open (even if it is losing money on the contract), and to make any payments required under the contract (even if it has to sell portfolio
securities at unfavorable prices to do so). Inability to close out a contract could also harm the Fund by preventing it from disposing of or trading any assets it has been using to secure its obligations under the
contract.
The
Fund may also trade derivative contracts over-the-counter (OTC) in transactions negotiated directly between the Fund and a financial institution. OTC contracts do not necessarily have standard terms, so they may be
less liquid and more difficult to close-out than exchange-traded contracts. In addition, OTC contracts with more specialized terms may be more difficult to value than exchange-traded contracts, especially in times of
financial stress.
The
market for swaps and other OTC derivatives was largely unregulated prior to the enactment of federal legislation known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank
Act”). Regulations enacted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) under the Dodd-Frank Act require the Fund to clear certain swap contracts through a clearing house or central counterparty (a
CCP).
To
clear a swap through the CCP, the Fund will submit the contract to, and post margin with, a futures commission merchant (FCM) that is a clearing house member. The Fund may enter into the swap with a financial
institution other than the FCM and arrange for the contract to be transferred to the FCM for clearing, or enter into the contract with the FCM itself. If the Fund must centrally clear a transaction, the CFTC's
regulations also generally require that the swap be executed on registered exchange or through a market facility that is known as a swap execution facility or SEF. Central clearing is presently required only for
certain swaps, the CFTC is expected to impose a mandatory central clearing requirement for additional derivative instruments over time.
The
CCP, SEF and FCM are all subject to regulatory oversight by the CFTC. In addition, most derivative market participants are now regulated as swap dealers or major swap participants and are subject to certain minimum
capital and margin requirements and business conduct standards. Similar regulatory requirements are expected to apply to derivative contracts that are subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, although the SEC has not
yet finalized its regulations. In addition, uncleared OTC swaps will be subject to regulatory collateral requirements that could adversely affect the Fund's ability to enter into swaps in the OTC market. These
developments could cause the Fund to terminate new or existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such instruments at an inopportune time.
Until
the mandated rulemaking and regulations are implemented completely, it will not be possible to determine the complete impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations on the Fund.
Depending on how the Fund uses derivative contracts and the relationships between the market value of a derivative contract and the Reference Instrument, derivative contracts may increase or decrease the Fund's
exposure to the risks of the Reference Instrument, and may also expose the fund to liquidity and leverage risks. OTC contracts also expose the Fund to credit risks in the event that a counterparty defaults on the
contract, although this risk may be mitigated by submitting the contract for clearing through a CCP.
The
Fund may invest in a derivative contract if it is permitted to own, invest in, or otherwise have economic exposure to the Reference Instrument. The Fund is not required to own a Reference Instrument in order to buy or
sell a derivative contract relating to that Reference Instrument. The Fund may trade in the following specific types and/or combinations of derivative contracts:
Futures Contracts (A Type of
Derivative)
Futures
contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a Reference Instrument at a specified price, date and time. Entering into a contract to buy a Reference
Instrument is commonly referred to as buying a contract or holding a long position in the asset. Entering into a contract to sell a Reference Instrument is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short
position in the Reference Instrument. Futures contracts are considered to be commodity contracts. The Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the
Commodity Exchange Act with respect to the Fund, and therefore is not subject to registration or regulation with respect to the Fund. Futures contracts traded OTC are frequently referred to as forward contracts. The
Fund can buy or sell financial futures (such as interest rate futures, index futures and security futures), as well as, currency futures and currency forward contracts.
Interest Rate Futures
An
interest-rate futures contract is an exchange-traded contract for which the Reference Instrument is an interest-bearing, fixed-income security or an inter-bank deposit. Two examples of common interest rate futures
contracts are U.S. Treasury futures contracts and Eurodollar futures contracts. The Reference Instrument for a U.S. Treasury futures contract is a U.S. Treasury security. The Reference Instrument for a Eurodollar
futures contract is the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly referred to as LIBOR); Eurodollar futures contracts enable the purchaser to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds over a stated period of time and
the seller to obtain a fixed rate for a borrowing of funds over that same period.
Index Futures
An
index futures contract is an exchange-traded contract to make or receive a payment based upon changes in the value of an index. An index is a statistical composite that measures changes in the value of designated
Reference Instruments. An index is usually computed by a sum product of a list of the designated Reference Instruments' current prices and a list of weights assigned to these Reference Instruments.
Security Futures
A
security futures contract is an exchange-traded contract to purchase or sell in the future a specific quantity of a security (other than a Treasury security) or a narrow-based securities index at a certain price.
Presently, the only available security futures contracts use shares of a single equity security as the Reference Instrument. However, it is possible that in the future security futures contracts will be developed that
use a single fixed-income security as the Reference Instrument.
Currency Futures and Currency
Forward Contracts (Types of Futures Contracts)
A
currency futures contract is an exchange-traded contract to buy or sell a particular currency at a specific price at some time in the future (commonly three months or more). A currency forward contract is not an
exchange-traded contract and it represents an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, at a price set at the time of the contract and for a period agreed upon by the parties which may be
either a window of time or a fixed number of days from the date of the contract. Currency futures and forward contracts are highly volatile, with a relatively small price movement potentially resulting in substantial
gains or losses to the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may lose money on currency futures and forward contracts if changes in currency rates do not occur as anticipated or if the Fund's counterparty to the contract were
to default.
Option Contracts (A Type of
Derivative)
Option
contracts (also called “options”) are rights to buy or sell a Reference Instrument for a specified price (the “exercise price”) during, or at the end of, a specified period. The seller (or
“writer”) of the option receives a payment, or premium, from the buyer, which the writer keeps regardless of whether the buyer uses (or exercises) the option. Options may be bought or sold on a wide
variety of Reference Instruments. Options that are written on futures contracts will be subject to margin requirements similar to those applied to futures contracts.
The
Fund may buy and/or sell the following types of options:
Call Options
A call
option gives the holder (buyer) the right to buy the Reference Instrument from the seller (writer) of the option. The Fund may use call options in the following ways:
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Buy call options on a Reference Instrument in anticipation of an increase in the value of the Reference Instrument; and
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Write call options on a Reference Instrument to generate income from premiums, and in anticipation of a decrease or only limited increase in the value of the Reference Instrument. If
the Fund writes a call option on a Reference Instrument that it owns and that call option is exercised, the Fund foregoes any possible profit from an increase in the market price of the Reference Instrument over the
exercise price plus the premium received.
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Put Options
A put
option gives the holder the right to sell the Reference Instrument to the writer of the option. The Fund may use put options in the following ways:
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Buy put options on a Reference Instrument in anticipation of a decrease in the value of the Reference Instrument; and
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Write put options on a Reference Instrument to generate income from premiums, and in anticipation of an increase or only limited decrease in the value of the Reference Instrument. In
writing puts, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to take delivery of the Reference Instrument when its current market price is lower than the exercise price.
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The
Fund may also buy or write options, as needed, to close out existing option positions.
Finally, the Fund may enter into combinations of options contracts in an attempt to benefit from changes in the prices of those options contracts (without regard to changes in the value of the Reference
Instrument).
Swap Contracts (A Type of
Derivative)
A swap
contract (also known as a “swap”) is a type of derivative contract in which two parties agree to pay each other (swap) the returns derived from Reference Instruments. Most swaps do not involve the delivery
of the underlying assets by either party, and the parties might not own the Reference Instruments. The payments are usually made on a net basis so that, on any given day, the Fund would receive (or pay) only the
amount by which its payment under the contract is less than (or exceeds) the amount of the other party's payment. Swap agreements are sophisticated instruments that can take many different forms and are known by a
variety of names.
Common
swap agreements that the Fund may use include:
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a fixed or floating interest rate times a stated principal amount (commonly referred to as a “notional principal
amount”) in return for payments equal to a different fixed or floating rate times the same principal amount, for a specific period. For example, a $10 million London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly referred to
as LIBOR) swap would require one party to pay the equivalent of the London Interbank Offered Rate of interest (which fluctuates) on $10 million principal amount in exchange for the right to receive the equivalent of a
stated fixed rate of interest on $10 million principal amount.
Total Return Swaps
A total
return swap is an agreement between two parties whereby one party agrees to make payments of the total return from a Reference Instrument (or a basket of such instruments) during the specified period, in return for
payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another Reference Instrument. Alternately, a total return swap can be structured so that one party will make payments to the other party
if the value of a Reference Instrument increases, but receive payments from the other party if the value of that instrument decreases.
Credit Default Swaps
A
credit default swap (CDS) is an agreement between two parties whereby one party (the “Protection Buyer”) agrees to make payments over the term of the CDS to the other party (the “Protection
Seller”), provided that no designated event of default, restructuring or other credit related event (each a “Credit Event”) occurs with respect to the Reference Instrument that is usually a
particular bond, loan or the unsecured credit of an issuer, in general (the “Reference Obligation”). Many CDS are physically settled, which means that if a Credit Event occurs, the Protection Seller must
pay the Protection Buyer the full notional value, or “par value,” of the Reference Obligation in exchange for delivery by the Protection Buyer of the Reference Obligation or another similar obligation
issued by the issuer of the Reference Obligation (the “Deliverable Obligation”). The Counterparties agree to the characteristics of the Deliverable Obligation at the time that they enter into the CDS.
Alternately, a CDS can be “cash settled,” which means that upon the occurrence of a Credit Event, the Protection Buyer will receive a payment from the Protection Seller
equal to the difference between the par
amount of the Reference Obligation and its market value at the time of the Credit Event. The Fund may be either the Protection Buyer or the Protection Seller in a CDS. If the Fund is a Protection Buyer and no Credit
Event occurs, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the CDS (i.e., an amount equal to the payments made to the Protection Seller over the term of the CDS). However, if a Credit Event occurs, the Fund (as
Protection Buyer) will deliver the Deliverable Obligation and receive a payment equal to the full notional value of the Reference Obligation, even though the Reference Obligation may have little or no value. If the
Fund is the Protection Seller and no Credit Event occurs, the Fund will receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the CDS. However, if a Credit Event occurs, the Fund (as Protection Seller) will pay the
Protection Buyer the full notional value of the Reference Obligation and receive the Deliverable Obligation from the Protection Buyer. A CDS may involve greater risks than if the Fund invested directly in the
Reference Obligation. For example, a CDS may increase credit risk since the Fund has exposure to both the issuer of the Reference Obligation and the Counterparty to the CDS.
Currency Swaps
Currency swaps are contracts which provide for interest payments in different currencies. The parties might agree to exchange the notional principal amounts of the currencies as well (commonly called a
“foreign exchange swap”).
Caps and Floors (A Type of Swap
Contract)
Caps
and Floors are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments only if an interest rate or index goes above (Cap) or below (Floor) a certain level in return for a fee from the other party.
Other Investments, Transactions,
Techniques
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund buys a security from a dealer or bank and agrees to sell the security back at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price exceeds the sale
price, reflecting the Fund's return on the transaction. This return is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying security. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with banks and other recognized
financial institutions, such as securities dealers, deemed creditworthy by the Adviser.
The
Fund's custodian or subcustodian will take possession of the securities subject to repurchase agreements. The Adviser or subcustodian will monitor the value of the underlying security each day to ensure that the value
of the security always equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Repurchase agreements are subject to credit risks.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Reverse
repurchase agreements (which are considered a type of special transaction for asset segregation or asset coverage purposes) are repurchase agreements in which the Fund is the seller (rather than the buyer) of the
securities, and agrees to repurchase them at an agreed upon time and price. A reverse repurchase agreement may be viewed as a type of borrowing by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements are subject to credit risks.
In addition, reverse repurchase agreements create leverage risks because the Fund must repurchase the underlying security at a higher price, regardless of the market value of the security at the time of repurchase.
Hybrid Instruments
Hybrid
instruments combine elements of two different kinds of securities or financial instruments (such as a derivative contract). Frequently, the value of a hybrid instrument is determined by reference to changes in the
value of a Reference Instrument (that is a designated security, commodity, currency, index, or other asset or instrument including a derivative contract). Hybrid instruments can take on many forms including, but not
limited to, the following forms. First, a common form of a hybrid instrument combines elements of a derivative contract with those of another security (typically a fixed-income security). In this case all or a portion
of the interest or principal payable on a hybrid security is determined by reference to changes in the price of a Reference Instrument. Second, a hybrid instrument may also combine elements of a fixed-income security
and an equity security. Third, hybrid instruments may include convertible securities with conversion terms related to a Reference Instrument.
Depending on the type and terms of the hybrid instrument, its risks may reflect a combination of the risks of investing in the Reference Instrument with the risks of investing in other securities, currencies and
derivative contracts. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional securities or the Reference Instrument. Hybrid instruments are also
potentially more volatile than traditional securities or the Reference Instrument. Moreover, depending on the structure of the particular hybrid, it may expose the Fund to leverage risks or carry liquidity risks.
Credit Linked Note (A Type of
Hybrid Instrument)
A
credit linked note (CLN) is a type of hybrid instrument in which a special purpose entity issues a structured note (the “Note Issuer”) with respect to which the Reference Instrument is a single bond, a
portfolio of bonds, or the unsecured credit of an issuer, in general (each a “Reference Credit”). The purchaser of the CLN (the “Note Purchaser”) invests a par amount and receives a payment
during the term of the CLN that equals a fixed or floating rate of interest equivalent to a high rated funded asset (such as a bank certificate of deposit) plus an additional premium that relates to taking on the
credit risk of the Reference Credit. Upon maturity of the CLN, the Note Purchaser will receive a payment equal to: (i) the original par amount paid to the Note Issuer, if there is no occurrence of a designated event
of default, restructuring or other credit event (each a “Credit Event”) with respect to the issuer of the Reference Credit; or (ii) the market value of the Reference Credit, if a Credit Event has occurred.
Depending upon the terms of the CLN, it is also possible that the Note Purchaser may be required to take physical delivery of the Reference Credit in the event of a Credit Event. Most credit linked notes use a
corporate bond (or a portfolio of corporate bonds) as the Reference Credit. However, almost any type of fixed-income security (including foreign government securities), index or derivative contract (such as a credit
default swap) can be used as the Reference Credit.
Equity Linked Note (A Type of
Hybrid Instrument)
An
equity linked note (ELN) is a type of hybrid instrument that provides the noteholder with exposure to a single equity security, a basket of equity securities, or an equity index (the “Reference Equity
Instrument”). Typically, an ELN pays interest at agreed rates over a specified time period and, at maturity, either converts into shares of a Reference Equity Instrument or returns a payment to the noteholder
based on the change in value of a Reference Equity Instrument.
Short Sales
As a
non-principal strategy, the Fund has the ability to make short sales. Short sales are transactions where the Fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the securities.
The Fund must borrow the security to deliver it to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed at the market price at the time of replacement. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is
required to pay the lender any dividends or interest which accrues on the security during the loan period. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the
security sold. To the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, the broker will retain proceeds of the short sale until the short position is closed out. The Adviser anticipates that the frequency of short sales
will vary substantially under different market conditions and the Fund does not intend that any significant amount of its assets, as a matter of practice, will be in short sales, if any.
In
addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund also has the ability to make short sales “against the box,” a transaction in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security owned by such Fund.
A broker holds the proceeds of the short sale until the settlement date, at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.
When
the Fund's portfolio manager anticipates that the price of a security will decline, the portfolio manager may sell the security short and borrow the same security from a broker or other institution to complete the
sale. The Fund may make a profit or incur a loss depending upon whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund must replace the
borrowed security. An increase in the value of a security sold short by the Fund over the price at which it was sold short will result in a loss to the Fund, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to
close out the position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Use of short sales by the Fund may have the effect of providing the Fund with investment leverage.
Securities Lending
The
Fund may lend portfolio securities to borrowers that the Adviser deems creditworthy. In return, the Fund receives cash or liquid securities from the borrower as collateral. The borrower must furnish additional
collateral if the market value of the loaned securities increases. Also, the borrower must pay the Fund the equivalent of any dividends or interest received on the loaned securities.
The
Fund will reinvest cash collateral in securities that qualify as an acceptable investment for the Fund. However, the Fund must pay interest to the borrower for the use of cash collateral.
Loans
are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower. The Fund will not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Fund will attempt to terminate a loan in an effort to
reacquire the securities in time to vote on matters that are deemed to be material by the Adviser. There can be no assurance that the Fund will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan
in time to vote thereon. The Fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash collateral to a securities lending agent or
broker.
Securities lending activities are subject to interest rate risks and credit risks. These transactions create leverage risks.
Asset Segregation
In
accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and SEC staff positions regarding the interpretation of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), with respect to derivatives that create
a future payment obligation of the Fund, the Fund must “set aside” (referred to sometimes as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or staff-approved measures, while the
derivative contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to “cash-settle,” the Fund must cover its open positions by setting aside cash
or readily marketable securities equal to the contracts' full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to “cash-settle,” however, the Fund is permitted to set
aside cash or readily marketable securities in an amount equal to the Fund's daily marked-to-market (“net”) obligations, if any (i.e., the Fund's daily net liability, if any), rather than the notional
value.
The
Fund will employ another approach to segregating assets to cover options that it sells. If the Fund sells a call option, the Fund will set aside either the Reference Instrument subject to the option, cash or readily
marketable securities with a value that equals or exceeds the current market value of the Reference Instrument. In no event, will the value of the cash or readily marketable securities set aside by the Fund be less
than the exercise price of the call option. If the Fund sells a put option, the Fund will set aside cash or readily marketable securities with a value that equals or exceeds the exercise price of the put option.
The
Fund's asset segregation approach for swap agreements varies among different types of swaps. For example, if the Fund enters into a credit default swap as the Protection Buyer, then it will set aside cash or readily
marketable securities necessary to meet any accrued payment obligations under the swap. By comparison, if the Fund enters into a credit default swap as the Protection Seller, then the Fund will set aside cash or
readily marketable securities equal to the full notional amount of the swap that must be paid upon the occurrence of a Credit Event. For some other types of swaps, such as interest rate swaps, the Fund will calculate
the obligations of the counterparties to the swap on a net basis. Consequently, the Fund's current obligation (or rights) under this type of swap will equal only the net amount to be paid or received based on the
relative values of the positions held by each counterparty to the swap (the “net amount”). The net amount currently owed by or to the Fund will be accrued daily and the Fund will set aside cash or readily
marketable securities equal to any accrued but unpaid net amount owed by the Fund under the swap.
The
Fund may reduce the liquid assets segregated to cover obligations under a derivative contract by entering into an offsetting derivative contract. For example, if the Fund sells a put option for the same Reference
Instrument as a call option the Fund has sold, and the exercise price of the call option is the same as or higher than the exercise price of the put option, then the Fund may net its obligations under the options and
set aside cash or readily marketable securities (including any margin deposited for the options) with a value equal to the greater of: (a) the current market value of the Reference Instrument deliverable under the
call option; or (b) the exercise price of the put option.
By
setting aside cash or readily marketable securities equal to only its net obligations under swaps and certain cash-settled derivative contracts, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent
than if the Fund were required to segregate cash or readily marketable securities equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The use of leverage involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors.” Unless
the Fund has other cash or readily marketable securities to set aside, it cannot trade assets set aside in connection with derivative contracts or special transactions without entering into an offsetting derivative
contract or terminating a special transaction. This may cause the Fund to miss favorable trading opportunities or to realize losses on derivative contracts or special transactions. The Fund reserves the right to
modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its staff.
Generally, special transactions do not cash-settle on a net basis. Consequently, with respect to special transactions, the Fund will set aside cash or readily marketable securities with a value that equals or
exceeds the Fund's obligations.
Delayed Delivery Transactions
Delayed
delivery transactions, including when-issued transactions, are arrangements in which the Fund buys securities for a set price, with payment and delivery of the securities scheduled for a future time. During the period
between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund. The Fund records the transaction when it agrees to buy the securities and reflects their value in
determining the price of its Shares. Settlement dates may be a month or more after entering into these transactions so that the market values of the securities bought may vary from the purchase prices. Therefore,
delayed delivery transactions create interest rate risks for the Fund. Delayed delivery transactions also involve credit risks in the event of a counterparty default.
Hedging
Hedging
transactions are intended to reduce specific risks. For example, to protect the Fund against circumstances that would normally cause the Fund's portfolio securities to decline in value, the Fund may buy or sell a
derivative contract that would normally increase in value under the same circumstances. The Fund may also attempt to hedge by using combinations of different derivative contracts, or derivative contracts and
securities. The Fund's ability to hedge may be limited by the costs of the derivative
contracts. The Fund may attempt to lower
the cost of hedging by entering into transactions that provide only limited protection, including transactions that: (1) hedge only a portion of its portfolio; (2) use derivative contracts that cover a narrow range of
circumstances; or (3) involve the sale of derivative contracts with different terms. Consequently, hedging transactions will not eliminate risk even if they work as intended. In addition, hedging strategies are not
always successful, and could result in increased expenses and losses to the Fund.
Inter-Fund Borrowing and
Third-Party Lending Arrangements
Inter-Fund Borrowing
The
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted an exemption that permits the Fund and all other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated funds”) to lend and borrow money
for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other Federated funds. Participation in this inter-fund lending program is voluntary for both borrowing and lending Federated funds, and an inter-fund loan is only
made if it benefits each participating Federated fund. Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”) administers the program according to procedures approved by the Fund's Board, and the Board monitors the
operation of the program. Any inter-fund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemption, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating Federated funds.
For
example, inter-fund lending is permitted only: (a) to meet shareholder redemption requests; (b) to meet commitments arising from “failed” trades; and (c) for other temporary purposes. All inter-fund loans
must be repaid in seven days or less. The Fund's participation in this program must be consistent with its investment policies and limitations, and must meet certain percentage tests. Inter-fund loans may be made only
when the rate of interest to be charged is more attractive to the lending Federated fund than market-competitive rates on overnight repurchase agreements (“Repo Rate”)
and
more attractive to the borrowing Federated fund than the rate of interest that would be charged by an unaffiliated bank for short-term borrowings (“Bank Loan Rate”),
as determined by the Board. The interest rate imposed on inter-fund loans is the average of the Repo Rate and the Bank Loan Rate.
Third-Party Line of Credit
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement. The LOC was made
available to finance temporarily the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Fund, failed trades, payment of dividends, settlement of trades and for other short-term, temporary or emergency general business
purposes. The Fund cannot borrow under the LOC if an inter-fund loan is outstanding. The Fund's ability to borrow under the LOC also is subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act and various conditions precedent that
must be satisfied before the Fund can borrow. Loans under the LOC are charged interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest, on any day, of: (a) (i) the federal funds effective rate; (ii) the one month
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR); and (iii) 0.0%; plus (b) a margin. The LOC also requires the Fund to pay, quarterly in arrears and at maturity, its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the
lenders' commitment that has not been utilized. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, there were no outstanding loans. During the most recently ended fiscal year, the Fund did not utilize the
LOC.
Investing in Securities of Other
Investment Companies
The
Fund may invest its assets in securities of other investment companies, including the securities of affiliated money market funds, as an efficient means of implementing its investment strategies and/or managing its
uninvested cash. These other investment companies are managed independently of the Fund and incur additional fees and/or expenses which would, therefore, be borne indirectly by the Fund in connection with any such
investment. However, the Adviser believes that the benefits and efficiencies of this approach should outweigh the potential additional fees and/or expenses. The Fund may invest in money market securities directly.
Investing in Exchange-Traded
Funds
The
Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as an efficient means of carrying out its investment strategies. As with traditional mutual funds, ETFs charge asset-based fees, although these fees tend to be
relatively low. ETFs are traded on stock exchanges or on the over-the-counter market. ETFs do not charge initial sales charges or redemption fees and investors pay only customary brokerage fees to buy and sell ETF
shares.
Investment Rating for
Investment-Grade Securities
The
Adviser will determine whether a security is investment-grade based upon the credit ratings given by one or more nationally recognized rating services. For example, Standard & Poor's, a rating service, assigns
ratings to investment-grade securities (AAA, AA, A and BBB including modifiers, sub-categories and gradations) based on their assessment of the likelihood of the issuer's inability to pay interest or principal
(default) when due on each security. Lower credit ratings correspond to higher credit
risk. If a security has not received a
rating, the Fund must rely entirely upon the Adviser's credit assessment that the security is comparable to investment-grade. The presence of a ratings modifier, sub-category, or gradation (for example, a (+) or (-))
is intended to show relative standing within the major rating categories and does not affect the security credit rating for purposes of the Fund's investment parameters.
Portfolio Turnover
The
Fund actively trades its portfolio securities in an attempt to achieve its investment objective. Active trading will cause the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover rate, which is likely to generate
shorter-term gains (losses) for its shareholders, which are taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains (losses). Actively trading portfolio securities increases the Fund's trading costs and may have an adverse
impact on the Fund's performance.
Investment Risks
There
are many risk factors which may affect an investment in the Fund. The Fund's principal risks are described in its Prospectus. The following information is either additional information in respect of a principal risk
factor referenced in the Prospectus or information in respect of a non-principal risk factor applicable to the Fund (in which case there is no related disclosure in the Prospectus).
CREDIT RISK
Credit
risk includes the possibility that a party to a transaction (such as a derivative contract) involving the Fund will fail to meet its obligations. This could cause the Fund to lose money or to lose the benefit of the
transaction or prevent the Fund from selling or buying other securities to implement its investment strategy.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Trading
opportunities are more limited for equity securities that are not widely held. This may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower
price to sell a security, sell other securities to raise cash or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. Infrequent trading of securities may also lead
to an increase in their price volatility.
Liquidity risk also refers to the possibility that the Fund may not be able to sell a security or close out a derivative contract when it wants to. If this happens, the Fund will be required to continue to hold the
security or keep the position open, and the Fund could incur losses.
OTC
derivative contracts generally carry greater liquidity risk than exchange-traded contracts. This risk may be increased in times of financial stress, if the trading market for OTC derivative contracts becomes
restricted.
Leverage Risk
Leverage risk is created when an investment, which includes, for example, an investment in a derivative contract, exposes the Fund to a level of risk that exceeds the amount invested. Changes in the value of such an
investment magnify the Fund's risk of loss and potential for gain. Investments can have these same results if their returns are based on a multiple of a specified index, security or other benchmark.
Interest Rate Risk
Prices
of fixed-income securities rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Generally, when interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities fall. However, market factors, such as the demand for
particular fixed-income securities, may cause the price of certain fixed-income securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged.
The
longer the duration of a fixed-income security, the more susceptible it is to interest-rate risk. Recent and potential future changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments are likely to
affect the level of interest rates. Duration measures the price sensitivity of a fixed-income security given a change in interest rates.
Certain
of the Fund's investments may be valued, in part, by reference to the relative relationship between interest rates on tax-exempt securities and taxable securities, respectively. When the market for tax-exempt
securities underperforms (or outperforms) the market for taxable securities, the value of these investments may be negatively affected (or positively affected).
Call Risk
Call
risk is the possibility that an issuer may redeem a fixed-income security before maturity (a “call'') at a price below its current market price. An increase in the likelihood of a call may reduce the security's
price.
If a
fixed-income security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in other fixed-income securities with lower interest rates, higher credit risks, or other less favorable characteristics.
Prepayment Risk
Unlike
traditional fixed-income securities, which pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity (when the entire principal amount is due) payments on mortgage-backed securities include both interest and a partial payment of
principal. Partial payment of principal may be comprised of scheduled principal payments as well as unscheduled payments from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying loans. These
unscheduled prepayments of principal create risks that can adversely affect the Fund holding mortgage-backed securities.
For
example, when interest rates decline, the values of mortgage-backed securities generally rise. However, when interest rates decline, unscheduled prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and the Fund would be
required to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments would also limit the potential for capital appreciation on mortgage-backed securities.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the values of mortgage-backed securities generally fall. Since rising interest rates typically result in decreased prepayments, this could lengthen the average lives of
mortgage-backed securities, and cause their value to decline more than traditional fixed-income securities.
Generally, mortgage-backed securities compensate for the increased risk associated with prepayments by paying a higher yield. The additional interest paid for risk is measured by the difference between the yield of
a mortgage-backed security and the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a comparable maturity (the “spread”). An increase in the spread will cause the price of the mortgage-backed security to decline.
Spreads generally increase in response to adverse economic or market conditions. Spreads may also increase if the security is perceived to have an increased prepayment risk or is perceived to have less market
demand.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
(REIT) RISK
Real
estate investment trusts (REITs) including foreign REITS and REIT-like entities, are subject to risks associated with the ownership of real estate. Some REITs experience market risk due to investment in a limited
number of properties, in a narrow geographic area, or in a single property type, which increases the risk that such REIT could be unfavorably affected by the poor performance of a single investment or investment type.
These companies are also sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, supply and demand, and the management skill and
creditworthiness of the issuer. Borrowers could default on or sell investments that a REIT holds, which could reduce the cash flow needed to make distributions to investors. In addition, REITs may also be affected by
tax and regulatory requirements impacting the REITs' ability to qualify for preferential tax treatments or exemptions. REITs require specialized management and pay management expenses. REITs also are subject to
physical risks to real property, including weather, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, or other events that destroy real property. Foreign REITS and REIT-like entities can also be subject to currency risk,
emerging market risk, limited public information, illiquid trading and the impact of local laws.
REITs
include equity REITs and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended.
Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and
self-liquidations. In addition, equity and mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under applicable tax laws or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940
Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower's or a lessee's ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing
its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, even many of the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small to medium-sized companies in
relation to the equity markets as a whole.
Risk of Foreign Investing
Foreign
securities pose additional risks because foreign economic or political conditions may be less favorable than those of the United States. Securities in foreign markets may also be subject to taxation policies that
reduce returns for U.S. investors.
Foreign
companies may not provide information (including financial statements) as frequently or to as great an extent as companies in the United States. Foreign companies may also receive less coverage than U.S. companies by
market analysts and the financial press. In addition, foreign countries may lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or regulatory requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S.
companies. These factors may prevent the Fund and its Adviser from obtaining information concerning foreign companies that is as frequent, extensive and reliable as the information available concerning companies in
the United States.
Foreign
countries may have restrictions on foreign ownership of securities or may impose exchange controls, capital flow restrictions or repatriation restrictions which could adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's
investments.
Currency Risk
Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The combination of currency risk and market risks tends to make securities traded in foreign markets more volatile than securities traded exclusively in the United
States. The Adviser attempts to manage currency risk by limiting the amount the Fund invests in securities denominated in a particular currency. However, diversification will not protect the Fund against a general
increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.
Investing in currencies or securities denominated in a foreign currency entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the economy of the country or region
utilizing the currency. In addition, it is possible that a currency (such as, for example, the euro) could be abandoned in the future by countries that have already adopted its use, and the effects of such an
abandonment on the applicable country and the rest of the countries utilizing the currency are uncertain but could negatively affect the Fund's investments denominated in the currency. If a currency used by a country
or countries is replaced by another currency, the Fund's Adviser would evaluate whether to continue to hold any investments denominated in such currency, or whether to purchase investments denominated in the currency
that replaces such currency, at the time. Such investments may continue to be held, or purchased, to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objective and permitted under applicable law.
Many
countries rely heavily upon export-dependent businesses and any strength in the exchange rate between a currency and the U.S. dollar or other currencies can have either a positive or a negative effect upon corporate
profits and the performance of investments in the country or region utilizing the currency. Adverse economic events within such country or region may increase the volatility of exchange rates against other currencies,
subjecting the Fund's investments denominated in such country's or region's currency to additional risks.
eurozone Related risk
A
number of countries in the European Union (EU) have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional EU member countries may also fall subject to such difficulties.
These events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in euro-denominated securities and derivatives contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to
EU issuers or countries. If the euro is dissolved entirely, the legal and contractual consequences for holders of euro-denominated obligations and derivative contracts would be determined by laws in effect at such
time. Such investments may continue to be held, or purchased, to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objective(s) and permitted under applicable law. These potential developments, or market perceptions
concerning these and related issues, could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
Certain
countries in the EU have had to accept assistance from supra-governmental agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism (the ESM) or other supra-governmental agencies. The European
Central Bank has also been intervening to purchase Eurozone debt in an attempt to stabilize markets and reduce borrowing costs. There can be no assurance that these agencies will continue to intervene or provide
further assistance and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these agencies. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others
including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences.
In
addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching. In June 2016, the
United Kingdom (U.K.) approved a referendum to leave the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” which sparked depreciation in the value of the British pound, short-term declines in global stock markets and
heightened risk of continued worldwide economic volatility. As a result of Brexit, there is considerable uncertainty as to the arrangements that will apply to the U.K.'s relationship with the EU and other countries
leading up to, and following, its withdrawal. This long-term uncertainty may affect other countries in the EU and elsewhere. Further, the U.K.'s departure from the EU may cause volatility within the EU, triggering
prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU. In addition, Brexit can create actual or perceived additional economic stresses for the
U.K., including potential for decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and possible declines in business and consumer spending as well as
foreign direct investment.
Risk of Investing in Emerging
Market Countries
Securities issued or traded in emerging markets generally entail greater risks than securities issued or traded in developed markets. For example, their prices may be significantly more volatile than prices in
developed countries. Emerging market economies may also experience more severe downturns (with corresponding currency devaluations) than developed economies.
Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments and may present the risk of nationalization of businesses, expropriation, confiscatory taxation or, in certain instances, reversion to closed
market, centrally planned economies.
Risk of Investing in ADRs and
Domestically Traded Securities of Foreign Issuers
Because
the Fund may invest in ADRs and other domestically traded securities of foreign companies, the Fund's share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and
auditing standards than would otherwise be the case. Foreign companies may not provide information as frequently or to as great an extent as companies in the United States. Foreign companies may also receive less
coverage than U.S. companies by market analysts and the financial press. In addition, foreign companies may lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or regulatory requirements comparable to
those applicable to U.S. companies. These factors may prevent the Fund and its Adviser from obtaining information concerning foreign companies that is as frequent, extensive and reliable as the information concerning
companies in the United States.
Risk Associated with
Noninvestment-Grade Securities
Securities rated below investment grade, also known as junk bonds, generally entail greater economic, credit and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. For example, their prices are more volatile,
economic downturns and financial setbacks may affect their prices more negatively, and their trading market may be more limited.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS RISK
An
investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies
and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following
risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained;
or (iii) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit
breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.
Risk of Investing in Derivative
Contracts and Hybrid Instruments
The
Fund's exposure to derivative contracts and hybrid instruments (either directly or through its investment in another investment company) involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated
with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. First, changes in the value of the derivative contracts and hybrid instruments in which the Fund invests may not be correlated with changes in
the value of the underlying Reference Instruments or, if they are correlated, may move in the opposite direction than originally anticipated. Second, while some strategies involving derivatives may reduce the risk of
loss, they may also reduce potential gains or, in some cases, result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in portfolio holdings. Third, there is a risk that derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may
be erroneously priced or improperly valued and, as a result, the Fund may need to make increased cash payments to the counterparty. Fourth, exposure to derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may have tax
consequences to the Fund and its shareholders. For example, derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may cause the Fund to realize increased ordinary income or short-term capital gains (which are treated as
ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes) and, as a result, may increase taxable distributions to shareholders. In addition, under certain circumstances certain derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may
cause the Fund to: (a) incur an excise tax on a portion of the income related to those contracts and instruments; and/or (b) reclassify, as a return of capital, some or all of the distributions previously made to
shareholders during the fiscal year as dividend income. Fifth, a common provision in OTC derivative contracts permits the counterparty to terminate any such contract between it and the Fund, if the value of the Fund's
total net assets declines below a specified level over a given time period. Factors that may contribute to such a decline (which usually must be substantial) include significant shareholder redemptions and/or a marked
decrease in the market value of the Fund's investments. Any such termination of the Fund's OTC derivative contracts may adversely affect the Fund (for example, by increasing losses and/or costs, and/or preventing the
Fund from fully implementing its investment strategies). Sixth, the Fund may use a derivative contract to benefit from a decline in the value of a Reference Instrument. If the value of the Reference Instrument
declines during the term of the contract, the Fund makes a profit on the difference (less any payments the Fund is required to pay under the terms of the contract). Any such strategy involves risk. There is no
assurance that the Reference Instrument will decline in value during the term of the contract and make a profit for the Fund. The Reference Instrument may instead appreciate in value creating a loss for the Fund.
Seventh, a default or failure by a CCP or an FCM (also sometimes called a “futures broker”), or the failure of a contract to be transferred from an Executing Dealer to the FCM for clearing, may expose the
Fund to losses, increase its costs, or prevent the Fund from entering or exiting derivative positions, accessing margin or fully implementing its investment strategies. The central clearing of a derivative and trading
of a contract over a SEF could reduce the liquidity in, or increase costs of entering into or holding, any contracts. Finally, derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may also involve other risks described herein
or in the Fund's prospectus, such as stock market, interest rate, credit, currency, liquidity and leverage risks.
Short Selling Risk
A short
sale by the Fund involves borrowing securities from a lender which are then sold in the open market. At a future date, the securities are repurchased by the Fund and returned to the lender. While the securities are
borrowed, the proceeds from the sale are deposited with the lender and the Fund pays interest to the lender. If the value of the securities declines between the time that the Fund borrows the securities and the time
it repurchases and returns the securities to the lender, the Fund makes a profit on the difference (less any interest the Fund is required to pay the lender). Short selling involves risk. There is no assurance that
securities will decline in value during the period of the short sale and make a profit for the Fund. Securities sold short may instead appreciate in value creating a loss for the Fund. The Fund also may experience
difficulties repurchasing and returning the borrowed securities if a liquid market for the securities does not exist. The lender may also recall borrowed securities at any time. The lender from whom the Fund has
borrowed securities may go bankrupt and the Fund may lose the collateral it has deposited with the lender. The Fund will adhere to controls and limits that are intended to offset these risks by short selling only
liquid securities and by limiting the amount of exposure for short sales.
Risk Associated with the
Investment Activities of Other Accounts
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other accounts managed by the Adviser and accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. Therefore, it is possible that investment-related
actions taken by such other accounts could adversely impact the Fund with respect to, for example, the value of Fund portfolio holdings, and/or prices paid to or received by the Fund on its portfolio transactions,
and/or the Fund's ability to obtain or dispose of portfolio securities. Related considerations are discussed elsewhere in this SAI under “Brokerage Transactions and Investment Allocation.”
CYBER SECURITY
RISK
Like
other funds and business enterprises, the use of the Internet and other electronic media and technology exposes the Fund, the Fund's shareholders, and the Fund's service providers, and their respective operations, to
potential risks from cyber-security attacks or incidents (collectively, “cyber-events”). Cyber-events may include, for example, unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices (such as, for example,
through “hacking” activity), infection from or spread of malware, computer viruses or other malicious software code, corruption of data, and attacks which shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt
operations, business processes or website or internet access, functionality or performance. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers have experienced, and will continue to
experience, cyber-events consistently. Cyber-events have not had a material adverse effect on the Fund's business operations or performance. In addition to intentional cyber-events, unintentional cyber-events can
occur, such as, for example, the inadvertent release of confidential information. Any cyber-event could adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders and cause the Fund to incur financial loss and expense, as well as
face exposure to regulatory penalties, reputational damage and additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures. A cyber-event may cause the Fund, or its service providers, to lose proprietary
information, suffer data corruption, lose operational capacity (such as, for example, the loss of the ability to process transactions, calculate the Fund's NAV, or allow shareholders to transact business), and/or fail
to comply with applicable privacy and other laws. Among other potentially harmful effects, cyber-events also may result in theft, unauthorized monitoring and failures in the physical infrastructure or operating
systems that support the Fund and its service providers. In addition, cyber-events affecting issuers in which the Fund invests could cause the Fund's investments to lose value. The Fund's Adviser and its relevant
affiliates have established risk management systems reasonably designed to seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-events, however, there is no guarantee that the efforts of the Adviser or its affiliates, or
other service providers, will succeed, either entirely or partially. Among other reasons, the nature of malicious cyber-attacks is becoming increasingly sophisticated and the Fund's Adviser, and its relevant
affiliates, cannot control the cyber systems and cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.
Investment Objective
(and Policies) and Investment Limitations
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide growth of income and capital. The investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Fund's Board of Trustees (the
“Board”) without shareholder approval.
Investment Limitations
Diversification
With
respect to securities comprising 75% of the value of its total assets, the Fund will not purchase securities of any one issuer (other than cash; cash items; securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the
United States or its agencies or instrumentalities and repurchase agreements collateralized by such U.S. government securities; and securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of the value
of its total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or the Fund would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
Borrowing Money and Issuing Senior
Securities
The Fund may borrow money, directly or indirectly, and issue senior securities to the maximum extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), any rule or order
thereunder, or any SEC staff interpretation thereof.
Investing in Real Estate
The
Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from investing in issuers which invest, deal, or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests
therein, or investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein. The Fund may exercise its rights under agreements relating to such securities, including the right to enforce security
interests and to hold real estate acquired by reason of such enforcement until that real estate can be liquidated in an orderly manner.
Investing in Commodities
The
Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities, provided that the Fund may purchase securities of companies that deal in commodities.
Underwriting
The
Fund may not underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the Fund may engage in transactions involving the acquisition, disposition or resale of its portfolio securities, under circumstances where it may
be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933.
Lending
The
Fund may not make loans, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from purchasing debt obligations, entering into repurchase agreements, lending its assets to broker/dealers or institutional investors
and investing in loans, including assignments and participation interests.
Concentration
The
Fund will not make investments that will result in the concentration of its investments in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in the same industry. Government securities, municipal securities and bank
instruments will not be deemed to constitute an industry.
The above
limitations cannot be changed unless authorized by the Board and by the “vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities,” as defined by the 1940 Act. The following limitations, however, may
be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in these limitations becomes effective.
Concentration
(as applied)
In
applying the Fund's concentration restriction: (a) utility companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry;
(b) financial service companies will be classified according to the end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; and
(c) asset-backed securities will be classified according to the underlying assets securing such securities. To conform to the current view of the SEC staff that only domestic bank instruments may be excluded from
industry concentration limitations, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Fund will not exclude foreign bank instruments from industry concentration limitation tests as long as the policy of the SEC remains in
effect. In addition, investments in bank instruments, and investments in certain industrial development bonds funded by activities in a single industry, will be deemed to constitute investment in an industry, except
when held for temporary defensive purposes. The investment of more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets in any one industry will constitute “concentration.”
Purchases on Margin
The
Fund will not purchase securities on margin, provided that the Fund may obtain short-term credits necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities, and further provided that the Trust may make margin
deposits in connection with its use of financial options and futures, forward and spot currency transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments.
Pledging Assets
The
Fund will not mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate any of its assets, provided that this shall not apply to the transfer of securities in connection with any permissible borrowing or to collateral arrangements in
connection with permissible activities.
Illiquid Securities
The
Fund will not purchase securities for which there is no readily available market, or enter into repurchase agreements or purchase time deposits that the fund cannot dispose of within seven days, if immediately after
and as a result, the value of such securities would exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund's net assets.
Restricted Securities
The
Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities are any securities in which the Fund may invest pursuant to its investment objective and policies but which are subject to restrictions on resale under
federal securities law. Under criteria established by the Board, certain restricted securities are determined to be liquid. To the extent that restricted securities are not determined to be liquid, the Fund will limit
their purchase, together with other illiquid securities, to 15% of its net assets.
Non-Fundamental Names Rule
Policy
The Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in large-cap investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at
least 60 days in advance of any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in large-cap
investments.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For
purposes of the above limitations, the Fund considers certificates of deposit and demand and time deposits issued by a U.S. branch of a domestic bank or savings association having capital, surplus and undivided
profits in excess of $100,000,000 at the time of investment to be “cash items.” Except with respect to borrowing money, if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase
or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such limitation.
What Do Shares Cost?
Determining Market Value of
Securities
A
Share's net asset value (NAV) is determined as of the end of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each day the NYSE is open. The Fund calculates the NAV of each class
by valuing the assets allocated to the Share's class, subtracting the liabilities allocated to each class and dividing the balance by the number of Shares of the class outstanding. The NAV for each class of Shares may
differ due to the level of expenses allocated to each class as well as a result of the variance between the amount of accrued investment income and capital gains or losses allocated to each class and the amount
actually distributed to shareholders of each class. The NAV is calculated to the nearest whole cent per Share.
In
calculating its NAV, the Fund generally values investments as follows:
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Equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange or traded through the U.S. national market system are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing price in their principal
exchange or market. If a price is not readily available, such equity securities are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations from one or more dealers.
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Other equity securities traded primarily in the United States are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations from one or more dealers.
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Equity securities traded primarily through securities exchanges and regulated market systems outside the United States are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing
price in their principal exchange or market. These prices may be adjusted for significant events occurring after the closing of such exchanges or market systems as described below. If a price is not readily available,
such equity securities are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations from one or more dealers.
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Fixed-income securities are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. The methods used by pricing services to determine such price evaluations are
described below. If a price evaluation from a pricing service is not readily available, such fixed-income securities are fair valued based upon price evaluations from one or more dealers.
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Futures contracts listed on exchanges are valued at their reported settlement price. Option contracts listed on exchanges are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations reported by
the exchange or from one or more futures commission merchants.
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OTC derivative contracts are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. The methods used by pricing services to determine such price evaluations are
described below. If a price evaluation from a pricing service is not readily available, such derivative contracts are fair valued based upon price evaluations from one or more dealers or using a recognized pricing
model for the contract.
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Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs. The prospectuses for these mutual funds explain the circumstances
under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
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If any price, quotation, price evaluation or other pricing source is not readily available when the NAV is calculated, if the Fund cannot obtain price evaluations from a pricing service or from more
than one dealer for an investment within a reasonable period of time as set forth in the Fund's valuation policies and procedures, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, is deemed not representative of the fair value of such security, the Fund will use the fair value of the investment determined in accordance with the procedures described below. There can be no assurance
that the Fund could purchase or sell an investment at the price used to calculate the Fund's NAV. The Fund will not use a pricing service or dealer who is an affiliated person of the Adviser to value investments.
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Noninvestment assets and liabilities are valued in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The NAV calculation includes expenses, dividend income, interest income, other
income and realized and unrealized investment gains and losses through the date of the calculation. Changes in holdings of investments and in the number of outstanding Shares are included in the calculation not later
than the first business day following such change. Any assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate obtained from one or more currency dealers.
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The
Fund follows procedures that are common in the mutual fund industry regarding errors made in the calculation of its NAV. This means that, generally, the Fund will not correct errors of less than one cent per Share or
errors that did not result in net dilution to the Fund.
Fair Valuation and Significant
Events Procedures
The
Board has ultimate responsibility for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Board has appointed a Valuation Committee comprised of officers of the Fund,
the Adviser and certain of the Adviser's affiliated companies to assist in determining fair value and in overseeing the calculation of the NAV. The Board has also authorized the use of pricing services recommended by
the Valuation Committee to provide price evaluations of the current fair value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV.
Pricing
Service Valuations.
Based on the recommendations of the Valuation Committee, the Board has authorized the Fund, subject to Board oversight, to use pricing services that provide daily fair
value evaluations of the current value of certain investments, primarily fixed-income securities and OTC derivatives contracts. Different pricing services may provide different price evaluations for the same security
because of differences in their methods of evaluating market values. Factors considered by pricing services in evaluating an investment include the yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, coupon,
maturity, call rights and other potential prepayments, terms and type, reported transactions, indications as to values from dealers and general market conditions. A pricing service may find it more difficult to apply
these and other factors to relatively illiquid or volatile investments, which may result in less frequent or more significant changes in the price evaluations of these investments. If a pricing service determines that
it does not have sufficient information to use its standard methodology, it may evaluate an investment based on the present value of what investors can reasonably expect to receive from the issuer's operations or
liquidation.
Special valuation considerations may apply with respect to the Fund's “odd-lot” positions, if any, as the Fund may receive lower prices when it sells such positions than it would
receive for sales of institutional round lot positions. Typically, these securities are valued assuming orderly transactions of institutional round lot sizes, but the Fund may hold or, from time to time, transact in
such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes.
The Valuation Committee engages in oversight activities with respect to the Fund's pricing services, which includes, among other things, monitoring significant or unusual price fluctuations above
predetermined tolerance levels from the prior day, back-testing of pricing services' prices against actual sale transactions, conducting periodic due diligence meetings and reviews and periodically reviewing the
inputs, assumptions and methodologies used by these pricing services. If information furnished by a pricing service is not readily available or, in the opinion of the Valuation Committee, is deemed not representative
of the fair value of such security, the security will be fair valued by the Valuation Committee in accordance with procedures established by the Trustees as discussed below in “Fair Valuation
Procedures.”
Some
pricing services provide a single price evaluation reflecting the bid-side of the market for an investment (a “bid” evaluation). Other pricing services offer both bid evaluations and price evaluations
indicative of a price between the prices bid and asked for the investment (a “mid” evaluation). The Fund normally uses bid evaluations for any U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, mortgage-backed
securities and municipal securities. The Fund normally uses mid evaluations for any other types of fixed-income securities and any OTC derivative contracts.
Fair
Valuation Procedures.
The Board has established procedures for determining the fair value of investments for which price evaluations from pricing services or dealers and market quotations are
not readily available. The procedures define an investment's “fair value” as the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale. The procedures assume that any sale would be
made to a willing buyer in the ordinary course of trading. The procedures require consideration of factors that vary based on the type of investment and the information available. Factors that may be considered in
determining an investment's fair value include: (1) the last reported price at which the investment was traded; (2) information provided by dealers or investment analysts regarding the investment or the issuer; (3)
changes in financial conditions and business prospects disclosed in the issuer's financial statements and other reports; (4) publicly announced transactions (such as tender offers and mergers) involving the issuer;
(5) comparisons to other investments or to financial indices that are correlated to the investment; (6) with respect to fixed-income investments, changes in market yields and spreads; (7) with respect to investments
that have been suspended from trading, the circumstances leading to the suspension; and (8) other factors that might affect the investment's value.
The
Valuation Committee is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of these procedures subject to Board oversight. The Valuation Committee may also authorize the use of a financial valuation model to determine the
fair value of a specific type of investment. The Board periodically reviews and approves the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee and any changes made to the procedures.
Using
fair value to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs. The application of the
fair value procedures to an investment represent a good faith determination of an investment's fair value. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the
investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
Significant Events.
The Board has adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Adviser determines that a significant event affecting the value of
the investment has occurred between the time as of which the price of the investment would otherwise be determined and the time as of which the NAV is computed. An event is considered significant if there is both an
affirmative expectation that the investment's value will change in response to the event and a reasonable basis for quantifying the resulting change in value. Examples of significant events that may occur after the
close of the principal market on which a security is traded, or the time of a price evaluation provided by a pricing service or a dealer, include:
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With respect to securities traded principally in foreign markets, significant trends in U.S. equity markets or in the trading of foreign securities index futures contracts;
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Political or other developments affecting the economy or markets in which an issuer conducts its operations or its securities are traded; and
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Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations or litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer's operations or regulatory changes or
market developments affecting the issuer's industry.
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The
Board has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to determine the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets when the Adviser determines that there has
been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading. The pricing service uses models that correlate changes between the closing and opening price of equity securities traded primarily in
non-U.S. markets to changes in prices in U.S.-traded securities and derivative contracts. The pricing service seeks to employ the model that provides the most significant correlation based on a periodic review of the
results. The model uses the correlation to adjust the reported closing price of a foreign equity security based on information available up to the close of the NYSE.
For
other significant events, the Fund may seek to obtain more current quotations or price evaluations from alternative pricing sources. If a reliable alternative pricing source is not available, the fair value of the
investment is determined using the methods discussed above in
“Fair Valuation Procedures.”
The Board has ultimate responsibility for any fair valuations made in response to a significant event.
How is the Fund Sold?
Under
the Distributor's Contract with the Fund, the Distributor (“Federated Securities Corp.”) offers Shares on a continuous, best-efforts basis.
Rule 12b-1 Plan
A, B, C & R Classes
As a
compensation-type plan, the Rule 12b-1 Plan is designed to pay the Distributor for activities principally intended to result in the sale of Shares such as advertising and marketing of Shares (including printing and
distributing prospectuses and sales literature to prospective shareholders and financial intermediaries) and providing incentives to financial intermediaries to sell Shares. The Plan is also designed to cover the cost
of administrative services performed in conjunction with the sale of Shares, including, but not limited to, shareholder services, recordkeeping services and educational services, as well as the costs of implementing
and operating the Plan. The Rule 12b-1 Plan allows the Distributor to contract with financial intermediaries to perform activities covered by the Plan. The Rule 12b-1 Plan is expected to benefit the Fund in a number
of ways. For example, it is anticipated that the Plan will help the Fund attract and retain assets, thus providing cash for orderly portfolio management and Share redemptions and possibly helping to stabilize or
reduce other operating expenses.
In
addition, the Plan is integral to the multiple class structure of the Fund, which promotes the sale of Shares by providing a range of options to investors. The Fund's service providers that receive asset-based fees
also benefit from stable or increasing Fund assets.
The
Fund may compensate the Distributor more or less than its actual marketing expenses. In no event will the Fund pay for any expenses of the Distributor that exceed the maximum Rule 12b-1 Plan fee.
For some classes of shares, maximum Rule 12b-1 Plan fee that can be paid in any one year may not be sufficient to cover the marketing-related expenses the Distributor has incurred. Therefore, it
may take the Distributor a number of years to recoup these expenses.
Regarding the Fund's Class A Shares, the Class A Shares of the Fund currently do not accrue, pay or incur any Rule 12b-1 Plan fee, although the Board of Trustees has adopted a Plan that permits the Class A Shares of
the Fund to accrue, pay and incur a Rule 12b-1 Plan fee of up to a maximum amount of 0.05%, or some lesser amount as the Board of Trustees shall approve from time to time. The Class A Shares of the Fund will not incur
or charge such Rule 12b-1 Plan fees until such time as approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
Additional Payments To Financial
Intermediaries
A, B, C, R, IS
& SS Classes
The
Distributor may pay out of its own resources amounts to certain financial intermediaries, including broker-dealers, banks, registered investment advisers, independent financial planners and retirement plan
administrators. In some cases, such payments may be made by, or funded from the resources of, companies affiliated with the Distributor (including the Adviser). While Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
(FINRA) regulations limit the sales charges that you may bear, there are no limits with regard to the amounts that the Distributor may pay out of its own resources. In addition to the payments which are generally
described herein and in the Prospectus, the financial intermediary also may receive payments under the Rule 12b-1 Plan and/or Service Fees. In connection with these payments, the financial intermediary may elevate the
prominence or profile of the Fund and/or other Federated funds within the financial intermediary's organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting the Distributor
preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the funds in various ways within the financial intermediary's organization. The same financial intermediaries may receive payments under more than one or all
categories. These payments assist in the Distributor's efforts to support the sale of Shares. These payments are negotiated and may be based on such factors as: the number or value of Shares that the financial
intermediary sells or may sell; the value of client assets invested; the level and types of services or support furnished by the financial intermediary; or the Fund's and/or other Federated funds' relationship with
the financial intermediary. Not all financial intermediaries receive such payments and the amount of compensation may vary by intermediary. You should ask your financial intermediary for information about any payments
it receives from the Distributor or the Federated funds and any services it provides, as well as the fees and/or commissions it charges.
The
categories of additional payments are described below.
Supplemental Payments
The
Distributor may make supplemental payments to certain financial intermediaries that are holders or dealers of record for accounts in one or more of the Federated funds. These payments may be based on such factors as:
the number or value of Shares the financial intermediary sells or may sell; the value of client assets invested; or the type and nature of services or support furnished by the financial intermediary.
Processing Support Payments
The
Distributor may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Federated fund shares to help offset their costs associated with client account maintenance support, statement processing and transaction
processing. The types of payments that the Distributor may make under this category include: payment of ticket charges on a per-transaction basis; payment of networking fees; and payment for ancillary services such as
setting up funds on the financial intermediary's mutual fund trading system.
Retirement Plan Program Servicing
Payments
The
Distributor may make payments to certain financial intermediaries who sell Federated fund shares through retirement plan programs. A financial intermediary may perform retirement plan program services itself or may
arrange with a third party to perform retirement plan program services. In addition to participant recordkeeping, reporting or transaction processing, retirement plan program services may include: services rendered to
a plan in connection with fund/investment selection and monitoring; employee enrollment and education; plan balance rollover or separation; or other similar services.
Marketing Support Payments
From
time to time, the Distributor, at its expense, may provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of Shares. Such compensation, provided by the Distributor, may include
financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable the Distributor to participate in or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other
employees, client entertainment, client and investor events and other financial intermediary-sponsored events.
The
Distributor also may hold or sponsor, at its expense, sales events, conferences and programs for employees or associated persons of financial intermediaries and may pay the travel and lodging expenses of attendees.
The Distributor also may provide, at its expense, meals and entertainment in conjunction with meetings with financial intermediaries. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by applicable
federal or state law or regulations, or the rules of any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. These payments may vary depending on the nature of the event or the relationship.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the following is a list of FINRA member firms that received additional payments from the Distributor or an affiliate. Additional payments may also be made to
certain other financial intermediaries that are not FINRA member firms that sell Federated fund shares or provide services to the Federated funds and shareholders. These firms are not included in this list. Any
additions, modifications or deletions to the member firms identified in this list that have occurred since December 31, 2016, are not reflected. You should ask your financial intermediary for information about any
additional payments it receives from the Distributor.
ADP Broker-Dealer, Inc.
American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.
Apex Clearing Corporation
AXA Advisors, LLC
B.C. Ziegler and Company
Banc of America Investment Services, Inc.
BB&T Securities, LLC
BBVA Compass Investment Solutions Inc.
BCG Securities, Inc.
BMO Harris Financial Advisors, Inc.
BNP Paribas Securities Corporation
Broadridge Business Process Outsourcing, LLC
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Capital Investment Group, Inc.
Capital Securities Management, Inc.
Cetera Advisor Network LLC
Cetera Advisors LLC
Cetera Financial Specialists LLC
Cetera Investment Services LLC
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.
CIBC World Markets Corp.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Citizens Securities Inc.
Comerica Securities, Inc.
Commonwealth Financial Network
Cuso Financial Services, L.P.
D.A. Davidson & Co.
Davenport & Company LLC
David Lerner Associates, Inc.
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
DST Market Services, LLC
E
*
Trade Clearing LLC
EDI Financial Inc.
Edward D. Jones & Co., LP
FBL Marketing Services, LLC
Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc.
Fifth
Third Securities, Inc.
First Allied Securities, Inc.
FIS Brokerage & Securities Services LLC
FSC Securities Corporation
Girard Securities, Inc.
Goldman, Sachs, & Company
GWFS Equities, Inc.
H. Beck, Inc.
H.D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc.
Hand Securities, Inc.
Harvest Financial Corporation
HefrenTillotson, Inc.
Hilltop Securities Inc.
HSBC Securities USA Inc.
Infinex Investments, Inc.
Institutional Cash Distributors, LLC
Institutional Securities Corporation
INTL FCStone Securities, Inc.
Invest Financial Corporation
Investment Professionals, Inc.
Investors Capital Corporation
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC
JPMorgan Securities LLC
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Jefferies LLC
Key Investment Services, LLC
KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
KMS Financial Services, Inc.
Legend Equities Corporation
Lieblong & Associates, Inc.
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Lincoln Investment Planning, LLC
Lockton Financial Advisors LLC
LPL Financial LLC
M&T Securities Inc.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated
Metlife Securities Inc.
Mid Atlantic Capital Corp.
Midwestern Securities Trading Company, LLC
MML Investors Services, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Multi-Bank Securities
National Financial Services LLC
National Planning Corporation
National Securities Corporation
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
Next Financial Group, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC
NYLIFE Distributors LLC
Ohio National Equities, Inc.
Oneamerica Securities, Inc.
Oppenheimer & Company, Inc.
Paychex Securities Corp.
People's Securities, Inc.
Pershing LLC
Piper Jaffray & Co.
Planmember Securities Corporation
PNC Investments LLC
Princor Financial Services Corporation
Prospera Financial Services, Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.
Royal Alliance Associates Inc.
Safdie Investment Services Corp.
SagePoint Financial, Inc.
Securian Financial Services, Inc.
Securities Service Network, Inc.
Security Distributors LLC
Sentry Advisors, LLC
Sigma Financial Corporation
Signature Securities Group Corp.
State Street Global Markets, LLC
Stephens Inc.
Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc.
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
Summit Brokerage Services, Inc.
Suntrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.
Symphonic Securities LLC
Synovus Securities, Inc.
TD Ameritrade, Inc.
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America
The Huntington Investment Company
The Prudential Insurance Company of America
Transamerica Capital Inc.
Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.
U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
UBS Financial Services Inc.
UBS Securities LLC
UMB Financial Services, Inc.
Valor Financial Securities LLC
Vanguard Marketing Corporation
Vining-Sparks IBG, Limited Partnership
Vision Financial Markets LLC
Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.
Voya Retirement Advisors, LLC
VSR Financial Services, Inc.
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Wayne Hummer Investments LLC
Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc.
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
WestPark Capital, Inc.
WFG Investments, Inc.
Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.
World Equity Group, Inc.
Purchases In-Kind
You may
contact the Distributor to request a purchase of Shares using securities you own. The Fund reserves the right to determine whether to accept your securities and the minimum market value to accept. The Fund will value
your securities in the same manner as it values its assets. An in-kind purchase may be treated as a sale of your securities for federal tax purposes; please consult your tax adviser regarding potential tax
liability.
Subaccounting
Services
Certain
financial intermediaries may wish to use the transfer agent's subaccounting system to minimize their internal recordkeeping requirements. The transfer agent may charge a fee based on the level of subaccounting
services rendered. Financial intermediaries holding Shares in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity may charge or pass through subaccounting fees as part of or in addition to normal trust or agency
account fees. They may also charge fees for other services that may be related to the ownership of Shares. This information should, therefore, be read together with any agreement between the customer and the financial
intermediary about the services provided, the fees charged for those services and any restrictions and limitations imposed.
Redemption In-Kind
Although the Fund generally intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right, on its own initiative or in response to a shareholder request, to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a
distribution of the Fund's portfolio securities.
Because
the Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund is obligated to pay Share redemptions to any one shareholder in cash only up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets represented
by such Share class during any 90-day period.
Any
Share redemption payment greater than this amount will also be in cash unless the Fund elects to pay all or a portion of the remainder of the redemption in portfolio securities, valued in the same way as the Fund
determines its NAV.
Redemption in-kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. Shareholders receiving the portfolio securities could have difficulty selling them, may incur related transaction costs and would be subject to risks of
fluctuations in the securities' values prior to sale.
Delaware Statutory Trust Law
The
Fund is an organization of the type commonly known as a “Delaware statutory trust.” The Fund's Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees and officers of the Fund, in their capacity as such, will not
be personally liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law; but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders to which he would otherwise be
subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office. Voting rights are not cumulative, which means that the holders of more
than 50% of the Shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the Shares voting on the matter will not be able to elect any
Trustees.
In the
unlikely event a shareholder is held personally liable for the Trust's obligations, the Trust is required by the Declaration of Trust to use its property to protect or compensate the shareholder. On request, the Trust
will defend any claim made and pay any judgment against a shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust. Therefore, financial loss resulting from liability as a shareholder will occur only if the Trust itself
cannot meet its obligations to indemnify shareholders and pay judgments against them.
Account and Share
Information
Voting Rights
Each
Share of the Fund gives the shareholder one vote in Trustee elections and other matters submitted to shareholders for vote.
All
Shares of the Fund have equal voting rights, except that in matters affecting only a particular class, only Shares of that class are entitled to vote.
Trustees may be removed by the Board or by shareholders at a special meeting. A special meeting of shareholders will be called by the Board upon the written request of shareholders who own at least 10% of the Fund's
outstanding Shares of all series entitled to vote.
Tax Information
Federal Income Tax
The
Fund intends to meet requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) applicable to regulated investment companies. If these requirements are not met, it will not receive special tax
treatment and will be subject to federal corporate income tax.
Tax Basis Information
The
Fund's Transfer Agent is required to provide you with the cost basis information on the sale of any of your Shares in the Fund, subject to certain exceptions.
Foreign Investments
If the
Fund purchases foreign securities, its investment income may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes that could reduce the return on these securities. Tax treaties between the United States and foreign
countries, however, may reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign taxes to which the Fund would be subject. The effective rate of foreign tax cannot be predicted since the amount of Fund assets to be invested within
various countries is uncertain. However, the Fund intends to operate so as to qualify for treaty-reduced tax rates when applicable.
Distributions from the Fund may be based on estimates of book income for the year. Book income generally consists solely of the income generated by the securities in the portfolio, whereas tax-basis income includes,
in addition, gains or losses attributable to currency fluctuation. Due to differences in the book and tax treatment of fixed-income securities denominated in foreign currencies, it is difficult to project currency
effects on an interim basis. Therefore, to the extent that currency fluctuations cannot be anticipated, a portion of distributions to shareholders could later be designated as a return of capital, rather than income,
for income tax purposes, which may be of particular concern to certain trusts.
Certain
foreign corporations may qualify as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFIC). There are special rules prescribing the tax treatment of such an investment by the Fund, which could subject the Fund to federal income
tax.
If more
than 50% of the value of the Fund's assets at the end of the tax year is represented by stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will qualify for certain Code provisions that allow its shareholders to
claim a foreign tax credit or deduction on their U.S. income tax returns. The Code may limit a shareholder's ability to claim a foreign tax credit. Shareholders who elect to deduct their portion of the Fund's foreign
taxes rather than take the foreign tax credit must itemize deductions on their income tax returns.
Who Manages and Provides
Services to the Fund?
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the Fund's business affairs and for exercising all the Fund's powers except those reserved for the shareholders. The following tables give
information about each Trustee and the senior officers of the Fund. Where required, the tables separately list Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Fund (i.e., “Interested” Trustees)
and those who are not (i.e., “Independent” Trustees). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is Federated Investors Tower, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779. The address of
all Independent Trustees listed is 4000 Ericsson Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086-7561; Attention: Mutual Fund Board. As of _____, 2017, the Fund comprised one portfolio. As of December 31, 2016, the Federated Fund Complex
consisted of 40 investment companies (comprising 124 portfolios). Unless otherwise noted, each Officer is elected annually. Unless otherwise noted, each Trustee oversees all portfolios in the Federated Fund Complex
and serves for an indefinite term.
qualifications of Independent
Trustees
Individual Trustee qualifications are noted in the “Independent Trustees Background and Compensation” chart. In addition, the following characteristics are among those that were considered for each
existing Trustee and will be considered for any Nominee Trustee.
■
|
Outstanding skills in disciplines deemed by the Independent Trustees to be particularly relevant to the role of Independent Trustee and to the Federated funds, including legal, accounting, business
management, the financial industry generally and the investment industry particularly.
|
■
|
Desire and availability to serve for a substantial period of time, taking into account the Board's current mandatory retirement age of 75 years.
|
■
|
No conflicts which would interfere with qualifying as independent.
|
■
|
Appropriate interpersonal skills to work effectively with other Independent Trustees.
|
■
|
Understanding and appreciation of the important role occupied by Independent Trustees in the regulatory structure governing regulated investment companies.
|
■
|
Diversity of background.
|
interested Trustees Background
and Compensation
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s)
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
J. Christopher Donahue*
Birth Date: April 11, 1949
President and Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Principal Executive Officer and President of certain of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Director or Trustee of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director, Federated Investors, Inc.; Chairman and Trustee, Federated Investment Management Company; Trustee, Federated Investment Counseling; Chairman and Director, Federated Global Investment Management
Corp.; Chairman and Trustee, Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania; Trustee, Federated Shareholder Services Company; Director, Federated Services Company.
Previous Positions:
President, Federated Investment Counseling; President and Chief Executive Officer, Federated Investment Management Company, Federated Global Investment Management Corp. and Passport
Research, Ltd.; Chairman, Passport Research, Ltd.
|
NA
|
$0
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s)
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
John B. Fisher*
Birth Date: May 16, 1956
Trustee
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Principal Executive Officer and President of certain of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Director or Trustee
of
certain of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Vice President, Federated Investors, Inc.; President, Director/Trustee and CEO, Federated Advisory Services Company, Federated Equity
Management Company of Pennsylvania, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Investment Management Company; President of some of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex
and Director, Federated Investors
Trust
Company.
Qualifications:
President and Director of
the Institutional Sales Division of Federated Securities Corp.; President and Director of Federated Investment Counseling; President and CEO of Passport Research, Ltd.; Director, Edgewood
Securities
Corp.; Director,
Federated Services Company; Director, Federated Investors, Inc.; Chairman and Director, Southpointe Distribution Services, Inc.
and
President, Technology, Federated Services
Company.
|
NA
|
$0
|
*
|
Reasons for “interested” status: J. Christopher Donahue and John B. Fisher are interested due to their beneficial ownership of shares of Federated Investors, Inc. and due to positions they hold with
Federated and its subsidiaries.
|
Independent Trustees Background,
Qualifications and Compensation
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
John T. Collins
Birth Date: January 24, 1947
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; formerly, Chairman and CEO, The Collins Group, Inc. (a private equity firm) (Retired).
Other Directorships Held:
Director, Current Chair of the Compensation Committee, KLX Corp.
Qualifications:
Mr. Collins has served in several business and financial management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Collins previously served as Chairman and CEO, The Collins
Group, Inc. (a private equity firm). Mr. Collins serves as Chairman Emeriti, Bentley University. Mr. Collins previously served as Director and Audit Committee Member, Bank of America Corp.; Director, FleetBoston
Financial Corp.; and Director, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Harvard University Affiliate Hospital).
|
NA
|
$275,000
|
G. Thomas Hough
Birth Date: February 28,1955
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; formerly, Vice Chair, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting firm) (Retired).
Other Directorships Held:
Director, Chair of the Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Director, Member of the Audit Committee and Technology Committee of Equifax, Inc.
Qualifications:
Mr. Hough has served in accounting, business management and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Hough most recently held the position of Americas Vice Chair of Assurance with
Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting firm). Mr. Hough is an Executive Committee member of the United States Golf Association; he serves on the President's Cabinet and Business School Board of Visitors for the
University of Alabama and is on the Business School Board of Visitors for Wake Forest University.
|
NA
|
$275,000
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
Maureen Lally-Green
Birth Date: July 5, 1949
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; Interim Dean of the Duquesne University School of Law; Adjunct Professor of Law, Duquesne University School of Law; formerly, Associate
General Secretary and Director, Office of Church Relations, Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Other Directorships Held:
Director, CONSOL Energy Inc.
Qualifications:
Judge Lally-Green has served in various legal and business roles and directorship positions throughout her career. Judge Lally-Green previously served as: Associate General Secretary,
Diocese of Pittsburgh; a member of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania; and as a Professor of Law, Duquesne University School of Law. Judge Lally-Green also currently holds the positions on either a public or not for
profit Board of Directors as follows: Director and Chair, UPMC Mercy Hospital; Regent, St. Vincent Seminary; Director and Vice Chair, Our Campaign for the Church Alive!, Inc.; Director, Saint Vincent College; Member,
Pennsylvania State Board of Education (public); and Director and Chair, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, Inc. Judge Lally-Green has held the positions of: Director, Auberle; Director, Epilepsy Foundation of
Western and Central Pennsylvania; Director, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh; Director, Saint Thomas More Society; Director, Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Inc.; and Director, Pennsylvania Bar
Institute.
|
NA
|
$275,000
|
Peter E. Madden
Birth Date: March 16, 1942
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupation:
Director or Trustee, and Chair of the Board of Directors or Trustees, of the Federated Fund Complex; Retired.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Madden has served in several business management, mutual fund services and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Madden previously served as President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director, State Street Bank and Trust Company (custodian bank) and State Street Corporation (financial services). He was Director, VISA USA and VISA International; and Chairman and Director, Massachusetts
Bankers Association. Mr. Madden served as Director, Depository Trust Corporation; and Director, The Boston Stock Exchange. Mr. Madden also served as a Representative to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General
Court.
|
NA
|
$335,000
|
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
Birth Date: April 10, 1945
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; Management Consultant.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Mansfield has served as a Marine Corps officer and in several banking, business management, educational roles and directorship positions throughout his long career. He remains active
as a Management Consultant.
|
NA
|
$250,000
|
Thomas M. O'Neill
Birth Date: June 14, 1951
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee, Chair of the Audit Committee of the Federated Fund Complex; Sole Proprietor, Navigator Management Company (investment and strategic consulting).
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. O'Neill has served in several business, mutual fund and financial management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. O'Neill serves as Director, Medicines for
Humanity and Director, The Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, Florida. Mr. O'Neill previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fleet Investment
Advisors; President and Chief Executive Officer, Aeltus Investment Management, Inc.; General Partner, Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Boston, MA; Chief Investment Officer, The Putnam Companies, Boston, MA; Credit
Analyst and Lending Officer, Fleet Bank; Director and Consultant, EZE Castle Software (investment order management software); and Director, Midway Pacific (lumber).
|
NA
|
$300,000
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
P. Jerome Richey
Birth Date: February 23, 1949
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May
2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; Management Consultant; formerly, Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Legal Officer, University of Pittsburgh and Executive Vice President
and Chief Legal Officer, CONSOL Energy Inc.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Richey has served in several business and legal management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Richey most recently held the positions of Senior Vice Chancellor
and Chief Legal Officer, University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Richey previously served as Chairman of the Board, Epilepsy Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Chairman of the Board, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Mr.
Richey previously served as Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, CONSOL Energy Inc. and Board Member, Ethics Counsel and Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC (a law firm).
|
NA
|
$250,000
|
John S. Walsh
Birth Date: November 28, 1957
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; President and Director, Heat Wagon, Inc. (manufacturer of construction temporary heaters); President and Director, Manufacturers
Products, Inc. (distributor of portable construction heaters); President, Portable Heater Parts, a division of Manufacturers Products, Inc.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Walsh has served in several business management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Walsh previously served as Vice President, Walsh & Kelly, Inc. (paving
contractors).
|
NA
|
$250,000
|
OFFICERS*
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Previous Position(s)
|
John W. McGonigle
Birth Date: October 26, 1938
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Federated Fund Complex; Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Federated Investors, Inc.
Previous Positions:
Trustee, Federated Investment Management Company and Federated Investment Counseling; Director, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Services Company and Federated
Securities Corp.
|
Lori A. Hensler
Birth Date: January 6, 1967
Treasurer
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Federated Fund Complex; Senior Vice President, Federated Administrative Services; Financial and Operations Principal for Federated
Securities Corp. and Edgewood Services, Inc.; and Assistant Treasurer, Federated Investors Trust Company. Ms. Hensler has received the Certified Public Accountant designation.
Previous Positions:
Controller of Federated Investors, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, Federated Investors Management Company; Treasurer, Federated Investors Trust Company; Assistant
Treasurer, Federated Administrative Services, Federated Administrative Services, Inc., Federated Securities Corp., Edgewood Services, Inc., Federated Advisory Services Company, Federated Equity Management Company of
Pennsylvania, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Investment Management Company, Passport Research, Ltd. and Federated MDTA, LLC; Financial and Operations Principal
for Federated Securities Corp., Edgewood Services, Inc. and Southpointe Distribution Services, Inc.
|
Peter J. Germain
Birth Date: September 3, 1959
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Mr. Germain is Chief Legal Officer of the Federated Fund Complex. He is General Counsel and Vice President, Federated Investors, Inc.; President, Federated Administrative Services and
Federated Administrative Services, Inc.; Vice President, Federated Securities Corp.; Secretary, Federated Private Asset Management, Inc.; and Secretary, Retirement Plan Service Company of America. Mr. Germain joined
Federated in 1984 and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Previous Positions:
Deputy General Counsel, Special Counsel, Managing Director of Mutual Fund Services, Federated Investors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Federated Services Company; and Senior Corporate
Counsel, Federated Investors, Inc.
|
Richard B. Fisher
Birth Date: May 17, 1923
Vice President
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Vice Chairman or Vice President of some of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Vice Chairman, Federated Investors, Inc.; Chairman, Federated Securities Corp.
Previous Positions:
President and Director or Trustee of some of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Executive Vice President, Federated Investors, Inc.; Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federated
Securities Corp.
|
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Previous Position(s)
|
Stephen Van Meter
Birth Date: June 5, 1975
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Federated Fund Complex; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Federated Investors, Inc. and Chief Compliance Officer of
certain of its subsidiaries. Mr. Van Meter joined Federated in October 2011. He holds FINRA licenses under Series 3, 7, 24 and 66.
Previous Positions:
Mr. Van Meter previously held the position of Compliance Operating Officer, Federated Investors, Inc. Prior to joining Federated, Mr. Van Meter served at the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission in the positions of Senior Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, Division of Investment Management and Senior Counsel, Division of Enforcement.
|
Stephen F. Auth
Birth Date: September 13, 1956
101 Park Avenue
41
st
Floor
New York, NY 10178
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Stephen F. Auth is Chief Investment Officer of various Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Executive Vice President, Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Global Investment
Management Corp. and Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania.
Previous Positions:
Executive Vice President, Federated Investment Management Company and Passport Research, Ltd. (investment advisory subsidiary of Federated); Senior Vice President, Global Portfolio
Management Services Division; Senior Vice President, Federated Investment Management Company and Passport Research, Ltd.; Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Prudential Investments.
|
*
|
Officers do not receive any compensation from the Fund.
|
In addition, the Fund has appointed
an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE EMERITUS
PROGRAM
The
Board has created a position of Director/Trustee Emeritus, whereby an incumbent Director/Trustee who has attained the age of 75 and completed a minimum of five years of service as a director/trustee, may, in the sole
discretion of the Committee of Independent Directors/Trustees (“Committee”), be recommended to the full Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund to serve as Director/Trustee Emeritus.
A Director/Trustee Emeritus that has been approved as such receives an annual fee in an amount equal to a percent of the annual base compensation paid to a Director/Trustee. Effective August 16,
2013, in the case of a Director/Trustee Emeritus who had previously served at least five years but less than 10 years as a Director/Trustee, the percent will be 10%. In the case of a Director/Trustee Emeritus who had
previously served at least 10 years as a Director/Trustee, the percent will be 20%. Directors/Trustees Emeritus appointed prior to August 16, 2013, are paid 20% of the annual base compensation. In addition, the
Director/Trustee Emeritus will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in connection with their service, including expenses of travel and lodging incurred in attendance at Board meetings. Director/Trustee Emeritus
will continue to receive relevant materials concerning the Funds, will be expected to attend at least one regularly scheduled quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors/Trustees each year and will be available to
consult with the Committees or its representatives at reasonable times as requested by the Chairman; however, a Director/Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to
election by shareholders of the Funds.
The
Director/Trustee Emeritus will be permitted to serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Committee, but the annual fee will cease to be paid at the end of the calendar year during which he or she has attained the
age of 80 years, thereafter the position will be honorary.
The
following table shows the fees paid to each Director/Trustee Emeritus for the Fund's most recently ended fiscal year and the portion of that fee paid by the Fund or Trust.
1
EMERITUS Trustees and
Compensation
Director/Trustee Emeritus
|
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total
Compensation
Paid to
Director/Trustee
Emeritus
1
|
John T. Conroy, Jr.
|
NA
|
$50,000.00
|
Nicholas Constantakis
|
NA
|
$50,000.00
|
Robert J. Nicholson
|
NA
|
$49,909.78
|
James F. Will
|
NA
|
$50,000.00
|
1
|
The
fees paid to each Director/Trustee are allocated among the funds that were in existence at the time the Director/Trustee elected Emeritus status, based on each fund's net assets at that time.
|
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
As
required under the terms of certain regulatory settlements, the Chairman of the Board is not an interested person of the Fund and neither the Chairman, nor any firm with which the Chairman is affiliated, has a prior
relationship with Federated or its affiliates or (other than his position as a Trustee) with the Fund.
Committees of the Board
Board
Committee
|
Committee
Members
|
Committee Functions
|
Meetings Held
During Last
Fiscal Year
|
Executive
|
J. Christopher Donahue
Peter E. Madden
John S. Walsh
|
In between meetings of the full Board, the Executive Committee generally may exercise all the powers of the full Board in the
management and direction of the business and conduct of the affairs of the Fund in such manner as the Executive Committee shall deem to be in the best interests of the Fund. However, the Executive Committee cannot
elect or remove Board members, increase or decrease the number of Trustees, elect or remove any Officer, declare dividends, issue shares or recommend to shareholders any action requiring shareholder approval.
|
One
|
Audit
|
John T. Collins
G. Thomas Hough
Maureen Lally-Green
Thomas M. O'Neill
|
The purposes of the Audit Committee are to oversee the accounting and financial reporting process of the Fund, the Fund's
internal control over financial reporting and the quality, integrity and independent audit of the Fund's financial statements. The Committee also oversees or assists the Board with the oversight of compliance with
legal requirements relating to those matters, approves the engagement and reviews the qualifications, independence and performance of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, acts as a liaison between
the independent registered public accounting firm and the Board and reviews the Fund's internal audit function.
|
Nine
|
Nominating
|
John T. Collins
G. Thomas Hough
Maureen Lally-Green
Peter E. Madden
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
Thomas M. O'Neill
P. Jerome Richey
John S. Walsh
|
The Nominating Committee, whose members consist of all Independent Trustees, selects and nominates persons for election to the
Fund's Board when vacancies occur. The Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders, Independent Trustees, officers or employees of any of the Fund's agents or service providers and counsel to the
Fund. Any shareholder who desires to have an individual considered for nomination by the Committee must submit a recommendation in writing to the Secretary of the Fund, at the Fund's address appearing on the back
cover of this SAI. The recommendation should include the name and address of both the shareholder and the candidate and detailed information concerning the candidate's qualifications and experience. In identifying and
evaluating candidates for consideration, the Committee shall consider such factors as it deems appropriate. Those factors will ordinarily include: integrity, intelligence, collegiality, judgment, diversity, skill,
business and other experience, qualification as an “Independent Trustee,” the existence of material relationships which may create the appearance of a lack of independence, financial or accounting
knowledge and experience and dedication and willingness to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill Board responsibilities.
|
One
|
BOARD'S ROLE IN RISK OVERSIGHT
The
Board's role in overseeing the Fund's general risks includes receiving performance reports for the Fund and risk management reports from Federated's Chief Risk Officer at each regular Board meeting. The Chief Risk
Officer is responsible for enterprise risk management at Federated, which includes risk management committees for investment management and for investor services. The Board also receives regular reports from the
Fund's Chief Compliance Officer regarding significant compliance risks.
On
behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee plays a key role overseeing the Fund's financial reporting and valuation risks. The Audit Committee meets regularly with the Fund's Principal Financial Officer and outside
auditors, as well as with Federated's Chief Audit Executive to discuss financial reporting and audit issues, including risks relating to financial controls.
Board Ownership
Of Shares In The Fund And In The Federated Family Of Investment Companies As Of December 31, 2016
Interested Board
Member Name
|
Dollar Range of
Shares Owned in
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range of
Shares Owned in
Federated Family of
Investment Companies
|
J. Christopher Donahue
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
John B. Fisher
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Independent Board
Member Name
|
|
|
John T. Collins
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
G. Thomas Hough
|
NA
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
Maureen Lally-Green
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Peter E. Madden
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Thomas M. O'Neill
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
P. Jerome Richey
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
John S. Walsh
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Investment Adviser
The
Adviser conducts investment research and makes investment decisions for the Fund.
The
Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of Federated.
The
Adviser shall not be liable to the Fund or any Fund shareholder for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding, or sale of any security or for anything done or omitted by it, except acts or omissions
involving willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties imposed upon it by its contract with the Fund.
Portfolio Manager Information
As a
general matter, certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of a fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio
manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment
of the Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential
conflicts can include, for example, conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements (including, for example, the allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts
or activities for which the portfolio manager is responsible in calculating the portfolio manager's compensation), and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute Fund portfolio trades and/or
specific uses of commissions from Fund portfolio trades (for example, research or “soft dollars”). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers' compensation in
a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Fund from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
The
following information about the Fund's Portfolio Managers is provided as of the end of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
Daniel Mahr, Portfolio Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by Daniel Mahr
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: None.
Daniel
Mahr is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance. The
annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash and restricted
stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Mahr is
also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other funds/accounts for which Mr. Mahr is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of
calculating the annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be
adjusted periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted periodically). The annual incentive amount is based on the composite
investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level, the Fund has been assigned to a
sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion
of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
In
addition, Mr. Mahr was awarded a grant of restricted Federated stock. Awards of restricted stock are discretionary and are made in variable amounts based on the subjective judgment of Federated's senior management.
Frederick Konopka, Portfolio
Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by Frederick Konopka
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: $50,001 - $100,000.
Frederick Konopka is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and
performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash
and restricted stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Konopka is
also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the other funds/accounts for which Mr. Konopka is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of calculating the
annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The annual incentive
amount is based on the composite investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level,
the Fund has been assigned to a sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the
Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
Brian Greenberg, Portfolio
Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by Brian Greenberg
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: None.
Brian
Greenberg is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and
performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash
and restricted stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Greenberg
is also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the other funds/accounts for which Mr. Greenberg is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of calculating
the annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted periodically). The annual incentive amount is based on the composite
investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level, the Fund has been assigned to a
sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion
of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
John Paul Lewicke, Portfolio
Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by John Paul Lewicke
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: None.
John
Lewicke is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance.
The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash and
restricted stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Lewicke is
also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the other funds/accounts for which Mr. Lewicke is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of calculating the
annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted periodically). The annual incentive amount is based on the composite
investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level, the Fund has been assigned to a
sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion
of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
Services Agreement
Federated Advisory Services Company, an affiliate of the Adviser, provides research, quantitative analysis, equity trading and transaction settlement and certain support services to the Adviser. The fee for these
services is paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund.
Other Related Services
Affiliates of the Adviser may, from time to time, provide certain electronic equipment and software to institutional customers in order to facilitate the purchase of Fund Shares offered by the Distributor.
Code Of Ethics Restrictions On
Personal Trading
As
required by SEC rules, the Fund, its Adviser and its Distributor have adopted codes of ethics. These codes govern securities trading activities of investment personnel, Fund Trustees and certain other employees.
Although they do permit these people to trade in securities, including those that the Fund could buy, as well as Shares of the Fund, they also contain significant safeguards designed to protect the Fund and its
shareholders from abuses in this area, such as requirements to obtain prior approval for, and to report, particular transactions.
Voting Proxies On Fund Portfolio
Securities
The
Board has delegated to the Adviser authority to vote proxies on the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. The Board has also approved the Adviser's policies and procedures for voting the proxies, which are
described below.
Proxy Voting Policies
The
Adviser's general policy is to cast proxy votes in favor of management proposals and shareholder proposals that the Adviser anticipates will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted. Generally, this
will mean voting for proposals that the Adviser believes will: (a) improve the management of a company; (b) increase the rights or preferences of the voted securities; and/or (c) increase the chance that a premium
offer would be made for the company or for the voted securities. This approach to voting proxy proposals will be referred to hereafter as the “General Policy.”
The
following examples illustrate how the General Policy may apply to management proposals and shareholder proposals submitted for approval or ratification by holders of the company's voting securities. However, whether
the Adviser supports or opposes a proposal will always depend on the specific circumstances described in the proxy statement and other available information.
On matters of corporate governance, generally the Adviser will vote in favor of: (1) a proposal to require a company's audit committee to be comprised entirely of independent directors; (2)
shareholder proposals to declassify the board of directors; (3) shareholder proposals to require a majority voting standard in the election of directors; (4) proposals to grant shareholders the right to call a special
meeting if owners of at least 25% of the outstanding stock agree; (5) a proposal to require independent tabulation of proxies and/or confidential voting of shareholders; (6) a proposal to ratify the board's selection
of auditors, unless: (a) compensation for non-audit services exceeded 50% of the total compensation received from the company; or (b) the previous auditor was dismissed because of a disagreement with the company; (7)
a proposal to repeal a shareholder rights plan (also known as a “poison pill”) and against the adoption of such a plan, unless the plan is designed to facilitate, rather than prevent, unsolicited offers
for the company; (8) shareholder proposals to eliminate supermajority requirements in company bylaws; (9) shareholder proposals to separate the roles of chairman of the board and CEO; (10) shareholder proposals to
allow shareholders owning at least 3% of the outstanding common stock for at least three years to nominate candidates for election to the board of directors (“Proxy Access”); (11) a full slate of
directors, where the directors are elected as a group and not individually, unless more than half of the nominees are not independent; and (12) election of individual directors nominated in an uncontested election,
but against any director who: (a) had not attended at least 75% of the board meetings during the previous year; (b) serves as the company's chief financial officer; (c) has committed himself or herself to service on a
large number of boards, such that we deem it unlikely that the director would be able to commit sufficient focus and time to a particular company; (d) is the chair of the nominating or governance committee when the
roles of chairman of the board and CEO are combined and there is no lead independent director; (e) served on the compensation committee during a period in which compensation appears excessive relative to performance
and peers; or (f) served on a board that did not implement a shareholder proposal that Federated supported and received more than 50% shareholder support the previous year.
On
matters of capital structure, generally the Adviser will vote against a proposal to authorize or issue shares that are senior in priority or voting rights to the voted securities, and in favor of a proposal to: (1)
reduce the amount of shares authorized for issuance (subject to adequate provisions for outstanding convertible securities, options, warrants, rights and other existing obligations to issue shares); (2) grant
authorities to issue shares with and without pre-emptive rights unless the size of the authorities would threaten to unreasonably dilute existing shareholders; and (3) authorize a stock repurchase program.
On
matters relating to management compensation, generally the Adviser will vote in favor of stock incentive plans (including plans for directors) that align the recipients of stock incentives with the interests of
shareholders, without creating undue dilution, and against: (1) the advisory vote on executive compensation plans (“Say On Pay”) when the plan has failed to align executive compensation with corporate
performance; (2) the advisory vote on the frequency of the Say On Pay vote when the frequency is other than annual; (3) proposals that would permit the amendment or replacement of outstanding stock incentives having
more favorable terms (e.g., lower purchase prices or easier vesting requirements); and (4) executive compensation plans that do not disclose the maximum amounts of compensation that may be awarded or the criteria for
determining awards.
On
matters relating to corporate transactions, the Adviser will vote proxies consistent with the General Policy. The Adviser will vote proxies in contested elections of directors based upon its analysis of the opposing
slates and their proposed business strategy and the expected impact on the long-term value of the securities being voted. The Adviser generally votes proxies
against
proposals submitted by shareholders without the favorable recommendation of a company's board. The Adviser believes that a company's board should manage its business and
policies, and that shareholders who seek specific changes should strive to convince the board of their merits or seek direct representation on the board. However, the Adviser would vote for shareholder proposals not
supported by the company's board that the Adviser regards as: (a) likely to result in an immediate and favorable improvement in the total return of the voted security; and (b) unlikely to be adopted by the company's
board in the absence of shareholder direction.
In
addition, the Adviser will not vote any proxy if it determines that the consequences or costs of voting outweigh the potential benefit of voting. For example, if a foreign market requires shareholders voting proxies
to retain the voted shares until the meeting date (thereby rendering the shares “illiquid” for some period of time), the Adviser will not vote proxies for such shares. In addition, the Adviser is not
obligated to incur any expense to send a representative to a shareholder meeting or to translate proxy materials into English.
To the extent that the Adviser is permitted to loan securities, the Adviser will not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Adviser will take all reasonable
steps to recall shares prior to the record date when the meeting raises issues that the Adviser believes materially affect shareholder value, including, but not limited to, excessive compensation, mergers and
acquisitions, contested elections and weak oversight by the audit committee. However, there can be no assurance that the Adviser will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan in time to
vote thereon.
If
proxies are not delivered in a timely or otherwise appropriate basis, the Adviser may not be able to vote a particular proxy.
For an
Adviser that employs a quantitative investment strategy for certain funds or accounts that does not make use of qualitative research (“Non-Qualitative Accounts”), the Adviser may not have the kind of
research to make decisions about how to vote proxies for them. Therefore, the Adviser will vote the proxies of these Non-Qualitative Accounts as follows: (a) in accordance with the Standard Voting Instructions
(defined below) adopted by the Adviser with respect to issues subject to the proxies; (b) if the Adviser is directing votes for the same proxy on behalf of a regular qualitative accounts and a Non-Qualitative Account,
the Non-Qualitative Account would vote in the same manner as the regular qualitative account; (c) if neither of the first two conditions apply, as the proxy voting service is recommending; and (d) if none of the
previous conditions apply, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Committee (Proxy Committee).
The
Adviser may employ an investment strategy for certain funds or accounts that does not make use of qualitative research. Further, the Adviser may utilize a quantitative strategy to manage certain funds or accounts. In
both of these cases, (“Non-Qualitative Accounts”), the Adviser may not have the kind of research to make decisions about how to vote proxies for them. Therefore, the Adviser will vote the proxies of these
Non-Qualitative Accounts as follows: (a) in accordance with the Standard Voting Instructions (defined below) adopted by the Adviser with respect to issues subject to the proxies; (b) if the Adviser is directing votes
for the same proxy on behalf of a regular qualitative accounts and a Non-Qualitative Account, the Non-Qualitative Account would vote in the same manner as the regular qualitative account; (c) if neither of the first
two conditions apply, as the proxy voting service is recommending; and (d) if none of the previous conditions apply, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Committee (Proxy Committee).
The
Adviser will not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Adviser will take all reasonable steps to recall shares prior to the record date when the meeting raises issues that the
Adviser believes materially affect shareholder value, including, but not limited to, excessive compensation, mergers and acquisitions, contested elections and weak oversight by the audit committee. However, there can
be no assurance that the Adviser will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan in time to vote thereon.
If
proxies are not delivered in a timely or otherwise appropriate basis, the Adviser may not be able to vote a particular proxy.
Proxy Voting Procedures
The Adviser has established a Proxy Voting Committee (“Proxy Committee”), to exercise all voting discretion granted to the Adviser by the Board in accordance with the proxy voting
policies. To assist it in carrying out the day-to-day operations related to proxy voting, the Proxy Committee has created the Proxy Voting Management Group (PVMG). The day-to-day operations related to proxy voting are
carried out by the Proxy Voting Operations Team (PVOT) and overseen by the PVMG. This work includes, interacting with a proxy voting service on the Proxy Committee's behalf; soliciting voting recommendations from the
Adviser's investment professionals, as necessary; bringing voting recommendations to the Proxy Committee from the Adviser's investment professionals; filing any required proxy voting reports; providing proxy voting
reports to clients and investment companies as they are requested from time to time; keeping the Proxy Committee informed of any issues related to proxy voting; and voting client shares as directed by the Proxy
Committee.
The
Adviser has hired a proxy voting service to obtain, vote and record proxies in accordance with the directions of the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee has supplied the proxy voting services with general
instructions (the “Standard Voting Instructions”) that represent decisions made by the Proxy Committee in order to vote common proxy proposals. As the Proxy Committee believes that a shareholder vote is
equivalent to an investment decision, the Proxy Committee retains the right to modify the Standard Voting Instructions at any time or to vote contrary to them at any time in order to cast proxy votes in a manner that
the Proxy Committee believes is: (a) in the best interests of the Adviser's clients (and shareholders of the funds advised by the Adviser); and (b) will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted. The
proxy voting service may vote any proxy as directed in the Standard Voting Instructions without further direction from the Proxy Committee. However, if the Standard Voting Instructions require case-by-case direction
for a proposal, the PVOT will work with the investment professionals
and the proxy voting service to develop
a voting recommendation for the Proxy Committee and to communicate the Proxy Committee's final voting decision to the proxy voting service. Further, if the Standard Voting Instructions require the PVOT to analyze a
ballot question and make the final voting decision, the PVOT will report such votes to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis for review.
Conflicts of Interest
The
Adviser has adopted procedures to address situations where a matter on which a proxy is sought may present a potential conflict between the interests of the Fund (and its shareholders) and those of the Adviser or
Distributor. This may occur where a significant business relationship exists between the Adviser (or its affiliates) and a company involved with a proxy vote. A company that is a proponent, opponent, or the subject of
a proxy vote, and which to the knowledge of the Proxy Committee has this type of significant business relationship, is referred to below as an “Interested Company.”
The
Adviser has implemented the following procedures in order to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the Adviser or its affiliates have influenced proxy votes. Any employee of the Adviser or its affiliates
who is contacted by an Interested Company regarding proxies to be voted by the Adviser must refer the Interested Company to a member of the Proxy Committee, and must inform the Interested Company that the Proxy
Committee has exclusive authority to determine how the proxy will be voted. Any Proxy Committee member contacted by an Interested Company must report it to the full Proxy Committee and provide a written summary of the
communication. Under no circumstances will the Proxy Committee or any member of the Proxy Committee make a commitment to an Interested Company regarding the voting of proxies or disclose to an Interested Company how
the Proxy Committee has directed such proxies to be voted. If the Standard Voting Instructions already provide specific direction on the proposal in question, the Proxy Committee shall not alter or amend such
directions. If the Standard Voting Instructions require the Proxy Committee to provide further direction, the Proxy Committee shall do so in accordance with the proxy voting policies, without regard for the interests
of the Adviser with respect to the Interested Company. If the Proxy Committee provides any direction as to the voting of proxies relating to a proposal affecting an Interested Company, it must disclose annually to the
Fund's Board information regarding: the significant business relationship; any material communication with the Interested Company; the matter(s) voted on; and how, and why, the Adviser voted as it did. Alternatively,
the Proxy Committee may seek direction from the Fund's Board on how a proposal concerning an Interested Company shall be voted, and shall follow any such direction provided by the Board. In seeking such direction, the
Proxy Committee will disclose the reason such company is considered an Interested Company and may provide a recommendation on how such proposal should be voted and the basis for such recommendation.
In
certain circumstances it may be appropriate for the Adviser to vote in the same proportion as all other shareholders, so as to not affect the outcome beyond helping to establish a quorum at the shareholders' meeting.
This is referred to as “proportional voting.” If the Fund owns shares of another Federated mutual fund, the Adviser will proportionally vote the client's proxies for that fund or seek direction from the
Board or the client on how the proposal should be voted. If the Fund owns shares of an unaffiliated mutual fund, the Adviser may proportionally vote the Fund's proxies for that fund depending on the size of the
position. If the Fund owns shares of an unaffiliated exchange-traded fund, the Adviser will proportionally vote the Fund's proxies for that fund.
Downstream Affiliates
If the
Proxy Committee gives further direction, or seeks to vote contrary to the Standard Voting Instructions, for a proxy relating to a portfolio company in which the Fund owns more than 10% of the portfolio company's
outstanding voting securities at the time of the vote (Downstream Affiliate), the Proxy Committee must first receive guidance from counsel to the Proxy Committee as to whether any relationship between the Adviser and
the portfolio company, other than such ownership of the portfolio company's securities, gives rise to an actual conflict of interest. If counsel determines that an actual conflict exists, the Proxy Committee must
address any such conflict with the executive committee of the board of directors or trustees of any investment company client prior to taking any action on the proxy at issue.
Proxy Advisers' Conflicts of
Interest
Proxy
advisory firms may have significant business relationships with the subjects of their research and voting recommendations. For example, a proxy voting service client may be a public company with an upcoming
shareholders' meeting and the proxy voting service has published a research report with voting recommendations. In another example, a proxy voting service board member also sits on the board of a public company for
which the proxy voting service will write a research report. These and similar situations give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
In
order to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the engaged proxy voting service have influenced proxy voting recommendations, the Adviser will take the following steps:
■
|
A due diligence team made up of employees of the Adviser and/or its affiliates will meet with the proxy voting service on an annual basis and determine through a review of their policies and procedures
and through inquiry that the proxy voting service has established a system of internal controls that provide reasonable assurance that their voting recommendations are not influenced by the business relationships they
have with the subjects of their research.
|
■
|
Whenever the standard voting guidelines call for voting a proposal in accordance with the proxy voting service recommendation and the proxy voting service has disclosed that they have
a conflict of interest with respect to that issuer, the PVOT will take the following steps: (a) the PVOT will obtain a copy of the research report and recommendations published by another proxy voting service for that
issuer; (b) the Head of the PVOT, or his designee, will review both the engaged proxy voting service research report and the research report of the other proxy voting service and determine what vote will be cast. The
PVOT will report all proxies voted in this manner to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the PVOT may seek direction from the Committee on how the proposal shall be voted.
|
Proxy Voting Report
A
report on “Form N-PX” of how the Fund voted any proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available via the Proxy Voting Record (Form N-PX) link associated with the Fund and share
class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. Form N-PX filings are also available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings is available via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. A complete listing of the Fund's portfolio holdings as
of the end of each calendar quarter is posted on the website 30 days (or the next business day) after the end of the quarter and remains posted for six months thereafter. Summary portfolio composition information as
of the close of each month is posted on the website 15 days (or the next business day) after month-end and remains posted until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. The summary portfolio composition
information may include: identification of the Fund's top 10 holdings and a percentage breakdown of the portfolio by sector.
You may
also access portfolio information as of the end of the Fund's fiscal quarters via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. The Fund's Annual Shareholder Report and
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Fund's Form N-Q filings contain complete listings of the
Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's first and third fiscal quarters. Fiscal quarter information is made available on the website within 70 days after the end of the fiscal quarter. This information
is also available in reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
The
disclosure policy of the Fund and the Adviser prohibits the disclosure of portfolio holdings information to any investor or intermediary before the same information is made available to other investors. Employees of
the Adviser or its affiliates who have access to nonpublic information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings are prohibited from trading securities on the basis of this information. Such persons must report all
personal securities trades and obtain pre-clearance for all personal securities trades other than mutual fund shares.
Firms
that provide administrative, custody, financial, accounting, legal or other services to the Fund may receive nonpublic information about Fund portfolio holdings for purposes relating to their services. The Fund may
also provide portfolio holdings information to publications that rate, rank or otherwise categorize investment companies. Traders or portfolio managers may provide “interest” lists to facilitate portfolio
trading if the list reflects only that subset of the portfolio for which the trader or portfolio manager is seeking market interest. A list of service providers, publications and other third parties who may receive
nonpublic portfolio holdings information appears in the Appendix to this SAI.
The
furnishing of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to any third party (other than authorized governmental or regulatory personnel) requires the prior approval of the President of the Adviser and of the Chief
Compliance Officer of the Fund. The President of the Adviser and the Chief Compliance Officer will approve the furnishing of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to a third party only if they consider the
furnishing of such information to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In that regard, and to address possible conflicts between the interests of Fund shareholders and those of the Adviser and
its affiliates, the following procedures apply. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser or any of their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings
information. Before information is furnished, the third party must sign a written agreement that it will safeguard the confidentiality of the information, will use it only for the purposes for which it is furnished
and will not use it in connection with the trading of any security. Persons approved to
receive nonpublic portfolio holdings
information will receive it as often as necessary for the purpose for which it is provided. Such information may be furnished as frequently as daily and often with no time lag between the date of the information and
the date it is furnished. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information and the purposes for which it is furnished.
Brokerage Transactions And
Investment Allocation
Equity
securities may be traded in the over-the-counter market through broker/dealers acting as principal or agent, or in transactions directly with other investors. Transactions may also be executed on a securities exchange
or through an electronic communications network. The Adviser seeks to obtain best execution of trades in equity securities by balancing the costs inherent in trading, including opportunity costs, market impact costs
and commissions. As a general matter, the Adviser seeks to add value to its investment management by using market information to capitalize on market opportunities, actively seek liquidity and discover price. The
Adviser continually monitors its trading results in an effort to improve execution. Fixed-income securities are generally traded in an over-the-counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through dealers
acting as principal or in transactions directly with the issuer. Dealers derive an undisclosed amount of compensation by offering securities at a higher price than they bid for them. Some fixed-income securities may
have only one primary market maker. The Adviser seeks to use dealers it believes to be actively and effectively trading the security being purchased or sold, but may not always obtain the lowest purchase price or
highest sale price with respect to a fixed-income security. The Adviser's receipt of research services (as described below) may also be a factor in the Adviser's selection of brokers and dealers. The Adviser may also
direct certain portfolio trades to a broker that, in turn, pays a portion of the Fund's operating expenses. The Adviser makes decisions on portfolio transactions and selects brokers and dealers subject to review by
the Fund's Board.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other accounts managed by the Adviser and accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. When the Fund and one or more other accounts managed by
the Adviser do invest in, or dispose of, the same security, available investments or opportunities for sales may be allocated among the Fund and the account(s) in a manner believed by the Adviser to be equitable.
While the coordination and ability to participate in volume transactions may benefit the Fund, it is possible that this procedure could adversely impact the prices paid or received and/or positions obtained or
disposed of by the Fund. Trading and allocation of investments for the Fund, including investments in initial public offerings (IPO), may be done independently from trading and allocation of investments for certain
separately managed or wrap-fee accounts, and other accounts, managed by the Adviser. The trading and allocation of investments done by the Adviser, including investments in IPOs, will be done independently from
accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. It is possible that such independent trading activity could adversely impact the prices paid or received and/or positions obtained or disposed of by the Fund.
Brokerage and Research Services
Brokerage services include execution of trades and products and services that relate to the execution of trades, including communications services related to trade execution, clearing and settlement, trading
software used to route orders to market centers, software that provides algorithmic trading strategies and software used to transmit orders to direct market access (DMA) systems. Research services may include: advice
as to the advisability of investing in securities; security analysis and reports; economic studies; industry studies; receipt of quotations for portfolio evaluations; and similar services. Research services assist the
Adviser and its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to funds and investment accounts for which they have investment discretion. However, particular brokerage and research services received
by the Adviser and its affiliates may not be used to service every fund or account, and may not benefit the particular funds and accounts that generated the brokerage commissions. In addition, brokerage and research
services paid for with commissions generated by the Fund may be used in managing other funds and accounts. To the extent that receipt of these services may replace services for which the Adviser or its affiliates
might otherwise have paid, it would tend to reduce their expenses. The Adviser and its affiliates exercise reasonable business judgment in selecting brokers to execute securities transactions where receipt of research
services is a factor. They determine in good faith that commissions charged by such persons are reasonable in relationship to the value of the brokerage and research services provided.
Administrator
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), a subsidiary of Federated, provides administrative personnel and services, including certain legal, compliance, recordkeeping and financial reporting services
(“Administrative Services”), necessary for the operation of the Fund. FAS provides Administrative Services for a fee based upon the rates set forth below paid on the average daily net assets of the Fund.
For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement with FAS. FAS is also
entitled to reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing Administrative Services to the Fund.
Administrative Services
Fee Rate
|
Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex
|
0.150 of 1%
|
on the first $5 billion
|
0.125 of 1%
|
on the next $5 billion
|
0.100 of 1%
|
on the next $10 billion
|
0.075 of 1%
|
on assets over $20 billion
|
Custodian
The
Bank of New York Mellon, New York, New York, is custodian for the securities and cash of the Fund. Foreign instruments purchased by the Fund are held by foreign banks participating in a network coordinated by The Bank
of New York Mellon.
Transfer Agent And Dividend
Disbursing Agent
State
Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund's registered transfer agent, maintains all necessary shareholder records.
Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
The independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, KPMG LLP, conducts its audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
which require it to plan and perform its audits to provide reasonable assurance about whether the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement.
Investment Ratings
Standard & Poor's Rating
Services (S&P) LONG-TERM Issue RATINGS
Issue
credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P's analysis of the following considerations: the likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation
in accordance with the terms of the obligation; the nature of and provisions of the obligation; and the protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or
other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA
—An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely
strong.
AA
—An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
very strong.
A
—An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated
categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB
—An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened
capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least
degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB
—An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B
—An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC
—An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC
—An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C
—A “C” rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the
documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the “C” rating may be assigned to
subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument's terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer,
whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.
D
—An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P
believes that such payments will be made within five business days, irrespective of any grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar
action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation's rating is lowered to “D” upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an
amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.
The
ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
S&P Rating Outlook
An S&
P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically six months to two years). In determining a rating outlook, consideration is given to any changes in
the economic and/or fundamental business conditions.
Positive
—Positive means that a rating may be raised.
Negative
—Negative means that a rating may be lowered.
Stable
—Stable means that a rating is not likely to change.
Developing
—Developing means a rating may be raised or lowered.
N.M.
—N.M. means not meaningful.
S&P Short-Term Issue
RATINGS
Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the United States, for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365
days
–
including commercial paper.
A-1
—A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong.
Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2
—A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher
rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3
—A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B
—A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C
—A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D
—A short-term obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless
S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also
will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
MOODY'S Investor Services, Inc.
(MOODY's) LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's
long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss
suffered in the event of default.
Aaa
—Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa
—Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A
—Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa
—Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba
—Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B
—Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa
—Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca
—Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C
—Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Moody's
appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aaa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2
indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
MOODY'S Short-Term RATINGS
Moody's
short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of 13 months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.
P-1
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated P-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated P-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated P-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
FITCH, INC. (Fitch) LONG-TERM
Debt RATINGs
Fitch
long-term ratings report Fitch's opinion on an entity's relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The “threshold” default risk addressed by the rating is generally that of the financial
obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, Fitch long-term ratings also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts,
although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.
AAA: Highest Credit Quality
—“AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This
capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Very High Credit
Quality
—“AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly
vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: High Credit
Quality
—“A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more
vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good Credit
Quality
—“BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business
or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB: Speculative
—“BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however,
business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.
B: Highly Speculative
—“B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for
continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.
CCC: Substantial Credit
Risk
—Default is a real possibility.
CC: Very High Levels of
Credit Risk
—Default of some kind appears probable.
C: Exceptionally High
Levels of Credit Risk
—Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a “C” category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has
entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a
material financial obligation; or (c) Fitch otherwise believes a condition of “RD” or “D” to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt
exchange.
RD: Restricted
Default
—“RD” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has
not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default
on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other
material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a
distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.
D: Default
—“D” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up
procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.
Default
ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default
until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.
“Imminent” default typically refers to
the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during
which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate
future.
In all
cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default
under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.
FITCH SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGs
A Fitch
short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance
with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means
up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: Highest Short-Term Credit
Quality
—Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good Short-Term Credit
Quality
—Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair Short-Term Credit
Quality
—The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B: Speculative Short-Term
Credit Quality
—Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High Short-Term Default
Risk
—Default is a real possibility.
RD: Restricted
Default
—Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings
only.
D: Default
—Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
A.M. BEST Company, Inc. (a.m.
best) LONG-TERM DEBT and Preferred Stock RATINGS
A
Best's long-term debt rating is Best's independent opinion of an issuer/entity's ability to meet its ongoing financial obligations to security holders when due.
aaa: Exceptional
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an exceptional ability to meet the terms of the obligation.
aa: Very Strong
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has a very strong ability to meet the terms of the obligation.
a: Strong
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has a strong ability to meet the terms of the obligation.
bbb: Adequate
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an adequate ability to meet the terms of the obligation; however, the issue is more susceptible to changes in economic or other
conditions.
bb: Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has speculative credit characteristics, generally due to a modest margin or principal and interest payment protection and vulnerability to
economic changes.
b: Very Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has very speculative credit characteristics, generally due to a modest margin of principal and interest payment protection and extreme
vulnerability to economic changes.
ccc, cc, c: Extremely
Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has extremely speculative credit characteristics, generally due to a minimal margin of principal and interest payment protection and/or limited
ability to withstand adverse changes in economic or other conditions.
d: In Default
—Assigned to issues in default on payment of principal, interest or other terms and conditions, or when a bankruptcy petition or similar action has been filed.
Ratings
from “aa” to “ccc” may be enhanced with a “+” (plus) or “-” (minus) to indicate whether credit quality is near the top or bottom of a category.
A.M. BEST SHORT-TERM DEBT
RATINGS
A
Best's short-term debt rating is Best's opinion of an issuer/entity's ability to meet its financial obligations having original maturities of generally less than one year, such as commercial paper.
AMB-1+ Strongest
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has the strongest ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
AMB-1 Outstanding
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an outstanding ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
AMB-2 Satisfactory
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has a satisfactory ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
AMB-3 Adequate
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an adequate ability to repay short-term debt obligations; however, adverse economic conditions likely will reduce the issuer's capacity to
meet its financial commitments.
AMB-4 Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has speculative credit characteristics and is vulnerable to adverse economic or other external changes, which could have a marked impact on the
company's ability to meet its financial commitments.
d: In Default
—Assigned to issues in default on payment of principal, interest or other terms and conditions, or when a bankruptcy petition or similar action has been filed.
A.M. Best Rating Modifiers
Both
long- and short-term credit ratings can be assigned a modifier.
u
—Indicates the rating may change in the near term, typically within six months. Generally is event-driven, with positive, negative or developing implications.
pd
—Indicates ratings assigned to a company that chose not to participate in A.M. Best's interactive rating process. (Discontinued in 2010).
i
—Indicates rating assigned is indicative.
A.M. BEST RATING OUTLOOK
A.M.
Best Credit Ratings are assigned a Rating Outlook that indicates the potential direction of a credit rating over an intermediate term, generally defined as the next 12 to 36 months.
Positive
—Indicates possible ratings upgrade due to favorable financial/market trends relative to the current trading level.
Negative
—Indicates possible ratings downgrade due to unfavorable financial/market trends relative to the current trading level.
Stable
—Indicates low likelihood of rating change due to stable financial/market trends.
Not Rated
Certain
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) may designate certain issues as NR, meaning that the issue or obligation is not rated.
Addresses
Federated MDT Large Cap Value
Fund
Class A
Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class R Shares
Institutional Shares
Service Shares
Class R6 Shares
Federated Investors
Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Distributor
Federated Securities
Corp.
Federated Investors Tower
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779
Investment Adviser
Federated MDTA LLC
125 High Street
Oliver Tower
21st Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2704
Transfer Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent
State Street Bank and
Trust Company
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
Custodian
The Bank of New York
Mellon
One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286
Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
Two Financial Center
60 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
Appendix
The following is a list
of persons, other than the Adviser and its affiliates, that have been approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information concerning the Federated Fund Complex; however, certain persons below might not
receive such information concerning the Fund:
CUSTODIAN(S)
The Bank of New York Mellon
SECURITIES LENDING AGENT
Citibank, N.A.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
KPMG LLP
LEGAL COUNSEL
Goodwin Procter LLP
K&L Gates LLP
Financial Printer(S)
RR Donnelley & Sons Company
Proxy Voting Administrator
Glass
Lewis & Co., LLC
SECURITY PRICING SERVICES
Interactive Data Corporation
Markit Group Limited
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
Telemet America
Thomson Reuters Corporation
RATINGS AGENCIES
Fitch, Inc.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
Other SERVICE PROVIDERS
Other types of service providers that
have been approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information include service providers offering, for example, trade order management systems, portfolio analytics, or performance and accounting systems, such
as:
Bank of
America Merrill Lynch
Barclays Inc.
Bloomberg L.P.
Citibank, N.A.
Electra Information Systems
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
FISGlobal
Informa Investment Solutions, Inc.
Investortools, Inc.
Morningstar, Inc.
MSCI Inc.
The Yield Book, Inc.
Wolters Kluwer N.V.
Statement of Additional
Information
August , 2017
Federated MDT Large Cap Value
Fund
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at
FederatedInvestors.com
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp.,
Distributor
Q453823 (x/17)
Federated is a registered
trademark
of Federated Investors, Inc.
2017 ©Federated Investors, Inc.
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
A Portfolio of Federated MDT Equity Trust
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a Prospectus. Read this SAI in conjunction with the Prospectus for Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund (“Fund”), dated August ,
2017.
Obtain the Prospectus
without charge by calling 1-800-341-7400.
How is the Fund Organized?
The
Fund is a portfolio of Federated MDT Equity Trust (“Trust”) and is a diversified, open-end, management investment company. The Trust was established as a Delaware statutory trust on May , 2017, pursuant to
a Certificate of Trust, which is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
The
Board of Trustees (“Board”) has established eight classes of shares of the Fund, known as Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Institutional Shares, Institutional Service Shares,
Class R6 Shares and Class T Shares. This SAI relates only to Class T Shares. The Fund's investment adviser is Federated MDTA LLC and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc.
(“Federated”).
Additional Investment
Strategies
The
Fund's principal investment strategies are described in the Fund's Prospectus. As a non-principal investment strategy, the Fund may also invest in derivatives, such as options or futures, in a manner that is
consistent with its investment objective.
The
Fund may use derivative contracts and/or hybrid instruments to implement elements of its investment strategy. For example, the Fund may use derivative contracts and/or hybrid instruments to increase or decrease the
portfolio's exposure to the investment(s) underlying the derivative or hybrid in an attempt to benefit from changes in the value of the underlying investments. The Fund may also, for example, use derivative contracts
to:
■
|
obtain premiums from the sale of derivative contracts;
|
■
|
realize gains from trading a derivative contract; or
|
■
|
hedge against potential losses.
|
|
There can be no assurance that the Fund's use of derivative contracts or hybrid instruments will work as intended.
|
Securities in Which the
Fund Invests
The
principal securities or other investments in which the Fund invests are described in the Fund's Prospectus. The Fund also may invest in securities or other investments as non-principal investments for any purpose that
is consistent with its investment objective. The following information is either additional information in respect of a principal security or other investment referenced in the Prospectus or information in respect of
a non-principal security or other investment (in which case there is no related disclosure in the Prospectus).
Securities Descriptions and
Techniques
Equity Securities
Equity
securities represent a share of an issuer's earnings and assets, after the issuer pays its liabilities. The Fund cannot predict the income it will receive from equity securities because issuers generally have
discretion as to the payment of any dividends or distributions. However, equity securities offer greater potential for appreciation than many other types of securities, because their value increases directly with the
value of the issuer's business. The following describes the types of equity securities in which the Fund invests.
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stocks have the right to receive specified dividends or distributions before the issuer makes payments on its common stock. Some preferred stocks also participate in dividends and distributions paid on
common stock. Preferred stocks may also permit the issuer to redeem the stock. The Fund may also treat such redeemable preferred stock as a fixed-income security.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
(REITs)
REITs
are real estate investment trusts (including foreign REITs and REIT-like entities) that lease, operate and finance commercial real estate. REITs in the United States are exempt from federal corporate income tax if
they limit their operations and distribute most of their income. Such tax requirements limit a U.S. REIT's ability to respond to changes in the commercial real estate market.
Warrants
Warrants give the Fund the option to buy the issuer's equity securities at a specified price (the “exercise price”) at a specified future date (the “expiration date”). The Fund may buy the
designated securities by paying the exercise price before the expiration date. Warrants may become worthless if the price of the stock does not rise above the exercise price by the expiration date. This increases the
market risks of warrants as compared to the underlying security. Rights are the same as warrants, except companies typically issue rights to existing stockholders.
Fixed-Income Securities
Fixed-income securities pay interest, dividends or distributions at a specified rate. The rate may be a fixed percentage of the principal or may be adjusted periodically. In addition, the issuer of a fixed-income
security must repay the principal amount of the security, normally within a specified time. Fixed-income securities provide more regular income than equity securities. However, the returns on fixed-income securities
are limited and normally do not increase with the issuer's earnings. This limits the potential appreciation of fixed-income securities as compared to equity securities.
A
security's yield measures the annual income earned on a security as a percentage of its price. A security's yield will increase or decrease depending upon whether it costs less (a “discount”) or more (a
“premium”) than the principal amount. If the issuer may redeem the security before its scheduled maturity, the price and yield on a discount or premium security may change based upon the probability of an
early redemption. Securities with higher risks generally have higher yields.
The
following describes the types of fixed-income securities in which the Fund invests.
Treasury Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Treasury securities are direct obligations of the federal government of the United States. Treasury securities are generally regarded as having minimal credit risks.
Government Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Government securities are issued or guaranteed by a federal agency or instrumentality acting under federal authority. Some government securities, including those issued by Government National Mortgage Association
(“Ginnie Mae”), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal.
Other
government securities receive support through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. For example, the U.S. Treasury is authorized to purchase
specified amounts of securities issued by (or otherwise make funds available to) the Federal Home Loan Bank System, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal National Mortgage
Association (“Fannie Mae”) and Tennessee Valley Authority in support of such obligations.
Some
government agency securities have no explicit financial support and are supported only by the credit of the applicable agency, instrumentality or corporation. The U.S. government has provided financial support to
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, but there is no assurance that it will support these or other agencies in the future.
Investors regard government securities as having minimal credit risks, but not as low as Treasury securities.
The
Fund treats mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a federal agency or instrumentality as government securities. Although such a guarantee helps protect against credit risk, it does not eliminate it entirely or
reduce other risks.
Additional Information Related to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
.
The extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption that impacted the capital and credit markets beginning in 2008 led to market concerns regarding the ability of
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to withstand future credit losses associated with securities held in their investment portfolios, and on which they provide guarantees, without the direct support of the federal government.
On September 7, 2008, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Under the plan of conservatorship, the FHFA assumed control of, and generally has
the power to direct, the operations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and is empowered to exercise all powers collectively held by their respective shareholders, directors and officers, including the power to: (1) take
over the assets of and operate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors and the officers of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and conduct all business of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae;
(2) collect all obligations and money due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (3) perform all functions of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are consistent with the conservator's appointment; (4) preserve and conserve the
assets and property of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and (5) contract for assistance in fulfilling any function, activity, action or duty of the conservator.
In
connection with the actions taken by the FHFA, the Treasury has entered into certain preferred stock purchase agreements (SPAs) with each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which establish the Treasury as the holder of a
new class of senior preferred stock in each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The senior preferred stock was issued in connection with financial contributions from the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Although the
SPAs are subject to amendment from time to time, currently the Treasury is obligated to provide such financial contributions up to an aggregate maximum amount determined by a formula set forth in the SPAs, and until
such aggregate maximum amount is reached, there is not a specific end date to the Treasury's obligations.
The
future status and role of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the
restrictions placed on Freddie Mac's and Fannie Mae's operations and activities under the SPAs, market responses to developments at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, downgrades or upgrades in the credit ratings assigned to
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or ratings services, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or
mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any securities guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
In
addition, the future of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and other U.S. government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (GSEs), remains in question as the U.S.
government continues to consider options ranging from structural reform, nationalization, privatization or consolidation, to outright elimination. The issues that have led to significant U.S. government support for
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have sparked serious debate regarding the continued role of the U.S. government in providing mortgage loan liquidity.
Corporate Debt Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most prevalent types of corporate debt securities. The Fund may also purchase
interests in bank loans to companies. The credit risks of corporate debt securities vary widely among issuers.
In
addition, the credit risk of an issuer's debt security may vary based on its priority for repayment. For example, higher ranking (“senior”) debt securities have a higher priority than lower ranking
(“subordinated”) securities. This means that the issuer might not make payments on subordinated securities while continuing to make payments on senior securities. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy,
holders of senior securities may receive amounts otherwise payable to the holders of subordinated securities. Some subordinated securities, such as trust preferred and capital securities notes, also permit the issuer
to defer payments under certain circumstances. For example, insurance companies issue securities known as surplus notes that permit the insurance company to defer any payment that would reduce its capital below
regulatory requirements.
Commercial Paper (A Type of
Corporate Debt Security)
Commercial paper is an issuer's obligation with a maturity of less than nine months. Companies typically issue commercial paper to pay for current expenditures. Most issuers constantly reissue their commercial paper
and use the proceeds (or bank loans) to repay maturing paper. If the issuer cannot continue to obtain liquidity in this fashion, its commercial paper may default. The short maturity of commercial paper generally
reduces both the market and credit risks as compared to other debt securities of the same issuer.
Demand Instruments (A Type of
Corporate Debt Security)
Demand
instruments are corporate securities that require the issuer or a third party, such as a dealer or bank (the “Demand Provider”), to repurchase the security for its face value upon demand. Some demand
instruments are “conditional,” so that the occurrence of certain conditions relieves the Demand Provider of its obligation to repurchase the security. Other demand instruments are
“unconditional,” so that there are no conditions under which the Demand Provider's obligation to repurchase the security can terminate. The Fund treats demand instruments as short-term securities, even
though their stated maturity may extend beyond one year.
Mortgage-Backed Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
An MBS
is a type of pass-through security, which is a pooled debt obligation repackaged as interests that pass principal and interest through an intermediary to investors. In the case of MBS, the ownership interests are
issued by a trust and represent participation interests in pools of adjustable and fixed-rate mortgage loans. MBS are most commonly issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government (or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities). Unlike conventional debt obligations, MBS provide monthly payments derived from the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the
pooled mortgage loans. Most MBS make these payments monthly; however, certain MBS are backed by mortgage loans which do not generate monthly payments but rather generate payments less frequently.
The MBS
acquired by the Fund could be secured by fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages or hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages. Adjustable-rate mortgages are mortgages whose interest rates are periodically reset when
market rates change. A hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (“hybrid ARM”) is a type of mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed for a specified period and then resets periodically, or floats, for the
remaining mortgage term. Hybrid ARMs are usually referred to by their fixed and floating periods. For example, a “5/1 ARM” refers to a mortgage with a five-year fixed interest rate period, followed by 25
annual interest rate adjustment periods.
Investments in MBS expose the Fund to interest rate, prepayment and credit risks.
Zero-Coupon Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Zero-coupon securities do not pay interest or principal until final maturity unlike debt securities that provide periodic payments of interest (referred to as a coupon payment). Investors buy zero-coupon securities
at a price below the amount payable at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the amount paid at maturity represents interest on the zero-coupon security. Investors must wait until maturity to receive
interest and principal, which increases the interest rate and credit risks of a zero-coupon security. A zero-coupon step-up security converts to a coupon security before final maturity.
There
are many forms of zero-coupon securities. Some are issued at a discount and are referred to as zero coupon or capital appreciation bonds. Others are created from interest bearing bonds by separating the right to
receive the bond's coupon payments from the right to receive the bond's principal due at maturity, a process known as coupon stripping. Treasury STRIPs, IOs and POs are the most common forms of stripped zero-coupon
securities. In addition, some securities give the issuer the option to deliver additional securities in place of cash interest payments, thereby increasing the amount payable at maturity. These are referred to as
pay-in-kind or PIK securities.
Stripped Securities
As a
non-principal strategy, the Fund may have the ability to purchase participations in trusts that hold U.S. Treasury and agency securities (such as TIGRs and CATs) and also may purchase Treasury receipts and other
“stripped” securities that evidence ownership in either the future interest payments or the future principal payments of U.S. government obligations. These participations are issued at a discount to their
“face value,” and may (particularly in the case of stripped mortgage-backed securities) exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities because of the manner in which their principal and
interest are returned to investors.
Asset-Backed Securities (A
Fixed-Income Security)
Asset-backed securities are payable from pools of obligations other than mortgages. Most asset-backed securities involve consumer or commercial debts with maturities of less than 10 years. However, almost any type
of fixed-income assets (including other fixed-income securities) may be used to create an asset-backed security. Asset-backed securities may take the form of commercial paper, notes, or pass through certificates.
Asset-backed securities have prepayment risks. Like CMOs, asset-backed securities may be structured like Floaters, Inverse Floaters, IOs and POs.
Bank Instruments (A Fixed-Income
Security)
Bank
instruments are unsecured interest bearing deposits with banks. Bank instruments include, but are not limited to, bank accounts, time deposits, certificates of deposit and banker's acceptances. Yankee instruments are
denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by U.S. branches of foreign banks. Eurodollar instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by non-U.S. branches of U.S. or foreign banks.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities or preferred stocks that the Fund has the option to exchange for equity securities at a specified conversion price. The option allows the Fund to realize additional
returns if the market price of the equity securities exceeds the conversion price. For example, the Fund may hold fixed-income securities that are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $10
per share. If the market value of the shares of common stock reached $12, the Fund could realize an additional $2 per share by converting its fixed-income securities.
Convertible securities have lower yields than comparable fixed-income securities. In addition, at the time a convertible security is issued the conversion price exceeds the market value of the underlying equity
securities. Thus, convertible securities may provide lower returns than non-convertible fixed-income securities or equity securities depending upon changes in the price of the underlying equity securities. However,
convertible securities permit the Fund to realize some of the potential appreciation of the underlying equity securities with less risk of losing its initial investment.
The
Fund treats convertible securities as both fixed-income and equity securities for purposes of its investment policies and limitations, because of their unique characteristics.
Foreign Securities
Foreign
securities are securities of issuers based outside the United States. The Fund considers an issuer to be based outside the United States if:
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it is organized under the laws of, or has its principal office located in, another country;
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the principal trading market for its securities is in another country; or
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it (directly or through its consolidated subsidiaries) derived in its most current fiscal year at least 50% of its total assets, capitalization, gross revenue or profit from goods
produced, services performed or sales made in another country.
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Foreign
securities are primarily denominated in foreign currencies. Along with the risks normally associated with domestic securities of the same type, foreign securities are subject to currency risks and risks of foreign
investing. Trading in certain foreign markets is also subject to liquidity risks.
For
purposes of complying with any limitation on the investment in foreign securities, the Adviser will not consider securities of a company organized outside of the United States to be “foreign securities”
if: (1) their principal trading market is in the United States; (2) the securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; and (3) the issuer/company files financial statements with the SEC or other U.S. regulatory
authority. However, these securities may still be subject to the risks associated with foreign securities described in the Fund's Prospectus and/or SAI.
Depositary Receipts (A Type of
Foreign Equity Security)
Depositary receipts represent interests in underlying securities issued by a foreign company. Depositary receipts are not traded in the same market as the underlying security. The foreign securities underlying
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are traded outside the United States. ADRs provide a way to buy shares of foreign-based companies in the United States rather than in overseas markets. ADRs are also traded in U.S.
dollars, eliminating the need for foreign exchange transactions. The foreign securities underlying European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and International Depositary Receipts (IDRs),
are traded globally or outside the United States. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in foreign securities, including currency risks and risks of foreign investing.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
In
order to convert U.S. dollars into the currency needed to buy a foreign security, or to convert foreign currency received from the sale of a foreign security into U.S. dollars, the Fund may enter into spot currency
trades. In a spot trade, the Fund agrees to exchange one currency for another at the current exchange rate. The Fund may also enter into derivative contracts in which a foreign currency is an underlying asset. The
exchange rate for currency derivative contracts may be higher or lower than the spot exchange rate. Use of these derivative contracts may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to currency risks.
Foreign Government Securities
Foreign
government securities generally consist of fixed-income securities supported by national, state or provincial governments or similar political subdivisions. Foreign government securities also include debt obligations
of supranational entities, such as international organizations designed or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development, international banking institutions and related
government agencies. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “World Bank”), the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment
Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Foreign
government securities also include fixed-income securities of quasi-governmental agencies that are either issued by entities owned by a national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit
that are not backed by the national government's full faith and credit. Further, foreign government securities include mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by national, state or provincial governmental
instrumentalities, including quasi-governmental agencies.
Emerging Market Securities
As a
non-principal strategy, the Fund may also invest in emerging market countries or developing countries. Developing countries may impose restrictions on a Fund's ability to repatriate investment income or capital. Even
where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of investment income or capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operations of the Fund. For example, funds may be withdrawn from
the People's Republic of China only in U.S. or Hong Kong dollars and only at an exchange rate established by the government once each week. Furthermore, some of the currencies in emerging markets have experienced
devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major adjustments have been made periodically in certain of such currencies. Certain developing countries face serious exchange constraints.
Governments of some developing countries exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In some countries, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the
country. As such, government actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in developing countries in these regions, which could affect private sector companies, a portfolio and the
value of its securities. Furthermore, certain developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. Trading in debt obligations issued or guaranteed by such governments or
their agencies and instrumentalities involve a high degree of risk.
Derivative Contracts
Derivative contracts are financial instruments that require payments based upon changes in the values of designated securities, commodities, currencies, indices, or other assets or instruments including other
derivative contracts, (each a “Reference Instrument” and collectively, “Reference Instruments”). Each party to a derivative contract may sometimes be referred to as a counterparty. Some
derivative contracts require payments relating to an actual, future trade involving the Reference Instrument. These types of derivatives are frequently referred to as “physically settled” derivatives.
Other derivative contracts require payments relating to the income or returns from, or changes in the market value of, a Reference Instrument. These types of derivatives are known as “cash settled”
derivatives, since they require cash payments in lieu of delivery of the Reference Instrument.
Many
derivative contracts are traded on securities or commodities exchanges. In this case, the exchange sets all the terms of the contract except for the price. Investors make payments due under their contracts through the
exchange. Most exchanges require investors to maintain margin accounts through their brokers to cover their potential obligations to the exchange. Parties to the contract make (or collect) daily payments to the margin
accounts to reflect losses (or gains) in the value of their contracts. This protects investors against potential defaults by the other party to the contract. Trading contracts on an exchange also allows investors to
close out their contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.
For
example, the Fund could close out an open contract to buy an asset at a future date by entering into an offsetting contract to sell the same asset on the same date. If the offsetting sale price is more than the
original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. Exchanges may limit the amount of open contracts permitted at any one time. Such limits may prevent the Fund from closing out
a position. If this happens, the Fund will be required to keep the contract open (even if it is losing money on the contract), and to make any payments required under the contract (even if it has to sell portfolio
securities at unfavorable prices to do so). Inability to close out a contract could also harm the Fund by preventing it from disposing of or trading any assets it has been using to secure its obligations under the
contract.
The
Fund may also trade derivative contracts over-the-counter (OTC) in transactions negotiated directly between the Fund and a financial institution. OTC contracts do not necessarily have standard terms, so they may be
less liquid and more difficult to close-out than exchange-traded contracts. In addition, OTC contracts with more specialized terms may be more difficult to value than exchange-traded contracts, especially in times of
financial stress.
The
market for swaps and other OTC derivatives was largely unregulated prior to the enactment of federal legislation known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank
Act”). Regulations enacted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) under the Dodd-Frank Act require the Fund to clear certain swap contracts through a clearing house or central counterparty (a
CCP).
To
clear a swap through the CCP, the Fund will submit the contract to, and post margin with, a futures commission merchant (FCM) that is a clearing house member. The Fund may enter into the swap with a financial
institution other than the FCM and arrange for the contract to be transferred to the FCM for clearing, or enter into the contract with the FCM itself. If the Fund must centrally clear a transaction, the CFTC's
regulations also generally require that the swap be executed on registered exchange or through a market facility that is known as a swap execution facility or SEF. Central clearing is presently required only for
certain swaps, the CFTC is expected to impose a mandatory central clearing requirement for additional derivative instruments over time.
The
CCP, SEF and FCM are all subject to regulatory oversight by the CFTC. In addition, most derivative market participants are now regulated as swap dealers or major swap participants and are subject to certain minimum
capital and margin requirements and business conduct standards. Similar regulatory requirements are expected to apply to derivative contracts that are subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, although the SEC has not
yet finalized its regulations. In addition, uncleared OTC swaps will be subject to regulatory collateral requirements that could adversely affect the Fund's ability to enter into swaps in the OTC market. These
developments could cause the Fund to terminate new or existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such instruments at an inopportune time.
Until
the mandated rulemaking and regulations are implemented completely, it will not be possible to determine the complete impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations on the Fund.
Depending on how the Fund uses derivative contracts and the relationships between the market value of a derivative contract and the Reference Instrument, derivative contracts may increase or decrease the Fund's
exposure to the risks of the Reference Instrument, and may also expose the fund to liquidity and leverage risks. OTC contracts also expose the Fund to credit risks in the event that a counterparty defaults on the
contract, although this risk may be mitigated by submitting the contract for clearing through a CCP.
The
Fund may invest in a derivative contract if it is permitted to own, invest in, or otherwise have economic exposure to the Reference Instrument. The Fund is not required to own a Reference Instrument in order to buy or
sell a derivative contract relating to that Reference Instrument. The Fund may trade in the following specific types and/or combinations of derivative contracts:
Futures Contracts (A Type of
Derivative)
Futures
contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a Reference Instrument at a specified price, date and time. Entering into a contract to buy a Reference
Instrument is commonly referred to as buying a contract or holding a long position in the asset. Entering into a contract to sell a Reference Instrument is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short
position in the Reference Instrument. Futures contracts are considered to be commodity contracts. The Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the
Commodity Exchange Act with respect to the Fund, and therefore is not subject to registration or regulation with respect to the Fund. Futures contracts traded OTC are frequently referred to as forward contracts. The
Fund can buy or sell financial futures (such as interest rate futures, index futures and security futures), as well as, currency futures and currency forward contracts.
Interest Rate Futures
An
interest-rate futures contract is an exchange-traded contract for which the Reference Instrument is an interest-bearing, fixed-income security or an inter-bank deposit. Two examples of common interest rate futures
contracts are U.S. Treasury futures contracts and Eurodollar futures contracts. The Reference Instrument for a U.S. Treasury futures contract is a U.S. Treasury security. The Reference Instrument for a Eurodollar
futures contract is the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly referred to as LIBOR); Eurodollar futures contracts enable the purchaser to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds over a stated period of time and
the seller to obtain a fixed rate for a borrowing of funds over that same period.
Index Futures
An
index futures contract is an exchange-traded contract to make or receive a payment based upon changes in the value of an index. An index is a statistical composite that measures changes in the value of designated
Reference Instruments. An index is usually computed by a sum product of a list of the designated Reference Instruments' current prices and a list of weights assigned to these Reference Instruments.
Security Futures
A
security futures contract is an exchange-traded contract to purchase or sell in the future a specific quantity of a security (other than a Treasury security) or a narrow-based securities index at a certain price.
Presently, the only available security futures contracts use shares of a single equity security as the Reference Instrument. However, it is possible that in the future security futures contracts will be developed that
use a single fixed-income security as the Reference Instrument.
Currency Futures and Currency
Forward Contracts (Types of Futures Contracts)
A
currency futures contract is an exchange-traded contract to buy or sell a particular currency at a specific price at some time in the future (commonly three months or more). A currency forward contract is not an
exchange-traded contract and it represents an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, at a price set at the time of the contract and for a period agreed upon by the parties which may be
either a window of time or a fixed number of days from the date of the contract. Currency futures and forward contracts are highly volatile, with a relatively small price movement potentially resulting in substantial
gains or losses to the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may lose money on currency futures and forward contracts if changes in currency rates do not occur as anticipated or if the Fund's counterparty to the contract were
to default.
Option Contracts (A Type of
Derivative)
Option
contracts (also called “options”) are rights to buy or sell a Reference Instrument for a specified price (the “exercise price”) during, or at the end of, a specified period. The seller (or
“writer”) of the option receives a payment, or premium, from the buyer, which the writer keeps regardless of whether the buyer uses (or exercises) the option. Options may be bought or sold on a wide
variety of Reference Instruments. Options that are written on futures contracts will be subject to margin requirements similar to those applied to futures contracts.
The
Fund may buy and/or sell the following types of options:
Call Options
A call
option gives the holder (buyer) the right to buy the Reference Instrument from the seller (writer) of the option. The Fund may use call options in the following ways:
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Buy call options on a Reference Instrument in anticipation of an increase in the value of the Reference Instrument; and
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Write call options on a Reference Instrument to generate income from premiums, and in anticipation of a decrease or only limited increase in the value of the Reference Instrument. If
the Fund writes a call option on a Reference Instrument that it owns and that call option is exercised, the Fund foregoes any possible profit from an increase in the market price of the Reference Instrument over the
exercise price plus the premium received.
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Put Options
A put
option gives the holder the right to sell the Reference Instrument to the writer of the option. The Fund may use put options in the following ways:
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Buy put options on a Reference Instrument in anticipation of a decrease in the value of the Reference Instrument; and
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Write put options on a Reference Instrument to generate income from premiums, and in anticipation of an increase or only limited decrease in the value of the Reference Instrument. In
writing puts, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to take delivery of the Reference Instrument when its current market price is lower than the exercise price.
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The
Fund may also buy or write options, as needed, to close out existing option positions.
Finally, the Fund may enter into combinations of options contracts in an attempt to benefit from changes in the prices of those options contracts (without regard to changes in the value of the Reference
Instrument).
Swap Contracts (A Type of
Derivative)
A swap
contract (also known as a “swap”) is a type of derivative contract in which two parties agree to pay each other (swap) the returns derived from Reference Instruments. Most swaps do not involve the delivery
of the underlying assets by either party, and the parties might not own the Reference Instruments. The payments are usually made on a net basis so that, on any given day, the Fund would receive (or pay) only the
amount by which its payment under the contract is less than (or exceeds) the amount of the other party's payment. Swap agreements are sophisticated instruments that can take many different forms and are known by a
variety of names.
Common
swap agreements that the Fund may use include:
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a fixed or floating interest rate times a stated principal amount (commonly referred to as a “notional principal
amount”) in return for payments equal to a different fixed or floating rate times the same principal amount, for a specific period. For example, a $10 million London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly referred to
as LIBOR) swap would require one party to pay the equivalent of the London Interbank Offered Rate of interest (which fluctuates) on $10 million principal amount in exchange for the right to receive the equivalent of a
stated fixed rate of interest on $10 million principal amount.
Total Return Swaps
A total
return swap is an agreement between two parties whereby one party agrees to make payments of the total return from a Reference Instrument (or a basket of such instruments) during the specified period, in return for
payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another Reference Instrument. Alternately, a total return swap can be structured so that one party will make payments to the other party
if the value of a Reference Instrument increases, but receive payments from the other party if the value of that instrument decreases.
Credit Default Swaps
A
credit default swap (CDS) is an agreement between two parties whereby one party (the “Protection Buyer”) agrees to make payments over the term of the CDS to the other party (the “Protection
Seller”), provided that no designated event of default, restructuring or other credit related event (each a “Credit Event”) occurs with respect to the Reference Instrument that is usually a
particular bond, loan or the unsecured credit of an issuer, in general (the “Reference Obligation”). Many CDS are physically settled, which means that if a Credit Event occurs, the Protection Seller must
pay the Protection Buyer the full notional value, or “par value,” of the Reference Obligation in exchange for delivery by the Protection Buyer of the Reference Obligation or another similar obligation
issued by the issuer of the Reference Obligation (the “Deliverable Obligation”). The Counterparties agree to the characteristics of the Deliverable Obligation at the time that they enter into the CDS.
Alternately, a CDS can be “cash settled,” which means that upon the occurrence of a Credit Event, the Protection Buyer will receive a payment from the Protection Seller
equal to the difference between the par
amount of the Reference Obligation and its market value at the time of the Credit Event. The Fund may be either the Protection Buyer or the Protection Seller in a CDS. If the Fund is a Protection Buyer and no Credit
Event occurs, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the CDS (i.e., an amount equal to the payments made to the Protection Seller over the term of the CDS). However, if a Credit Event occurs, the Fund (as
Protection Buyer) will deliver the Deliverable Obligation and receive a payment equal to the full notional value of the Reference Obligation, even though the Reference Obligation may have little or no value. If the
Fund is the Protection Seller and no Credit Event occurs, the Fund will receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the CDS. However, if a Credit Event occurs, the Fund (as Protection Seller) will pay the
Protection Buyer the full notional value of the Reference Obligation and receive the Deliverable Obligation from the Protection Buyer. A CDS may involve greater risks than if the Fund invested directly in the
Reference Obligation. For example, a CDS may increase credit risk since the Fund has exposure to both the issuer of the Reference Obligation and the Counterparty to the CDS.
Currency Swaps
Currency swaps are contracts which provide for interest payments in different currencies. The parties might agree to exchange the notional principal amounts of the currencies as well (commonly called a
“foreign exchange swap”).
Caps and Floors (A Type of Swap
Contract)
Caps
and Floors are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments only if an interest rate or index goes above (Cap) or below (Floor) a certain level in return for a fee from the other party.
Other Investments, Transactions,
Techniques
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund buys a security from a dealer or bank and agrees to sell the security back at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price exceeds the sale
price, reflecting the Fund's return on the transaction. This return is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying security. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with banks and other recognized
financial institutions, such as securities dealers, deemed creditworthy by the Adviser.
The
Fund's custodian or subcustodian will take possession of the securities subject to repurchase agreements. The Adviser or subcustodian will monitor the value of the underlying security each day to ensure that the value
of the security always equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Repurchase agreements are subject to credit risks.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Reverse
repurchase agreements (which are considered a type of special transaction for asset segregation or asset coverage purposes) are repurchase agreements in which the Fund is the seller (rather than the buyer) of the
securities, and agrees to repurchase them at an agreed upon time and price. A reverse repurchase agreement may be viewed as a type of borrowing by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements are subject to credit risks.
In addition, reverse repurchase agreements create leverage risks because the Fund must repurchase the underlying security at a higher price, regardless of the market value of the security at the time of repurchase.
Hybrid Instruments
Hybrid
instruments combine elements of two different kinds of securities or financial instruments (such as a derivative contract). Frequently, the value of a hybrid instrument is determined by reference to changes in the
value of a Reference Instrument (that is a designated security, commodity, currency, index, or other asset or instrument including a derivative contract). Hybrid instruments can take on many forms including, but not
limited to, the following forms. First, a common form of a hybrid instrument combines elements of a derivative contract with those of another security (typically a fixed-income security). In this case all or a portion
of the interest or principal payable on a hybrid security is determined by reference to changes in the price of a Reference Instrument. Second, a hybrid instrument may also combine elements of a fixed-income security
and an equity security. Third, hybrid instruments may include convertible securities with conversion terms related to a Reference Instrument.
Depending on the type and terms of the hybrid instrument, its risks may reflect a combination of the risks of investing in the Reference Instrument with the risks of investing in other securities, currencies and
derivative contracts. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks in addition to those associated with traditional securities or the Reference Instrument. Hybrid instruments are also
potentially more volatile than traditional securities or the Reference Instrument. Moreover, depending on the structure of the particular hybrid, it may expose the Fund to leverage risks or carry liquidity risks.
Credit Linked Note (A Type of
Hybrid Instrument)
A
credit linked note (CLN) is a type of hybrid instrument in which a special purpose entity issues a structured note (the “Note Issuer”) with respect to which the Reference Instrument is a single bond, a
portfolio of bonds, or the unsecured credit of an issuer, in general (each a “Reference Credit”). The purchaser of the CLN (the “Note Purchaser”) invests a par amount and receives a payment
during the term of the CLN that equals a fixed or floating rate of interest equivalent to a high rated funded asset (such as a bank certificate of deposit) plus an additional premium that relates to taking on the
credit risk of the Reference Credit. Upon maturity of the CLN, the Note Purchaser will receive a payment equal to: (i) the original par amount paid to the Note Issuer, if there is no occurrence of a designated event
of default, restructuring or other credit event (each a “Credit Event”) with respect to the issuer of the Reference Credit; or (ii) the market value of the Reference Credit, if a Credit Event has occurred.
Depending upon the terms of the CLN, it is also possible that the Note Purchaser may be required to take physical delivery of the Reference Credit in the event of a Credit Event. Most credit linked notes use a
corporate bond (or a portfolio of corporate bonds) as the Reference Credit. However, almost any type of fixed-income security (including foreign government securities), index or derivative contract (such as a credit
default swap) can be used as the Reference Credit.
Equity Linked Note (A Type of
Hybrid Instrument)
An
equity linked note (ELN) is a type of hybrid instrument that provides the noteholder with exposure to a single equity security, a basket of equity securities, or an equity index (the “Reference Equity
Instrument”). Typically, an ELN pays interest at agreed rates over a specified time period and, at maturity, either converts into shares of a Reference Equity Instrument or returns a payment to the noteholder
based on the change in value of a Reference Equity Instrument.
Short Sales
As a
non-principal strategy, the Fund has the ability to make short sales. Short sales are transactions where the Fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the securities.
The Fund must borrow the security to deliver it to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed at the market price at the time of replacement. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is
required to pay the lender any dividends or interest which accrues on the security during the loan period. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the
security sold. To the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, the broker will retain proceeds of the short sale until the short position is closed out. The Adviser anticipates that the frequency of short sales
will vary substantially under different market conditions and the Fund does not intend that any significant amount of its assets, as a matter of practice, will be in short sales, if any.
In
addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund also has the ability to make short sales “against the box,” a transaction in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security owned by such Fund.
A broker holds the proceeds of the short sale until the settlement date, at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.
When
the Fund's portfolio manager anticipates that the price of a security will decline, the portfolio manager may sell the security short and borrow the same security from a broker or other institution to complete the
sale. The Fund may make a profit or incur a loss depending upon whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund must replace the
borrowed security. An increase in the value of a security sold short by the Fund over the price at which it was sold short will result in a loss to the Fund, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to
close out the position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Use of short sales by the Fund may have the effect of providing the Fund with investment leverage.
Securities Lending
The
Fund may lend portfolio securities to borrowers that the Adviser deems creditworthy. In return, the Fund receives cash or liquid securities from the borrower as collateral. The borrower must furnish additional
collateral if the market value of the loaned securities increases. Also, the borrower must pay the Fund the equivalent of any dividends or interest received on the loaned securities.
The
Fund will reinvest cash collateral in securities that qualify as an acceptable investment for the Fund. However, the Fund must pay interest to the borrower for the use of cash collateral.
Loans
are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower. The Fund will not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Fund will attempt to terminate a loan in an effort to
reacquire the securities in time to vote on matters that are deemed to be material by the Adviser. There can be no assurance that the Fund will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan
in time to vote thereon. The Fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash collateral to a securities lending agent or
broker.
Securities lending activities are subject to interest rate risks and credit risks. These transactions create leverage risks.
Asset Segregation
In
accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and SEC staff positions regarding the interpretation of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), with respect to derivatives that create
a future payment obligation of the Fund, the Fund must “set aside” (referred to sometimes as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or staff-approved measures, while the
derivative contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to “cash-settle,” the Fund must cover its open positions by setting aside cash
or readily marketable securities equal to the contracts' full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to “cash-settle,” however, the Fund is permitted to set
aside cash or readily marketable securities in an amount equal to the Fund's daily marked-to-market (“net”) obligations, if any (i.e., the Fund's daily net liability, if any), rather than the notional
value.
The
Fund will employ another approach to segregating assets to cover options that it sells. If the Fund sells a call option, the Fund will set aside either the Reference Instrument subject to the option, cash or readily
marketable securities with a value that equals or exceeds the current market value of the Reference Instrument. In no event, will the value of the cash or readily marketable securities set aside by the Fund be less
than the exercise price of the call option. If the Fund sells a put option, the Fund will set aside cash or readily marketable securities with a value that equals or exceeds the exercise price of the put option.
The
Fund's asset segregation approach for swap agreements varies among different types of swaps. For example, if the Fund enters into a credit default swap as the Protection Buyer, then it will set aside cash or readily
marketable securities necessary to meet any accrued payment obligations under the swap. By comparison, if the Fund enters into a credit default swap as the Protection Seller, then the Fund will set aside cash or
readily marketable securities equal to the full notional amount of the swap that must be paid upon the occurrence of a Credit Event. For some other types of swaps, such as interest rate swaps, the Fund will calculate
the obligations of the counterparties to the swap on a net basis. Consequently, the Fund's current obligation (or rights) under this type of swap will equal only the net amount to be paid or received based on the
relative values of the positions held by each counterparty to the swap (the “net amount”). The net amount currently owed by or to the Fund will be accrued daily and the Fund will set aside cash or readily
marketable securities equal to any accrued but unpaid net amount owed by the Fund under the swap.
The
Fund may reduce the liquid assets segregated to cover obligations under a derivative contract by entering into an offsetting derivative contract. For example, if the Fund sells a put option for the same Reference
Instrument as a call option the Fund has sold, and the exercise price of the call option is the same as or higher than the exercise price of the put option, then the Fund may net its obligations under the options and
set aside cash or readily marketable securities (including any margin deposited for the options) with a value equal to the greater of: (a) the current market value of the Reference Instrument deliverable under the
call option; or (b) the exercise price of the put option.
By
setting aside cash or readily marketable securities equal to only its net obligations under swaps and certain cash-settled derivative contracts, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent
than if the Fund were required to segregate cash or readily marketable securities equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The use of leverage involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors.” Unless
the Fund has other cash or readily marketable securities to set aside, it cannot trade assets set aside in connection with derivative contracts or special transactions without entering into an offsetting derivative
contract or terminating a special transaction. This may cause the Fund to miss favorable trading opportunities or to realize losses on derivative contracts or special transactions. The Fund reserves the right to
modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its staff.
Generally, special transactions do not cash-settle on a net basis. Consequently, with respect to special transactions, the Fund will set aside cash or readily marketable securities with a value that equals or
exceeds the Fund's obligations.
Delayed Delivery Transactions
Delayed
delivery transactions, including when-issued transactions, are arrangements in which the Fund buys securities for a set price, with payment and delivery of the securities scheduled for a future time. During the period
between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund. The Fund records the transaction when it agrees to buy the securities and reflects their value in
determining the price of its Shares. Settlement dates may be a month or more after entering into these transactions so that the market values of the securities bought may vary from the purchase prices. Therefore,
delayed delivery transactions create interest rate risks for the Fund. Delayed delivery transactions also involve credit risks in the event of a counterparty default.
Hedging
Hedging
transactions are intended to reduce specific risks. For example, to protect the Fund against circumstances that would normally cause the Fund's portfolio securities to decline in value, the Fund may buy or sell a
derivative contract that would normally increase in value under the same circumstances. The Fund may also attempt to hedge by using combinations of different derivative contracts, or derivative contracts and
securities. The Fund's ability to hedge may be limited by the costs of the derivative
contracts. The Fund may attempt to lower
the cost of hedging by entering into transactions that provide only limited protection, including transactions that: (1) hedge only a portion of its portfolio; (2) use derivative contracts that cover a narrow range of
circumstances; or (3) involve the sale of derivative contracts with different terms. Consequently, hedging transactions will not eliminate risk even if they work as intended. In addition, hedging strategies are not
always successful, and could result in increased expenses and losses to the Fund.
Inter-Fund Borrowing and
Third-Party Lending Arrangements
Inter-Fund Borrowing
The
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted an exemption that permits the Fund and all other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated funds”) to lend and borrow money
for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other Federated funds. Participation in this inter-fund lending program is voluntary for both borrowing and lending Federated funds, and an inter-fund loan is only
made if it benefits each participating Federated fund. Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”) administers the program according to procedures approved by the Fund's Board, and the Board monitors the
operation of the program. Any inter-fund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemption, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating Federated funds.
For
example, inter-fund lending is permitted only: (a) to meet shareholder redemption requests; (b) to meet commitments arising from “failed” trades; and (c) for other temporary purposes. All inter-fund loans
must be repaid in seven days or less. The Fund's participation in this program must be consistent with its investment policies and limitations, and must meet certain percentage tests. Inter-fund loans may be made only
when the rate of interest to be charged is more attractive to the lending Federated fund than market-competitive rates on overnight repurchase agreements (“Repo Rate”)
and
more attractive to the borrowing Federated fund than the rate of interest that would be charged by an unaffiliated bank for short-term borrowings (“Bank Loan Rate”),
as determined by the Board. The interest rate imposed on inter-fund loans is the average of the Repo Rate and the Bank Loan Rate.
Third-Party Line of Credit
The
Fund participates with certain other Federated Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement. The LOC was made available to finance
temporarily the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Fund, failed trades, payment of dividends, settlement of trades and for other short-term, temporary or emergency general business purposes. The Fund cannot
borrow under the LOC if an inter-fund loan is outstanding. The Fund's ability to borrow under the LOC also is subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act and various conditions precedent that must be satisfied before
the Fund can borrow. Loans under the LOC are charged interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest, on any day, of: (a) (i) the federal funds effective rate; (ii) the one month London Interbank Offered
Rate (LIBOR); and (iii) 0.0%; plus (b) a margin. The LOC also requires the Fund to pay, quarterly in arrears and at maturity, its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders' commitment that
has not been utilized. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, there were no outstanding loans. During the most recently ended fiscal year, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
Investing in Securities of Other
Investment Companies
The
Fund may invest its assets in securities of other investment companies, including the securities of affiliated money market funds, as an efficient means of implementing its investment strategies and/or managing its
uninvested cash. These other investment companies are managed independently of the Fund and incur additional fees and/or expenses which would, therefore, be borne indirectly by the Fund in connection with any such
investment. However, the Adviser believes that the benefits and efficiencies of this approach should outweigh the potential additional fees and/or expenses. The Fund may invest in money market securities directly.
Investing in Exchange-Traded
Funds
The
Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as an efficient means of carrying out its investment strategies. As with traditional mutual funds, ETFs charge asset-based fees, although these fees tend to be
relatively low. ETFs are traded on stock exchanges or on the over-the-counter market. ETFs do not charge initial sales charges or redemption fees and investors pay only customary brokerage fees to buy and sell ETF
shares.
Investment Rating for
Investment-Grade Securities
The
Adviser will determine whether a security is investment-grade based upon the credit ratings given by one or more nationally recognized rating services. For example, Standard & Poor's, a rating service, assigns
ratings to investment-grade securities (AAA, AA, A and BBB including modifiers, sub-categories and gradations) based on their assessment of the likelihood of the issuer's inability to pay interest or principal
(default) when due on each security. Lower credit ratings correspond to higher credit
risk. If a security has not received a
rating, the Fund must rely entirely upon the Adviser's credit assessment that the security is comparable to investment-grade. The presence of a ratings modifier, sub-category, or gradation (for example, a (+) or (-))
is intended to show relative standing within the major rating categories and does not affect the security credit rating for purposes of the Fund's investment parameters.
Portfolio Turnover
The
Fund actively trades its portfolio securities in an attempt to achieve its investment objective. Active trading will cause the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover rate, which is likely to generate
shorter-term gains (losses) for its shareholders, which are taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains (losses). Actively trading portfolio securities increases the Fund's trading costs and may have an adverse
impact on the Fund's performance.
Investment Risks
There
are many risk factors which may affect an investment in the Fund. The Fund's principal risks are described in its Prospectus. The following information is either additional information in respect of a principal risk
factor referenced in the Prospectus or information in respect of a non-principal risk factor applicable to the Fund (in which case there is no related disclosure in the Prospectus).
CREDIT RISK
Credit
risk includes the possibility that a party to a transaction (such as a derivative contract) involving the Fund will fail to meet its obligations. This could cause the Fund to lose money or to lose the benefit of the
transaction or prevent the Fund from selling or buying other securities to implement its investment strategy.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Trading
opportunities are more limited for equity securities that are not widely held. This may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower
price to sell a security, sell other securities to raise cash or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund's performance. Infrequent trading of securities may also lead
to an increase in their price volatility.
Liquidity risk also refers to the possibility that the Fund may not be able to sell a security or close out a derivative contract when it wants to. If this happens, the Fund will be required to continue to hold the
security or keep the position open, and the Fund could incur losses.
OTC
derivative contracts generally carry greater liquidity risk than exchange-traded contracts. This risk may be increased in times of financial stress, if the trading market for OTC derivative contracts becomes
restricted.
Leverage Risk
Leverage risk is created when an investment, which includes, for example, an investment in a derivative contract, exposes the Fund to a level of risk that exceeds the amount invested. Changes in the value of such an
investment magnify the Fund's risk of loss and potential for gain. Investments can have these same results if their returns are based on a multiple of a specified index, security or other benchmark.
Interest Rate Risk
Prices
of fixed-income securities rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Generally, when interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities fall. However, market factors, such as the demand for
particular fixed-income securities, may cause the price of certain fixed-income securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged.
The
longer the duration of a fixed-income security, the more susceptible it is to interest-rate risk. Recent and potential future changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments are likely to
affect the level of interest rates. Duration measures the price sensitivity of a fixed-income security given a change in interest rates.
Certain
of the Fund's investments may be valued, in part, by reference to the relative relationship between interest rates on tax-exempt securities and taxable securities, respectively. When the market for tax-exempt
securities underperforms (or outperforms) the market for taxable securities, the value of these investments may be negatively affected (or positively affected).
Call Risk
Call
risk is the possibility that an issuer may redeem a fixed-income security before maturity (a “call'') at a price below its current market price. An increase in the likelihood of a call may reduce the security's
price.
If a
fixed-income security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in other fixed-income securities with lower interest rates, higher credit risks, or other less favorable characteristics.
Prepayment Risk
Unlike
traditional fixed-income securities, which pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity (when the entire principal amount is due) payments on mortgage-backed securities include both interest and a partial payment of
principal. Partial payment of principal may be comprised of scheduled principal payments as well as unscheduled payments from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying loans. These
unscheduled prepayments of principal create risks that can adversely affect the Fund holding mortgage-backed securities.
For
example, when interest rates decline, the values of mortgage-backed securities generally rise. However, when interest rates decline, unscheduled prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and the Fund would be
required to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments would also limit the potential for capital appreciation on mortgage-backed securities.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the values of mortgage-backed securities generally fall. Since rising interest rates typically result in decreased prepayments, this could lengthen the average lives of
mortgage-backed securities, and cause their value to decline more than traditional fixed-income securities.
Generally, mortgage-backed securities compensate for the increased risk associated with prepayments by paying a higher yield. The additional interest paid for risk is measured by the difference between the yield of
a mortgage-backed security and the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a comparable maturity (the “spread”). An increase in the spread will cause the price of the mortgage-backed security to decline.
Spreads generally increase in response to adverse economic or market conditions. Spreads may also increase if the security is perceived to have an increased prepayment risk or is perceived to have less market
demand.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
(REIT) RISK
Real
estate investment trusts (REITs) including foreign REITS and REIT-like entities, are subject to risks associated with the ownership of real estate. Some REITs experience market risk due to investment in a limited
number of properties, in a narrow geographic area, or in a single property type, which increases the risk that such REIT could be unfavorably affected by the poor performance of a single investment or investment type.
These companies are also sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, supply and demand, and the management skill and
creditworthiness of the issuer. Borrowers could default on or sell investments that a REIT holds, which could reduce the cash flow needed to make distributions to investors. In addition, REITs may also be affected by
tax and regulatory requirements impacting the REITs' ability to qualify for preferential tax treatments or exemptions. REITs require specialized management and pay management expenses. REITs also are subject to
physical risks to real property, including weather, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, or other events that destroy real property. Foreign REITS and REIT-like entities can also be subject to currency risk,
emerging market risk, limited public information, illiquid trading and the impact of local laws.
REITs
include equity REITs and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended.
Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and
self-liquidations. In addition, equity and mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under applicable tax laws or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940
Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower's or a lessee's ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing
its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, even many of the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small to medium-sized companies in
relation to the equity markets as a whole.
Risk of Foreign Investing
Foreign
securities pose additional risks because foreign economic or political conditions may be less favorable than those of the United States. Securities in foreign markets may also be subject to taxation policies that
reduce returns for U.S. investors.
Foreign
companies may not provide information (including financial statements) as frequently or to as great an extent as companies in the United States. Foreign companies may also receive less coverage than U.S. companies by
market analysts and the financial press. In addition, foreign countries may lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or regulatory requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S.
companies. These factors may prevent the Fund and its Adviser from obtaining information concerning foreign companies that is as frequent, extensive and reliable as the information available concerning companies in
the United States.
Foreign
countries may have restrictions on foreign ownership of securities or may impose exchange controls, capital flow restrictions or repatriation restrictions which could adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's
investments.
Currency Risk
Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The combination of currency risk and market risks tends to make securities traded in foreign markets more volatile than securities traded exclusively in the United
States. The Adviser attempts to manage currency risk by limiting the amount the Fund invests in securities denominated in a particular currency. However, diversification will not protect the Fund against a general
increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.
Investing in currencies or securities denominated in a foreign currency entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the economy of the country or region
utilizing the currency. In addition, it is possible that a currency (such as, for example, the euro) could be abandoned in the future by countries that have already adopted its use, and the effects of such an
abandonment on the applicable country and the rest of the countries utilizing the currency are uncertain but could negatively affect the Fund's investments denominated in the currency. If a currency used by a country
or countries is replaced by another currency, the Fund's Adviser would evaluate whether to continue to hold any investments denominated in such currency, or whether to purchase investments denominated in the currency
that replaces such currency, at the time. Such investments may continue to be held, or purchased, to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objective and permitted under applicable law.
Many
countries rely heavily upon export-dependent businesses and any strength in the exchange rate between a currency and the U.S. dollar or other currencies can have either a positive or a negative effect upon corporate
profits and the performance of investments in the country or region utilizing the currency. Adverse economic events within such country or region may increase the volatility of exchange rates against other currencies,
subjecting the Fund's investments denominated in such country's or region's currency to additional risks.
eurozone Related risk
A
number of countries in the European Union (EU) have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional EU member countries may also fall subject to such difficulties.
These events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in euro-denominated securities and derivatives contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to
EU issuers or countries. If the euro is dissolved entirely, the legal and contractual consequences for holders of euro-denominated obligations and derivative contracts would be determined by laws in effect at such
time. Such investments may continue to be held, or purchased, to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objective(s) and permitted under applicable law. These potential developments, or market perceptions
concerning these and related issues, could adversely affect the value of the Shares.
Certain
countries in the EU have had to accept assistance from supra-governmental agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism (the ESM) or other supra-governmental agencies. The European
Central Bank has also been intervening to purchase Eurozone debt in an attempt to stabilize markets and reduce borrowing costs. There can be no assurance that these agencies will continue to intervene or provide
further assistance and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these agencies. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others
including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences.
In
addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching. In June 2016, the
United Kingdom (U.K.) approved a referendum to leave the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” which sparked depreciation in the value of the British pound, short-term declines in global stock markets and
heightened risk of continued worldwide economic volatility. As a result of Brexit, there is considerable uncertainty as to the arrangements that will apply to the U.K.'s relationship with the EU and other countries
leading up to, and following, its withdrawal. This long-term uncertainty may affect other countries in the EU and elsewhere. Further, the U.K.'s departure from the EU may cause volatility within the EU, triggering
prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU. In addition, Brexit can create actual or perceived additional economic stresses for the
U.K., including potential for decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and possible declines in business and consumer spending as well as
foreign direct investment.
Risk of Investing in Emerging
Market Countries
Securities issued or traded in emerging markets generally entail greater risks than securities issued or traded in developed markets. For example, their prices may be significantly more volatile than prices in
developed countries. Emerging market economies may also experience more severe downturns (with corresponding currency devaluations) than developed economies.
Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments and may present the risk of nationalization of businesses, expropriation, confiscatory taxation or, in certain instances, reversion to closed
market, centrally planned economies.
Risk of Investing in ADRs and
Domestically Traded Securities of Foreign Issuers
Because
the Fund may invest in ADRs and other domestically traded securities of foreign companies, the Fund's share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and
auditing standards than would otherwise be the case. Foreign companies may not provide information as frequently or to as great an extent as companies in the United States. Foreign companies may also receive less
coverage than U.S. companies by market analysts and the financial press. In addition, foreign companies may lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or regulatory requirements comparable to
those applicable to U.S. companies. These factors may prevent the Fund and its Adviser from obtaining information concerning foreign companies that is as frequent, extensive and reliable as the information concerning
companies in the United States.
Risk Associated with
Noninvestment-Grade Securities
Securities rated below investment grade, also known as junk bonds, generally entail greater economic, credit and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. For example, their prices are more volatile,
economic downturns and financial setbacks may affect their prices more negatively, and their trading market may be more limited.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS RISK
An
investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies
and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following
risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained;
or (iii) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit
breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.
Risk of Investing in Derivative
Contracts and Hybrid Instruments
The
Fund's exposure to derivative contracts and hybrid instruments (either directly or through its investment in another investment company) involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated
with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. First, changes in the value of the derivative contracts and hybrid instruments in which the Fund invests may not be correlated with changes in
the value of the underlying Reference Instruments or, if they are correlated, may move in the opposite direction than originally anticipated. Second, while some strategies involving derivatives may reduce the risk of
loss, they may also reduce potential gains or, in some cases, result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in portfolio holdings. Third, there is a risk that derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may
be erroneously priced or improperly valued and, as a result, the Fund may need to make increased cash payments to the counterparty. Fourth, exposure to derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may have tax
consequences to the Fund and its shareholders. For example, derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may cause the Fund to realize increased ordinary income or short-term capital gains (which are treated as
ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes) and, as a result, may increase taxable distributions to shareholders. In addition, under certain circumstances certain derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may
cause the Fund to: (a) incur an excise tax on a portion of the income related to those contracts and instruments; and/or (b) reclassify, as a return of capital, some or all of the distributions previously made to
shareholders during the fiscal year as dividend income. Fifth, a common provision in OTC derivative contracts permits the counterparty to terminate any such contract between it and the Fund, if the value of the Fund's
total net assets declines below a specified level over a given time period. Factors that may contribute to such a decline (which usually must be substantial) include significant shareholder redemptions and/or a marked
decrease in the market value of the Fund's investments. Any such termination of the Fund's OTC derivative contracts may adversely affect the Fund (for example, by increasing losses and/or costs, and/or preventing the
Fund from fully implementing its investment strategies). Sixth, the Fund may use a derivative contract to benefit from a decline in the value of a Reference Instrument. If the value of the Reference Instrument
declines during the term of the contract, the Fund makes a profit on the difference (less any payments the Fund is required to pay under the terms of the contract). Any such strategy involves risk. There is no
assurance that the Reference Instrument will decline in value during the term of the contract and make a profit for the Fund. The Reference Instrument may instead appreciate in value creating a loss for the Fund.
Seventh, a default or failure by a CCP or an FCM (also sometimes called a “futures broker”), or the failure of a contract to be transferred from an Executing Dealer to the FCM for clearing, may expose the
Fund to losses, increase its costs, or prevent the Fund from entering or exiting derivative positions, accessing margin or fully implementing its investment strategies. The central clearing of a derivative and trading
of a contract over a SEF could reduce the liquidity in, or increase costs of entering into or holding, any contracts. Finally, derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may also involve other risks described herein
or in the Fund's prospectus, such as stock market, interest rate, credit, currency, liquidity and leverage risks.
Short Selling Risk
A short
sale by the Fund involves borrowing securities from a lender which are then sold in the open market. At a future date, the securities are repurchased by the Fund and returned to the lender. While the securities are
borrowed, the proceeds from the sale are deposited with the lender and the Fund pays interest to the lender. If the value of the securities declines between the time that the Fund borrows the securities and the time
it repurchases and returns the securities to the lender, the Fund makes a profit on the difference (less any interest the Fund is required to pay the lender). Short selling involves risk. There is no assurance that
securities will decline in value during the period of the short sale and make a profit for the Fund. Securities sold short may instead appreciate in value creating a loss for the Fund. The Fund also may experience
difficulties repurchasing and returning the borrowed securities if a liquid market for the securities does not exist. The lender may also recall borrowed securities at any time. The lender from whom the Fund has
borrowed securities may go bankrupt and the Fund may lose the collateral it has deposited with the lender. The Fund will adhere to controls and limits that are intended to offset these risks by short selling only
liquid securities and by limiting the amount of exposure for short sales.
Risk Associated with the
Investment Activities of Other Accounts
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other accounts managed by the Adviser and accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. Therefore, it is possible that investment-related
actions taken by such other accounts could adversely impact the Fund with respect to, for example, the value of Fund portfolio holdings, and/or prices paid to or received by the Fund on its portfolio transactions,
and/or the Fund's ability to obtain or dispose of portfolio securities. Related considerations are discussed elsewhere in this SAI under “Brokerage Transactions and Investment Allocation.”
CYBER SECURITY
RISK
Like
other funds and business enterprises, the use of the Internet and other electronic media and technology exposes the Fund, the Fund's shareholders, and the Fund's service providers, and their respective operations, to
potential risks from cyber-security attacks or incidents (collectively, “cyber-events”). Cyber-events may include, for example, unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices (such as, for example,
through “hacking” activity), infection from or spread of malware, computer viruses or other malicious software code, corruption of data, and attacks which shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt
operations, business processes or website or internet access, functionality or performance. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers have experienced, and will continue to
experience, cyber-events consistently. Cyber-events have not had a material adverse effect on the Fund's business operations or performance. In addition to intentional cyber-events, unintentional cyber-events can
occur, such as, for example, the inadvertent release of confidential information. Any cyber-event could adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders and cause the Fund to incur financial loss and expense, as well as
face exposure to regulatory penalties, reputational damage and additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures. A cyber-event may cause the Fund, or its service providers, to lose proprietary
information, suffer data corruption, lose operational capacity (such as, for example, the loss of the ability to process transactions, calculate the Fund's NAV, or allow shareholders to transact business), and/or fail
to comply with applicable privacy and other laws. Among other potentially harmful effects, cyber-events also may result in theft, unauthorized monitoring and failures in the physical infrastructure or operating
systems that support the Fund and its service providers. In addition, cyber-events affecting issuers in which the Fund invests could cause the Fund's investments to lose value. The Fund's Adviser and its relevant
affiliates have established risk management systems reasonably designed to seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-events, however, there is no guarantee that the efforts of the Adviser or its affiliates, or
other service providers, will succeed, either entirely or partially. Among other reasons, the nature of malicious cyber-attacks is becoming increasingly sophisticated and the Fund's Adviser, and its relevant
affiliates, cannot control the cyber systems and cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.
Investment Objective
(and Policies) and Investment Limitations
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide growth of income and capital. The investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Fund's Board of Trustees (the
“Board”) without shareholder approval.
Investment Limitations
Diversification
With
respect to securities comprising 75% of the value of its total assets, the Fund will not purchase securities of any one issuer (other than cash; cash items; securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the
United States or its agencies or instrumentalities and repurchase agreements collateralized by such U.S. government securities; and securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of the value
of its total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or the Fund would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
Borrowing Money and Issuing Senior
Securities
The Fund may borrow money, directly or indirectly, and issue senior securities to the maximum extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), any rule or order
thereunder, or any SEC staff interpretation thereof.
Investing in Real Estate
The
Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from investing in issuers which invest, deal, or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests
therein, or investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein. The Fund may exercise its rights under agreements relating to such securities, including the right to enforce security
interests and to hold real estate acquired by reason of such enforcement until that real estate can be liquidated in an orderly manner.
Investing in Commodities
The
Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities, provided that the Fund may purchase securities of companies that deal in commodities.
Underwriting
The
Fund may not underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the Fund may engage in transactions involving the acquisition, disposition or resale of its portfolio securities, under circumstances where it may
be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933.
Lending
The
Fund may not make loans, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from purchasing debt obligations, entering into repurchase agreements, lending its assets to broker/dealers or institutional investors
and investing in loans, including assignments and participation interests.
Concentration
The
Fund will not make investments that will result in the concentration of its investments in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in the same industry. Government securities, municipal securities and bank
instruments will not be deemed to constitute an industry.
The above
limitations cannot be changed unless authorized by the Board and by the “vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities,” as defined by the 1940 Act. The following limitations, however, may
be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in these limitations becomes effective.
Concentration
(as applied)
In
applying the Fund's concentration restriction: (a) utility companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry;
(b) financial service companies will be classified according to the end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; and
(c) asset-backed securities will be classified according to the underlying assets securing such securities. To conform to the current view of the SEC staff that only domestic bank instruments may be excluded from
industry concentration limitations, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Fund will not exclude foreign bank instruments from industry concentration limitation tests as long as the policy of the SEC remains in
effect. In addition, investments in bank instruments, and investments in certain industrial development bonds funded by activities in a single industry, will be deemed to constitute investment in an industry, except
when held for temporary defensive purposes. The investment of more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets in any one industry will constitute “concentration.”
Purchases on Margin
The
Fund will not purchase securities on margin, provided that the Fund may obtain short-term credits necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities, and further provided that the Trust may make margin
deposits in connection with its use of financial options and futures, forward and spot currency transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments.
Pledging Assets
The
Fund will not mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate any of its assets, provided that this shall not apply to the transfer of securities in connection with any permissible borrowing or to collateral arrangements in
connection with permissible activities.
Illiquid Securities
The
Fund will not purchase securities for which there is no readily available market, or enter into repurchase agreements or purchase time deposits that the fund cannot dispose of within seven days, if immediately after
and as a result, the value of such securities would exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund's net assets.
Restricted Securities
The
Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities are any securities in which the Fund may invest pursuant to its investment objective and policies but which are subject to restrictions on resale under
federal securities law. Under criteria established by the Board, certain restricted securities are determined to be liquid. To the extent that restricted securities are not determined to be liquid, the Fund will limit
their purchase, together with other illiquid securities, to 15% of its net assets.
Non-Fundamental Names Rule
Policy
The Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in large-cap investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at
least 60 days in advance of any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in large-cap
investments.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For
purposes of the above limitations, the Fund considers certificates of deposit and demand and time deposits issued by a U.S. branch of a domestic bank or savings association having capital, surplus and undivided
profits in excess of $100,000,000 at the time of investment to be “cash items.” Except with respect to borrowing money, if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase
or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such limitation.
What Do Shares Cost?
Determining Market Value of
Securities
A
Share's net asset value (NAV) is determined as of the end of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each day the NYSE is open. The Fund calculates the NAV of each class
by valuing the assets allocated to the Share's class, subtracting the liabilities allocated to each class and dividing the balance by the number of Shares of the class outstanding. The NAV for each class of Shares may
differ due to the level of expenses allocated to each class as well as a result of the variance between the amount of accrued investment income and capital gains or losses allocated to each class and the amount
actually distributed to shareholders of each class. The NAV is calculated to the nearest whole cent per Share.
In
calculating its NAV, the Fund generally values investments as follows:
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Equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange or traded through the U.S. national market system are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing price in their principal
exchange or market. If a price is not readily available, such equity securities are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations from one or more dealers.
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Other equity securities traded primarily in the United States are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations from one or more dealers.
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Equity securities traded primarily through securities exchanges and regulated market systems outside the United States are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing
price in their principal exchange or market. These prices may be adjusted for significant events occurring after the closing of such exchanges or market systems as described below. If a price is not readily available,
such equity securities are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations from one or more dealers.
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Fixed-income securities are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. The methods used by pricing services to determine such price evaluations are
described below. If a price evaluation from a pricing service is not readily available, such fixed-income securities are fair valued based upon price evaluations from one or more dealers.
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Futures contracts listed on exchanges are valued at their reported settlement price. Option contracts listed on exchanges are valued based upon the mean of closing bid and asked quotations reported by
the exchange or from one or more futures commission merchants.
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OTC derivative contracts are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. The methods used by pricing services to determine such price evaluations are
described below. If a price evaluation from a pricing service is not readily available, such derivative contracts are fair valued based upon price evaluations from one or more dealers or using a recognized pricing
model for the contract.
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Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs. The prospectuses for these mutual funds explain the circumstances
under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
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If any price, quotation, price evaluation or other pricing source is not readily available when the NAV is calculated, if the Fund cannot obtain price evaluations from a pricing service or from more
than one dealer for an investment within a reasonable period of time as set forth in the Fund's valuation policies and procedures, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, is deemed not representative of the fair value of such security, the Fund will use the fair value of the investment determined in accordance with the procedures described below. There can be no assurance
that the Fund could purchase or sell an investment at the price used to calculate the Fund's NAV. The Fund will not use a pricing service or dealer who is an affiliated person of the Adviser to value investments.
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Noninvestment assets and liabilities are valued in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The NAV calculation includes expenses, dividend income, interest income, other
income and realized and unrealized investment gains and losses through the date of the calculation. Changes in holdings of investments and in the number of outstanding Shares are included in the calculation not later
than the first business day following such change. Any assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate obtained from one or more currency dealers.
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The
Fund follows procedures that are common in the mutual fund industry regarding errors made in the calculation of its NAV. This means that, generally, the Fund will not correct errors of less than one cent per Share or
errors that did not result in net dilution to the Fund.
Fair Valuation and Significant
Events Procedures
The
Board has ultimate responsibility for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Board has appointed a Valuation Committee comprised of officers of the Fund,
the Adviser and certain of the Adviser's affiliated companies to assist in determining fair value and in overseeing the calculation of the NAV. The Board has also authorized the use of pricing services recommended by
the Valuation Committee to provide price evaluations of the current fair value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV.
Pricing
Service Valuations.
Based on the recommendations of the Valuation Committee, the Board has authorized the Fund, subject to Board oversight, to use pricing services that provide daily fair
value evaluations of the current value of certain investments, primarily fixed-income securities and OTC derivatives contracts. Different pricing services may provide different price evaluations for the same security
because of differences in their methods of evaluating market values. Factors considered by pricing services in evaluating an investment include the yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, coupon,
maturity, call rights and other potential prepayments, terms and type, reported transactions, indications as to values from dealers and general market conditions. A pricing service may find it more difficult to apply
these and other factors to relatively illiquid or volatile investments, which may result in less frequent or more significant changes in the price evaluations of these investments. If a pricing service determines that
it does not have sufficient information to use its standard methodology, it may evaluate an investment based on the present value of what investors can reasonably expect to receive from the issuer's operations or
liquidation.
Special
valuation considerations may apply with respect to the Fund's “odd-lot” positions, if any, as the Fund may receive lower prices when it sells such positions than it would receive for sales of institutional
round lot positions. Typically, these securities are valued assuming orderly transactions of institutional round lot sizes, but the Fund may hold or, from time to time, transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot
sizes.
The
Valuation Committee engages in oversight activities with respect to the Fund's pricing services, which includes, among other things, monitoring significant or unusual price fluctuations above predetermined tolerance
levels from the prior day, back-testing of pricing services' prices against actual sale transactions, conducting periodic due diligence meetings and reviews and periodically reviewing the inputs, assumptions and
methodologies used by these pricing services. If information furnished by a pricing service is not readily available or, in the opinion of the Valuation Committee, is deemed not representative of the fair value of
such security, the security will be fair valued by the Valuation Committee in accordance with procedures established by the Trustees as discussed below in “Fair Valuation Procedures.”
Some
pricing services provide a single price evaluation reflecting the bid-side of the market for an investment (a “bid” evaluation). Other pricing services offer both bid evaluations and price evaluations
indicative of a price between the prices bid and asked for the investment (a “mid” evaluation). The Fund normally uses bid evaluations for any U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, mortgage-backed
securities and municipal securities. The Fund normally uses mid evaluations for any other types of fixed-income securities and any OTC derivative contracts.
Fair
Valuation Procedures.
The Board has established procedures for determining the fair value of investments for which price evaluations from pricing services or dealers and market quotations are
not readily available. The procedures define an investment's “fair value” as the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale. The procedures assume that any sale would be
made to a willing buyer in the ordinary course of trading. The procedures require consideration of factors that vary based on the type of investment and the information available. Factors that may be considered in
determining an investment's fair value include: (1) the last reported price at which the investment was traded; (2) information provided by dealers or investment analysts regarding the investment or the issuer; (3)
changes in financial conditions and business prospects disclosed in the issuer's financial statements and other reports; (4) publicly announced transactions (such as tender offers and mergers) involving the issuer;
(5) comparisons to other investments or to financial indices that are correlated to the investment; (6) with respect to fixed-income investments, changes in market yields and spreads; (7) with respect to investments
that have been suspended from trading, the circumstances leading to the suspension; and (8) other factors that might affect the investment's value.
The
Valuation Committee is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of these procedures subject to Board oversight. The Valuation Committee may also authorize the use of a financial valuation model to determine the
fair value of a specific type of investment. The Board periodically reviews and approves the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee and any changes made to the procedures.
Using
fair value to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs. The application of the
fair value procedures to an investment represent a good faith determination of an investment's fair value. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the
investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
Significant Events.
The Board has adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Adviser determines that a significant event affecting the value of
the investment has occurred between the time as of which the price of the investment would otherwise be determined and the time as of which the NAV is computed. An event is considered significant if there is both an
affirmative expectation that the investment's value will change in response to the event and a reasonable basis for quantifying the resulting change in value. Examples of significant events that may occur after the
close of the principal market on which a security is traded, or the time of a price evaluation provided by a pricing service or a dealer, include:
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With respect to securities traded principally in foreign markets, significant trends in U.S. equity markets or in the trading of foreign securities index futures contracts;
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Political or other developments affecting the economy or markets in which an issuer conducts its operations or its securities are traded; and
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Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations or litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer's operations or regulatory changes or
market developments affecting the issuer's industry.
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The
Board has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to determine the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets when the Adviser determines that there has
been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading. The pricing service uses models that correlate changes between the closing and opening price of equity securities traded primarily in
non-U.S. markets to changes in prices in U.S.-traded securities and derivative contracts. The pricing service seeks to employ the model that provides the most significant correlation based on a periodic review of the
results. The model uses the correlation to adjust the reported closing price of a foreign equity security based on information available up to the close of the NYSE.
For
other significant events, the Fund may seek to obtain more current quotations or price evaluations from alternative pricing sources. If a reliable alternative pricing source is not available, the fair value of the
investment is determined using the methods discussed above in
“Fair Valuation Procedures.”
The Board has ultimate responsibility for any fair valuations made in response to a significant event.
How is the Fund Sold?
Under
the Distributor's Contract with the Fund, the Distributor (“Federated Securities Corp.”) offers Shares on a continuous, best-efforts basis.
Additional Payments To Financial
Intermediaries
The
Distributor may pay out of its own resources amounts to certain financial intermediaries, including broker-dealers, banks, registered investment advisers, independent financial planners and retirement plan
administrators. In some cases, such payments may be made by, or funded from the resources of, companies affiliated with the Distributor (including the Adviser). While Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
(FINRA) regulations limit the sales charges that you may bear, there are no limits with regard to the amounts that the Distributor may pay out of its own resources. In addition to the payments which are generally
described herein and in the Prospectus, the financial intermediary also may receive payments under the Rule 12b-1 Plan and/or Service Fees. In connection with these payments, the financial intermediary may elevate the
prominence or profile of the Fund and/or other Federated funds within the financial intermediary's organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting the Distributor
preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the funds in various ways within the financial intermediary's organization. The same financial intermediaries may receive payments under more than one or all
categories. These payments assist in the Distributor's efforts to support the sale of Shares. These payments are negotiated and may be based on such factors as: the number or value of Shares that the financial
intermediary sells or may sell; the value of client assets invested; the level and types of services or support furnished by the financial intermediary; or the Fund's and/or other Federated funds' relationship with
the financial intermediary. Not all financial intermediaries receive such payments and the amount of compensation may vary by intermediary. You should ask your financial intermediary for information about any payments
it receives from the Distributor or the Federated funds and any services it provides, as well as the fees and/or commissions it charges.
The
categories of additional payments are described below.
Supplemental Payments
The
Distributor may make supplemental payments to certain financial intermediaries that are holders or dealers of record for accounts in one or more of the Federated funds. These payments may be based on such factors as:
the number or value of Shares the financial intermediary sells or may sell; the value of client assets invested; or the type and nature of services or support furnished by the financial intermediary.
Processing Support Payments
The
Distributor may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Federated fund shares to help offset their costs associated with client account maintenance support, statement processing and transaction
processing. The types of payments that the Distributor may make under this category include: payment of ticket charges on a per-transaction basis; payment of networking fees; and payment for ancillary services such as
setting up funds on the financial intermediary's mutual fund trading system.
Retirement Plan Program Servicing
Payments
The
Distributor may make payments to certain financial intermediaries who sell Federated fund shares through retirement plan programs. A financial intermediary may perform retirement plan program services itself or may
arrange with a third party to perform retirement plan program services. In addition to participant recordkeeping, reporting or transaction processing, retirement plan program services may include: services rendered to
a plan in connection with fund/investment selection and monitoring; employee enrollment and education; plan balance rollover or separation; or other similar services.
Marketing Support Payments
From
time to time, the Distributor, at its expense, may provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of Shares. Such compensation, provided by the Distributor, may include
financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable the Distributor to participate in or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other
employees, client entertainment, client and investor events and other financial intermediary-sponsored events.
The
Distributor also may hold or sponsor, at its expense, sales events, conferences and programs for employees or associated persons of financial intermediaries and may pay the travel and lodging expenses of attendees.
The Distributor also may provide, at its expense, meals and entertainment in conjunction with meetings with financial intermediaries. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by applicable
federal or state law or regulations, or the rules of any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. These payments may vary depending on the nature of the event or the relationship.
For the
year ended December 31, 2016, the following is a list of FINRA member firms that received additional payments from the Distributor or an affiliate. Additional payments may also be made to certain other financial
intermediaries that are not FINRA member firms that sell Federated fund shares or provide services to the Federated funds and shareholders. These firms are not included in this list. Any additions, modifications or
deletions to the member firms identified in this list that have occurred since December 31, 2016, are not reflected. You should ask your financial intermediary for information about any additional payments it receives
from the Distributor.
ADP
Broker-Dealer, Inc.
American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.
Apex Clearing Corporation
AXA Advisors, LLC
B.C. Ziegler and Company
Banc of America Investment Services, Inc.
BB&T Securities, LLC
BBVA Compass Investment Solutions Inc.
BCG Securities, Inc.
BMO Harris Financial Advisors, Inc.
BNP Paribas Securities Corporation
Broadridge Business Process Outsourcing, LLC
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Capital Investment Group, Inc.
Capital Securities Management, Inc.
Cetera Advisor Network LLC
Cetera Advisors LLC
Cetera Financial Specialists LLC
Cetera Investment Services LLC
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.
CIBC World Markets Corp.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Citizens Securities Inc.
Comerica Securities, Inc.
Commonwealth Financial Network
Cuso Financial Services, L.P.
D.A. Davidson & Co.
Davenport & Company LLC
David Lerner Associates, Inc.
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
DST Market Services, LLC
E
*
Trade Clearing LLC
EDI Financial Inc.
Edward D. Jones & Co., LP
FBL Marketing Services, LLC
Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc.
Fifth Third Securities, Inc.
First Allied Securities, Inc.
FIS Brokerage & Securities Services LLC
FSC Securities Corporation
Girard Securities, Inc.
Goldman, Sachs, & Company
GWFS Equities, Inc.
H. Beck, Inc.
H.D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc.
Hand Securities, Inc.
Harvest Financial Corporation
HefrenTillotson, Inc.
Hilltop Securities Inc.
HSBC Securities USA Inc.
Infinex Investments, Inc.
Institutional Cash Distributors, LLC
Institutional Securities Corporation
INTL FCStone Securities, Inc.
Invest Financial Corporation
Investment Professionals, Inc.
Investors Capital Corporation
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC
JPMorgan Securities LLC
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Jefferies LLC
Key Investment Services, LLC
KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
KMS Financial Services, Inc.
Legend Equities Corporation
Lieblong & Associates, Inc.
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Lincoln Investment Planning, LLC
Lockton Financial Advisors LLC
LPL Financial LLC
M&T Securities Inc.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated
Metlife Securities Inc.
Mid Atlantic Capital Corp.
Midwestern Securities Trading Company, LLC
MML Investors Services, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Multi-Bank Securities
National Financial Services LLC
National Planning Corporation
National Securities Corporation
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
Next Financial Group, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC
NYLIFE Distributors LLC
Ohio National Equities, Inc.
Oneamerica Securities, Inc.
Oppenheimer & Company, Inc.
Paychex Securities Corp.
People's Securities, Inc.
Pershing LLC
Piper Jaffray & Co.
Planmember Securities Corporation
PNC Investments LLC
Princor Financial Services Corporation
Prospera Financial Services, Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.
Royal Alliance Associates Inc.
Safdie Investment Services Corp.
SagePoint Financial, Inc.
Securian Financial Services, Inc.
Securities Service Network, Inc.
Security Distributors LLC
Sentry Advisors, LLC
Sigma Financial Corporation
Signature Securities Group Corp.
State Street Global Markets, LLC
Stephens Inc.
Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc.
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
Summit Brokerage Services, Inc.
Suntrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.
Symphonic Securities LLC
Synovus Securities, Inc.
TD Ameritrade, Inc.
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America
The Huntington Investment Company
The Prudential Insurance Company of America
Transamerica Capital Inc.
Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.
U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
UBS Financial Services Inc.
UBS Securities LLC
UMB Financial Services, Inc.
Valor Financial Securities LLC
Vanguard Marketing Corporation
Vining-Sparks IBG, Limited Partnership
Vision Financial Markets LLC
Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.
Voya Retirement Advisors, LLC
VSR Financial Services, Inc.
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Wayne Hummer Investments LLC
Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc.
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
WestPark Capital, Inc.
WFG Investments, Inc.
Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.
World Equity Group, Inc.
Purchases
In-Kind
You may contact the Distributor to request a purchase of Shares using securities you own. The Fund reserves the right to determine whether to accept your securities and the minimum market value to accept. The Fund
will value your securities in the same manner as it values its assets. An in-kind purchase may be treated as a sale of your securities for federal tax purposes; please consult your tax adviser regarding potential tax
liability.
Subaccounting
Services
Certain financial intermediaries may wish to use the transfer agent's subaccounting system to minimize their internal recordkeeping requirements. The transfer agent may charge a fee based on the level of
subaccounting services rendered. Financial intermediaries holding Shares in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity may charge or pass through subaccounting fees as part of or in addition to normal trust or
agency account fees. They may also charge fees for other services that may be related to the ownership of Shares. This information should, therefore, be read together with any agreement between the customer and the
financial intermediary about the services provided, the fees charged for those services and any restrictions and limitations imposed.
Redemption
In-Kind
Although the Fund generally intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right, on its own initiative or in response to a shareholder request, to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a
distribution of the Fund's portfolio securities.
Because the Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund is obligated to pay Share redemptions to any one shareholder in cash only up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets
represented by such Share class during any 90-day period.
Any Share redemption payment greater than this amount will also be in cash unless the Fund elects to pay all or a portion of the remainder of the redemption in portfolio securities, valued in the same way as the
Fund determines its NAV.
Redemption in-kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. Shareholders receiving the portfolio securities could have difficulty selling them, may incur related transaction costs and would be subject to risks of
fluctuations in the securities' values prior to sale.
Delaware Statutory Trust Law
The
Fund is an organization of the type commonly known as a “Delaware statutory trust.” The Fund's Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees and officers of the Fund, in their capacity as such, will not
be personally liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law; but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders to which he would otherwise be
subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office. Voting rights are not cumulative, which means that the holders of more
than 50% of the Shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the Shares voting on the matter will not be able to elect any
Trustees.
In the
unlikely event a shareholder is held personally liable for the Trust's obligations, the Trust is required by the Declaration of Trust to use its property to protect or compensate the shareholder. On request, the Trust
will defend any claim made and pay any judgment against a shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust. Therefore, financial loss resulting from liability as a shareholder will occur only if the Trust itself
cannot meet its obligations to indemnify shareholders and pay judgments against them.
Account and Share
Information
Voting Rights
Each
Share of the Fund gives the shareholder one vote in Trustee elections and other matters submitted to shareholders for vote.
All
Shares of the Fund have equal voting rights, except that in matters affecting only a particular class, only Shares of that class are entitled to vote.
Trustees may be removed by the Board or by shareholders at a special meeting. A special meeting of shareholders will be called by the Board upon the written request of shareholders who own at least 10% of the Fund's
outstanding Shares of all series entitled to vote.
Tax Information
Federal Income Tax
The
Fund intends to meet requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) applicable to regulated investment companies. If these requirements are not met, it will not receive special tax
treatment and will be subject to federal corporate income tax.
Tax Basis Information
The
Fund's Transfer Agent is required to provide you with the cost basis information on the sale of any of your Shares in the Fund, subject to certain exceptions.
Foreign Investments
If the
Fund purchases foreign securities, its investment income may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes that could reduce the return on these securities. Tax treaties between the United States and foreign
countries, however, may reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign taxes to which the Fund would be subject. The effective rate of foreign tax cannot be predicted since the amount of Fund assets to be invested within
various countries is uncertain. However, the Fund intends to operate so as to qualify for treaty-reduced tax rates when applicable.
Distributions from the Fund may be based on estimates of book income for the year. Book income generally consists solely of the income generated by the securities in the portfolio, whereas tax-basis income includes,
in addition, gains or losses attributable to currency fluctuation. Due to differences in the book and tax treatment of fixed-income securities denominated in foreign currencies, it is difficult to project currency
effects on an interim basis. Therefore, to the extent that currency fluctuations cannot be anticipated, a portion of distributions to shareholders could later be designated as a return of capital, rather than income,
for income tax purposes, which may be of particular concern to certain trusts.
Certain
foreign corporations may qualify as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFIC). There are special rules prescribing the tax treatment of such an investment by the Fund, which could subject the Fund to federal income
tax.
If more
than 50% of the value of the Fund's assets at the end of the tax year is represented by stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will qualify for certain Code provisions that allow its shareholders to
claim a foreign tax credit or deduction on their U.S. income tax returns. The Code may limit a shareholder's ability to claim a foreign tax credit. Shareholders who elect to deduct their portion of the Fund's foreign
taxes rather than take the foreign tax credit must itemize deductions on their income tax returns.
Who Manages and Provides
Services to the Fund?
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the Fund's business affairs and for exercising all the Fund's powers except those reserved for the shareholders. The following tables give
information about each Trustee and the senior officers of the Fund. Where required, the tables separately list Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Fund (i.e., “Interested” Trustees)
and those who are not (i.e., “Independent” Trustees). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is Federated Investors Tower, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779. The address of
all Independent Trustees listed is 4000 Ericsson Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086-7561; Attention: Mutual Fund Board. As of _____, 2017, the Fund comprised one portfolio. As of December 31, 2016, the Federated Fund Complex
consisted of 40 investment companies (comprising 124 portfolios). Unless otherwise noted, each Officer is elected annually. Unless otherwise noted, each Trustee oversees all portfolios in the Federated Fund Complex
and serves for an indefinite term.
qualifications of Independent
Trustees
Individual Trustee qualifications are noted in the “Independent Trustees Background and Compensation” chart. In addition, the following characteristics are among those that were considered for each
existing Trustee and will be considered for any Nominee Trustee.
■
|
Outstanding skills in disciplines deemed by the Independent Trustees to be particularly relevant to the role of Independent Trustee and to the Federated funds, including legal, accounting, business
management, the financial industry generally and the investment industry particularly.
|
■
|
Desire and availability to serve for a substantial period of time, taking into account the Board's current mandatory retirement age of 75 years.
|
■
|
No conflicts which would interfere with qualifying as independent.
|
■
|
Appropriate interpersonal skills to work effectively with other Independent Trustees.
|
■
|
Understanding and appreciation of the important role occupied by Independent Trustees in the regulatory structure governing regulated investment companies.
|
■
|
Diversity of background.
|
interested Trustees Background
and Compensation
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s)
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
J. Christopher Donahue*
Birth Date: April 11, 1949
President and Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Principal Executive Officer and President of certain of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Director or Trustee of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director, Federated Investors, Inc.; Chairman and Trustee, Federated Investment Management Company; Trustee, Federated Investment Counseling; Chairman and Director, Federated Global Investment Management
Corp.; Chairman and Trustee, Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania; Trustee, Federated Shareholder Services Company; Director, Federated Services Company.
Previous Positions:
President, Federated Investment Counseling; President and Chief Executive Officer, Federated Investment Management Company, Federated Global Investment Management Corp. and Passport
Research, Ltd.; Chairman, Passport Research, Ltd.
|
NA
|
$0
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s)
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
John B. Fisher*
Birth Date: May 16, 1956
Trustee
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Principal Executive Officer and President of certain of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Director or Trustee
of
certain of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Vice President, Federated Investors, Inc.; President, Director/Trustee and CEO, Federated Advisory Services Company, Federated Equity
Management Company of Pennsylvania, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Investment Management Company; President of some of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex
and Director, Federated Investors
Trust
Company.
Qualifications:
President and Director of
the Institutional Sales Division of Federated Securities Corp.; President and Director of Federated Investment Counseling; President and CEO of Passport Research, Ltd.; Director, Edgewood
Securities
Corp.; Director,
Federated Services Company; Director, Federated Investors, Inc.; Chairman and Director, Southpointe Distribution Services, Inc.
and
President, Technology, Federated Services
Company.
|
NA
|
$0
|
*
|
Reasons for “interested” status: J. Christopher Donahue and John B. Fisher are interested due to their beneficial ownership of shares of Federated Investors, Inc. and due to positions they hold with
Federated and its subsidiaries.
|
Independent Trustees Background,
Qualifications and Compensation
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
John T. Collins
Birth Date: January 24, 1947
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; formerly, Chairman and CEO, The Collins Group, Inc. (a private equity firm) (Retired).
Other Directorships Held:
Director, Current Chair of the Compensation Committee, KLX Corp.
Qualifications:
Mr. Collins has served in several business and financial management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Collins previously served as Chairman and CEO, The Collins
Group, Inc. (a private equity firm). Mr. Collins serves as Chairman Emeriti, Bentley University. Mr. Collins previously served as Director and Audit Committee Member, Bank of America Corp.; Director, FleetBoston
Financial Corp.; and Director, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Harvard University Affiliate Hospital).
|
NA
|
$275,000
|
G. Thomas Hough
Birth Date: February 28,1955
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; formerly, Vice Chair, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting firm) (Retired).
Other Directorships Held:
Director, Chair of the Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Director, Member of the Audit Committee and Technology Committee of Equifax, Inc.
Qualifications:
Mr. Hough has served in accounting, business management and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Hough most recently held the position of Americas Vice Chair of Assurance with
Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting firm). Mr. Hough is an Executive Committee member of the United States Golf Association; he serves on the President's Cabinet and Business School Board of Visitors for the
University of Alabama and is on the Business School Board of Visitors for Wake Forest University.
|
NA
|
$275,000
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
Maureen Lally-Green
Birth Date: July 5, 1949
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; Interim Dean of the Duquesne University School of Law; Adjunct Professor of Law, Duquesne University School of Law; formerly, Associate
General Secretary and Director, Office of Church Relations, Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Other Directorships Held:
Director, CONSOL Energy Inc.
Qualifications:
Judge Lally-Green has served in various legal and business roles and directorship positions throughout her career. Judge Lally-Green previously served as: Associate General Secretary,
Diocese of Pittsburgh; a member of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania; and as a Professor of Law, Duquesne University School of Law. Judge Lally-Green also currently holds the positions on either a public or not for
profit Board of Directors as follows: Director and Chair, UPMC Mercy Hospital; Regent, St. Vincent Seminary; Director and Vice Chair, Our Campaign for the Church Alive!, Inc.; Director, Saint Vincent College; Member,
Pennsylvania State Board of Education (public); and Director and Chair, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, Inc. Judge Lally-Green has held the positions of: Director, Auberle; Director, Epilepsy Foundation of
Western and Central Pennsylvania; Director, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh; Director, Saint Thomas More Society; Director, Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Inc.; and Director, Pennsylvania Bar
Institute.
|
NA
|
$275,000
|
Peter E. Madden
Birth Date: March 16, 1942
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupation:
Director or Trustee, and Chair of the Board of Directors or Trustees, of the Federated Fund Complex; Retired.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Madden has served in several business management, mutual fund services and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Madden previously served as President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director, State Street Bank and Trust Company (custodian bank) and State Street Corporation (financial services). He was Director, VISA USA and VISA International; and Chairman and Director, Massachusetts
Bankers Association. Mr. Madden served as Director, Depository Trust Corporation; and Director, The Boston Stock Exchange. Mr. Madden also served as a Representative to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General
Court.
|
NA
|
$335,000
|
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
Birth Date: April 10, 1945
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; Management Consultant.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Mansfield has served as a Marine Corps officer and in several banking, business management, educational roles and directorship positions throughout his long career. He remains active
as a Management Consultant.
|
NA
|
$250,000
|
Thomas M. O'Neill
Birth Date: June 14, 1951
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee, Chair of the Audit Committee of the Federated Fund Complex; Sole Proprietor, Navigator Management Company (investment and strategic consulting).
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. O'Neill has served in several business, mutual fund and financial management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. O'Neill serves as Director, Medicines for
Humanity and Director, The Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, Florida. Mr. O'Neill previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fleet Investment
Advisors; President and Chief Executive Officer, Aeltus Investment Management, Inc.; General Partner, Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Boston, MA; Chief Investment Officer, The Putnam Companies, Boston, MA; Credit
Analyst and Lending Officer, Fleet Bank; Director and Consultant, EZE Castle Software (investment order management software); and Director, Midway Pacific (lumber).
|
NA
|
$300,000
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and
Federated Fund Complex
(past calendar year)
|
P. Jerome Richey
Birth Date: February 23, 1949
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May
2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; Management Consultant; formerly, Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Legal Officer, University of Pittsburgh and Executive Vice President
and Chief Legal Officer, CONSOL Energy Inc.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Richey has served in several business and legal management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Richey most recently held the positions of Senior Vice Chancellor
and Chief Legal Officer, University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Richey previously served as Chairman of the Board, Epilepsy Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Chairman of the Board, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Mr.
Richey previously served as Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, CONSOL Energy Inc. and Board Member, Ethics Counsel and Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC (a law firm).
|
NA
|
$250,000
|
John S. Walsh
Birth Date: November 28, 1957
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Director or Trustee of the Federated Fund Complex; President and Director, Heat Wagon, Inc. (manufacturer of construction temporary heaters); President and Director, Manufacturers
Products, Inc. (distributor of portable construction heaters); President, Portable Heater Parts, a division of Manufacturers Products, Inc.
Other Directorships Held:
None.
Qualifications:
Mr. Walsh has served in several business management roles and directorship positions throughout his career. Mr. Walsh previously served as Vice President, Walsh & Kelly, Inc. (paving
contractors).
|
NA
|
$250,000
|
OFFICERS*
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Previous Position(s)
|
John W. McGonigle
Birth Date: October 26, 1938
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Federated Fund Complex; Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Federated Investors, Inc.
Previous Positions:
Trustee, Federated Investment Management Company and Federated Investment Counseling; Director, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Services Company and Federated
Securities Corp.
|
Lori A. Hensler
Birth Date: January 6, 1967
Treasurer
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Federated Fund Complex; Senior Vice President, Federated Administrative Services; Financial and Operations Principal for Federated
Securities Corp. and Edgewood Services, Inc.; and Assistant Treasurer, Federated Investors Trust Company. Ms. Hensler has received the Certified Public Accountant designation.
Previous Positions:
Controller of Federated Investors, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, Federated Investors Management Company; Treasurer, Federated Investors Trust Company; Assistant
Treasurer, Federated Administrative Services, Federated Administrative Services, Inc., Federated Securities Corp., Edgewood Services, Inc., Federated Advisory Services Company, Federated Equity Management Company of
Pennsylvania, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Investment Management Company, Passport Research, Ltd. and Federated MDTA, LLC; Financial and Operations Principal
for Federated Securities Corp., Edgewood Services, Inc. and Southpointe Distribution Services, Inc.
|
Peter J. Germain
Birth Date: September 3, 1959
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Mr. Germain is Chief Legal Officer of the Federated Fund Complex. He is General Counsel and Vice President, Federated Investors, Inc.; President, Federated Administrative Services and
Federated Administrative Services, Inc.; Vice President, Federated Securities Corp.; Secretary, Federated Private Asset Management, Inc.; and Secretary, Retirement Plan Service Company of America. Mr. Germain joined
Federated in 1984 and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Previous Positions:
Deputy General Counsel, Special Counsel, Managing Director of Mutual Fund Services, Federated Investors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Federated Services Company; and Senior Corporate
Counsel, Federated Investors, Inc.
|
Richard B. Fisher
Birth Date: May 17, 1923
Vice President
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Vice Chairman or Vice President of some of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Vice Chairman, Federated Investors, Inc.; Chairman, Federated Securities Corp.
Previous Positions:
President and Director or Trustee of some of the Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Executive Vice President, Federated Investors, Inc.; Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federated
Securities Corp.
|
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Previous Position(s)
|
Stephen Van Meter
Birth Date: June 5, 1975
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Federated Fund Complex; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Federated Investors, Inc. and Chief Compliance Officer of
certain of its subsidiaries. Mr. Van Meter joined Federated in October 2011. He holds FINRA licenses under Series 3, 7, 24 and 66.
Previous Positions:
Mr. Van Meter previously held the position of Compliance Operating Officer, Federated Investors, Inc. Prior to joining Federated, Mr. Van Meter served at the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission in the positions of Senior Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, Division of Investment Management and Senior Counsel, Division of Enforcement.
|
Stephen F. Auth
Birth Date: September 13, 1956
101 Park Avenue
41
st
Floor
New York, NY 10178
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Officer since: May 2017
|
Principal Occupations:
Stephen F. Auth is Chief Investment Officer of various Funds in the Federated Fund Complex; Executive Vice President, Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Global Investment
Management Corp. and Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania.
Previous Positions:
Executive Vice President, Federated Investment Management Company and Passport Research, Ltd. (investment advisory subsidiary of Federated); Senior Vice President, Global Portfolio
Management Services Division; Senior Vice President, Federated Investment Management Company and Passport Research, Ltd.; Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Prudential Investments.
|
*
|
Officers do not receive any compensation from the Fund.
|
In addition, the Fund has appointed
an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE EMERITUS
PROGRAM
The
Board has created a position of Director/Trustee Emeritus, whereby an incumbent Director/Trustee who has attained the age of 75 and completed a minimum of five years of service as a director/trustee, may, in the sole
discretion of the Committee of Independent Directors/Trustees (“Committee”), be recommended to the full Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund to serve as Director/Trustee Emeritus.
A
Director/Trustee Emeritus that has been approved as such receives an annual fee in an amount equal to a percent of the annual base compensation paid to a Director/Trustee. Effective August 16, 2013, in the case of a
Director/Trustee Emeritus who had previously served at least five years but less than 10 years as a Director/Trustee, the percent will be 10%. In the case of a Director/Trustee Emeritus who had previously served at
least 10 years as a Director/Trustee, the percent will be 20%. Directors/Trustees Emeritus appointed prior to August 16, 2013, are paid 20% of the annual base compensation. In addition, the Director/Trustee Emeritus
will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in connection with their service, including expenses of travel and lodging incurred in attendance at Board meetings. Director/Trustee Emeritus will continue to receive
relevant materials concerning the Funds, will be expected to attend at least one regularly scheduled quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors/Trustees each year and will be available to consult with the Committees
or its representatives at reasonable times as requested by the Chairman; however, a Director/Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the
Funds.
The
Director/Trustee Emeritus will be permitted to serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Committee, but the annual fee will cease to be paid at the end of the calendar year during which he or she has attained the
age of 80 years, thereafter the position will be honorary.
The
following table shows the fees paid to each Director/Trustee Emeritus for the Fund's most recently ended fiscal year and the portion of that fee paid by the Fund or Trust.
1
EMERITUS Trustees and
Compensation
Director/Trustee Emeritus
|
Compensation
From Fund
(past fiscal year)
|
Total
Compensation
Paid to
Director/Trustee
Emeritus
1
|
John T. Conroy, Jr.
|
NA
|
$50,000.00
|
Nicholas Constantakis
|
NA
|
$50,000.00
|
Robert J. Nicholson
|
NA
|
$49,909.78
|
James F. Will
|
NA
|
$50,000.00
|
1
|
The
fees paid to each Director/Trustee are allocated among the funds that were in existence at the time the Director/Trustee elected Emeritus status, based on each fund's net assets at that time.
|
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
As
required under the terms of certain regulatory settlements, the Chairman of the Board is not an interested person of the Fund and neither the Chairman, nor any firm with which the Chairman is affiliated, has a prior
relationship with Federated or its affiliates or (other than his position as a Trustee) with the Fund.
Committees of the Board
Board
Committee
|
Committee
Members
|
Committee Functions
|
Meetings Held
During Last
Fiscal Year
|
Executive
|
J. Christopher Donahue
Peter E. Madden
John S. Walsh
|
In between meetings of the full Board, the Executive Committee generally may exercise all the powers of the full Board in the
management and direction of the business and conduct of the affairs of the Fund in such manner as the Executive Committee shall deem to be in the best interests of the Fund. However, the Executive Committee cannot
elect or remove Board members, increase or decrease the number of Trustees, elect or remove any Officer, declare dividends, issue shares or recommend to shareholders any action requiring shareholder approval.
|
NA
|
Audit
|
John T. Collins
G. Thomas Hough
Maureen Lally-Green
Thomas M. O'Neill
|
The purposes of the Audit Committee are to oversee the accounting and financial reporting process of the Fund, the Fund's
internal control over financial reporting and the quality, integrity and independent audit of the Fund's financial statements. The Committee also oversees or assists the Board with the oversight of compliance with
legal requirements relating to those matters, approves the engagement and reviews the qualifications, independence and performance of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, acts as a liaison between
the independent registered public accounting firm and the Board and reviews the Fund's internal audit function.
|
NA
|
Nominating
|
John T. Collins
G. Thomas Hough
Maureen Lally-Green
Peter E. Madden
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
Thomas M. O'Neill
P. Jerome Richey
John S. Walsh
|
The Nominating Committee, whose members consist of all Independent Trustees, selects and nominates persons for election to the
Fund's Board when vacancies occur. The Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders, Independent Trustees, officers or employees of any of the Fund's agents or service providers and counsel to the
Fund. Any shareholder who desires to have an individual considered for nomination by the Committee must submit a recommendation in writing to the Secretary of the Fund, at the Fund's address appearing on the back
cover of this SAI. The recommendation should include the name and address of both the shareholder and the candidate and detailed information concerning the candidate's qualifications and experience. In identifying and
evaluating candidates for consideration, the Committee shall consider such factors as it deems appropriate. Those factors will ordinarily include: integrity, intelligence, collegiality, judgment, diversity, skill,
business and other experience, qualification as an “Independent Trustee,” the existence of material relationships which may create the appearance of a lack of independence, financial or accounting
knowledge and experience and dedication and willingness to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill Board responsibilities.
|
NA
|
BOARD'S ROLE IN RISK OVERSIGHT
The
Board's role in overseeing the Fund's general risks includes receiving performance reports for the Fund and risk management reports from Federated's Chief Risk Officer at each regular Board meeting. The Chief Risk
Officer is responsible for enterprise risk management at Federated, which includes risk management committees for investment management and for investor services. The Board also receives regular reports from the
Fund's Chief Compliance Officer regarding significant compliance risks.
On
behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee plays a key role overseeing the Fund's financial reporting and valuation risks. The Audit Committee meets regularly with the Fund's Principal Financial Officer and outside
auditors, as well as with Federated's Chief Audit Executive to discuss financial reporting and audit issues, including risks relating to financial controls.
Board Ownership Of Shares In The
Fund And In The Federated Family Of Investment Companies As Of December 31, 2016
Interested Board
Member Name
|
Dollar Range of
Shares Owned in
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range of
Shares Owned in
Federated Family of
Investment Companies
|
J. Christopher Donahue
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
John B. Fisher
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Independent Board
Member Name
|
|
|
John T. Collins
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
G. Thomas Hough
|
NA
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
Maureen Lally-Green
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Peter E. Madden
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Thomas M. O'Neill
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
P. Jerome Richey
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
John S. Walsh
|
NA
|
Over $100,000
|
Investment Adviser
The
Adviser conducts investment research and makes investment decisions for the Fund.
The
Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of Federated.
The
Adviser shall not be liable to the Fund or any Fund shareholder for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding, or sale of any security or for anything done or omitted by it, except acts or omissions
involving willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties imposed upon it by its contract with the Fund.
Portfolio Manager Information
As a
general matter, certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of a fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio
manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment
of the Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential
conflicts can include, for example, conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements (including, for example, the allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts
or activities for which the portfolio manager is responsible in calculating the portfolio manager's compensation), and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute Fund portfolio trades and/or
specific uses of commissions from Fund portfolio trades (for example, research or “soft dollars”). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers' compensation in
a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Fund from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
The
following information about the Fund's Portfolio Managers is provided as of the end of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.
TO BE UPDATED
BY AMENDMENT
Daniel Mahr, Portfolio Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by Daniel Mahr
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: None.
Daniel
Mahr is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance. The
annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash and restricted
stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Mahr is
also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other funds/accounts for which Mr. Mahr is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of
calculating the annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be
adjusted periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted periodically). The annual incentive amount is based on the composite
investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level, the Fund has been assigned to a
sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion
of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
In
addition, Mr. Mahr was awarded a grant of restricted Federated stock. Awards of restricted stock are discretionary and are made in variable amounts based on the subjective judgment of Federated's senior management.
Frederick Konopka, Portfolio
Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by Frederick Konopka
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: $50,001 - $100,000.
Frederick Konopka is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and
performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash
and restricted stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Konopka is
also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the other funds/accounts for which Mr. Konopka is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of calculating the
annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The annual incentive
amount is based on the composite investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level,
the Fund has been assigned to a sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the
Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
Brian Greenberg, Portfolio
Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by Brian Greenberg
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: None.
Brian
Greenberg is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and
performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash
and restricted stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Greenberg
is also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the other funds/accounts for which Mr. Greenberg is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of calculating
the annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted periodically). The annual incentive amount is based on the composite
investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level, the Fund has been assigned to a
sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion
of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
John Paul Lewicke, Portfolio
Manager
Types of Accounts Managed
by John Paul Lewicke
|
Total Number of Additional
Accounts Managed/Total Assets*
|
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed
that are Subject to Advisory Fee
Based on Account Performance
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
7/$704.2 million
|
0/$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0/$0
|
0/$0
|
Other Accounts
|
258/$1.5 billion
|
2/$98.3 million
|
*
|
None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
|
Dollar value range of shares owned
in the Fund: None.
John
Lewicke is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance.
The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and, to a lesser extent, Financial Success, and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash and
restricted stock of Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”). The total combined annual incentive is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is
measured on a rolling one, three and/or five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis vs. designated benchmarks (Russell 1000
®
Value Index) and versus the Fund's designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. Performance periods are adjusted
if a portfolio manager has been managing a fund/account for less than five years; funds/accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded. As noted above, Mr. Lewicke is
also the portfolio manager for other funds/accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other funds/accounts may be categorized as reflecting different Strategies, which may have different benchmarks and performance
measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the other funds/accounts for which Mr. Lewicke is responsible in calculating his compensation may be equal or can vary. For purposes of calculating the
annual incentive amount, each fund/account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into multiple designated sub-groups, which may be further broken down by Strategies (which may be adjusted
periodically). The number of sub-groups currently reflected is seven, which currently have nine different Strategies (which may be adjusted periodically). The annual incentive amount is based on the composite
investment performance of each Strategy, which is measured against the Strategy's designated benchmark and a designated peer group of comparable funds/accounts. At the Strategy level, the Fund has been assigned to a
sub-group which has a weighting that is equal to greater than or less than the weighting given to other strategies and the benchmark for that sub-group is the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. A portion
of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to fund performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
The
Financial Success category is designed to tie the portfolio manager's bonus, in part, to Federated's overall financial results. Funding for the Financial Success category may be determined on a product or asset class
basis, as well as on corporate financial results. Senior Management determines individual Financial Success bonuses on a discretionary basis, considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant.
Services Agreement
Federated Advisory Services Company, an affiliate of the Adviser, provides research, quantitative analysis, equity trading and transaction settlement and certain support services to the Adviser. The fee for these
services is paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund.
Other Related Services
Affiliates of the Adviser may, from time to time, provide certain electronic equipment and software to institutional customers in order to facilitate the purchase of Fund Shares offered by the Distributor.
Code Of Ethics Restrictions On
Personal Trading
As
required by SEC rules, the Fund, its Adviser and its Distributor have adopted codes of ethics. These codes govern securities trading activities of investment personnel, Fund Trustees and certain other employees.
Although they do permit these people to trade in securities, including those that the Fund could buy, as well as Shares of the Fund, they also contain significant safeguards designed to protect the Fund and its
shareholders from abuses in this area, such as requirements to obtain prior approval for, and to report, particular transactions.
Voting Proxies On Fund Portfolio
Securities
The
Board has delegated to the Adviser authority to vote proxies on the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. The Board has also approved the Adviser's policies and procedures for voting the proxies, which are
described below.
Proxy Voting Policies
The
Adviser's general policy is to cast proxy votes in favor of management proposals and shareholder proposals that the Adviser anticipates will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted. Generally, this
will mean voting for proposals that the Adviser believes will: (a) improve the management of a company; (b) increase the rights or preferences of the voted securities; and/or (c) increase the chance that a premium
offer would be made for the company or for the voted securities. This approach to voting proxy proposals will be referred to hereafter as the “General Policy.”
The
following examples illustrate how the General Policy may apply to management proposals and shareholder proposals submitted for approval or ratification by holders of the company's voting securities. However, whether
the Adviser supports or opposes a proposal will always depend on the specific circumstances described in the proxy statement and other available information.
On
matters of corporate governance, generally the Adviser will vote in favor of: (1) a proposal to require a company's audit committee to be comprised entirely of independent directors; (2) shareholder proposals to
declassify the board of directors; (3) shareholder proposals to require a majority voting standard in the election of directors; (4) proposals to grant shareholders the right to call a special meeting if owners of at
least 25% of the outstanding stock agree; (5) a proposal to require independent tabulation of proxies and/or confidential voting of shareholders; (6) a proposal to ratify the board's selection of auditors, unless: (a)
compensation for non-audit services exceeded 50% of the total compensation received from the company; or (b) the previous auditor was dismissed because of a disagreement with the company; (7) a proposal to repeal a
shareholder rights plan (also known as a “poison pill”) and against the adoption of such a plan, unless the plan is designed to facilitate, rather than prevent, unsolicited offers for the company; (8)
shareholder proposals to eliminate supermajority requirements in company bylaws; (9) shareholder proposals to separate the roles of chairman of the board and CEO; (10) shareholder proposals to allow shareholders
owning at least 3% of the outstanding common stock for at least three years to nominate candidates for election to the board of directors (“Proxy Access”); (11) a full slate of directors, where the
directors are elected as a group and not individually, unless more than half of the nominees are not independent; and (12) election of individual directors nominated in an uncontested election, but against any
director who: (a) had not attended at least 75% of the board meetings during the previous year; (b) serves as the company's chief financial officer; (c) has committed himself or herself to service on a large number of
boards, such that we deem it unlikely that the director would be able to commit sufficient focus and time to a particular company; (d) is the chair of the nominating or governance committee when the roles of chairman
of the board and CEO are combined and there is no lead independent director; (e) served on the compensation committee during a period in which compensation appears excessive relative to performance and peers; or (f)
served on a board that did not implement a shareholder proposal that Federated supported and received more than 50% shareholder support the previous year.
On
matters of capital structure, generally the Adviser will vote against a proposal to authorize or issue shares that are senior in priority or voting rights to the voted securities, and in favor of a proposal to: (1)
reduce the amount of shares authorized for issuance (subject to adequate provisions for outstanding convertible securities, options, warrants, rights and other existing obligations to issue shares); (2) grant
authorities to issue shares with and without pre-emptive rights unless the size of the authorities would threaten to unreasonably dilute existing shareholders; and (3) authorize a stock repurchase program.
On
matters relating to management compensation, generally the Adviser will vote in favor of stock incentive plans (including plans for directors) that align the recipients of stock incentives with the interests of
shareholders, without creating undue dilution, and against: (1) the advisory vote on executive compensation plans (“Say On Pay”) when the plan has failed to align executive compensation with corporate
performance; (2) the advisory vote on the frequency of the Say On Pay vote when the frequency is other than annual; (3) proposals that would permit the amendment or replacement of outstanding stock incentives having
more favorable terms (e.g., lower purchase prices or easier vesting requirements); and (4) executive compensation plans that do not disclose the maximum amounts of compensation that may be awarded or the criteria for
determining awards.
On
matters relating to corporate transactions, the Adviser will vote proxies consistent with the General Policy. The Adviser will vote proxies in contested elections of directors based upon its analysis of the opposing
slates and their proposed business strategy and the expected impact on the long-term value of the securities being voted. The Adviser generally votes proxies
against
proposals submitted by shareholders without the favorable recommendation of a company's board. The Adviser believes that a company's board should manage its business and
policies, and that shareholders who seek specific changes should strive to convince the board of their merits or seek direct representation on the board. However, the Adviser would vote for shareholder proposals not
supported by the company's board that the Adviser regards as: (a) likely to result in an immediate and favorable improvement in the total return of the voted security; and (b) unlikely to be adopted by the company's
board in the absence of shareholder direction.
In
addition, the Adviser will not vote any proxy if it determines that the consequences or costs of voting outweigh the potential benefit of voting. For example, if a foreign market requires shareholders voting proxies
to retain the voted shares until the meeting date (thereby rendering the shares “illiquid” for some period of time), the Adviser will not vote proxies for such shares. In addition, the Adviser is not
obligated to incur any expense to send a representative to a shareholder meeting or to translate proxy materials into English.
To the
extent that the Adviser is permitted to loan securities, the Adviser will not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Adviser will take all reasonable steps to recall shares prior to
the record date when the meeting raises issues that the Adviser believes materially affect shareholder value, including, but not limited to, excessive compensation, mergers and acquisitions, contested elections and
weak oversight by the audit committee. However, there can be no assurance that the Adviser will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan in time to vote thereon.
If
proxies are not delivered in a timely or otherwise appropriate basis, the Adviser may not be able to vote a particular proxy.
For an
Adviser that employs a quantitative investment strategy for certain funds or accounts that does not make use of qualitative research (“Non-Qualitative Accounts”), the Adviser may not have the kind of
research to make decisions about how to vote proxies for them. Therefore, the Adviser will vote the proxies of these Non-Qualitative Accounts as follows: (a) in accordance with the Standard Voting Instructions
(defined below) adopted by the Adviser with respect to issues subject to the proxies; (b) if the Adviser is directing votes for the same proxy on behalf of a regular qualitative accounts and a Non-Qualitative Account,
the Non-Qualitative Account would vote in the same manner as the regular qualitative account; (c) if neither of the first two conditions apply, as the proxy voting service is recommending; and (d) if none of the
previous conditions apply, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Committee (Proxy Committee).
The
Adviser may employ an investment strategy for certain funds or accounts that does not make use of qualitative research. Further, the Adviser may utilize a quantitative strategy to manage certain funds or accounts. In
both of these cases, (“Non-Qualitative Accounts”), the Adviser may not have the kind of research to make decisions about how to vote proxies for them. Therefore, the Adviser will vote the proxies of these
Non-Qualitative Accounts as follows: (a) in accordance with the Standard Voting Instructions (defined below) adopted by the Adviser with respect to issues subject to the proxies; (b) if the Adviser is directing votes
for the same proxy on behalf of a regular qualitative accounts and a Non-Qualitative Account, the Non-Qualitative Account would vote in the same manner as the regular qualitative account; (c) if neither of the first
two conditions apply, as the proxy voting service is recommending; and (d) if none of the previous conditions apply, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Committee (Proxy Committee).
The
Adviser will not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Adviser will take all reasonable steps to recall shares prior to the record date when the meeting raises issues that the
Adviser believes materially affect shareholder value, including, but not limited to, excessive compensation, mergers and acquisitions, contested elections and weak oversight by the audit committee. However, there can
be no assurance that the Adviser will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan in time to vote thereon.
If
proxies are not delivered in a timely or otherwise appropriate basis, the Adviser may not be able to vote a particular proxy.
Proxy Voting Procedures
The
Adviser has established a Proxy Voting Committee (“Proxy Committee”), to exercise all voting discretion granted to the Adviser by the Board in accordance with the proxy voting policies. To assist it in
carrying out the day-to-day operations related to proxy voting, the Proxy Committee has created the Proxy Voting Management Group (PVMG). The day-to-day operations related to proxy voting are carried out by the Proxy
Voting Operations Team (PVOT) and overseen by the PVMG. This work includes, interacting with a proxy voting service on the Proxy Committee's behalf; soliciting voting recommendations from the Adviser's investment
professionals, as necessary; bringing voting recommendations to the Proxy Committee from the Adviser's investment professionals; filing any required proxy voting reports; providing proxy voting reports to clients and
investment companies as they are requested from time to time; keeping the Proxy Committee informed of any issues related to proxy voting; and voting client shares as directed by the Proxy Committee.
The
Adviser has hired a proxy voting service to obtain, vote and record proxies in accordance with the directions of the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee has supplied the proxy voting services with general
instructions (the “Standard Voting Instructions”) that represent decisions made by the Proxy Committee in order to vote common proxy proposals. As the Proxy Committee believes that a shareholder vote is
equivalent to an investment decision, the Proxy Committee retains the right to modify the Standard Voting Instructions at any time or to vote contrary to them at any time in order to cast proxy votes in a manner that
the Proxy Committee believes is: (a) in the best interests of the Adviser's clients (and shareholders of the funds advised by the Adviser); and (b) will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted. The
proxy voting service may vote any proxy as directed in the Standard Voting Instructions without further direction from the Proxy Committee. However, if the Standard Voting Instructions require case-by-case direction
for a proposal, the PVOT will work with the investment professionals
and the proxy voting service to develop
a voting recommendation for the Proxy Committee and to communicate the Proxy Committee's final voting decision to the proxy voting service. Further, if the Standard Voting Instructions require the PVOT to analyze a
ballot question and make the final voting decision, the PVOT will report such votes to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis for review.
Conflicts of Interest
The
Adviser has adopted procedures to address situations where a matter on which a proxy is sought may present a potential conflict between the interests of the Fund (and its shareholders) and those of the Adviser or
Distributor. This may occur where a significant business relationship exists between the Adviser (or its affiliates) and a company involved with a proxy vote. A company that is a proponent, opponent, or the subject of
a proxy vote, and which to the knowledge of the Proxy Committee has this type of significant business relationship, is referred to below as an “Interested Company.”
The
Adviser has implemented the following procedures in order to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the Adviser or its affiliates have influenced proxy votes. Any employee of the Adviser or its affiliates
who is contacted by an Interested Company regarding proxies to be voted by the Adviser must refer the Interested Company to a member of the Proxy Committee, and must inform the Interested Company that the Proxy
Committee has exclusive authority to determine how the proxy will be voted. Any Proxy Committee member contacted by an Interested Company must report it to the full Proxy Committee and provide a written summary of the
communication. Under no circumstances will the Proxy Committee or any member of the Proxy Committee make a commitment to an Interested Company regarding the voting of proxies or disclose to an Interested Company how
the Proxy Committee has directed such proxies to be voted. If the Standard Voting Instructions already provide specific direction on the proposal in question, the Proxy Committee shall not alter or amend such
directions. If the Standard Voting Instructions require the Proxy Committee to provide further direction, the Proxy Committee shall do so in accordance with the proxy voting policies, without regard for the interests
of the Adviser with respect to the Interested Company. If the Proxy Committee provides any direction as to the voting of proxies relating to a proposal affecting an Interested Company, it must disclose annually to the
Fund's Board information regarding: the significant business relationship; any material communication with the Interested Company; the matter(s) voted on; and how, and why, the Adviser voted as it did. Alternatively,
the Proxy Committee may seek direction from the Fund's Board on how a proposal concerning an Interested Company shall be voted, and shall follow any such direction provided by the Board. In seeking such direction, the
Proxy Committee will disclose the reason such company is considered an Interested Company and may provide a recommendation on how such proposal should be voted and the basis for such recommendation.
In
certain circumstances it may be appropriate for the Adviser to vote in the same proportion as all other shareholders, so as to not affect the outcome beyond helping to establish a quorum at the shareholders' meeting.
This is referred to as “proportional voting.” If the Fund owns shares of another Federated mutual fund, the Adviser will proportionally vote the client's proxies for that fund or seek direction from the
Board or the client on how the proposal should be voted. If the Fund owns shares of an unaffiliated mutual fund, the Adviser may proportionally vote the Fund's proxies for that fund depending on the size of the
position. If the Fund owns shares of an unaffiliated exchange-traded fund, the Adviser will proportionally vote the Fund's proxies for that fund.
Downstream Affiliates
If the
Proxy Committee gives further direction, or seeks to vote contrary to the Standard Voting Instructions, for a proxy relating to a portfolio company in which the Fund owns more than 10% of the portfolio company's
outstanding voting securities at the time of the vote (Downstream Affiliate), the Proxy Committee must first receive guidance from counsel to the Proxy Committee as to whether any relationship between the Adviser and
the portfolio company, other than such ownership of the portfolio company's securities, gives rise to an actual conflict of interest. If counsel determines that an actual conflict exists, the Proxy Committee must
address any such conflict with the executive committee of the board of directors or trustees of any investment company client prior to taking any action on the proxy at issue.
Proxy Advisers' Conflicts of
Interest
Proxy
advisory firms may have significant business relationships with the subjects of their research and voting recommendations. For example, a proxy voting service client may be a public company with an upcoming
shareholders' meeting and the proxy voting service has published a research report with voting recommendations. In another example, a proxy voting service board member also sits on the board of a public company for
which the proxy voting service will write a research report. These and similar situations give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
In
order to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the engaged proxy voting service have influenced proxy voting recommendations, the Adviser will take the following steps:
■
|
A due diligence team made up of employees of the Adviser and/or its affiliates will meet with the proxy voting service on an annual basis and determine through a review of their policies and procedures
and through inquiry that the proxy voting service has established a system of internal controls that provide reasonable assurance that their voting recommendations are not influenced by the business relationships they
have with the subjects of their research.
|
■
|
Whenever the standard voting guidelines call for voting a proposal in accordance with the proxy voting service recommendation and the proxy voting service has disclosed that they have
a conflict of interest with respect to that issuer, the PVOT will take the following steps: (a) the PVOT will obtain a copy of the research report and recommendations published by another proxy voting service for that
issuer; (b) the Head of the PVOT, or his designee, will review both the engaged proxy voting service research report and the research report of the other proxy voting service and determine what vote will be cast. The
PVOT will report all proxies voted in this manner to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the PVOT may seek direction from the Committee on how the proposal shall be voted.
|
Proxy Voting Report
A
report on “Form N-PX” of how the Fund voted any proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available via the Proxy Voting Record (Form N-PX) link associated with the Fund and share
class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. Form N-PX filings are also available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings is available via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. A complete listing of the Fund's portfolio holdings as
of the end of each calendar quarter is posted on the website 30 days (or the next business day) after the end of the quarter and remains posted for six months thereafter. Summary portfolio composition information as
of the close of each month is posted on the website 15 days (or the next business day) after month-end and remains posted until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. The summary portfolio composition
information may include: identification of the Fund's top 10 holdings and a percentage breakdown of the portfolio by sector.
You may
also access portfolio information as of the end of the Fund's fiscal quarters via the link to the Fund and share class name at www.FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. The Fund's Annual Shareholder Report and
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Fund's Form N-Q filings contain complete listings of the
Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's first and third fiscal quarters. Fiscal quarter information is made available on the website within 70 days after the end of the fiscal quarter. This information
is also available in reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
The
disclosure policy of the Fund and the Adviser prohibits the disclosure of portfolio holdings information to any investor or intermediary before the same information is made available to other investors. Employees of
the Adviser or its affiliates who have access to nonpublic information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings are prohibited from trading securities on the basis of this information. Such persons must report all
personal securities trades and obtain pre-clearance for all personal securities trades other than mutual fund shares.
Firms
that provide administrative, custody, financial, accounting, legal or other services to the Fund may receive nonpublic information about Fund portfolio holdings for purposes relating to their services. The Fund may
also provide portfolio holdings information to publications that rate, rank or otherwise categorize investment companies. Traders or portfolio managers may provide “interest” lists to facilitate portfolio
trading if the list reflects only that subset of the portfolio for which the trader or portfolio manager is seeking market interest. A list of service providers, publications and other third parties who may receive
nonpublic portfolio holdings information appears in the Appendix to this SAI.
The
furnishing of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to any third party (other than authorized governmental or regulatory personnel) requires the prior approval of the President of the Adviser and of the Chief
Compliance Officer of the Fund. The President of the Adviser and the Chief Compliance Officer will approve the furnishing of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to a third party only if they consider the
furnishing of such information to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In that regard, and to address possible conflicts between the interests of Fund shareholders and those of the Adviser and
its affiliates, the following procedures apply. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser or any of their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings
information. Before information is furnished, the third party must sign a written agreement that it will safeguard the confidentiality of the information, will use it only for the purposes for which it is furnished
and will not use it in connection with the trading of any security. Persons approved to
receive nonpublic portfolio holdings
information will receive it as often as necessary for the purpose for which it is provided. Such information may be furnished as frequently as daily and often with no time lag between the date of the information and
the date it is furnished. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information and the purposes for which it is furnished.
Brokerage Transactions And
Investment Allocation
Equity
securities may be traded in the over-the-counter market through broker/dealers acting as principal or agent, or in transactions directly with other investors. Transactions may also be executed on a securities exchange
or through an electronic communications network. The Adviser seeks to obtain best execution of trades in equity securities by balancing the costs inherent in trading, including opportunity costs, market impact costs
and commissions. As a general matter, the Adviser seeks to add value to its investment management by using market information to capitalize on market opportunities, actively seek liquidity and discover price. The
Adviser continually monitors its trading results in an effort to improve execution. Fixed-income securities are generally traded in an over-the-counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through dealers
acting as principal or in transactions directly with the issuer. Dealers derive an undisclosed amount of compensation by offering securities at a higher price than they bid for them. Some fixed-income securities may
have only one primary market maker. The Adviser seeks to use dealers it believes to be actively and effectively trading the security being purchased or sold, but may not always obtain the lowest purchase price or
highest sale price with respect to a fixed-income security. The Adviser's receipt of research services (as described below) may also be a factor in the Adviser's selection of brokers and dealers. The Adviser may also
direct certain portfolio trades to a broker that, in turn, pays a portion of the Fund's operating expenses. The Adviser makes decisions on portfolio transactions and selects brokers and dealers subject to review by
the Fund's Board.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other accounts managed by the Adviser and accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. When the Fund and one or more other accounts managed by
the Adviser do invest in, or dispose of, the same security, available investments or opportunities for sales may be allocated among the Fund and the account(s) in a manner believed by the Adviser to be equitable.
While the coordination and ability to participate in volume transactions may benefit the Fund, it is possible that this procedure could adversely impact the prices paid or received and/or positions obtained or
disposed of by the Fund. Trading and allocation of investments for the Fund, including investments in initial public offerings (IPO), may be done independently from trading and allocation of investments for certain
separately managed or wrap-fee accounts, and other accounts, managed by the Adviser. The trading and allocation of investments done by the Adviser, including investments in IPOs, will be done independently from
accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. It is possible that such independent trading activity could adversely impact the prices paid or received and/or positions obtained or disposed of by the Fund.
Brokerage and Research Services
Brokerage services include execution of trades and products and services that relate to the execution of trades, including communications services related to trade execution, clearing and settlement, trading
software used to route orders to market centers, software that provides algorithmic trading strategies and software used to transmit orders to direct market access (DMA) systems. Research services may include: advice
as to the advisability of investing in securities; security analysis and reports; economic studies; industry studies; receipt of quotations for portfolio evaluations; and similar services. Research services assist the
Adviser and its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to funds and investment accounts for which they have investment discretion. However, particular brokerage and research services received
by the Adviser and its affiliates may not be used to service every fund or account, and may not benefit the particular funds and accounts that generated the brokerage commissions. In addition, brokerage and research
services paid for with commissions generated by the Fund may be used in managing other funds and accounts. To the extent that receipt of these services may replace services for which the Adviser or its affiliates
might otherwise have paid, it would tend to reduce their expenses. The Adviser and its affiliates exercise reasonable business judgment in selecting brokers to execute securities transactions where receipt of research
services is a factor. They determine in good faith that commissions charged by such persons are reasonable in relationship to the value of the brokerage and research services provided.
Administrator
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), a subsidiary of Federated, provides administrative personnel and services, including certain legal, compliance, recordkeeping and financial reporting services
(“Administrative Services”), necessary for the operation of the Fund. FAS provides Administrative Services for a fee based upon the rates set forth below paid on the average daily net assets of the Fund.
For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement with FAS. FAS is also
entitled to reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing Administrative Services to the Fund.
Administrative Services
Fee Rate
|
Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex
|
0.150 of 1%
|
on the first $5 billion
|
0.125 of 1%
|
on the next $5 billion
|
0.100 of 1%
|
on the next $10 billion
|
0.075 of 1%
|
on assets over $20 billion
|
Custodian
The
Bank of New York Mellon, New York, New York, is custodian for the securities and cash of the Fund. Foreign instruments purchased by the Fund are held by foreign banks participating in a network coordinated by The Bank
of New York Mellon.
Transfer Agent And Dividend
Disbursing Agent
State
Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund's registered transfer agent, maintains all necessary shareholder records.
Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
The independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, KPMG LLP, conducts its audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
which require it to plan and perform its audits to provide reasonable assurance about whether the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement.
Investment Ratings
Standard & Poor's Rating
Services (S&P) LONG-TERM Issue RATINGS
Issue
credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P's analysis of the following considerations: the likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation
in accordance with the terms of the obligation; the nature of and provisions of the obligation; and the protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or
other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA
—An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely
strong.
AA
—An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
very strong.
A
—An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated
categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB
—An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened
capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least
degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB
—An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B
—An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC
—An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC
—An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C
—A “C” rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the
documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the “C” rating may be assigned to
subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument's terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer,
whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.
D
—An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P
believes that such payments will be made within five business days, irrespective of any grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar
action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation's rating is lowered to “D” upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an
amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.
The
ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
S&P Rating Outlook
An S&
P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically six months to two years). In determining a rating outlook, consideration is given to any changes in
the economic and/or fundamental business conditions.
Positive
—Positive means that a rating may be raised.
Negative
—Negative means that a rating may be lowered.
Stable
—Stable means that a rating is not likely to change.
Developing
—Developing means a rating may be raised or lowered.
N.M.
—N.M. means not meaningful.
S&P Short-Term Issue
RATINGS
Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the United States, for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365
days
–
including commercial paper.
A-1
—A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong.
Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2
—A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher
rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3
—A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B
—A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C
—A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D
—A short-term obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless
S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also
will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
MOODY'S Investor Services, Inc.
(MOODY's) LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's
long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss
suffered in the event of default.
Aaa
—Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa
—Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A
—Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa
—Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba
—Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B
—Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa
—Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca
—Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C
—Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Moody's
appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aaa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2
indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
MOODY'S Short-Term RATINGS
Moody's
short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of 13 months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.
P-1
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated P-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated P-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated P-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP
—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
FITCH, INC. (Fitch) LONG-TERM
Debt RATINGs
Fitch
long-term ratings report Fitch's opinion on an entity's relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The “threshold” default risk addressed by the rating is generally that of the financial
obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, Fitch long-term ratings also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts,
although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.
AAA: Highest Credit Quality
—“AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This
capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Very High Credit
Quality
—“AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly
vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: High Credit
Quality
—“A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more
vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good Credit
Quality
—“BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business
or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB: Speculative
—“BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however,
business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.
B: Highly Speculative
—“B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for
continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.
CCC: Substantial Credit
Risk
—Default is a real possibility.
CC: Very High Levels of
Credit Risk
—Default of some kind appears probable.
C: Exceptionally High
Levels of Credit Risk
—Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a “C” category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has
entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a
material financial obligation; or (c) Fitch otherwise believes a condition of “RD” or “D” to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt
exchange.
RD: Restricted
Default
—“RD” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has
not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default
on a specific class or currency of debt; (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other
material financial obligation; (c) the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or (d) execution of a
distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.
D: Default
—“D” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up
procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.
Default
ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default
until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.
“Imminent” default typically refers to
the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during
which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate
future.
In all
cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default
under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.
FITCH SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGs
A Fitch
short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance
with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means
up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: Highest Short-Term Credit
Quality
—Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good Short-Term Credit
Quality
—Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair Short-Term Credit
Quality
—The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B: Speculative Short-Term
Credit Quality
—Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High Short-Term Default
Risk
—Default is a real possibility.
RD: Restricted
Default
—Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings
only.
D: Default
—Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
A.M. BEST Company, Inc. (a.m.
best) LONG-TERM DEBT and Preferred Stock RATINGS
A
Best's long-term debt rating is Best's independent opinion of an issuer/entity's ability to meet its ongoing financial obligations to security holders when due.
aaa: Exceptional
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an exceptional ability to meet the terms of the obligation.
aa: Very Strong
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has a very strong ability to meet the terms of the obligation.
a: Strong
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has a strong ability to meet the terms of the obligation.
bbb: Adequate
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an adequate ability to meet the terms of the obligation; however, the issue is more susceptible to changes in economic or other
conditions.
bb: Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has speculative credit characteristics, generally due to a modest margin or principal and interest payment protection and vulnerability to
economic changes.
b: Very Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has very speculative credit characteristics, generally due to a modest margin of principal and interest payment protection and extreme
vulnerability to economic changes.
ccc, cc, c: Extremely
Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has extremely speculative credit characteristics, generally due to a minimal margin of principal and interest payment protection and/or limited
ability to withstand adverse changes in economic or other conditions.
d: In Default
—Assigned to issues in default on payment of principal, interest or other terms and conditions, or when a bankruptcy petition or similar action has been filed.
Ratings
from “aa” to “ccc” may be enhanced with a “+” (plus) or “-” (minus) to indicate whether credit quality is near the top or bottom of a category.
A.M. BEST SHORT-TERM DEBT
RATINGS
A
Best's short-term debt rating is Best's opinion of an issuer/entity's ability to meet its financial obligations having original maturities of generally less than one year, such as commercial paper.
AMB-1+ Strongest
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has the strongest ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
AMB-1 Outstanding
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an outstanding ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
AMB-2 Satisfactory
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has a satisfactory ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
AMB-3 Adequate
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has an adequate ability to repay short-term debt obligations; however, adverse economic conditions likely will reduce the issuer's capacity to
meet its financial commitments.
AMB-4 Speculative
—Assigned to issues where the issuer has speculative credit characteristics and is vulnerable to adverse economic or other external changes, which could have a marked impact on the
company's ability to meet its financial commitments.
d: In Default
—Assigned to issues in default on payment of principal, interest or other terms and conditions, or when a bankruptcy petition or similar action has been filed.
A.M. Best Rating Modifiers
Both
long- and short-term credit ratings can be assigned a modifier.
u
—Indicates the rating may change in the near term, typically within six months. Generally is event-driven, with positive, negative or developing implications.
pd
—Indicates ratings assigned to a company that chose not to participate in A.M. Best's interactive rating process. (Discontinued in 2010).
i
—Indicates rating assigned is indicative.
A.M. BEST RATING OUTLOOK
A.M.
Best Credit Ratings are assigned a Rating Outlook that indicates the potential direction of a credit rating over an intermediate term, generally defined as the next 12 to 36 months.
Positive
—Indicates possible ratings upgrade due to favorable financial/market trends relative to the current trading level.
Negative
—Indicates possible ratings downgrade due to unfavorable financial/market trends relative to the current trading level.
Stable
—Indicates low likelihood of rating change due to stable financial/market trends.
Not Rated
Certain
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) may designate certain issues as NR, meaning that the issue or obligation is not rated.
Addresses
Federated MDT Large Cap Value
Fund
Class T Shares
Federated Investors
Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Distributor
Federated Securities
Corp.
Federated Investors Tower
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779
Investment Adviser
Federated MDTA LLC
125 High Street
Oliver Tower
21st Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2704
Transfer Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent
State Street Bank and
Trust Company
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
Custodian
The Bank of New York
Mellon
One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286
Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
Two Financial Center
60 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
Appendix
The following is a list
of persons, other than the Adviser and its affiliates, that have been approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information concerning the Federated Fund Complex; however, certain persons below might not
receive such information concerning the Fund:
CUSTODIAN(S)
The Bank of New York Mellon
SECURITIES LENDING AGENT
Citibank, N.A.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
KPMG LLP
LEGAL COUNSEL
Goodwin Procter LLP
K&L Gates LLP
Financial Printer(S)
RR Donnelley & Sons Company
Proxy Voting Administrator
Glass Lewis & Co., LLC
SECURITY PRICING SERVICES
Interactive Data Corporation
Markit Group Limited
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
Telemet America
Thomson Reuters Corporation
RATINGS AGENCIES
Fitch, Inc.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
Other SERVICE PROVIDERS
Other types of service providers that
have been approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information include service providers offering, for example, trade order management systems, portfolio analytics, or performance and accounting systems, such
as:
Bank of
America Merrill Lynch
Barclays Inc.
Bloomberg L.P.
Citibank, N.A.
Electra Information Systems
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
FISGlobal
Informa Investment Solutions, Inc.
Investortools, Inc.
Morningstar, Inc.
MSCI Inc.
The Yield Book, Inc.
Wolters Kluwer N.V.
Item 28. Exhibits
(a)
|
|
|
1
|
Form of Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant
|
+
|
(c)
|
Federated Securities Corp. does not issue share certificates for the Fund.
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
1
|
Form of Investment Advisory Contract of the Registrant
|
+
|
(e)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of Distributor’s Contract of the Registrant (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(g)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of Custodian Agreement of the Registrant (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(h)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of Agreement for Administrative Services between Registrant and Federated Administrative Services (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
2
|
Conformed copy of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Federated Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
3
|
Conformed copy of Financial Administration and Accounting Services Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
4
|
Conformed copy of Amended and Restated Services Agreement between Registrant and Federated Shareholder Services Company (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
5
|
Conformed copy of Principal Shareholder Services Agreement between Registrant and Federated Securities Corp. (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
6
|
Conformed copy of Shareholder Services Agreement between Registrant and Federated Shareholder Services Company (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(i)
|
Conformed copy of Opinion and Consent of Counsel as to legality of shares being registered (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(j)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(l)
|
Conformed copy of Initial Capital Understanding (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(m)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of Distribution Plan of the Registrant (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(n)
|
|
|
1
|
Copy of the Multiple Class Plan and attached Exhibits (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
(o)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of Power of Attorney of Registrant;
|
+
|
2
|
Conformed copy of Unanimous Consent of Trustees
|
+
|
(p)
|
|
|
1
|
Conformed copy of the Federated Investors, Inc. Code of Ethics for Access Persons, effective 1/1/2016
|
+
|
+
|
Exhibit is being filed electronically with registration statement; indicate by footnote
|
|
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund:
|
No persons are controlled by the Fund.
|
Item 30. Indemnification
|
Indemnification is expected to be provided to Officers and
Trustees of the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Declaration of Trust, executed copy to be filed by amendment.
The Investment Advisory Contract between the Registrant
and Federated MDTA LLC ("Adviser"), executed copy to be filed by amendment, is expected to provide that, in the absence
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties under the Investment Advisory
Contract on the part of Adviser, Adviser shall not be liable to the Registrant or to any shareholder for any act or omission in
the course of or connected in any way with rendering services or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding,
or sale of any security.
The Registrant’s distribution contract, to be filed
by amendment, is expected to contain provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of the Officers and
Trustees under certain circumstances.
Registrant's Trustees and Officers are covered by an Investment
Trust Errors and Omissions Policy.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under
the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to Trustees, Officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant
pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by Trustees),
Officers, or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit, or proceeding) is
asserted by such Trustees, Officers, or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issues.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities may be permitted pursuant
to Section 17 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for Trustees, Officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant
pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware of the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission
as set forth in Investment Company Act Release No. IC-11330. Therefore, the Registrant undertakes that in addition to complying
with the applicable provisions of the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, in the absence of a final decision on the merits by a
court or other body before which the proceeding was brought, that an indemnification payment will not be made unless in the absence
of such a decision, a reasonable determination based upon factual review has been made (i) by a majority vote of a quorum of non-party
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Registrant or (ii) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion that the indemnitee
was not liable for an act of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties. The Registrant
further undertakes that advancement of expenses incurred in the defense of a proceeding (upon undertaking for repayment unless
it is ultimately determined that indemnification is appropriate) against an Officer, Trustee or controlling person of the Registrant
will not be made absent the fulfillment of at least one of the following conditions: (i) the indemnitee provides security for his
undertaking; (ii) the Registrant is insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances; or (iii) a majority of a quorum
of disinterested non-party Trustees or independent legal counsel in a written opinion makes a factual determination that there
is reason to believe the indemnitee will be entitled to indemnification.
|
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser:
|
For a description of the other business of the Investment Adviser, see the section entitled “Who Manages the Fund?” in Part A. The affiliations with the Registrant of two of the Trustees and one of the Officers of the Investment Adviser are included in Part B of this Registration Statement under "Who Manages and Provides Services to the Fund?" The remaining Trustee of the Investment Adviser and, in parentheses, his principal occupation is: Thomas R. Donahue, (Chief Financial Officer, Federated Investors, Inc.), 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222-3779. The business address of Gordon Ceresino is 125 High Street, Oliver Tower, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02110. The business address of the remaining Officers of the Investment Adviser is Federated Investors Tower, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779. These remaining officers are also officers of a majority of the Investment Advisers to the investment companies in the Federated Fund Complex described in Part B of this Registration Statement.
|
The Officers of the Investment Adviser are:
|
Chairman:
|
J. Christopher Donahue
|
Vice Chairman:
|
Gordon Ceresino
|
President/ Chief Executive Officer:
|
John B. Fisher
|
Senior Vice President:
|
Edward Foss
Anne Kruczek
Daniel Mahr
|
Vice Presidents:
|
John C. Duane
Brian M. Greenberg
Frederick L. Konopka
John P. Lewicke
Keith Michaud
John F. Sherman
Sarah A. Stahl
Gregory Sterzel
Shuo Damien Zhang
|
Assistant Vice Presidents:
|
Thomas. T. Beals
Michael G. Bertani
Tony Ng
Kelly Patel
|
Secretary:
|
George F. Magera
|
Assistant Secretary:
|
Edward C. Bartley
|
Treasurer:
|
Richard A. Novak
|
Assistant Treasurer:
|
Jeremy D. Boughton
|
Chief Compliance Officer:
|
Stephen Van Meter
|
Item 32. Principal Underwriters:
|
(a)
|
Federated Securities Corp., the Distributor for shares of the Registrant, acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies, including the Registrant:
|
|
Federated Adjustable Rate Securities Fund
|
|
Federated Core Trust
|
|
Federated Core Trust III
|
|
Federated Equity Funds
|
|
Federated Equity Income Fund, Inc.
|
|
Federated Fixed Income Securities, Inc.
|
|
Federated Global Allocation Fund
|
|
Federated Government Income Securities, Inc.
|
|
Federated Government Income Trust
|
|
Federated High Income Bond Fund, Inc.
|
|
Federated High Yield Trust
|
|
Federated Income Securities Trust
|
|
Federated Index Trust
|
|
Federated Institutional Trust
|
|
Federated Insurance Series
|
|
Federated International Series, Inc.
|
|
Federated Investment Series Funds, Inc.
|
|
Federated Managed Pool Series
|
|
Federated MDT Equity Trust
|
|
Federated MDT Large Cap Value Fund
|
|
Federated MDT Series
|
|
Federated Municipal Securities Fund, Inc.
|
|
Federated Municipal Securities Income Trust
|
|
Federated Premier Intermediate Municipal Income Fund
|
|
Federated Premier Municipal Income Fund
|
|
Federated Project and Trade Finance Tender Fund
|
|
Federated Short-Intermediate Duration Municipal Trust
|
|
Federated Total Return Government Bond Fund
|
|
Federated Total Return Series, Inc.
|
|
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 1-3 Years
|
|
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years
|
|
Federated World Investment Series, Inc.
|
|
Intermediate Municipal Trust
|
|
Money Market Obligations Trust
|
(b)
|
|
|
(1)
Positions and Offices with Distributor
|
(2)
Name
|
(3)
Positions and Offices With Registrant
|
Chairman:
|
Richard B. Fisher
|
|
Executive Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Director:
|
Thomas R. Donahue
|
|
President and Director:
|
Paul Uhlman
|
|
Vice President and Director:
|
Peter J. Germain
|
|
Director:
|
Frank C. Senchak
|
|
(1)
Positions and Offices with Distributor
|
(2)
Name
|
(3)
Positions and Offices With Registrant
|
Executive Vice Presidents:
|
Michael Bappert
Peter W. Eisenbrandt
Solon A. Person, IV
Colin B. Starks
|
|
Senior Vice Presidents:
|
Irving Anderson
Daniel G. Barry
Jack Bohnet
Bryan Burke
Scott J. Charlton
Steven R. Cohen
James S. Conley
Charles L. Davis
Michael T. DiMarsico
Jack C. Ebenreiter
Theodore Fadool, Jr.
Timothy J. Franklin
James Getz
Scott A. Gunderson
Dayna C. Haferkamp
Vincent L. Harper, Jr.
Bruce E. Hastings
James M. Heaton
Donald Jacobson
Harry J. Kennedy
Michael Koenig
Edwin C. Koontz
Anne H. Kruczek
Jane E. Lambesis
Michael Liss
Diane Marzula
Amy Michaliszyn
Richard C. Mihm
Vincent T. Morrow
Alec H. Neilly
Becky Nelson
Keith Nixon
Stephen Otto
Richard A. Recker
Diane M. Robinson
Brian S. Ronayne
Tom Schinabeck
John Staley
Robert F. Tousignant
Jerome R. Tuskan
William C. Tustin
Michael N. Vahl
Michael Wolff
Erik Zettlemayer
Paul Zuber
|
|
|
|
|
Vice Presidents:
|
Catherine M. Applegate
Robert W. Bauman
Marc Benacci
Christopher D. Berg
Bill Boarts
Matthew A. Boyle
Edward R. Bozek
Edwin J. Brooks, III
Thomas R. Brown
Mark Carroll
Dan Casey
James Conely
Stephen J. Costlow
Mary Ellen Coyne
Kevin J. Crenny
Stephen P. Cronin
David G. Dankmyer
Donald Edwards
Mark A. Flisek
Stephen Francis
David D. Gregoire
Michael L. Guzzi
Raymond J. Hanley
George M. Hnaras
Scott A. Holick
Robert Hurbanek
Ryan W. Jones
Todd Jones
Scott D. Kavanagh Susan C. Kelley
Patrick Kelly
Nicholas R. Kemerer
Robert H. Kern
Shawn E. Knudson
Crystal C. Kwok
Jerry L. Landrum
Joseph R. Lantz
David M. Larrick
John P. Lieker
Jonathan Lipinski
Paul J. Magan
Margaret M. Magrish
Meghan McAndrew
Martin J. McCaffrey
Brian McInis
Kyle Morgan
John C. Mosko
Doris T. Muller
Ted Noethling
John A. O’Neill
James E. Ostrowski
Mark Patsy
Rich Paulson
Marcus Persichetti
Chris Prado
Sean Quirk
Timothy A. Rosewicz
Matt Ryan
|
|
|
Eduardo G. Sanchez
Peter Siconolfi
Biran J. Sliney
Justin Slomkowski
Bradley Smith
Edward L. Smith
John R. Stanley
Mark Strubel
Jonathan Sullivan
Christie Teachman
Cynthia M. Tomczak
Jeffrey B. Turner
David Wasik
G. Walter Whalen
Lewis Williams
Theodore Williams
Brian R. Willer
Littell L. Wilson
James J. Wojciak
Edward J. Wojnarowski
|
|
Assistant Vice Presidents:
|
Debbie Adams-Marshall
Kenneth C. Baber
Raisa E. Barkaloff
Chris Jackson
Stephen R. Massey
Carol McEvoy McCool
John K. Murray
Melissa R. Ryan
Carol Anne Sheppard
Scott A. Vallina
Laura Vickerman
James Wagner
|
|
Secretary:
|
Kary A. Moore
|
|
Assistant Secretaries:
|
Edward C. Bartley
|
|
|
Thomas R. Donahue
|
|
|
George F. Magera
|
|
Treasurer:
|
Richard A. Novak
|
|
Assistant Treasurer:
|
Jeremy D. Boughton
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer:
|
Stephen Van Meter
|
|
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records:
|
All accounts and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 through 31a-3 promulgated thereunder are maintained at one of the following locations:
|
Registrant
|
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
(Notices should be sent to the Agent for Service at the
address listed on the facing page of this filing.)
|
Federated Administrative Services (“Administrator”)
|
Federated Investors Tower
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779
|
Federated MDTA LLC
(“Adviser”)
|
125 High Street
Oliver Street Tower, 21
st
Floor
Boston, MA 02110
|
State Street Bank and Trust Company
(“Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent”)
|
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266-8600
|
Bank of New York Mellon (“Custodian”)
|
The Bank of New York Mellon One Wall Street New York, NY 10286
|
Item 34. Management Services:
Not applicable.
|
|
|
|
Item 35. Undertakings:
|
Registrant hereby undertakes to comply with the provisions of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to the removal of Trustees and the calling of special shareholder meetings by shareholders.
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, Federated MDT Equity Trust, has duly caused this this Initial Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Pittsburgh and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
on the 31st day of May 2017.
|
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY TRUST
|
BY: /s/ George F. Magera
George F. Magera, Assistant Secretary
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Initial Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacity and on the date indicated:
|
NAME
|
TITLE
|
DATE
|
BY: /s/ George F. Magera
George F. Magera,
Assistant Secretary
|
Attorney In Fact For the Persons Listed Below
|
May 31, 2017
|
J. Christopher Donahue *
|
President and Trustee (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
John B. Fisher*
|
Trustee
|
|
Lori A. Hensler*
|
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
John T. Collins*
|
Trustee
|
|
G. Thomas Hough*
|
Trustee
|
|
Maureen E. Lally-Green*
|
Trustee
|
|
Peter E. Madden*
|
Trustee
|
|
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.*
|
Trustee
|
|
Thomas O’Neill*
|
Trustee
|
|
P. Jerome Richey*
|
Trustee
|
|
John S. Walsh*
|
Trustee
|
|
*By Power of Attorney
|
|
|
Exhibit
28(a)(1) under Form N-1A
Exhibit (3)(i) under Item 601/Regulation S-K
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY TRUST
(a Delaware Statutory Trust)
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
Dated as of
[
]
, 2017
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I Name and Definitions
|
1
|
Section 1.1 Name
|
1
|
Section 1.2 Definitions
|
1
|
ARTICLE II Purpose of the TRUST
|
3
|
ARTICLE III Beneficial Interest
|
3
|
Section 3.1 Beneficial Interest
|
4
|
Section 3.2 Other Securities
|
5
|
Section 3.3 Rights of Shareholders
|
5
|
Section 3.4 Trust Only
|
6
|
Section 3.5 Issuance of Shares
|
6
|
Section 3.6 Register of Shares
|
6
|
Section 3.7 Transfer Agent and Registrar
|
6
|
Section 3.8 Transfer of Shares
|
6
|
Section 3.9 Notices
|
7
|
Section 3.10 Status of Shares; Limitation of Personal Liability
|
7
|
Section 3.11 Establishment of Series and Classes of Shares
|
7
|
ARTICLE IV Trustees
|
10
|
Section 4.1 Number, Election and Tenure
|
10
|
Section 4.2 Resignation and Removal
|
11
|
Section 4.3 Vacancies
|
11
|
Section 4.4 Meetings
|
12
|
Section 4.5 Trustee Action by Written Consent
|
12
|
Section 4.6 Officers
|
13
|
Section 4.7 Trustee Compensation
|
13
|
ARTICLE V POWERS OF THE Trustees
|
13
|
Section 5.1 General
|
13
|
Section 5.2 Investments
|
14
|
Section 5.3 Legal Title
|
16
|
Section 5.4 Issuance and Repurchase of Shares
|
16
|
Section 5.5 Borrow Money or Utilize Leverage
|
16
|
Section 5.6 Delegation; Committees
|
17
|
Section 5.7 Collection and Payment
|
17
|
Section 5.8 Expenses
|
17
|
Section 5.9 By-laws
|
17
|
Section 5.10 Miscellaneous Powers
|
17
|
Section 5.11 Further Powers
|
18
|
Section 5.12 Service Contracts
|
18
|
ARTICLE VI Shareholder Voting and Meetings
|
20
|
Section 6.1 Voting Powers
|
20
|
Section 6.2 Meetings of Shareholders
|
20
|
Section 6.3 Quorum and Required Vote
|
21
|
Section 6.4 Action by Written Conset
|
21
|
Section 6.5 Insurance
|
21
|
Article VII DISTRIBUTIONS, Repurchases and Redemptions; net asset value
|
22
|
Section 6.1 Distribution of Net Asset Value, Income, and Distributions
|
22
|
Section 6.2 Redemptions and Repurchases
|
22
|
ARTICLE VII Custodian
|
23
|
ARTICLE VIII Limitation of Liability; INDEMNIFICATION
|
24
|
Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability
|
24
|
Section 8.2 Indemnification
|
26
|
Section 8.3 Further Indemnification
|
28
|
Section 8.4 Limitation of Personal Liability and Indemnification of Shareholders
|
28
|
ARTICLE IX Duration, Reorganization; Amendments
|
28
|
Section 9.1 Termination of the Fund or Any Series or Class
|
28
|
Section 9.2 Reorganization; Master/Feeder Structure.
|
29
|
Section 9.3 Amendments
|
30
|
ARTICLE X Miscellaneous
|
31
|
Section 10.1 Statutory Fund Only
|
31
|
Section 10.2 Liability of Third Persons Dealing with Trustees
|
31
|
Section 10.3 Applicable Law
|
31
|
Section 10.4 Provisions in Conflict with Laws or Regulations
|
32
|
Section 10.5 Derivative Actions
|
32
|
Section 10.6 Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial
|
33
|
Section 10.7 Inspection of Records and Reports
|
34
|
Section 10.8 Filing of Copies, References, Headings, Rules of Construction
|
34
|
Section 10.9 Counterparts; Execution of Documents
|
34
|
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY TRUST
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
This AGREEMENT AND
DECLARATION OF TRUST is made and entered into as of
[ ]
, 2017, by the Trustees whose
signatures are affixed hereto.
WHEREAS, the Trustees
desire to create a trust for the investment and reinvestment of funds contributed by the holders from time to time of the shares
of beneficial interest in the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the assets
of the Trust may be divided into one or more Series, each with its own separate investment portfolio and investment objectives,
policies and restrictions, and the beneficial interest in each such Series divided into transferable Shares, there being a separate
series of Shares for each Series, all in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees
intend to form the Trust as a Delaware statutory trust by the filing of a certificate of trust in the office of the Delaware Secretary
of State in accordance with the Delaware Act.
NOW, THEREFORE,
the Trustees do hereby declare that all cash, securities and other assets contributed to the Trust, together with the income therefrom
and the proceeds thereof, shall be held and managed upon the following terms and conditions.
ARTICLE
I
Name and Definitions
Section
1.1
Name
. The name of the Trust is “Federated MDT Equity Trust” and the Trustees shall conduct the
business of the Trust under that name or any other name as they may from time to time determine. The Trustees may, without Shareholder
authorization or approval, change the name of the Trust or any Series or Class and adopt such other name as they deem proper. Any
name change of any Series or Class shall become effective upon the adoption by the Board of Trustees of a resolution approving
such change, whether directly in such resolution or by reference to or approval of another document that sets forth such change,
or at a future date or time specified in such resolution or other document. Any name change of the Trust shall become effective
upon the filing of a certificate of amendment reflecting such change in the office of the Delaware Secretary of State or at a future
date or time specified in such certificate of amendment. Any such name change of the Trust shall constitute an amendment to this
Declaration of Trust.
Section
1.2
Definitions
. Whenever used herein, unless otherwise required by the
context or specifically provided:
“1940 Act”
means the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as amended from time to time;
and “interested person,” “investment adviser” and “principal underwriter” have the meanings
given them in the 1940 Act;
“Affiliated
Person” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act when used with reference to a specified Person.
“Board of
Trustees” means the individuals, as a group, who from time to time constitute the Trustees in their capacities as Trustees
hereunder;
“By-laws”
means the by-laws of the Trust, as amended from time to time, which By-laws are incorporated herein by reference as part of the
Trust’s “governing instrument” within the meaning of § 3801(c) of the Delaware Act;
“Certificate
of Trust” means the certificate of trust, as amended from time to time, filed by the Trustees in the office of the Delaware
Secretary of State in accordance with the Delaware Act to form the Trust;
“Class”
means a class of Shares established by the Trustees in accordance with the provisions of Article III;
“Commission”
means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
“Covered Person”
shall have the meaning given it in Section 9.2 hereof;
“Declaration
of Trust” means this Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time, which constitutes the “governing
instrument” of the Trust within the meaning of § 3801(c) of the Delaware Act;
“Delaware
Act” means the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. §§ 3801
et seq.
, as amended from time to time;
“Fundamental
Policies” shall mean the investment policies and restrictions as set forth from time to time in any Prospectus or contained
in any current Registration Statement of the Trust filed with the Commission or as otherwise adopted by the Trustees and the Shareholders
in accordance with applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and designated as fundamental policies therein as they may be amended
from time to time in accordance with applicable requirements of the 1940 Act
“General Assets”
shall have the meaning given it in Section 3.11(a) hereof;
“Interested
Person” shall have the meanings given in
Section 2(a)(19) of
the 1940 Act;
“Investment
Adviser” or “Adviser
” shall mean a party furnishing services to the Trust
pursuant to any contract described in Section 5.12(a);
“Person
”
shall mean and include individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, limited liability companies, associations, joint ventures,
estates and other entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof, whether
domestic or foreign;
“Registration
Statement” means the Trust’s registration statement or statements as filed with the Commission under, as applicable,
the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, as amended and from time to time in effect, and includes any prospectus or statement
of additional information forming a part thereof;
“Series”
shall mean each series of Shares referenced in, or established under or in accordance with, the provisions of Article III
“Shareholder”
means a record owner of outstanding Shares;
“Shares”
means the shares of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust or each Series shall be divided from time
to time, including such Class or Classes of Shares as the Trustees may from time to time create and establish and includes fractions
of Shares as well as whole Shares;
“Trust”
means the Delaware statutory trust formed under the Delaware Act by the adoption of this Declaration of Trust and the filing of
the Certificate of Trust;
“Trust Property”
shall mean as of any particular time any and all property, real or personal, tangible or
intangible, which at such time is owned or held by or for the account of the Trust or the Trustees in such capacity and not allocated
to any Series;
“Trustees”
means the individuals who have signed this Declaration of Trust and all other individuals who may from time to time be duly appointed
to serve as Trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof, in each case so long as such individual shall continue in office
in accordance with the terms of this Declaration of Trust; and
ARTICLE
II
Purpose of the TRUST
The purpose of the
Trust is to conduct, operate and carry on the business of an investment company registered under the 1940 Act through one or more
Series investing primarily in securities, and to carry on such other business or businesses as the Trustees may from time to time
determine pursuant to their authority under this Declaration of Trust. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Trust may do everything
necessary, suitable, convenient, customary or proper for the conduct, promotion and attainment of any businesses and purposes which
at any time may be incidental to, or may appear conducive or expedient for the accomplishment of the business of, an investment
company registered under the 1940 Act, or any such other business or businesses as the Trustees may from time to time determine,
and which may be engaged in or carried on by a statutory trust formed under the Delaware Act; and in connection therewith, the
Trust shall have and may exercise all of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware upon a Delaware statutory trust.
ARTICLE
III
Beneficial Interest
Section
3.1
Beneficial Interest
.
The beneficial
interest in the Trust shall be divided into Shares. The Trust and any Series may have no Classes, may consist of one Class or may
be divided into two or more Classes. The number of Shares of the Trust and each Series and Class authorized hereunder is unlimited.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares, and upon the establishment of any Series or Class as provided herein,
the Trust shall be authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares of each such Series and Class, unless otherwise determined
and subject to any conditions set forth, by the Trustees.
Subject
to the provisions of this Article III and any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trustees shall have full power and authority,
in their sole discretion, and without obtaining any authorization or approval of the Shareholders of any Series or Class: (i) to
divide the beneficial interest in each Series or Class into Shares, with or without par value as the Trustees shall determine;
(ii) to issue Shares without limitation as to number (including fractional Shares and Shares held in a Series’ treasury),
to such Persons and for such amount and type of consideration, including cash or securities, at such time or times and on such
terms as the Trustees may deem appropriate; (iii) to establish and designate and to change in any manner any Series or Class with
such preferences, voting powers, terms of conversion, rights, privileges and business purpose or investment objective as the Trustees
may from time to time determine, which preferences, voting powers, terms of conversion, rights, privileges and business purpose
or investment objective may be different from any existing Series or Class and may be limited to specified assets or liabilities
of the Trust or profits and losses associated therewith; (iv) to divide or combine the Shares of the Trust or any Series or Class
into a greater or lesser number without thereby materially changing the proportionate beneficial interest of the Shares of the
Trust or such Series or Class in the assets held with respect to the Trust or such Series or Class; (v) to classify or reclassify
any Shares of the Trust or any Series or Class into Shares of one or more Series or Classes (whether the Shares to be classified
or reclassified are issued and outstanding or unissued and whether such Shares constitute part or all of the Shares of the Trust
or such Series or Class); and (vi) to take such other action with respect to the Shares of the Trust or any Series or Class as
the Trustees may deem desirable.
The
ownership of Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or a transfer or similar agent, which books shall be maintained
separately for the Shares of each Series or Class and contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders and the number of Shares
of each Series and Class held by each Shareholder. No certificates certifying the ownership of Shares shall be issued except as
the Board of Trustees may otherwise determine from time to time. The Trustees may make such rules as they consider appropriate
for the issuance of Share certificates, the transfer of Shares and similar matters. The record books of each Series as kept by
the Trust or any transfer or similar agent, as the case may be, shall be conclusive as to the identity of the Shareholders of each
Series and Class and as to the number of Shares of the Trust and of each Series and Class held from time to time by each Shareholder.
The Trustees may at any time discontinue the issuance of Share certificates and may, by written notice to each applicable Shareholder,
require the surrender of Share certificates to the Trust for cancellation. Such surrender and cancellation shall not affect the
ownership of Shares in the Trust.
Subject to the relevant
distinctions permitted among Classes of the Trust or any Series as established by the Trustees consistent with applicable requirements
of the 1940 Act (or exemptive orders issued by the Commission), each Share of the Trust or any Series shall represent an equal
beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust or such Series, and each Shareholder of the Trust or any Series shall be entitled
to receive such Shareholder’s pro rata share of distributions of income and capital gains, if any, made with respect to the
Trust or such Series. Upon redemption of the Shares of any Series or upon liquidation or termination of any Series, the applicable
Shareholder shall be paid solely out of the funds and property of such Series of the Trust. Ownership of Shares shall not be deemed
to establish a contract between the Shareholder and the Trust or any Series. A Shareholder of a particular Series shall not be
entitled to participate in a derivative or class action on behalf of any other Series or the Shareholders of any other Series of
the Trust.
All references to Shares in this Declaration
of Trust shall be deemed to be Shares of the Trust and any or all Series or Classes, as the context may require. All provisions
herein relating to the Trust shall apply equally to each Series of the trust and each Class, except as context otherwise requires.
Section
3.2
Other Securitie
s
.
The
Trustees may, subject to the Fundamental Policies and applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, authorize and issue such other securities
of the Trust as they determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, having such terms, rights, preferences, limitations and
restrictions as the Trustee see fit, including preferred interests, debt securities or other senior securities. To the extent that
the Trustees authorize and issue preferred shares of any Series or Class, they are hereby authorized and empowered to amend or
supplement this Declaration of Trust as they deem necessary or appropriate, including to comply with applicable requirements of
the 1940 Act or requirements imposed by the rating agencies or other Persons, all without Shareholder authorization or approval.
Any such supplement or amendment shall be filed as is necessary. The Trustees are also authorized to take such actions and retain
such Persons as they see fit to offer and sell such securities.
Section
3.3
Rights of Shareholders
.
The Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights in this Declaration of Trust specifically set forth. The ownership
of the Trust Property of every description and the right to conduct any business herein before described are vested exclusively
in the Trustees, and the Shareholders shall have no interest therein other than the beneficial interest conferred by their Shares,
and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of any property, profits, rights or interests of the applicable
Series or any Series or the Trust nor can they be called upon to share or assume any losses of the Trust or any Series or Class,
subject to the right of the Trustees to charge certain expenses directly to Shareholders, as provided in the last sentence of Section
5.8, suffer an assessment of any kind by virtue of their ownership of Shares. The Shares shall not entitle the holder to preference,
preemptive, appraisal, conversion or exchange rights (except as specified in this Section 3.3, in Section 10.2 or as specified
by the Trustees when creating the Shares, as in preferred shares).
Every
Shareholder by virtue of having become a Shareholder shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of this Declaration
of Trust and the By-laws and to have become a party hereto and thereto. The death, incapacity, dissolution, termination or bankruptcy
of a Shareholder during the continuance of the Trust or an applicable Series shall not operate to terminate the same or entitle
the representative of any deceased Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust,
any Series or the Trustees, but only to the rights of said decedent under this Declaration of Trust.
Section
3.4
Trust Only
. It is the intention
of the Trustees to create only the relationship of Trustee and beneficiary between the Trustees and each Shareholder from time
to time. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association,
corporation, bailment or any form of legal relationship with another trust. Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed
to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association.
Section
3.5
Issuance of Shares
. The Trustees,
in their discretion, may from time to time without Shareholder authorization or approval issue Shares including preferred shares
that may have been established pursuant to Section 3.2, in addition to the then issued and outstanding Shares and Shares held in
the treasury, to such party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, including cash or property, at such time
or times, and on such terms as the Trustees may determine, and may in such manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition
of assets subject to, and in connection with the assumption of, liabilities) and businesses. The Trustees may from time to time
divide or combine the Shares into a greater or lesser number without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in
such Shares. Issuances and redemptions of Shares may be made in whole Shares and/or 1/1,000ths of a Shares or multiples thereof
as the Trustees may determine.
Section
3.6
Register of Shares
. A register
shall be kept at the offices of the Trust or any transfer agent duly appointed by the Trustees under the direction of the Trustees
which shall contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders and the number of Shares held by them respectively and a record
of all transfers thereof. Separate registers shall be established and maintained for each Series or Class. Each such register shall
be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares of the applicable Series or Class and who will be entitled to receive dividends
or distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights of Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment
of any dividend or distribution, nor to have notice given to him or her as herein provided, until he or she has given his or her
address to a transfer agent or such other officer or agent of the Trust as shall keep the register for entry thereon. The Trustees,
in their discretion, may authorize the issuance of share certificates and promulgate appropriate fees thereof and rules and regulations
as to their use.
Section
3.7
Transfer Agent and Registrar
.
The Trustees shall have the power to engage a transfer agent or transfer agents, and a registrar or registrars, with respect to
the Shares. The transfer agent or transfer agents may keep the applicable register and record therein, the original issues and
transfers, if any, of the said Shares. Any such transfer agent and/or registrars shall perform the duties usually performed by
transfer agents and registrars of certificates of stock in a corporation, as modified by the Trustees.
Section
3.8
Transfer of Share
s
. Except as
otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only by the record holder thereof
or by its agent thereto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees or a transfer or similar agent of the Trust of
a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with such evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization
and of other matters as may reasonably be required. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on the applicable register
of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes
hereof and neither the Trustees nor any transfer or similar agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust
shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer.
Any
Person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of the death, bankruptcy, or incompetence of any Shareholder, or otherwise
by operation of law, shall be recorded on the applicable register of Shares as the holder of such Shares upon production of the
proper evidence thereof to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust, but until such record is made, the Shareholder of record
shall be deemed to be the holder of such for all purposes hereof, and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar
nor any officer or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of such death, bankruptcy or incompetence, or other operation
of law.
Section
3.9
Notices
. Any and all notices
to which any Shareholder hereunder may be entitled and any and all communications shall be deemed duly served or given if mailed,
postage prepaid, addressed to any Shareholder of record at his or her last known address as recorded on the applicable register
of the Trust.
Section
3.10
Status
of Shares; Limitation of Personal Liability
. For the avoidance of doubt, Shareholders
shall have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust with any service
provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust, including any third party beneficiary rights. None of the Trust, the Trustees
or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any Shareholder, nor to call upon any Shareholder
for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree
to pay. No Shareholder shall be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted
for, or otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust or any Series or Class. Shareholders shall be entitled, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, to the same limitation of personal liability as is extended under the Delaware General Corporation Law to stockholders
of private corporations for profit.
Section
3.11
Establishment
of Series and Classes of Shares
. The Series and Classes indicated on Schedule A (“Schedule
A”) as of the date hereof are hereby established and are referred to as the “Initial Series and Classes.” The
establishment of any additional Series or Class shall be effective upon the adoption by the Board of Trustees of a resolution that
sets forth the establishment and designation of or otherwise identifies such Series or Class, whether directly in such resolution
or by reference to, or approval of, another document that sets forth the establishment and designation of, or otherwise identifies,
such Series or Class, including any Registration Statement, or as otherwise provided in such resolution. The relative rights and
preferences of the Initial Series and Classes shall be as set forth herein. The relative rights and preferences of each additional
Series or Class shall be as set forth herein, unless expressly provided otherwise by the Trustees in establishing such Series or
Class. The Trustees shall cause Schedule A to be amended from time to time to reflect the establishment of any additional Series
or Class or the termination of any Series or Class; however, any such amendment shall not be requisite to the effectiveness
of the establishment or termination of any Series or Class. The creation and establishment of any Series pursuant to this Section
3.11 may, but need not, be evidenced by an instrument executed by a majority of the Board of Trustees. Any such instrument shall
have the status of an amendment to this Declaration of Trust. For the avoidance of doubt, to the maximum extent permitted by law,
the Trust’s public filings, including its Registration Statement, shall not constitute a contract between the Trust or any
Series and the Shareholders, and shall not give rise to any contract claims by the Shareholders against the Trust or any Series.
Unless
otherwise provided in any Registration Statement relating thereto, Shares of the Initial Series and Classes and each additional
Series or Class established pursuant to this Article III (unless otherwise provided in the resolution establishing such additional
Series or Class), shall have the following relative rights and preferences:
(a)
Assets Held with Respect to a Particular Series
. All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares
of a particular Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits,
and proceeds thereof from whatever source derived, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such
assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, shall irrevocably
be held with respect to that Series for all purposes, and shall be so recorded upon the books of account of the Trust with respect
to such Series. Such consideration, assets, income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, from whatever source derived, including
any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment
of such proceeds, in whatever form the same may be, are herein referred to as “assets held with respect to” that Series.
In the event that the Trust has only issued Shares of two or more Series (and not Shares of the Trust) and there are any assets,
income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, funds or payments that are not readily identifiable as assets held with respect
to any particular Series (collectively “General Assets”), the Trustees shall allocate such General Assets to, between
or among any one or more of the Series in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and
equitable, and any General Assets so allocated to a particular Series shall be held with respect to that Series. Each such allocation
by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes.
(b)
Liabilities Held with Respect to a Particular Series
. All liabilities of the Trust held with respect to a particular Series
and all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that Series shall be charged against the assets held with respect
to that Series only. Any general liabilities of the Trust that are not readily identifiable as being held with respect to any particular
Series shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees to and among any one or more of the Series in such manner and on such basis
as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable. All liabilities, expenses, costs, charges, and reserves so charged
to a Series are herein referred to as “liabilities held with respect to” that Series. Each allocation of liabilities,
expenses, costs, charges and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all
purposes. All liabilities held with respect to a particular Series shall be enforceable against the assets held with respect to
such Series only and not against the assets of the Trust generally or against the assets held with respect to any other Series
and, except as otherwise provided in this Declaration of Trust with respect to the allocation of General Assets, none of the debts,
liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to the Trust generally or any
other Series thereof shall be enforceable against the assets of such Series. Notice of this limitation on inter-Series liabilities
shall be set forth in the Certificate of Trust or in an amendment thereto. To the extent required by Section 3804(a) of the Delaware
Act in order to give effect to the limitation on inter-Series liabilities set forth in this Section 3.11: (i) separate and distinct
records shall be maintained for each Series; (ii) the assets held with respect to each Series shall be held in such separate and
distinct records (directly or indirectly, including through a nominee or otherwise) and accounted for in such separate and distinct
records separately from the assets held with respect to all other Series, the assets held with respect to the Trust generally,
and the General Assets of the Trust not allocated to such Series; and or (iii) the records maintained for each Series shall account
for the assets held with respect to such Series separately from the assets of any other Series, the assets held with respect to
the Trust generally, and from the General Assets of the Trust not allocated to such Series.
(c)
Dividends, Distributions, Redemptions, and Repurchases
. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Declaration of Trust,
including Article VI, no dividend or distribution on the Shares of any Series, including any distribution paid in connection with
termination of the Trust or such Series or any Class of such Series, nor any redemption or repurchase of, the Shares of such Series
or Class shall be effected by the Trust other than from the assets held with respect to such Series, nor shall any Shareholder
of any particular Series otherwise have any right or claim against the assets held with respect to any other Series except to the
extent that such Shareholder has such a right or claim hereunder as a Shareholder of such other Series. The Trustees shall have
the sole discretion, to the extent not inconsistent with the 1940 Act, to determine which items shall be treated as income and
which items as capital, and each such determination and allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon all Shareholders for all
purposes.
(d)
Fractions
. Any fractional Share of the Trust or a Series shall carry proportionately all the rights and obligations of a
whole Share of the Trust or that Series, including rights with respect to voting, receipt of dividends and distributions, redemption
of Shares and termination of the Trust or that Series, as the case may be.
(e)
Exchange Privilege
. The Trustees shall have the authority to provide that the Shareholders of any Series or Class shall
have the right to exchange or convert their Shares for Shares of one or more other Series or Classes of Shares or for interests
in one or more trusts, corporations or other business entities (or a series or class of any of the foregoing) in accordance with
such requirements and procedures as may be established by the Trustees.
(f)
Combination of Series and Classes
. The Trustees shall have the authority, without the approval of the Shareholders of the
Trust or any Series or Class unless otherwise required by applicable federal law, to combine the assets and liabilities held with
respect to any two or more Series or Classes into assets and liabilities held with respect to a single Series or Class and in connection
therewith to cause the Shareholders of each such Series or Class to become shareholders of such single Series or Class.
(g)
Elimination of Series or Classes
. At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular Series or Class previously
established, the Trustees may abolish that Series or Class and rescind the establishment thereof.
(h)
Elimination of Series or Classes
. At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular Series or Class previously
established, the Trustees may abolish that Series or Class and rescind the establishment thereof.
(i)
Division of Series or Classes
. The Trustees shall have the authority, without the approval of the Shareholders of any Series
or Class unless otherwise required by applicable federal law, to divide the assets and liabilities held with respect to any Series
or Class into assets and liabilities held with respect to an additional one or more Series or Classes and in connection therewith
to cause some or all of the Shareholders of such Series or Class to be admitted as Shareholders of such additional one or more
Series or Classes.
(j)
Class Designation
. The variations in the relative rights and preferences as between the different Classes of the Trust,
or, if any Series be established, the Series shall be fixed and determined by the Trustees; provided, that all Shares of the Trust
or of any Series shall be identical to all other Shares of the Trust or the same Series, as the case may be, except that there
may be variations between different Classes as to, among other things, allocation of expenses, right of redemption, special and
relative rights as to dividends and on liquidation, conversion rights, and conditions under which the several Classes shall have
separate voting rights. Liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves related to the distribution of, and other identified
expenses that should properly be allocated to, the Shares of a particular Class may be charged to and borne solely by such Class
and the bearing of expenses solely by a Class of Shares may be appropriately reflected (in a manner determined by the Trustees)
and cause differences in the net asset value attributable to, and the dividend, redemption and liquidation rights of, the Shares
of different Classes. Each allocation of liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive
and binding upon the Shareholders of all Classes for all purposes.
ARTICLE
IV
Trustees
Section
4.1
Number, Election and Tenure
. The initial Trustees shall be the persons initially signing this Declaration
of Trust. The number of Trustees shall be the number of persons so signing until changed by the Trustees, and the Trustees may
fix the number of Trustees from time to time; provided that the number of Trustees shall at all times be at least one (1).
Each Trustee shall serve during the continued lifetime of the Trust until the next meeting of Shareholders called for the purpose
of electing Trustees and until the election and qualification of his or her successor or, if sooner, until he or she dies, declines
to serve, resigns, retires, is removed, is incapacitated or is otherwise unable or unwilling to serve as herein provided. Shareholders
shall not be entitled to elect Trustees except as required by the 1940 Act. To the extent required by the 1940 Act, the Shareholders
shall elect the Trustees on such dates as the Trustees may fix from time to time. Any Trustee may resign at any time by an instrument
signed by him or her and delivered to the Trust’s President or the other Trustees. Such resignation shall be effective upon
receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time. Except to the extent expressly provided in a written agreement with
the Trust, no Trustee resigning and no Trustee removed shall have any right to any compensation for any period following the effective
date of his or her resignation or removal, or any right to damages on account of such removal. The Shareholders may elect Trustees
at any meeting of Shareholders called by the Trustees for that purpose. In the event that after the proxy material has been printed
for a meeting of Shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected any one or more nominees named in such proxy material dies or
become incapacitated or is otherwise unable or unwilling to serve, the authorized number of Trustees shall be automatically reduced
by the number of such nominees, unless the Board of Trustees prior to the meeting shall otherwise determine. Any Trustee may be
removed with or without cause at any time by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the number of Trustees
prior to such removal, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective. Any Trustee may be removed with or without
cause at any meeting of Shareholders by a vote of two-thirds of the total combined net asset value of all Shares issued and outstanding.
A meeting of Shareholders for the purpose of electing or removing one or more Trustees shall be called as provided in the By-Laws.
Section
4.2
Resignation and Removal
. Any of the Trustees may resign their trust (without need for prior or subsequent
accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by such Trustee and delivered to any officer of the Trust or to a meeting of the
Trustees, and such resignation shall be effective upon receipt, or at a later date according to the terms of the instrument. Except
to the extent expressly provided in a written agreement with the Trust, no Trustee resigning and no Trustee removed shall have
any right to any compensation for any period following the effective date of his or her resignation or removal (other than compensation
received by a retiring Trustee as a Director Emeritus or similar position), or any right to damages on account of such removal.
Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any of the
Trustees may be removed (provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such removal shall not be less than the minimum number
required by Section 4.1) for any reason, with or without cause, by action taken by a majority of the remaining Trustees. Upon the
resignation or removal of a Trustee, or his or her otherwise ceasing to be a Trustee, he or she shall execute and deliver such
documents as the remaining Trustees shall require for the purpose of conveying to the Trust or the remaining Trustees any Trust
Property held in the name of the resigning or removed Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any Trustee, such Trustee’s
legal representative shall execute and deliver on such Trustee’s behalf such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require
as provided in the preceding sentence.
Section
4.3
Vacancies
. Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur
regardless of the reason for such vacancy, the remaining Trustees may fill such vacancy by appointing an individual having the
qualifications described in this Article IV, consistent with applicable limitations under the 1940 Act, by a written instrument
signed by a majority of the Trustees then in office or may leave such vacancy unfilled or may reduce the number of Trustees; provided
the aggregate number of Trustees after such reduction shall not be less than the minimum number required by Section 4.1. Any vacancy
created by an increase in Trustees may be filled by the appointment of an individual having the qualifications described in this
Article IV, consistent with applicable limitations under the 1940 Act, made by a written instrument signed by a majority of the
Trustees then in office. No vacancy shall operate to annul this Declaration of Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant
to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled
as provided herein, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall
discharge all duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Declaration of Trust. Upon the appointment of a successor Trustee and without
any further act or conveyance, he or she shall be deemed a Trustee hereunder.
The death, declination
to serve, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity of one or more Trustees, or all of them, shall not operate to annul the
Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever there shall be fewer
than the designated number of Trustees, until additional Trustees are elected or appointed as provided herein to bring the total
number of Trustees equal to the designated number, or the number of Trustees as fixed is reduced, the Trustees in office, regardless
of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees
by this Declaration of Trust, and during the period during which any such vacancy shall occur, only the Trustees then in office
shall be counted for the purposes of the existence of a quorum or any action to be taken by such Trustees. As evidence of such
vacancy, an instrument certifying the existence of such vacancy may be executed by an officer of the Trust or by a Trustee. In
the event of the death, declination, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity of all the then Trustees within a short period
of time and without the opportunity for at least one Trustee being able to appoint additional Trustees to replace those no longer
serving, the Trust’s Investment Manager(s) are empowered to appoint new Trustees subject to applicable provisions of Section
16(a) of the 1940 Act.
Section
4.4
Meetin
gs
.
Meetings of the Trustees shall be held from time to
time upon the call of the Chairman, if any, or the President or such other Persons as may be specified in the By-laws. Regular
meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice at a time and place fixed by the By-laws or by resolution of the Trustees.
Notice of any other meeting shall be given to the Trustees before the meeting at the time and in the manner specified in the By-laws,
but may be waived in writing by any Trustee either before or after such meeting. The attendance of a Trustee at a meeting shall
constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Trustee indicates for the record at the outset of a meeting that he
or she is attending that meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business at that meeting on the
ground that the meeting has not been properly called or convened. A quorum for all meetings of the Trustees shall be one-third,
but not less than two, of the Trustees or such greater number as may be specified in the By-laws, unless there is only one Trustee,
at which point a quorum will consist of that one Trustee. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration of Trust and except as
required under applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, any action of the Trustees may be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority
of the Trustees present (a quorum being present) or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the Trustees.
Any committee of
the Trustees, including all executive committees, if any, may act with or without a meeting. A quorum for all meeting of any such
committee shall be one-third, but not less than two, of the members thereof. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration of Trust,
and except as required under applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, any action of any such committee may be taken at a meeting
by vote of a majority of the members present (a quorum being present) or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of
the members.
With respect to
actions of the Trustees and any committee of the Trustees, Trustees who are Interested Persons in any action to be taken may be
counted for quorum purposes under this Section 4.5 and shall be entitled to vote to the extent not prohibited by applicable provisions
of the 1940 Act.
All of any one or
more Trustees may participate in a meeting of Trustees or any committee thereof by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment by means of which all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each other; participation in a meeting pursuant to
any such communications system shall constitute presence in Person at such meeting.
Section
4.5
Trustee Action by Written Cons
ent
. Except as otherwise limited by applicable
provisions of the 1940 Act, any action which may be taken by Trustees by vote may be taken without a meeting if that number of
the Trustees, or members of a committee, as the case may be, required for approval of such action at a meeting of the Trustees
or of such committee at which all members of the Board of Trustees or such committee are present consent to the action in writing
and the written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Trustees. A consent may be delivered by delivery of a Trustee’s
original signature or delivery of a Trustee’s signature or e-signature electronically via facsimile, .pdf, electronic mail
or other electronic means. Any such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Trustees.
Section
4.6
Officers
.
The Trustees shall elect a President, a Secretary
a Treasurer, one or more Executive Vice Presidents, one or more Senior Vice Presidents and one or more Vice Presidents, and may
elect a Chairman or other officer or officers of the Trust as Trustees deem appropriate who shall serve at the pleasure of the
Trustees or until their successors are elected or their resignation received and accepted. The Trustees may elect or appoint or
may authorize the Chairman, if any, or President to appoint one or more assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers, assistant
vice presidents and such other officers or agents with such powers as the Trustees may deem to be advisable. A Chairman shall,
and the President, Secretary and Treasurer may, but need not, be a Trustee.
Section
4.7
Trustee Compensation
.
Any Trustee
may be compensated for his or her services as Trustee by fixed periodic payments or by fees for attendance at meetings, by both
or otherwise, and in addition may be reimbursed for transportation and other expenses, all in such manner and amounts as the Board
of Trustees may from time to time determine. Nothing herein shall in any way prevent the engagement or employment of any Trustee
for advisory, management, legal, accounting, investment banking or other services and payment for the same by the Trust.
ARTICLE
V
POWERS OF THE Trustees
Section
5.1
Gener
al
(a)
.
The Trustees in all instances shall act as principals for and on behalf of the Trust and their acts shall bind the Trust. The business
and affairs of the Trust shall be managed by the Trustees and they shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and
to make and execute all contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection with
the management of the Trust. The Trustees shall have the full power and authority to adopt such accounting and tax account practices
as they consider appropriate for the Trust and for any Series or Class. The Trustees shall have power to conduct the business of
the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of the United State of America, the District of Columbia, and in any and all
commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies, possessions, agencies and instrumentalities of the United States of America
and of foreign governments, and to do all such other things as they deem necessary, appropriate or desirable in order to promote
or implement the interests of t
he Trust or of any Series or Class although such things are not herein specifically mentioned.
The Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust to the same extent
as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust Property and business in their own right, but with such powers of delegation
as may be permitted in this Declaration of Trust. The Trustees may perform such acts as in their sole discretion are proper for
conducting the business of the Trust. The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid
powers. Such powers of the Trustees may be exercised without order of or resort to any court. Any determination
as
to what is in the interest of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions of
this Declaration of Trust, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees or, as applicable their delegatees.
Section
5.2
Investments
(a)
.
The Trustees shall have full power and authority, subject to the Fundamental Policies in effect from time to time with respect
to the Trust to:
Manage, conduct,
operate and carry on the business of an investment company, and exercise all of the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct
of such operations;
Subscribe
for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute or otherwise
deal in or dispose of any and all sorts of property, tangible or intangible, i
ncluding
securities, investments, instruments and other assets of any type whatsoever, whether equity or non-equity, such as, for example
and without limitation, stocks, profit-sharing interests or participations and all other contracts for or evidences of equity interests,
bonds, debentures, warrants and rights to purchase securities, and interests in loans, certificates of beneficial interest, bills,
notes and all other contracts for or evidence of indebtedness, money market instruments including bank certificates of deposit,
finance paper, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, and other negotiable and non-negotiable securities, investments, instruments
and other assets, however named or described, issued by corporations, trusts, associations or any other Persons, domestic or foreign,
or issued or guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, by the government of any foreign
country, by any State, territory or possession of the United States, by any political subdivision or agency or instrumentality
of any state or foreign country, or by any other government or other governmental or quasi-governmental agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign; to acquire and dispose of interests in domestic or foreign loans made by banks and other financial institutions;
to deposit any assets of the Trust in any bank, trust company or banking institution or retain any such assets in domestic or foreign
cash or currency; to purchase and sell gold and silver bullion, precious or strategic metals, and coins and currency of all countries;
to engage in “when issued” and delayed delivery transactions; to enter into repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase
agreements and firm commitment agreements; to engage in all types and kinds of derivative transactions, including hedging techniques
and investment management strategies; and to change the securities, investments, instruments and other assets of the Trust; and
the right to consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with power to designate one or more Persons to exercise any of said
rights, powers and privileges in respect of any of said securities, investments, instruments and other assets. The Trustees shall
not be limited by any law limiting the investments which may be made by fiduciaries.
To
acquire (by purchase, subscription or otherwise), to hold, to trade in and deal in, to acquire any rights or options to purchase
or sell, to sell or otherwise dispose of, to lend and to pledge any Trust Property or any of the foregoing securities, investments,
instruments or other assets; to purchase and sell options on securities, currency, precious metals and other commodities, indices,
futures contracts and other derivatives or financial instruments and assets and enter into closing and other transactions in connection
therewith; to enter into all types of commodities contracts, including the purchase and sale of futures contracts on securities,
currency, precious metals and other commodities, indices and other financial instruments and assets; to enter into forward foreign
currency exchange contracts and other foreign exchange and currency transactions of all types and kinds; to enter into interest
rate, currency and other swap transactions; and to engage in all types and kinds of hedging, risk management and other derivatives
transactions.
To
exercise all rights, powers and privileges of ownership or in all securities, investments, instruments and other assets included
in the Trust Property, including the right to vote thereon and otherwise act with respect thereto; and to do all acts and things
for the preservation, protection, improvement and enhancement in value of all such securities, investments, instruments and assets.
To
acquire (by purchase, lease or otherwise) and to hold, use, maintain, lease, develop and dispose of (by sale or otherwise) any
type or kind of property, real or personal, including domestic or foreign currency, and any right or interest therein.
To
borrow money and in this connection issue notes, commercial paper or other evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security all or any part of the Trust Property; to endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance
of any obligation or engagement of any other Person; to pay commitment and other borrowing-related fees; to lend all or part of
the Trust Property to other Persons; and to issue general unsecured or other obligations of the Trust, and enter into indentures,
lines of credit or other agreements relating thereto.
To
aid, support or assist by further investment or other action any Person, any obligation of or interest which is included in the
Trust Property or in the affairs of which the Trust has any direct or indirect interest; to do all acts and things designed to
protect, preserve, improve or enhance the value of such obligation or interest; and to guarantee or become surety on any or all
of the contracts, securities and other obligations of any such Person.
To
join other security holders in acting through a committee, depositary, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit
any security with, or transfer any security to, any such committee, depositary or trustee, and to delegate to them such power and
authority with relation to any security (whether or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to
agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and compensation of such committee, depositary or trustee as the Trustees
shall deem proper.
To
carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to any of the foregoing powers referred to in this Declaration of
Trust, to do everything necessary, appropriate or desirable for the accomplishment of any purpose or the attainment of any object
or the furtherance of any powers referred to in this Declaration of Trust, either alone or in association with others, and to do
every other act or thing incidental or appurtenant to or arising out of or connected with such business or purposes, objects or
powers.
To consent to or
participate in any plan for the reorganization, asset sale, consolidation or merger of any corporation or issuer of any security,
investment, instrument or other asset which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase or sale
of property by such corporation or issuer; and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security, investment, instrument
or other asset held in the Trust.
To purchase, and
pay or incur premiums or other fees or expenses in connection with, property, political or other insurance on or with respect to
any security, investment, instrument or other asset purchased or held by the Trust or any Trust Property.
To conduct any other
lawful business as the Trustees deem appropriate or advisable from time to time.
The
foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and powers, and shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner the general
and plenary powers of the Trustees.
Notwithstanding
any other provision herein, the Trustees shall have full power in their discretion, without Shareholder authorization or approval,
to invest part or all of the Trust Property, or to dispose of part or all of the Trust Property and invest the proceeds of such
disposition, in securities, investments, instruments or other assets issued by one or more other investment companies registered
under the 1940 Act or by one or more other pooled investment vehicles, whether or not registered.
Section
5.3
Legal T
itle
. Legal title to all
of the Trust Property shall at all times be considered to be vested in the Trust, except that the Board of Trustees shall have
the power to cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of any Person as nominee, on such terms as the
Board of Trustees may determine, in accordance with applicable law. The right, title and interest of the Trustees in the Trust
Property shall vest automatically in each Person who may hereafter become a Trustee. Upon the resignation, declination to serve,
removal or death of a Trustee, he or she shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust Property,
and the right, title and interest of such Trustee (if any) in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in the Trust. Such vesting
and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered.
Section
5.4
Issuance and Repurchase of Shares
.
The Trustees shall have the full power and authority to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, combine, hold,
resell, dispose of, transfer, and otherwise deal in, Shares, including Shares in fractional denominations, and, subject to the
more detailed provisions set forth in Section 7.2 and Section 7.3, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation,
acquisition or combination of Shares any funds or property whether capital or surplus or otherwise. Shares may be sold for cash
or property or other consideration whenever and in such amounts and manner as the Trustees deem desirable. The Trustees shall have
full power to provide the distribution of Shares by the Trust.
Section
5.5
Borrow Money or Utilize Leverag
e
.
Subject to the Fundamental Policies in effect from time to time with respect to the Trust, the Trustees shall have the power to
borrow money or otherwise obtain credit or utilize leverage to the maximum extent permitted by law or regulation (and to pay commitment
and other borrowing-related fees in connection therewith) as such may be needed from time to time and to secure the same by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property, including the lending of portfolio securities, and to endorse,
guarantee, or undertake the performance of any obligation, contract or engagement of any other Person, firm, association or corporation.
Section
5.6
Delegation; Committees
.
The Trustees shall have the power, consistent with their continuing exclusive authority over the management of the Trust and the
Trust Property, to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to officers, employees or agents of the Trust the doing
of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or otherwise
as the Trustees may deem expedient, to at least the same extent as such delegation is permitted to directors of corporations formed
under the Delaware General Corporation Law and is permitted by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, as well as any further delegations
the Trustees may determine to be desirable, expedient or necessary in order to effect the purpose hereof, provided that such delegations
by the Trustees shall not cause any Trustee to cease to be a Trustee of the Trust or cause such officer, employee or agent to be
a Trustee of the Trust. The Trustees may designate an executive committee which shall have all authority of the entire Board of
Trustees except such committee cannot declare dividends except to the extent specifically delegated by the Board of Trustees and
cannot authorize removal of a Trustee or any merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all of the assets of the Trust. Any
Trustee may, by power of attorney, delegate his or her power for a period not exceeding twelve months at any one time to any other
Trustee or Trustees or other designated Persons.
Section
5.7
Collection and Paym
ent
. The Trustees
shall have full power and authority to collect all property due to the Trust; to pay all claims, including taxes, against the Trust
Property or the Trust, the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to prosecute, defend, compromise or abandon
any claims relating to the Trust Property or the Trust, or the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to foreclose
any security interest securing any obligations, by virtue of which any property is owed to the Trust; and to enter into releases,
agreements and other instruments.
Section
5.8
Expenses
. The Trustees shall
have full power and authority to incur and pay out of the Trust Property or income of the Trust or any Series any expenses which
in the opinion of the Trustees are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration of Trust, and the
business of the Trust, and to pay reasonable compensation from the Trust Property to themselves as Trustees. The Trustees shall
fix the compensation of all officers, employees and Trustees. The Trustees may pay themselves such compensation for special services,
including legal, underwriting, syndicating and brokerage services, as they in good faith may deem reasonable and reimbursement
for expenses reasonably incurred by themselves on behalf of the Trust.
Section
5.9
By-laws
. The Trustees shall have
the exclusive authority to adopt and from time to time amend or repeal By-laws for the conduct of the business of the Trust not
inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust. Unless the By-laws specifically require that Shareholders authorize or approve the
amendment or repeal of a particular provision of the By-laws, any provision of the By-laws may be amended or repealed by the Trustees
without Shareholder authorization or approval.
Section
5.10
Miscellaneous
Powe
rs
. The Trustees shall have the power to:
(a) engage or contract, on behalf of the Trust, with such Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the
business of the Trust; (b) enter into joint ventures, general or limited partnerships and any other combinations or associations;
(c) purchase, and pay for entirely out of Trust Property, insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers,
employees, agents, investment advisors, distributors, selected dealers or independent contractors of the Trust against all claims
arising by reason of holding any such position or by reason of any action taken or omitted by any such Person in such capacity,
whether or not constituting negligence, or whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against such
liability; (d) establish pension, profit-sharing, share bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other retirement, incentive
and benefit plans and trusts for any Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust; (e) make donations, irrespective of
benefit to the Trust, for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, civic or similar purpose; (f) to the extent permitted
by law, indemnify or reimburse any Person with whom the Trust has dealings, including any officer, advisor, administrator, manager,
transfer agent, custodian, distributor or selected dealer, or any other Person as the Trustees may see fit to such extent as the
Trustees shall determine; (g) guarantee indebtedness or contractual obligations of others; (h) determine and change the fiscal
year of the Trust and the method in which its accounts shall be kept; (i) notwithstanding the Fundamental Policies of the Trust,
convert the Trust to a master-feeder structure as herein provided, without Shareholder authorization or approval, unless such authorization
or approval is required by the 1940 Act; (j) adopt a seal for the Trust but the absence of such seal shall not impair the validity
of any contract or other instrument executed on behalf of the Trust; and (k) distribute to Shareholders all or any part of the
earnings or profits, surplus (including paid-in surplus), capital (including paid-in capital) or assets of the Trust, the amount
of such distributions and the manner of payment thereof to be solely at the discretion of the Trustees.
Section
5.11
Further
Po
wers
. The Trustees shall have the power to conduct
the business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its branches and maintain offices both within and without
the State of Delaware, in any and all states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, and in any and all commonwealths,
territories, dependencies, colonies, possessions, agencies or instrumentalities of the United States of America and of foreign
governments, and to do all such other things and execute all such contracts and other instruments, or enter into other arrangements,
as they deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to promote the interests of the Fund although such things are not herein specifically
mentioned. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Board of Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive.
In construing the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.
Neither the Trust nor the Trustees shall be required to obtain any court order to deal with any of the Trust Property or take any
other action hereunder.
Section
5.12
Service
Contr
acts
(a)
.
(a)
Advisory and Management Agreements
. Subject to such
requirements and restrictions as may be set forth in the By-laws an
d/or applicable
provisions of the 1940 Act, the Board of Trustees may, at any time and from time to time, contract for exclusive or nonexclusive
advisory, management and/or administrative services for the Trust with any corporation, trust, association or organization or other
Person, including any Affiliated Person; and any such contract may contain such other terms as the Board of Trustees may determine,
including authority for the Investment Adviser or administrator to determine from time to time without prior consultation with
the Board of Trustees what securities, investments, instruments or other assets or Trust Property shall be purchased or otherwise
acquired, owned, held, invested or reinvested in, sold, exchanged, transferred, mortgaged, pledged, assigned, negotiated, or otherwise
dealt with or disposed of, and what portion, if any, of the Trust Property shall be held uninvested and to make changes in the
Trust’s investments, or such other activities as may specifically be delegated to such party.
The Trustees may
also authorize the Trust to engage, or authorize the Investment Adviser to engage, one or more sub-investment advisers from time
to time to perform such of the acts and services of the Investment Adviser and upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed
upon between the Investment Adviser and such sub-investment adviser and approved by the Trustees.
(b)
Distribution Agreements
. Subject to compliance with applicable provisions
of the 1940 Act, the Board of Trustees may enter into a contract or contracts with one or more Persons to act as underwriters and/or
placement agents whereby the Trust may either agree to sell Shares of the Trust, any Series or Class to the other party or parties
to the contract or appoint such other party or parties its sales agent or agents for such Shares. In either case, the contract
shall be on such terms and conditions as the Board of Trustees may in its discretion determine, not inconsistent with the provisions
of this Section 5.12 or the By-laws; and such contract may also provide for the repurchase or sale of Shares of the Trust, any
Series or Class by such other party as principal or as agent of the Trust and may provide that such other party may enter into
selected dealer agreements with registered securities dealers and brokers and servicing and similar agreements with Persons who
are not registered securities dealers to further the purposes of the distribution or repurchase of such Shares.
(c)
Other Arrangements
.
The Board of Trustees is further empowered,
at any time and from time to time, to contract with any Persons to provide such other services to the Trust, as the Board of Trustees
determine to be in the best interests of the Trust, including appointing one or more Persons to act as the custodian, transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent, fund accountant, and/or shareholder servicing agent for the Trust, any Series or Class.
(d)
Parties to Contracts
.
The fact that:
(i)
any of the Shareholders, Trustees, employees or officers of the Trust is a
shareholder, director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, manager, Adviser, distributor, or Affiliated Person or agent of or
for any corporation, trust, association, organization or other Person, or for any parent or Affiliated Person of any Person with
which an Adviser’s, management or administration contract, or custodian, transfer, dividend disbursing, fund accounting,
shareholder servicing or other type of service contract may have been or may hereafter be made, or that any such Person, or any
parent or Affiliated Person thereof, is a Shareholder or has an interest in the Trust; or that
(ii)
any corporation, trust, association, organization or other Person with which
an Adviser’s, management or administration contract, or custodian, transfer, dividend disbursing, fund accounting, shareholder
servicing or other type of service contract may have been or may hereafter be made also has an Adviser’s, management or administration
contract, or distributor’s contract, or custodian, transfer, dividend disbursing, shareholder servicing or other service
contract with one or more other corporations, trusts, associations, organizations, or other Persons, or has other business or interests,
shall not affect the
validity of any such contract or disqualify any Shareholder, Trustee, employee or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing
the same, or create any liability or accountability to the Trust or its Shareholders, provided that the establishment of and performance
under each such contract is permissible under applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
(e)
Modification, Amendment and Waiver
. The authority of the Trustees hereunder
to authorize the Fund to enter into contracts or other agreements or arrangements shall include the authority of the Trustees to
modify, amend, waive any provision of supplement, assign all or a portion of, novate, or terminate such contracts, agreements or
arrangements. The enumeration of any specific contracts in this Section 5.12 shall in no way be deemed to limit the power and authority
of the Trustees as otherwise set forth in this Declaration of Trust to authorize the Fund to engage, contract with or make payments
to such Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the business of the Fund.
ARTICLE
VI
Shareholder Voting and Meetings
Section
6.1
Voting P
owers
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration
of Trust or the By-laws, the Shareholders shall have power to vote only: (i) for the election or removal of Trustees as and to
the extent provided in Section 4.1; (ii) with respect to such matters relating to the Trust as may be required by applicable provisions
of the 1940 Act or other applicable law; and (iii) as the Trustees may otherwise consider necessary or advisable in their sole
discretion. On any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, each Shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each dollar
of net asset value (number of Shares owned times net asset value per share) as to any matter on which the Shareholder is entitled
to vote, and each fractional dollar amount shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. There shall be no cumulative voting
in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy or in any manner provided in the By-laws, which may provide
that a proxy may be given in writing or by electronic, telephonic or other alternative means, or in any other manner deemed acceptable
by the Trustees. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required
or permitted by law, this Declaration of Trust or any By-laws of the Trust to be taken by Shareholders.
Section
6.2
Meetings of Shareholders
. The Trust shall not be required to hold annual meetings of Shareholders unless required
by law. Special meetings of the Shareholders may be called by the Trustees for the purpose of acting on any matter requiring the
vote or authority of Shareholders as herein provided, or on any other matter deemed by the Trustees to be necessary or desirable.
Special meetings may be held at the principal office of the Trust or such other place as the Trustees may designate within or outside
the state of Delaware. Special meetings also shall be called by the Trustees for the purpose of removing one or more Trustees upon
the written request for such a meeting by Shareholders owning at least 10 percent of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote. Whenever
ten or more Shareholders meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, as the same may be amended from
time to time or modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted
or interpretative releases of the Commission, seek the opportunity of furnishing materials to the other Shareholders with a view
to obtaining signatures on such a request for a meeting, the Trustees shall comply with the provisions of said Section 16(c) with
respect to providing such Shareholders access to the list of the Shareholders of record of the Trust or the mailing of such materials
to such Shareholders of record. Shareholders shall be entitled to at least 15 days’ notice of any meeting.
Section
6.3
Quorum and Required Vote
. Holders of at least one-third (1/3) of the
Shares entitled to vote in person or by proxy shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business at a Shareholders’
meeting, except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act, other applicable law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws. Where
any provision of law or of this Declaration of Trust or the Bylaws permits or requires that holders of any Series or Class shall
vote as a Series or Class, then holders of at least one-third (1/3) of the aggregate number of Shares of that Series or Class entitled
to vote shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by that Series or Class, except as may otherwise
be required by the 1940 Act, other applicable law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws. Any lesser number shall be sufficient
for adjournments. Any adjourned session or sessions may be held within a reasonable time after the date set for the original meeting,
without the necessity of further notice unless a new record date of the adjourned meeting is fixed or unless the adjournment is
for more than one hundred eighty (180) days from the record date for the original meeting, in which case the Board shall set a
new record date. If notice of any such adjourned meeting is required pursuant to the preceding sentence, it shall be given to each
Shareholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting. At any adjourned meeting, the Trust may transact any business
that might have been transacted at the original meeting.
Except when a larger
vote is required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law, any provision of this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws, a majority
of the Shares voted in person or by proxy shall decide any questions and a plurality shall elect a Trustee. Shares shall be voted
in the aggregate, except when required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws. Shares
shall be voted by individual Series or Class. When the holders of any Series or Class vote as a Series or Class, then a majority
of the Shares of that Series or Class voted on the matter shall decide that matter insofar as that Series or Class is concerned.
Shareholders may act by unanimous written consent. Actions taken by a Series or Class may be consented to unanimously in writing
by Shareholders of that Series or Class.
Section
6.4
Action by Written Conset
Any action that may be taken at any meeting of Shareholders may be taken without
a meeting, if written or electronic consent to the action is filed with the records of the meetings of Shareholders by the holders
of the number of Shares that would be required to approve the matter as provided in Section 6.3 and such action is submitted to
Shareholders by the consent of the Board of Trustees. Such written Shareholder consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote
taken at a meeting of Shareholders.
Section 6.5
Insuran
ce
.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and other applicable law, the officers and Trustees shall
be entitled and have the authority to purchase with Trust Property, insurance for liability and for all expenses reasonably incurred
or paid or expected to be paid by a Trustee or officer in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which such Person
becomes involved by virtue of such Person’s capacity or former capacity with the Trust, whether or not the Trust would have
the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Declaration of Trust.
Article
VII
DISTRIBUTIONS, Repurchases and Redemptions; net asset value
Section
6.1
Distribution of Net Asset Value, Income, and Distribution
s
. Subject
to applicable federal law including the 1940 Act and Section 3.11 hereof, the Trustees, in their sole discretion, may prescribe
(and delegate to any officer of the Trust or any other Person or Persons the right and obligation to prescribe) such bases and
time (including any methodology or plan) for determining the per Share or net asset value of the Shares of the Trust or any Series
or Class or net income attributable to the Shares of the Trust or any Series or Class, or the declaration and payment of dividends
and distributions on the Shares of the Trust or any Series or Class and the method of determining the Shareholders to whom dividends
and distributions are payable, as they may deem necessary or desirable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, but subject
to applicable federal law including the 1940 Act, any dividend or distribution may be paid in cash and or securities or other property,
and the composition of any such distribution shall be determined by the Trustees (or by any officer of the Trust or any other Person
or Persons to whom such authority has been delegated by the Trustees) and may be different among Shareholders including differences
among Shareholders of the same Series or Class.
Section
6.2
Redemptions and Repurchases
.
a)
The Trust shall purchase such Shares as are offered by any Shareholder for redemption, upon the presentation of a proper
instrument of transfer together with a request directed to the Trust or a Person designated by the Trust that the Trust purchase
such Shares or in accordance with such other procedures for redemption as the Trustees may from time to time authorize, and the
Trust will pay therefor the net asset value thereof as determined by the Trustees (or by such Person or Persons to whom such determination
has been delegated), in accordance with any applicable provisions of this Declaration of Trust and applicable law, less any fees
imposed on such redemption. To the extent permitted by law, the Trustees may retain the proceeds of any redemption of Shares required
by them for payment of amounts due and owing by a Shareholder to the applicable Series or the Trust. Unless extraordinary circumstances
exist, payment for said Shares shall be made by the Trust to the Shareholder within seven (7) days after the date on which the
request for redemption is received in proper form. The obligation set forth in this Section 7.2 is subject to the provision that
in the event that any time the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is closed for other than weekends or holidays,
or if permitted by the rules and regulations or an order of the Commission during periods when trading on the Exchange is restricted
or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for the Trust to dispose of the investments of the Trust or any applicable
Series or to determine fairly the value of the net assets held with respect to the Trust or such Series or during any other period
permitted by order of the Commission for the protection of investors, such obligations may be suspended or postponed by the Trustees.
In the case of a suspension of the right of redemption as provided herein, a Shareholder may either withdraw the request for redemption
or receive payment based on the net asset value per Share next determined after the termination of such suspension, less any charges
or fees imposed on such redemption.
b) Subject
to applicable federal law including the 1940 Act, the redemption price may be paid, in any case or cases, wholly or partly in kind
if the Trustees determine in their sole discretion that such payment is advisable in the interest of the remaining Shareholders
of the Trust or any applicable Series for which the Shares are being redeemed, and the fair value, selection and quantity of securities
or other property so paid or delivered as all or part of the redemption price may be determined by or under authority of the Trustees
in their sole discretion. In no case shall the Trust be liable for any delay of any corporation or other Person in transferring
securities selected for delivery as all or part of any payment in kind.
c) The
Trustees may require any Shareholder or group of Shareholders (including some or all of the Shareholders of any Series or Class)
to redeem Shares for any reason as determined by the Trustees, in their sole discretion, including: (i) the determination of the
Trustees that direct or indirect ownership of Shares of the Trust or any Series has or may become concentrated in such Shareholder
to an extent that would disqualify any Series or the Trust as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (or any successor statute thereto; (ii) the failure to supply a tax identification number or other identifying
information required to comply with applicable law or regulation; (iii) if the Share activity of the account or ownership of Shares
by a particular Shareholder is deemed by the Trustees either to affect adversely the Trust or any Series or not to be in the best
interests of the remaining Shareholders of the Trust or any Series or Class; or (iv) the failure of a Shareholder to pay when due
the consideration for the purchase of Shares issued to him; or (v) if a shareholder fails to meet or maintain the qualifications
for ownership of Shares of a particular Series or Class. Any such redemption shall be effected at the redemption price and in the
manner provided in this Article VII.
d) The
Shareholders shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership
of Shares as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any
successor statute thereto), or to comply with the requirements of any other taxing authority or other applicable laws or regulations.
e) (e)
Subject to applicable federal law including the 1940 Act, and except as otherwise determined by the Trustees, on and after the
date of redemption, Shares redeemed pursuant to this Section 7.2 shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding for any purpose and
the Shareholder shall cease to have any rights as a holder of such Shares, except for the right to receive payment of the redemption
price. However, the Trustees may, among other things, determine that Shares redeemed either before or after a date specified by
the Trustees between the record date for such matter and the meeting date for such matter shall be deemed outstanding and retain
voting rights, which determination may be made for any reason including that it would not be reasonably practicable to obtain a
quorum if all of the Shares redeemed after the record date for such matter and before the voting date no longer were deemed outstanding
and earned any voting rights.
ARTICLE
VII
Custodian
The Trustees shall
at all times place and maintain the securities and other investments of the Trust in the custody of one or more custodians meeting
the requirements of applicable provisions of the 1940 Act or as otherwise permitted by the Commission or its staff. The Trustees,
on behalf of the Trust, may enter into one or more agreements with a custodian on terms and conditions acceptable to the Trustees,
providing for the custodian, among other things: (i) to hold the securities and other investments owned by the Trust and deliver
the same upon written order or oral order confirmed in writing; (ii) to receive and give a receipt for money paid for any moneys
due to the Trust and, on behalf of the Trust, deposit the same in its own banking department or elsewhere; (iii) to disburse such
funds upon orders or vouchers; (iv) to engage one or more sub-custodians; (v) if authorized by the Trustees, to keep the books
and accounts of the Trust and furnish clerical and accounting services; and (vi) if authorized by the Trustees, to compute the
net income or net asset value of the Trust. The Trustees may also authorize each custodian to engage one or more sub-custodians
from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the custodian and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed
upon between the custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case such sub-custodian
shall meet the qualifications for custodians contained in applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. Subject to such rules, regulations
and orders as the Commission may adopt, the Trustees may direct the custodian to deposit all or any part of the securities of the
Trust in a system for the central handling of securities established by a national securities exchange or a national securities
association registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or such other Person as may be permitted
by the Commission, or otherwise in accordance with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, pursuant to which system all securities
of any particular class or series of any issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged
by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of such securities, provided that all such deposits shall be subject to withdrawal
only upon the order of the Trust or its custodians, sub-custodians or other agents.
ARTICLE
VIII
Limitation of Liability; INDEMNIFICATION
Section
8.1
Limitation of Liabilit
y
.
a)
Except as required by federal law including applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, no Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall owe any fiduciary duties to the Trust, any Series or Class or to
any Shareholder
or any other Person. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust shall only have the duty to perform their respective
obligations expressly set forth herein in a manner that does not constitute bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of their respective duties as a Trustee, officer, employee or agent expressly set forth in this Declaration
of Trust.
b)
To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent has duties (including fiduciary duties) and
liabilities relating thereto to the Trust, any Series or Class, to the Shareholders or to any other Person, a Trustee, officer,
employee or agent acting under this Declaration of Trust shall not be liable to the Trust, to the Shareholders or to any other
Person for his or her reliance on the provisions of this Declaration of Trust. The provisions of this Declaration of Trust, to
the extent that they restrict the duties and limit the liabilities of the Trustees, officers, employees or agents otherwise existing
at law or in equity, replace such other duties and liabilities of such Trustees, officers, employees or agents.
c)
Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust shall not have
any personal liability to any Person other than the Trust, any Series or Class, or any Shareholders for any act, omission or obligation
of the Trust or any Trustee, and then only for acts constituting bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of duties expressly set forth in this Declaration of Trust. No Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be liable
to the Trust or its Shareholders for any act or omission or any conduct whatsoever (including any breach of fiduciary duty and
the failure to compel in any way any former or acting Trustee to redress any breach of fiduciary duty or trust or for any errors
of judgment or mistakes of fact or law); provided that nothing contained herein shall protect any officer, employee or agent against
any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of bad faith, willful misfeasance,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties as an officer, employee or agent as expressly set forth herein.
d)
A Trustee shall only be liable for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of his or her duties expressly set forth herein, and for nothing else, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes
of fact or law. Subject to the foregoing: (i) the Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing
of any other Person, including any officer, agent, employee, independent contractor or consultant, nor shall any Trustee be responsible
for the act or omission of any other Trustee; (ii) the Trustees may rely upon advice of legal counsel or other experts with respect
to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust and their duties as Trustees hereunder, and shall be under no liability
for any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice; and (iii) the Trustees shall be fully
protected in relying upon the records of the Trust and upon information, opinions, reports or statements presented by another Trustee
or any officer, employee or other agent of the Trust, or by any other Person, as to matters reasonably believed to be within such
Person’s professional or expert competence, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and amount
of the assets, liabilities, profits or losses of the Trust, any Series or Class, or the value and amount of assets or reserves
or contracts, agreements or other undertakings that would be sufficient to pay claims and obligations of the Trust, any Series
or Class or to make reasonable provision to pay such claims and obligations, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and
amount of assets from which distributions to Shareholders or creditors of the Trust might properly be paid. The appointment, designation
or identification of a Trustee as chair of the Trustees, a member or chair of a committee of the Trustees, an expert on any topic
or in any area (including an audit committee financial expert), or the lead independent Trustee, or any other special appointment,
designation or identification of a Trustee, shall not impose on that Person any standard of care or liability that is greater than
that imposed on that Person as a Trustee in the absence of the appointment, designation or identification, and no Trustee who has
special skills or expertise, or is appointed, designated or identified as aforesaid, shall be held to a higher standard of care
by virtue thereof. In addition, no appointment, designation or identification of a Trustee as aforesaid shall affect in any way
that Trustee’s rights or entitlement to indemnification or advancement of expenses. The Trustees shall not be required to
give any bond or other security, nor any surety if a bond is obtained.
e)
All Persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust shall look only to Trust Property
of the Trust or any applicable Series or Class that such Person extended credit to, contracted with or has a claim against, and
neither the Trustees nor the Shareholders, nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or
future, shall be personally liable therefor.
f)
Every written obligation, note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or thing
whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or any Series or Class or the Trustees or officers by any of them in connection
with the Trust or any Series or Class shall conclusively be deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to his,
her or their capacity as Trustee or Trustees, or officer or officers, as the case may be, and such Trustee or Trustees, or officer
or officers shall not be personally liable thereon. At the Trustees’ discretion, any written obligation, note, bond, contract,
instrument, certificate or undertaking made or issued by the Trustees or by any officer or officers may give notice that this Declaration
of Trust is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the State of Delaware and that a limitation on liability exists and such
written obligation, note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking may, if the Trustees so determine, recite that
the same was executed or made on behalf of the Trust or the applicable Series or Class by a Trustee or Trustees in such capacity
and not individually, or by an officer or officers in such capacity and not individually, and that the obligations of such instrument
are not binding upon any of them or the Shareholders individually but are binding only on the assets and property of the Trust,
or the assets held with respect to the applicable Series or Class only and not against the assets of the Trust generally or the
assets held with respect to any other Series or Class, and may contain such further recital as such Person or Persons may deem
appropriate. The omission of any such notice or recital shall in no way opera
te to bind any Trustees,
officers or Shareholders individually.
Section
8.2
Indemnification
.
a)
Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:
i)
every Person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee or agent of the Trust or is or was serving at the request
of the Trust as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as
a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (“Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted
by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action,
suit or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Covered
Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof.
ii)
as used herein, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit” or “proceeding” shall
apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, investigative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened,
and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include attorney’s fees, costs, judgments, amounts
paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities whatsoever.
b)
To the extent required under applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, but only to such extent, no indemnification shall be
provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
i)
who shall have been finally adjudicated by a court or other body before which the proceeding was brought to be liable to
the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
expressly set forth herein; or
ii)
in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) above
resulting in a payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in
bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties expressly set forth herein: (A) by the court
or other body approving the settlement or other disposition; (B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested
Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry); or (C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to
a full trial-type inquiry).
c)
The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable,
shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled and shall inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of a Covered Person.
d)
To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which
indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately
will be found entitled to indemnification, the Person or Persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable
presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person
ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
e)
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense
to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the character described in subsection (a) of this Section 9.2 shall be paid by the
Trust and each Series or Class from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf
of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Trust or applicable Series or Class if it is ultimately
determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section; provided, however, that any such advancement will
be made in accordance with any conditions required by the Commission. The advancement of any expenses pursuant to this Section
9.2(e) shall under no circumstances be considered a “loan” under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended from time
to time, or for any other reason.
f)
Any repeal or modification of this Article IX or adoption or modification of any other provision of this Declaration of
Trust inconsistent with this Article shall be prospective only to the extent that such repeal or modification would, if applied
retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification or right to advancement
of expenses available to any Covered Person with respect to any act or omission that occurred prior to such repeal, modification
or adoption.
Section
8.3
Further Indemnifica
tion
(a)
.
Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which any Covered Person or other Person may be entitled
by contract or otherwise under law or prevent the Trust from
entering into any contract to provide indemnification to any
Covered Person or other Person. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trust may, in connection with any transaction permitted by
this Declaration of Trust, including the acquisition of assets subject to liabilities or a merger or consolidation pursuant to
Section 10.2 hereof, assume the obligation to indemnify any Person including a Covered Person or otherwise contract to provide
such indemnification, and such indemnification shall not be subject to the terms of this Article IX unless otherwise required under
applicable law.
Section
8.4
Limitation of Personal Liability and Indemnification of Sharehold
ers
.
No Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts,
obligations or affairs of the Trust. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series or Class shall be liable solely by reason
of his or her being or having been a Shareholder for any debt, claim, action, demand, suit, proceeding, judgment, decree, liability
or obligation of any kind, against, or with respect to the Trust or any Series or Class arising out of any action taken or omitted
for or on behalf of the Trust or such Series or Class, and the Trust or such Series or Class shall be solely liable therefor and
resort shall be had solely to the Trust Property of the relevant Series or Class for the payment or performance thereof.
If any Shareholder
or former Shareholder of any Series or Class is held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a Shareholder
and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his or her
heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or, in the case of any entity, its general successor) shall be
entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series or Class to be held harmless from and indemnified against all claims
and liabilities and reimbursed all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such claim or
liability. The Trust, on behalf of the affected Series or Class, shall, upon request by such Shareholder or former Shareholder,
assume the defense of any claim made against him or her for any act or obligation of the Series or Class and satisfy any judgment
thereon from the assets belonging to the Series or Class.
ARTICLE
IX
Duration, Reorganization; Amendments
Section
9.1
Termination of the Fund or Any Series or Class
.
a)
Unless terminated as provided herein, the Trust and each Series sha
ll continue in
perpetuity. The Trust or any Series may be dissolved, and any Class may be terminated, at any time by the Trustees without Shareholder
authorization or approval by written notice to the Shareholders or, in the case of the dissolution of any Series or termination
of any Class, to the Shareholders of such Series or Class. Any action to dissolve the Trust shall be deemed to be an action to
dissolve each Series, and to terminate each Class.
b)
In accordance with § 3808 of the Delaware Act, upon the requisite action by the Trustees to dissolve the Trust or any
one or more Series of Shares, after paying or otherwise providing for all charges, taxes, expenses and liabilities, whether due
or accrued or anticipated, of the Trust or of the applicable Series as may be determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall in accordance
with such procedures as the Trustees consider appropriate reduce the remaining assets of the Trust or the assets held with respect
to the affected Series to distributable form in cash, securities or other assets, or any combination thereof, and distribute the
proceeds to the Shareholders, ratably according to the number of Shares held by the several Shareholders on the date of distribution.
Thereupon, any affected Series shall terminate and the Trustees and the Fund shall be discharged of any and all further liabilities
and duties relating thereto or arising therefrom, and the right title and interest of all parties with respect to such Series shall
be canceled and discharged. Upon the requisite action by the Trustees to terminate any Class, the Trustees may, to the extent they
deem it appropriate, follow the procedures set forth in this Section 10.1(b) that are specified in connection with the dissolution
and winding up of the Trust or any Series. Alternatively, in connection with the dissolution of any Series or termination of any
Class, the Trustees may treat such dissolution or termination as a redemption of the Shareholders of such Series or Class effected
pursuant to Section 7.2(c) hereof, provided that the costs relating to the termination of such Series or Class shall be included
in the determination of the net asset value of the Shares of such Series or Class for purposes of determining the redemption price
to be paid to the Shareholders of such Series or Class (to the extent not otherwise included in such determination). In connection
with the dissolution and liquidation of the Trust or any Series or the termination of any Class, the Trustees may provide for the
establishment of a liquidating trust or similar vehicle.
c)
Upon dissolution of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business and affairs, the Trustees shall cause
a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Trust to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act. Upon the filing of such
certificate of cancellation, the Trust shall terminate, the Trustees shall be discharged of any and all further liabilities and
duties relating thereto or arising therefrom, and the right, title and interest of all parties with respect to the Trust shall
be canceled and discharged.
Section
9.2
Reorganization; Master/Feeder Structure
.
a)
Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees may, in their sole discretion and without Shareholder authorization or
approval, unless such authorization and approval is required by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act: (i) cause the Trust to convert
or merge, reorganize or consolidate with or into one or more trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, corporations
or other business entities (or, to the extent permitted by law, a series thereof) (including business entities created by the Trustees
to accomplish such conversion, merger, reorganization or consolidation) so long as the surviving or resulting entity is an investment
company registered under the 1940 Act or, to the extent permitted by law, a series thereof, or, to the extent permitted by law,
another pooled investment vehicle or series thereof, and which, in the case of any business entity created by the Trustees to accomplish
such conversion, merger, reorganization or consolidation, may (but need not) succeed to or assume the Trust’s registration
under the 1940 Act, as applicable, and which, in any case, is formed, organized or existing under the laws of the United States
or a state or possession of the United States; (ii) cause the Shares to be exchanged under or pursuant to any state or federal
statute to the extent permitted by law; (iii) cause the Trust to incorporate or organize under the laws of a state or possession
of the United States; or (iv) sell or convey all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or the assets held with respect
to any Series or Class to one or more other Series or Classes or to another trust, partnership, limited liability company, association,
corporation or other business entity (or, to the extent permitted by law, a series thereof) (including a business entity created
by the Trustees to accomplish such sale and conveyance) organized under the laws of the United States or any state or possession
of the United States so long as such entity is an investment company registered under the 1940 Act or a series thereof, or to the
extent permitted under applicable law another pooled investment vehicle or series thereof, and which, in the case of any business
entity created by the Trustees to accomplish such sale and conveyance, may (but need not) succeed to or assume the Trust’s
registration under the 1940 Act, for adequate consideration as determined by the Trustees, which may or may not include the assumption
of liabilities of the Trust or any affected Series or Class as determined by the Trustees and which also may include Shares of
such other Series or Class or shares of beneficial interest, stock or other ownership interest in such business entity (or series
thereof). Any certificate of merger, certificate of conversion or other applicable certificate may be signed by any one Trustee
and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall be valid.
b)
Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of § 3815(f) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained in this Declaration of Trust, an agreement of reorganization, merger or consolidation approved by the Trustees
in accordance with this Section 10.2 may effect any amendment to this Declaration of Trust or effect the adoption of a new governing
instrument of the Trust if the Trust is the surviving or resulting entity in the merger or consolidation.
c)
Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees may, in their sole discretion and without Shareholder authorization or
approval unless such Shareholder authorization and approval is required by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, invest all or
a portion of the assets held with respect to one or more Series or Classes, or dispose of all or a portion of the assets held with
respect to one or more Series or Classes and invest the proceeds of such disposition, in interests issued by one or more other
investment companies registered under the 1940 Act or series thereof or other pooled investment vehicles or series thereof. Any
such other investment company or pooled investment vehicle may (but need not) be a trust (formed under the laws of any state or
jurisdiction) which is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Section
9.3
Amendme
nts
. This Declaration of Trust may be amended or otherwise supplemented
at any time, without Shareholder authorization or approval (except as specifically provided in this Section 10.3 below), by: (i)
an instru
ment in writing signed by a majority of the Trus
tees then in office; or (ii) adoption
by a majority of the Trustees then in office of a resolution specifying such amendment. Any such amendment to this Declaration
of Trust shall be effective immediately upon execution of such instrument or adoption of such resolution (or upon such future date
as may be stated therein). No authorization or approval of any Shareholder shall be required for any amendment of this Declaration
of Trust, except: (i) as required by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, but only to the extent so required; or (ii) as determined
by the Trustees in their sole discretion. The Certificate of Trust may be amended or restated by any Trustee as necessary or desirable
to reflect any change in the information set forth therein, and any such amendment or restatement shall be effective immediately
upon filing in the office of the Delaware Secretary of State or upon such future date as may be stated therein. Notwithstanding
anything else herein, no amendment hereof shall limit the indemnification or other rights provided by Article IX with respect to
any actions or omissions of Covered Persons prior to such amendment.
ARTICLE
X
Miscellaneous
Section
10.1
Statutory
Fund O
nly
. It i
s the intention of the Trustees to form a
statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware
Act. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited
partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment or any form of legal relationship other than a statutory trust pursuant
to the Delaware Act. Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or
with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association.
Section
10.2
Liability
of Third Persons Dealing with Truste
es
. No Person dealing with the Trustees shall be
bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction made or to be made by the Trustees, or to see to the application
of any payments made or property transferred to the Trust or upon its order.
Section
10.3
Applicable
Law
.
a)
The Trust is created under, and this Declaration of Trust is to be governed by and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the laws of
the State of Delaware. The Trust shall be a Delaware statutory trust pursuant
to the Delaware Act, and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the
powers or privileges afforded to statutory trusts or actions that may be engaged in by statutory trusts under the Delaware Act,
and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise
such power or privilege or take such actions.
b)
Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section 11.3, there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees or this Declaration
of Trust, the provisions of § 3540 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code or any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of
the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to trusts that relate to or regulate: (i) the filing with any court
or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges; (ii) affirmative requirements to post
bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust; (iii) the necessity for obtaining a court or other governmental approval
concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property; (iv) fees or other sums applicable to trustees,
officers, agents or employees of a trust; (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal; (vi) restrictions
or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling,
storage or other manner of holding of trust assets; (vii) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards or responsibilities
or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees that are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers
of the Trustees set forth or referenced in this Declaration of Trust; (viii) the requirement that a trust have an identified beneficiary
at the time of formation; or (ix) the requirement that a trust have corpus at the time of formation.
Section
10.4
Provisions
in Conflict with Laws or Regula
tions
.
a)
The provisions of the Decla
ration of Trust are severable, and if the Trustees shall
determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the
regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, the Delaware
Act, or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part
of the Declaration of Trust; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of the
Declaration of Trust or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.
b)
If any provision of the Declaration of Trust shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity
or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provision
in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of the Declaration of Trust in any jurisdiction.
Section
10.5
Derivative
Action
s
.
In addition to the requirements set forth in §
3816 of the Delaware Act, a Shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the following conditions are
met:
a)
The Shareholder or Shareholders must make a pre-suit written demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless
an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed. For purposes of this Section 11.5(a), a demand
on the Trustees shall only be deemed not likely to succeed and therefore be excused if a majority of the Trustees, or a majority
of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, are Trustees who are not “independent trustees”
(as that term is defined in the Delaware Act). Such demand shall be executed by or on behalf of no fewer than three complaining
Shareholders, each of which shall be unaffiliated and unrelated (by blood or marriage) to any other complaining Shareholder executing
such demand. Such demand shall contain a detailed description of the action or failure to act complained of, the facts upon which
such allegation is made and the reasonably estimated damages or other relief sought.
b)
Unless a demand is not required under paragraph (a) of this Section 11.5, Shareholders eligible to bring such derivative
action under the Delaware Act who collectively hold Shares representing ten percent (10%) or more of the total combined net asset
value of all Shares issued and outstanding or of the Series or Classes to which such action relates if it does not relate to all
Series and Classes, shall join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action.
c)
Unless a demand is not required under paragraph (a) of this Section 11.5, the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount
of time, which may be up to one hundred eighty calendar days, to consider such Shareholder request and to investigate the basis
of such claim. For purposes of this Section 11.5, the Trustees may designate a committee of one Trustee to consider a Shareholder
demand provided that a committee of one Trustee is required to create a committee with a majority of Trustees who are “independent
trustees” (as that term is defined in the Delaware Act). The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisors
in considering the merits of the request and may require an undertaking by the Shareholders making such request to reimburse the
Trust for the expense of any such advisors in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.
d)
If the demand has been properly made pursuant to this Section 11.5, and a majority of the Trustees, including a majority
of the independent trustees, or, if a committee has been appointed, a majority of the members of such committee, have considered
the merits of the claim and have determined that maintaining a suit would not be in the best interests of the Trust, as applicable,
the demand shall be rejected and the complaining Shareholders shall not be permitted to maintain a derivative action unless they
first sustain the burden of proof to the court that the decision of the Trustees, or committee thereof, not to pursue the requested
action was inconsistent with the standard required of the Trustees or committee under applicable law.
e)
No Shareholder may bring a direct action claiming injury as a Shareholder of the Trust, or any Series or Class thereof,
where the matters alleged (if true) would give rise to a claim by the Trust or by the Trust on behalf of a Series or Class, unless
the Shareholder has suffered an injury distinct from that suffered by Shareholders of the Trust, or the Series or Class, generally.
A Shareholder bringing a direct claim must be a Shareholder of the Series or Class against which the direct action is brought at
the time of the injury complained of, or acquired the Shares afterwards by operation of law from a Person who was a Shareholder
at that time.
Section
10.6
Jurisdiction
and Waiver of Jury T
rial
. In ac
cordance with § 3804(e)
of the Delaware Act, any suit, action or proceeding brought by or in the right of any Shareholder or any Person claiming any interest
in any Shares against the Trust, any Series or Class, or the Trustees or officers of the Trust, shall be brought exclusively i
n
the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware to the extent there is subject matter jurisdiction in such court for the claims
asserted or, if not, then in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, and all Shareholders and other such Persons hereby irrevocably
consent to the jurisdiction of such courts (and the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding
and irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection they may make now or hereafter have to the laying
of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such
court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and further, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN
THE SUPERIOR COURT IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, ALL SHAREHOLDERS AND ALL OTHER SUCH PERSONS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO
A TRIAL BY JURY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. All Shareholders and other such Persons agree that service of summons,
complaint or other process in connection with any proceedings may be made by registered or certified mail or by overnight courier
addressed to such Person at the address shown on the books and records of the Trust for such Person or at the address of the Person
shown on the books and records of the Trust with respect to the Shares that such Person claims an interest in. Service of process
in any such suit, action or proceeding against the Trust or any Trustee or officer of the Trust may be made at the address of the
Trust’s registered agent in the State of Delaware. Any service so made shall be effective as if personally made in the State
of Delaware.
Section
10.7
Inspection
of Records and Report
s
. Ever
y Trustee shall have the right
at any reasonable time to i
nspect all books, records and documents of every kind and the physical properties of the Trust.
This inspection by a Trustee may be made in person or by an agent or attorney and the right of inspection includes the right to
copy and make extracts of documents. No Shareholder shall have any right to inspect any account, book or document of the Trust
that is not publicly available, except as conferred by the Trustees. The books and records of the Trust may be kept at such place
or places as the Trustees may from time to time determine, except as otherwise required by law.
Section
10.8
Filing
of Copies, References, Headings, Rules of Constructio
n
. The original or a copy of this
Declaration of Trust shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. Anyone dealing with
the Trust may rely on a certificate of an officer of the Trust as to any matters in connection with the Trust hereunder, and, with
the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer of the Trust to be a copy of this Declaration
of Trust. In this Declaration of Trust, references to this Declaration of Trust, and all expressions such as “herein,”
“hereof” and “hereunder,” shall be deemed to refer to this Declaration of Trust as a whole and not to any
particular article or section unless the context requires otherwise. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only
and shall not be taken as a part hereof or control or affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Declaration of Trust.
Whenever the singular number is used herein, the same shall include the plural; and the neuter, masculine and feminine genders
shall include each other, as applicable. The terms “include,” “includes” and “including” and
any comparable terms shall be deemed to mean “including, without limitation.” The term “Person” whenever
used herein shall include individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, trusts, associations, joint ventures,
estates and other entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments, agencies and political subdivisions thereof, whether
domestic or foreign.
Section
10.9
Counterparts;
Execution of Docume
nts
. This D
eclaration of Trust and any
document, consent or instrument referenced in or contemplated by this Dec
laration of Trust or the By-laws may be executed
in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the
same instrument: (i) any document, consent, instrument or notice referenced in or contemplated by this Declaration of Trust or
the By-laws that is to be executed by one or more Trustees may be executed by means of original, facsimile, .pdf, electronic mail,
electronic signature or other electronic means; and (ii) any document, consent, instrument or notice referenced in or contemplated
by this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws that is to be delivered by the Trust or one or more Trustees may be delivered by facsimile,
.pdf, electronic mail electronic signature or other electronic means, unless, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), otherwise
determined by the Trustees or required by applicable law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Trustees named below, being the initial Trustees of the Trust, do hereby make and enter into this Agreement and Declaration
of Trust of Federated MDT Equity Trust as of the date first written above.
_________________________
John T. Collins
|
_________________________
J. Christopher Donahue
|
_________________________
John B. Fisher
|
_________________________
G. Thomas Hough
|
_________________________
Maureen Lally-Green
|
_________________________
Peter E. Madden
|
_________________________
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
|
_________________________
Thomas M. O’Neill
|
_________________________
P. Jerome Richey
|
_________________________
John S. Walsh
|
Exhibit 28(b)(1) under Form N-1A
Exhibit
(3)(ii) under Item 601/Regulation S-K
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY FUND
(a Delaware Statutory Trust)
BY-LAWS
Dated as of [ ], 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I INTRODUCTION
|
1
|
Section 1. Declaration of Trust
|
1
|
Section 2. Defined Terms
|
1
|
ARTICLE II OFFICES
|
1
|
Section 1. Principal Office
|
1
|
Section 2. Delaware Office
|
1
|
Section 3. Other Offices
|
1
|
ARTICLE III MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
|
1
|
Section 1. Place of Meetings
|
1
|
Section 2. Call of Meetings
|
1
|
Section 3. Notice of Shareholders’ Meetings
|
2
|
Section 4. Manner of Giving Notice; Affidavit of Notice
|
2
|
Section 5. Adjourned Meeting; Notice
|
3
|
Section 6. Voting
|
4
|
Section 7. Waiver of Notice; Consent of Absent Shareholders
|
4
|
Section 8. Record Date for Shareholder Notice, Voting and Giving Consents
|
5
|
Section 9. Proxies
|
5
|
Section 10. Inspectors of Election
|
6
|
Section 11. Conduct of Meetings
|
6
|
Section 12. Shareholder Action by Written Consent
|
6
|
Section 13. Quorum
|
7
|
ARTICLE IV BOARD OF TRUSTEES
|
7
|
Section 1. Trustees and Vacancies
|
7
|
Section 2. Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone
|
8
|
Section 3. Regular Meetings
|
8
|
Section 4. Special Meetings
|
8
|
Section 5. Quorum
|
8
|
Section 6. Waiver of Notice
|
8
|
Section 7. Adjournment
|
9
|
Section 8. Action Without a Meeting
|
9
|
Section 9. Fees and Compensation of Trustees
|
9
|
Section 10. Special Action
|
9
|
ARTICLE V COMMITTEES
|
9
|
Section 1. Committees of the Trustees
|
9
|
Section 2. Meetings and Actions of Committees
|
10
|
ARTICLE VI OFFICERS
|
10
|
Section 1. Officers
|
10
|
Section 2. Election
|
10
|
Section 3. Removal and Resignation of Officers
|
11
|
Section 4. Vacancies in Office
|
11
|
Section 5. Chairman of the Board of Trustees
|
11
|
Section 6. President
|
12
|
Section 7. Vice Presidents
|
12
|
Section 8. Secretary
|
12
|
Section 9. Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers
|
12
|
Section 10. Chief Legal Officer
|
13
|
Section 11. Chief Compliance Officer
|
13
|
Section 12. Vice Chairman.
|
13
|
Section 13. Compensation
|
13
|
ARTICLE VII INSPECTION OF RECORDS AND REPORTS
|
13
|
Section 1. Maintenance and Inspection of Share Register
|
13
|
Section 2. Maintenance and Inspection of Declaration of Trust and By-laws
|
13
|
Section 3. Maintenance and Inspection of Other Records
|
13
|
Section 4. Inspection by Trustees
|
14
|
ARTICLE VIII DIVIDENDS
|
14
|
Section 1. Declaration of Dividends
|
14
|
Section 2. Delegation of Authority Relating to Dividends
|
14
|
Section 3. Reserves
|
14
|
ARTICLE IX GENERAL MATTERS
|
15
|
Section 1. Checks, Drafts, Evidence of Indebtedness
|
15
|
Section 2. Contracts and Instruments; How Executed
|
15
|
Section 3. Certificates for Shares
|
15
|
Section 4. Lost Certificates
|
15
|
Section 5. Representation of Shares of Other Entities Held by the Fund
|
15
|
Section 6. Bonds and Other Security
|
16
|
Section 7. Transfer of Shares
|
16
|
Section 8. Holders of Record
|
16
|
Section 9. Fiscal Year
|
16
|
Section 10. Seal
|
16
|
Section 11. Writings
|
16
|
Section 12. Severability
|
16
|
Section 13. Headings
|
16
|
ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS
|
17
|
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY FUND
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE
I
INTRODUCTION
Section
1.
Declaration of Trust
. These By-laws are subject to the Declaration of Trust and, in the event of any inconsistency
between the terms hereof and the terms of the Declaration of Trust, the terms of the Declaration of Trust shall control.
Section
2.
Defined Terms
. Defined terms used but not defined in these By-laws have the meanings given to them in the
Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE
II
OFFICES
Section
1.
Principal Office
. The Board of Trustees shall fix, and from time to time may change, the location of the principal
executive office of the Trust at any place within or outside the State of Delaware.
Section
2.
Delaware Office
. The Board of Trustees shall establish a registered office in the State of Delaware and shall
appoint as the Trust’s registered agent for service of process in the State of Delaware an individual who is a resident of
the State of Delaware or a Delaware corporation or a corporation authorized to transact business in the State of Delaware, and
in each case the business office of such registered agent for service of process shall be identical with the registered Delaware
office of the Trust. The Trustees may designate a successor resident agent; provided, however, that such appointment shall not
become effective until a certificate of amendment to the Certificate of Trust is filed in the office of the Delaware Secretary
of State.
Section
3.
Other Offices
. The Board of Trustees may at any time establish branch or subordinate offices at any place
or places within and outside the State of Delaware as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE
III
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section
1.
Meetings
. No annual meetings of the Shareholders (or any class or series) need by held. Special meetings of
the Shareholders (or any class or series) may be called at any time by the President, and shall be called by the President or the
Secretary at the request, in writing or by resolution, of a majority of the Trustees, or at the written request of the holder or
holders of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total number of the then issued and outstanding shares of the Trust entitled
to vote at such meeting. Any such request shall state the purposes of the proposed meeting.
Section
2.
Place of Meetings
. Meetings of Shareholders shall be held at any place within or outside the State of Delaware
designated by the Board. In the absence of any such designation by the Board, Shareholders' meetings shall be held at the principal
executive office of the Trust. For purposes of these By-Laws, the term “Shareholder” shall mean a record owner of shares
of the Trust.
Section
3.
Call of Meeting
. Meetings of the Shareholders shall be called as provided in Section 1 of this Article II.
Section
4.
Notice of Shareholders’ Meetings
. All notices of meetings of Shareholders shall be sent or otherwise
given in accordance with Section 5 of this Article III not less than seven (7) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of
the meeting and not more than one hundred and twenty days before the date of the meeting. The notice shall specify: (i) the place,
date and hour of the meeting; and (ii) the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on. The notice of any meeting
at which Trustees are to be elected also shall include the name of any nominee or nominees who at the time of the notice are intended
to be presented for election. Except with respect to adjournments as provided herein, no business shall be transacted at such meeting
other than that specified in the notice.
Section
5.
Manner of Giving Notice; Affidavit of Notice
.
(a) Notice
of any meeting of Shareholders shall be given: (i) either personally or by first-class mail or other written or electronic communication,
charges prepaid; and (ii) addressed to the Shareholder at the address of that Shareholder appearing on the books of the Trust
or its transfer agent, or given by the Shareholder to the Trust for the purpose of notice. If no such address appears on the Trust’s
books or such address is not given to the Trust, or to the Trust’s transfer or similar agent, notice shall be deemed to be
waived and therefore unnecessary, unless and until the Shareholder provides the Trust, or the Trust’s transfer or similar
agent, with his or her address. Notice shall be deemed to have been given at the time when delivered personally or deposited in
the mail or sent by other means of written or electronic communication or, where notice is given by publication, on the date of
publication. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to Shareholders, any notice to Shareholders
given by the Trust shall be effective if given by a single notice to all Shareholders who share an address if delivered in accordance
with applicable regulations promulgated by the Commission. Notice shall be deemed to have been given at the time when delivered
personally, deposited in the mail or with a courier, or sent by facsimile, .pdf, electronic mail or other means of written or electronic
communication.
(b) If
any notice addressed to a Shareholder at the address of that Shareholder appearing on the books of the Trust is returned to the
Trust by the United States Postal Service marked to indicate that the Postal Service is unable to deliver the notice to the Shareholder
at that address, all future notices shall be deemed to have been duly given without further mailing if such future notices shall
be kept available to the Shareholder, upon written demand of the Shareholder, at the principal executive office of the Trust for
a period of one year from the date of the giving of the notice.
(c) An
affidavit of the mailing or other means of giving any notice of any meeting of Shareholders shall be filed and maintained in the
records of the Trust.
(d) A
notice given by a Shareholder to be proper must set forth (i) as to each person whom the Shareholder proposes to nominate for election
or reelection as a Trustee (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (B) the Class and number of
Shares that are beneficially owned or owned of record by such person, (C) the date such Shares were acquired and the investment
intent of such acquisition, and (D) all other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations
of proxies for election of Trustees in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or
any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including such person’s written consent to
being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Trustee if elected); (ii) as to any other business that the
Shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons
for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such Shareholder or any Shareholder affiliate
or family member (including any anticipated benefit to the Shareholder or any Shareholder affiliate or family member therefrom)
and of each beneficial owner of Shares, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) as to the Shareholder giving the notice
and each beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (1) the name and address of such Shareholder,
as they appear on the Trust’s stock ledger and current name and address, if different, of such beneficial owner, (2) the
Class and number of Shares which are owned beneficially or of record by such Shareholder and/or such beneficial owner, (3) whether
and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of, or
any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares) has been
made, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to or manage risk of Share price changes for, or to increase the voting
power of, such Shareholder or beneficial owner with respect to any Share (collectively “Hedging Activities”), and (4)
the extent to which such Shareholder or such beneficial owner, if any, has engaged in Hedging Activities with respect to shares
or other equity interests of any other trust or company; and (iv) to the extent known by the Shareholder giving the notice, the
name and address of any other Shareholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a Trustee or the proposal of other
business on the date of such Shareholder’s notice.
Section
6.
Adjourned Meeting; Notice
. Any Shareholders’ meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned
with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting by action of the chairman of the meeting. Notice of adjournment
of a Shareholders’ meeting to another time or place need not be given, if the adjourned meeting is held within a reasonable
time after the date set for the original meeting, unless a new record date of the adjourned meeting is fixed or unless the adjournment
is for more than one hundred twenty days from the date of the original meeting, in which case the Board of Trustees shall set a
new record date. If a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given to
each Shareholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of this
Article III. Any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting may be transacted at any adjourned meeting. An
adjournment may be made with respect to one or more proposals, but not necessarily all proposals, to be voted or acted upon at
such meeting and any such adjournment shall not delay or otherwise affect the effectiveness and validity of a vote or other action
taken prior to adjournment.
Section
7.
Voting
. The Shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of Shareholders shall be determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust. The Shareholders’ vote may be by voice vote or by ballot; provided, however,
that any election of Trustees must be by ballot if demanded by any Shareholder before the voting has begun. On any matter other
than election of Trustees, any Shareholder may cast part of the votes that such Shareholder is entitled to cast in favor of the
proposal and refrain from casting and/or cast the remaining part of such votes against the proposal. If any Shareholder fails to
specify the number of votes that such Shareholder is casting in favor of the proposal, it shall be conclusively presumed that such
Shareholder is casting all of the votes that such Shareholder is entitled to cast in favor of such proposal. Except when a larger
vote is required by any provision of the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws or by applicable law, when a quorum is present at
any meeting, a majority of the Shares voted shall decide any questions and a plurality of the Shares voted shall elect a Trustee,
provided that where any provision of applicable law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws requires the holders of any Class
or Series to vote as a Class or Series or the holders of a Class or Series to vote as a Class or Series, then a majority of the
Shares of that Class or Series voted on the matter shall decide that matter insofar as that Class or Series is concerned. There
shall be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees.
Section
8.
Waiver of Notice; Consent of Absent Shareholders
.
(a)
The transaction of business and any actions taken at a meeting of Shareholders, however called and noticed and wherever
held, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, provided a quorum is present either
in person or by proxy at the meeting and if written or electronic consent to the action is filed with the records of the meetings
of Shareholders by the holders of the number of Shares that would be required to approve the matter under these By-Laws and the
Declaration of Trust and such action is submitted to Shareholders by the consent of the Board of Trustees. Such written consent
shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Shareholders. Whenever notice of a meeting is required to be
given to a Shareholder under the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws, a written waiver thereof, executed before or after the
meeting by such Shareholder or his or her attorney thereunto authorized and filed with the records of the meeting, shall be deemed
equivalent to such notice.
(b) Attendance
by a Shareholder at a meeting of Shareholders shall also constitute a waiver of notice of that meeting, except if the Shareholder
objects for the record at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called
or convened and except that attendance at a meeting of Shareholders is not a waiver of any right to object to the consideration
of matters not included in the notice of the meeting if that objection is expressly made for the record at the beginning of the
meeting.
Section
9.
Record Date for Shareholder Notice, Voting and Giving Consents
.
(a) For
purposes of determining the Shareholders entitled to vote or act at any meeting or adjournment or postponement thereof, the Board
of Trustees may fix in advance a record date which shall not be more than sixty days before the date of any such meeting. If the
Trustees do not so fix a record date, the record date for determining Shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
of Shareholders shall be the close of business on the business day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice
is waived, at the close of business on the business day which is five business days before the day on which the meeting is held.
The Shareholders of record entitled to vote at a Shareholders’ meeting shall be deemed the Shareholders of record at any
meeting reconvened after one or more adjournments, unless the Board of Trustees has fixed a new record date. If the Shareholders’
meeting is adjourned for more than one hundred twenty days after the original date, the Board of Trustees shall establish a new
record date.
(b) The
record date for determining Shareholders entitled to give consent to action in writing without a meeting: (i) when no prior action
of the Board of Trustees has been taken, shall be the day on which the first written consent is given; or (ii) when prior action
of the Board of Trustees has been taken, shall be the close of business on the day on which the Trustees adopt the resolution taking
such action.
(c) Nothing
in this Section 8 of this Article III shall be construed as precluding the Board of Trustees from setting different record dates
for different Classes or Series. Only Shareholders of record on the record date, as herein determined, shall have any right to
vote or to act at any meeting or give consent to any action relating to such record date, notwithstanding any transfer of Shares
on the books of the Trust after such record date.
Section
9.
Proxies
.
Every Shareholder entitled to vote for Trustees or on any other
matter shall have the right to do so either in person or by one or more agents authorized by a written proxy signed by the Shareholder
and filed with the secretary of the Trust; provided, that an alternative to the execution of a written proxy may be permitted as
provided in the second paragraph of this Section 9 of this Article III. A proxy shall be deemed signed if the Shareholder's name
is placed on the proxy (whether by manual signature, typewriting, telegraphic transmission or otherwise) by the Shareholder or
the Shareholder’s attorney-in-fact. A validly executed proxy which does not state that it is irrevocable shall continue in
full force and effect unless (i) revoked by the Shareholder executing it by a written notice delivered to the Trust prior to the
exercise of the proxy or by the Shareholder’s execution of a subsequent proxy or attendance and vote in person at the meeting;
or (ii) written notice of the death or incapacity of the Shareholder is received by the Trust before the proxy’s vote is
counted; provided, however, that no proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven months from the date of the proxy unless
otherwise provided in the proxy. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by
the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
With
respect to any Shareholders’ meeting, the Board of Trustees may act to permit the Trust to accept proxies by any electronic,
telephonic, computerized, telecommunications or other reasonable alternative to the execution of a written instrument authorizing
the proxy to act, provided the Shareholder’s authorization is received within eleven months before the meeting. A proxy with
respect to Shares held in the name of two or more persons shall be valid if executed by any one of them unless at or prior to exercise
of the proxy the Trust receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one of them. A proxy purporting to be executed
by or on behalf of a Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise and the burden of proving
invalidity shall rest with the challenger
. Unless otherwise specifically limited by their terms, proxies shall entitle the
Shareholder to vote at any adjournment of a Shareholders’ meeting.
Section
10.
Inspectors of Election
.
Before any meeting of Shareholders, the Board
of Trustees may appoint any person other than nominees for office to act as inspector of election at the meeting or its adjournment.
If no inspector of election is so appointed, the Chairman of the meeting may, and on the request of any Shareholder or a Shareholder’s
proxy shall, appoint an inspector of election at the meeting. If any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or
refuses to act, the Chairman of the meeting may, and on the request of any Shareholder or a Shareholder’s proxy shall, appoint
a person to fill the vacancy.
The
inspector shall:
(a) determine
the number of Shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the Shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum
and the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies;
(b) receive
votes, ballots or consents;
(c) hear
and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote;
(d) count
and tabulate all votes or consents;
(e) determine
when the polls shall close;
(f) determine
the result of voting or consents; and
(g) do
any other acts that may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all Shareholders.
Section
11.
Conduct of Meetings
. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall preside at each meeting of Shareholders.
In the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the meeting shall be chaired by the President, or if the President is
not present, by any Vice President, or if none of them is present, then by the person selected for such purpose at the meeting.
In the absence of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the Chairman of
the meeting shall appoint. At every meeting of Shareholders, unless the voting is conducted by inspectors, the proxies and ballots
shall be received, and all questions concerning the qualification of voters and the validity of proxies, the acceptance or rejection
of votes, and procedures for the conduct of business not otherwise specified by these By-laws, the Declaration of Trust or law,
shall be decided or determined by the Chairman of the meeting.
Section
12.
Shareholder Action by Written Consent
.
(a) Except
as provided in the Declaration of Trust, any action that may be taken at any meeting of Shareholders may be taken without a meeting
if such action is submitted to Shareholders by consent of the Board of Trustees and written consent to the action is filed with
the records of the meetings of Shareholders by the holders of the number of Shares that would be required to approve the matter;
provided, however, that the Shareholders receive any necessary information statement or other necessary documentation in conformity
with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the rules or regulations thereunder. Any such written consent may
be executed and given by facsimile, .pdf, electronic mail, electronic signature or other electronic means. All such consents shall
be filed with the Secretary of the Trust and shall be maintained in the Trust’s records. Any Shareholder giving a written
consent, a transferee of the Shares, a personal representative of the Shareholder, or their respective proxy holders may revoke
the Shareholder’s written consent by a writing received by the Secretary of the Trust before written consents of the number
of Shares required to authorize the proposed action have been filed with the Secretary.
(b) If
the unanimous written consent of all such Shareholders shall not have been received, the Secretary shall give prompt notice of
the action approved by the Shareholders without a meeting. This notice shall be given in the manner specified in Section 4 of this
Article III to each Shareholder entitled to vote who did not execute such written consent.
Section
13.
Quorum
. Except when a larger quorum is required by applicable law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws,
thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the Shares outstanding and entitled to vote present in person or represented by
proxy at a Shareholders’ meeting shall constitute a quorum at such meeting. When a separate vote by one or more Series or
Classes is required, thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the outstanding Shares of each such Series or Class entitled
to vote present in person or represented by proxy at a Shareholders’ meeting shall constitute a quorum of such Series or
Class.
If a quorum, as above defined, shall
not be present for the purpose of any vote that may properly come before any meeting of Shareholders at the time and place of any
meeting, the Shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at such meeting on such matter holding a majority
of the Shares present and entitled to vote on such matter may by vote adjourn the meeting from time to time to be held at the same
place without further notice than by announcement to be given at the meeting until a quorum, as above defined, entitled to vote
on such matter, shall be present, whereupon any such matter may be voted upon at the meeting as though held when originally convened.
ARTICLE
IV
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section
1.
Trustees and Vacancies
. The business and affairs of the Trust shall
be managed by the Trustees, and they shall have all powers necessary and desirable to carry out that responsibility, so far as
such powers are not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware, the Declaration of Trust, or these By-laws.
Vacancies
in the Board of Trustees may be filled as set forth in the Declaration of Trust.
In the event that all Trustee offices become
vacant, an authorized officer of the Investment Adviser shall serve as the sole remaining Trustee effective upon the vacancy in
the office of the last Trustee, subject to applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. In such case, the Investment Adviser, as the
sole remaining Trustee, shall, as soon as practicable, fill all of the vacancies on the
Board
of Trustees
; provided, however, that the percentage of Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust shall be no
less than that permitted by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. Thereupon, the Investment Adviser shall resign as Trustee and
a meeting of the Shareholders shall be called, as required by applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, for the election of Trustees.
Section
2.
Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone
. All meetings of the Board of Trustees may be held at any place within
or outside the State of Delaware that has been designated from time to time by the Trustees. In the absence of such a designation,
regular meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the Trust. Subject to any applicable requirements of applicable
provisions of the 1940 Act, any meeting may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, so long as all
Trustees participating in the meeting can hear one another and all such Trustees shall be deemed to be present in person at the
meeting.
Section
3.
Regular Meetings
. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held at such times as shall be fixed
from time to time by the Trustees. Such regular meetings may be held in accordance with the fixed schedule without call or any
additional notice.
Section
4.
Special Meetings
. Special meetings of the Board of Trustees for any purpose or purposes may be called at any
time by Chairman, the President, the Secretary or by a majority of Trustees. Notice of the time, place and purpose of special meetings
shall be communicated to each Trustee orally in person or by telephone at least forty-eight hours before the meeting or transmitted
to him or her by first-class mail, or by facsimile, .pdf, electronic mail or other electronic means, addressed to each Trustee
at that Trustee’s address as it is shown on the records of the Trust at least seventy-two hours before the meeting. Oral
notice shall be deemed to be given when given directly to the person required to be notified and all other notices shall be deemed
to be given when sent. The notice need not specify the place of the meeting if the meeting is to be held at the principal executive
office of the Trust.
Section
5.
Quorum
.
One-third, but not less than two, of the authorized number of
Trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business (unless there is only one Trustee, at which point a quorum will
consist of that one Trustee), except to adjourn as provided in Section 7 of this Article IV. Every act or decision done or made
by a majority of the Trustees present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board
of Trustees, subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue
to transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal of Trustees if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required
quorum for that meeting
.
Section
6.
Waiver of Notice
.
The transactions of a meeting of Trustees, however
called and noticed and wherever held, shall be valid as though transacted at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice
if a quorum is present either in person or by proxy. Attendance by a person at a meeting shall also constitute a waiver of notice
of that meeting with respect to that person, except when the person objects for the record at the beginning of the meeting to the
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and except that such attendance is not a waiver
of any right to object to the consideration of matters not included in the notice of the meeting if that objection is expressly
made for the record at the beginning of the meeting. Whenever notice of a meeting is required to be given to a Trustee under the
Declaration of Trust or these By-laws, a written waiver thereof, executed before or after the meeting by such Trustee or his or
her attorney thereunto authorized and filed with the records of the meeting, shall be deemed equivalent to such notice
.
The waiver of notice or consent need not specify the purpose of the meeting.
Section
7.
Adjournment
. A majority of the Trustees present, whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn any meeting
to another time and place.
Section
8.
Action Without a Meeting
. Unless applicable provisions of the 1940 Act require that a particular action be
taken only at a meeting at which the Trustees are present in person, any action to be taken by the Trustees may be taken without
a meeting by unanimous written consent of the Trustees. Any such written consent may be executed and given by facsimile or other
electronic means. Such written consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Trustees.
Section
9.
Fees and Compensation of Trustees
. Trustees and members of committees may receive such compensation, if any,
for their services and such reimbursement of expenses as may be fixed or determined by resolution of the Board of Trustees. This
Section 9 of Article IV shall not be construed to preclude any Trustee from serving the Trust in any other capacity as an officer,
agent, employee or otherwise and receiving compensation for those services.
Section
10.
Special Action
. When the number of Trustees, or members of a committee, as the case may be, required for approval
of an action at a meeting of the Trustees or of such committee at which all members of the Board of Trustees or such committee
are present at such meeting, however called, or whenever held, or shall assent to the holding of the meeting without notice, or
shall sign a written assent thereto on the record of such meeting, the acts of such meeting shall be valid as if such meeting had
been regularly held.
ARTICLE
V
COMMITTEES
Section
1.
Committees of the Trustees
.
The Board of Trustees may, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the authorized number of Trustees, designate one or more committees as set forth in the Declaration of
Trust, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees may designate one or more Trustees or other persons
as alternate members of any committee who may replace any absent member at any meeting of the committee. The Trustees shall determine
the number of members of each committee and its powers and shall appoint its members and its chair. Each committee member shall
serve at the pleasure of the Trustees. Each committee shall maintain records of its meetings and report its actions to the Trustees.
The Trustees may rescind any action of any committee, but such rescission shall not have retroactive effect. The Trustees may delegate
to any committee any of its powers, subject to the limitations of applicable law.
Section
2.
Meetings and Actions of Committees
.
Meetings and action of any committee
shall be governed by and held and taken in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and Article IV, with such
changes in the context thereof as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the Board of Trustees and its members,
except that the time of regular meetings of any committee may be determined either by the Board of Trustees or by the committee.
Special meetings of any committee may also be called by resolution of the Board of Trustees, and notice of special meetings of
any committee shall also be given to all alternate members who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee. The
Board of Trustees may adopt rules for the government of any committee not inconsistent with the provisions of these By-laws
.
Section
3.
Executive Committee
. The Trustees may elect from their own number an Executive Committee to consist of not
less than two members. The Executive Committee shall be elected by a resolution passed by a vote of at least a majority of the
Trustees then in office. The Trustees may also elect from their own number other committees from time to time, the number composing
such committees and the powers conferred upon the same to be determined by vote of the Trustees.
(a)
Vacancies occurring in the Executive Committee shall be filed by the Trustees by resolution passed by the vote of
at least a majority of the Trustees then in office.
(b)
All action by the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Trustees at their meeting next succeeding such action.
(c)
The Executive Committee shall fix its own rules of procedure not inconsistent with these By-Laws or with any directions
of the Trustees. It shall meet at such times and places and upon such notice as shall be provided by such rules or b resolution
of the Trustees. The presence of a majority shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and in every case an affirmative
vote of a majority of all the members of the Committee present shall be necessary for the taking of any action.
(d)
During the intervals between the Meetings of the Trustees, the Executive Committee, except as limited by the Declaration
of Trust, these By-Laws or by specific direction of the Board, shall possess and may exercise all the powers of the Trustees in
the management and direction of the business and conduct of the affairs of the Trust in such manner as the Executive Committee
shall deem to be in the best interests of the trust, and shall have power to authorize thee Seal of the Trust to be affixed to
all instruments and documents requiring the same. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive Committee shall not have the power
to elect Trustees, increase or decrease the number of Trustees, elect or remove any officer, issue shares or recommend to shareholders
any action requiring shareholder approval, or amend these By-Laws.
ARTICLE
VI
OFFICERS
Section
1.
Officers
. The Trust shall have a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, one or more Executive Vice Presidents,
one or more Senior Vice Presidents and one or more Vice Presidents. The Trust may also have, at the discretion of the Board of
Trustees, one or more Vice Chairmen (who need not be a Trustee), and other officers or agents, including one or more Assistant
Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other officers as may be established
by the Board of Trustees. Any person may hold more than one office of the Trust, except that no one person may serve concurrently
as both President and Vice President. Any officer may be, but need not be, a Trustee or Shareholder.
Section
2.
Election
. The officers of the Trust, except such officers as may be elected or appointed in accordance with
the provisions of Section 4 of this Article VI, shall be elected by the Board of Trustees, and each shall serve at the pleasure
of the Trustees. The Trustees may empower the President to appoint such assistant or subordinate officers as the business of the
Trust may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided
in these By-laws or as the Trustees or the President may from time to time determine.
Section
3.
Subordinate Officers
. An executive vice president, senior vice president or vice president, the secretary
or the treasurer may appoint an assistant vice president, an assistant secretary or an assistant treasurer, respectively, to serve
until the next election of officers.
Section
4.
Removal and Resignation of Officers
.
(a) Any
officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Trustees or by such officer upon whom the power of removal
may be conferred by the Trustees.
(b) Any
officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Trust. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt
of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice, and unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of
the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the
Trust under any contract to which the officer is a party.
Section
5.
Vacancies in Office
. A vacancy in any office because of death, declination to serve, resignation, removal,
disqualification or other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in these By-laws for regular election or appointment to
that office. The President may make temporary appointments to a vacant office pending action by the Board of Trustees.
Section
6.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
. The Trustees shall annually elect a Trustee to serve as Chairman of the
Board of Trustees. The Chairman of the
Board of Trustees
shall, if present, preside
at meetings of the Board of Trustees and Shareholders and exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be from time
to time assigned to the Chairman by the Board of Trustees or prescribed by these By-laws. In the absence, resignation, declination
to serve, disability or death of the President, the Chairman shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties of the President
until his or her return, such disability shall be removed or a new President shall have been elected. It shall be understood that
the election of any Trustee as Chairman shall not impose on that person any duty, obligation, or liability that is greater than
the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on that person as a Trustee in the absence of such election, and no Trustee who
is so elected shall be held to a higher standard of care by virtue thereof.
The Chairman may
resign at any time by giving written notice of resignation to the Board of Trustees. Any such resignation shall take effect at
the time specified in such notice, or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon
its receipt; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
The Chairman may
be removed by majority vote of the Board of Trustees with or without cause at any time.
Any vacancy in the
office of Chairman, arising from any cause whatsoever, may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term of the office which
shall be vacant by the vote of the Board of Trustees.
If, for any reason,
the Chairman is absent from a meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees may select from among its members who are
present at such meeting a Trustee to preside at such meeting.
Section
7.
Vice Chairman
. Any Vice Chairman shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by
the Board.
Section
8.
President
.
Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given
by the Board of Trustees to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the President shall be the principal operating and executive
officer of the Trust and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Trustees, have general supervision, direction and control
of the business and the officers of the Trust. The President shall have the general powers and duties of management usually vested
in the office of President of a corporation and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Trustees
or these By-laws
.
Section
9.
Vice Presidents
.
In the absence or disability of the President, the
Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents or Vice Presidents, if any, in order of their rank as fixed by the Board of Trustees
or if not ranked, a Vice President designated by the Board of Trustees, shall perform all the duties of the President and when
so acting shall have all powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the President. The Executive Vice President, Senior
Vice Presidents or Vice Presidents, whichever the case may be, shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from
time to time may be prescribed for them respectively by the Board of Trustees, these By-laws, the President or the Chairman of
the Board of Trustees
.
Section
10.
Secretary
.
The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal
executive office of the Trust or such other place as the Board of Trustees may direct a book of minutes of all meetings and actions
of Trustees, committees of Trustees and Shareholders with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special,
how authorized, the notice given, the names of those present at trustees' meetings or committee meetings, the number of Shares
present or represented at Shareholders’ meetings, and the proceedings.
The
Secretary shall cause to be kept at the principal executive office of the Trust or at the office of the Trust’s administrator,
transfer agent or registrar, as determined by resolution of the Board of Trustees, a Share register or a duplicate Share register
showing the names of all Shareholders and their addresses, the number, Series, and Classes of Shares held by each, the number and
date of certificates issued for the same and the number and date of cancellation of every certificate surrendered for cancellation.
The
Secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the Shareholders and of the Board of Trustees required by these
By-laws or by applicable law to be given and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by
the Board of Trustees or by these By-laws
.
Section
11.
Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers
.
The Treasurer shall be the principal
financial and accounting officer of the Trust and shall keep and maintain or cause to be kept and maintained adequate and correct
books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Trust, including accounts of its assets, liabilities,
receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings and Shares. The books of account shall at all reasonable times
be open to inspection by any trustee.
The
Treasurer shall deposit all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Trust with such depositories as may
be designated by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Trust as may be ordered by the Board of Trustees,
shall render to the President and Trustees, whenever they request it, an account of all of the Treasurer’s transactions as
chief financial officer and of the financial condition of the Trust and shall have other powers and perform such other duties as
may be prescribed by the Board of Trustees or these By-laws
.
Section
12.
Chief Legal Officer.
The Chief Legal Officer shall serve as Chief Legal Officer for the Trust, solely for
purposes of complying with the attorney conduct rules (“Attorney Conduct Rules”) enacted by the Securities Exchange
Commission pursuant to Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 307”). The Chief Legal Officer shall
have the authority to exercise all powers permitted to be exercised by a chief legal officer pursuant to Section 307. The Chief
Legal Officer, in his or her sole discretion, may delegate his or her responsibilities as Chief Legal Officer under the Attorney
Conduct Rules to another attorney or firm of attorneys.
Section
13.
Chief Compliance Officer
. The Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for administering the Trust’s
policies and procedures approved by the
Board of Trustees
under Rule 38a-1 of the
1940 Act, as applicable. Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-laws, the designation, removal and compensation of Chief
Compliance Officer are subject to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, as applicable.
Section
14.
Compensation
. Officers and agents of the Trust may receive such compensation from the Trust for services and
reimbursement for expenses as the Board of Trustees may determine.
ARTICLE
VII
RECORDS AND REPORTS
Section
1.
Maintenance and Inspection of Share Register
. The Trust shall keep at its offices or at the office of its
transfer or other duly authorized agent, records of its Shareholders, that provide the names and addresses of all Shareholders
and the number, Series, Classes, if any, of Shares held by each Shareholder. Such records may be inspected during the Trust’s
regular business hours by any Shareholder, or its duly authorized representative, upon reasonable written demand to the Trust,
for any purpose reasonably related to such Shareholder’s interest as a Shareholder.
Section
2.
Maintenance and Inspection of Declaration of Trust and By-laws
. The Trust shall keep at its offices the original
or a copy of the Declaration of Trust and these By-laws, as amended or restated from time to time, where they may be inspected
during the Trust’s regular business hours by any Shareholder, or its duly authorized representative, upon reasonable written
demand to the Trust, for any purpose reasonably related to such Shareholder’s interest as a Shareholder.
Section
3.
Maintenance and Inspection of Other Records
. The accounting books and records and minutes of proceedings of
the Shareholders, the
Board of Trustees
, any committee of the
Board
of Trustees
or any advisory committee shall be kept at such place or places designated by the
Board
of Trustees
or, in the absence of such designation, at the offices of the Trust. The minutes and the accounting books and
records shall be kept either in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form.
If information is
requested by a Shareholder, the
Board of Trustees
, or, in case the
Board
of Trustees
does not act, the President, any Vice President or the Secretary shall establish reasonable standards governing,
without limitation, the information and documents to be furnished and the time and the location, if appropriate, of furnishing
such information and documents. Costs of providing such information and documents shall be borne by the requesting Shareholder.
The Trust shall be entitled to reimbursement for its direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in declining unreasonable requests
(in whole or in part) for information or documents.
The
Board of Trustees, or
, in case the
Board of Trustees
does not act, the President,
any Vice President or the Secretary
may keep confidential from Shareholders for such period
of time as the Board of Trustees or such officer, as applicable, deems reasonable any information that the Board of Trustees or
such officer, as applicable, reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or other information that the Board of Trustees
or such officer, as the case may be, in good faith believes would not be in the best interests of the Trust to disclose or that
could damage the Trust or its business or that the Trust is required by law or by agreement with a third party to keep confidential.
Section
4.
Inspection by Trustees
. Every Trustee shall have the absolute right
during the Trust’s regular business hours to inspect all books, records, and documents of every kind and the physical properties
of the Trust. This inspection by a Trustee may be made in person or by an agent or attorney and the right of inspection includes
the right to copy and make extracts of documents.
ARTICLE
VIII
DIVIDENDS
Section
1.
Declaration of Dividends
. Dividends upon the Shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust may, subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, if any, be declared by the Board of Trustees at any regular
or special meeting, pursuant to applicable law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in Shares of the Trust.
Section
2.
Delegation of Authority Relating to Dividends
. The Trustees or
the Executive Committee may delegate to any Officer or Agent of the Trust the ability to authorize the payment of dividends and
the ability to fix the amount and other terms of a dividend regardless of whether or not such dividend has previously been authorized
by the Trustees
.
Section
3.
Reserves
. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out
of any funds of the Trust available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, in its absolute
discretion, think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining
any property of the Trust, or for such other purpose as the Board of Trustees shall deem to be in the best interests of the Trust,
and the Board of Trustees may abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
ARTICLE
IX
GENERAL MATTERS
Section
1.
Checks, Drafts, Evidence of Indebtedness
. All checks, drafts or other orders for payment of money, notes or
other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of or payable to the Trust shall be signed or endorsed in such manner and by
such person or persons as shall be designated from time to time in accordance with these By-laws or the resolution of the Board
of Trustees.
Section
2.
Contracts and Instruments; How Executed
. The Board of Trustees, except as otherwise provided in these By-laws,
may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of
and on behalf of the Trust and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances, and unless so authorized or ratified
by the Trustees or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind
the Trust by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
Section
3.
Certificates for Shares
. No certificates for shares of beneficial interest in any series shall be issued except
as the Board may otherwise determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Should the Board authorize the issuance of such
certificates, a certificate or certificates for shares of beneficial interest in any series of the Trust may be issued to a Shareholder
upon the Shareholder’s request when such shares are fully paid. All certificates shall be signed in the name of the Trust
by the Chairman of the Board or the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary
or any Assistance Secretary, certifying the number of shares and the series and class of shares owned by the Shareholders. Any
or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed
or whose facsimile signature has been placed on a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar
before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Trust with the same effect as if such person were an officer, transfer
agent or registrar at the date of issue. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust may adopt and use a system of issuance, recordation
and transfer of its shares by electronic or other means.
Section
4.
Lost Certificates
. Except as provided in Section 3 of this Article IX
or this Section 4 of this Article IX, no new certificates for Shares shall be issued to replace an old certificate unless the latter
is surrendered to the Trust and cancelled at the same time. The Board of Trustees may, in case any Share certificate or certificate
for any other security is lost, stolen, or destroyed, authorize the issuance of a replacement certificate on such terms and conditions
as the Board of Trustees may require, including a provision for indemnification of the Trust secured by a bond or other adequate
security sufficient to protect the Trust against any claim that may be made against it, including any expense or liability on account
of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of the certificate or the issuance of the replacement certificate.
Section
5.
Representation of Shares of Other Entities Held by the Trust
. The President or any Vice President or any other
person authorized by resolution of the Board of Trustees or by any of the foregoing designated officers, is authorized to vote
or represent on behalf of the Trust any and all shares of any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, foreign or domestic,
standing in the name of the Trust. The authority granted may be exercised in person or by a proxy duly executed by such designated
person.
Section
6.
Bonds and Other Security
. If required by the Board of Trustees, any officer, agent or employee of the Trust
shall give a bond or other security for the faithful performance of his or her duties, in such amount and with such surety or sureties
as the Trustees may require.
Section
7.
Transfer of Shares
. In all cases of transfer by an attorney-in-fact, the original power of attorney, or an
official copy thereof duly certified, shall be deposited and remain with the Trust, its transfer agent or other duly authorized
agent. In case of transfers by executors, administrators, guardians or other legal representatives, duly authenticated evidence
of their authority shall be presented to the Trust, transfer agent or other duly authorized agent, and may be required to be deposited
and remain with the Trust, its transfer agent or other duly authorized agent.
Section
8.
Holders of Record
. The Trust shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any Share or Shares as the
owner thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such Share or Shares
on the part of any other person, whether or not the Trust shall have express or other notice thereof.
Section
9.
Fiscal Year
. The fiscal year of the Trust shall be fixed and re-fixed or changed from time to time by the
Board of Trustees.
Section
10.
Seal
. The Board of Trustees may adopt a seal which shall be in such form and have such inscription as the
Trustees may from time to time determine. Any Trustee or officer of the Trust shall have authority to affix the seal to any document,
provided that the failure to affix the seal shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of any document.
Section
11.
Writings
. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations: (i) all requirements in these
By-laws that any action be taken by means of any writing, including any written instrument, any written consent or any written
agreement, shall be deemed to be satisfied by means of any electronic record in such form that is acceptable to the Trustees; and
(ii) all requirements in these By-laws that any writing be signed shall be deemed to be satisfied by any electronic signature or
other electronic means in such form that is acceptable to the Trustees.
Section
12.
Severability
. The provisions of these By-laws are severable. If the Board of Trustees determines, with the
advice of counsel, that any provision hereof conflicts with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act or other applicable laws and
regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these By-laws; provided, however, that
such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these By-laws or render invalid or improper any action taken
or omitted prior to such determination. If any provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision only in such jurisdiction and shall not affect any other provision
of these By-laws.
Section
13.
Headings
. Headings are placed in these By-laws for convenience of reference only. In case of any conflict,
the text of these By-laws, rather than the headings, shall control. The other principles of construction set forth in Section 11.8
of the Declaration of Trust also shall apply to these By-laws.
ARTICLE
X
AMENDMENTS
These By-laws
may be restated, amended, supplemented or repealed by a majority of the Trustees then in office without any authorization or approval
of the Shareholders.
Effective: [ ], 2017
Exhibit 28(d)(1) under Form N-1A
Exhibit (10) under Item 601/Regulation S-K
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT
This Contract is made this
[X] day of [X], 2017, between Federated MDTA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company having its principal place of business
in Boston, Massachusetts (the "Adviser"), and Federated MDT Equity Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, having its principal
place of business in Warrendale, Pennsylvania (the “Trust”).
WHEREAS the Trust is an
open-end management investment company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”),
and is registered as such with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
WHEREAS Adviser is engaged
in the business of rendering investment advisory and management services.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties
hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. The
Trust hereby appoints Adviser as investment adviser for each of the portfolios (“Funds”) of the Trust which executes
an exhibit to this Contract, and Adviser accepts the appointment. Subject to the direction of the Trustees, Adviser shall provide
investment research and supervision of the investments of the Funds and conduct a continuous program of investment evaluation and
of appropriate sale or other disposition and reinvestment of each Fund’s assets.
2. Adviser,
in its supervision of the investments of each of the Funds will be guided by each of the Fund's investment objective and policies
and the provisions and restrictions contained in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust and as set forth in the Registration
Statement and exhibits as may be on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
3. Each
Fund shall pay or cause to be paid all of its own expenses and its allocable share of Trust expenses, including, without limitation,
the expenses of organizing the Trust and continuing its existence; fees and expenses of Trustees and officers of the Trust; fees
for investment advisory services and administrative personnel and services; expenses incurred in the distribution of its shares
("Shares"), including expenses of administrative support services; fees and expenses of preparing and printing its Registration
Statements under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Act, and any amendments thereto; expenses of registering and qualifying the
Trust, the Funds, and the Shares of the Funds under federal and state laws and regulations; expenses of preparing, printing, and
distributing prospectuses (and any amendments thereto) to shareholders; interest expense, taxes, fees, and commissions of every
kind; expenses of issue (including cost of Share certificates), purchase, repurchase, and redemption of Shares, including expenses
attributable to a program of periodic issue; charges and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, shareholder
servicing agents, and registrars; printing and mailing costs, auditing, accounting, and legal expenses; reports to shareholders
and governmental officers and commissions; expenses of meetings of Trustees and shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor;
insurance expenses; association membership dues and such nonrecurring items as may arise, including all losses and liabilities
incurred in administering the Trust and the Funds. Each Fund will also pay extraordinary expenses as may arise including expenses
incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings, and claims and the legal obligations of the Trust to indemnify its officers
and Trustees and agents with respect thereto.
4. Each
of the Funds shall pay to Adviser, for all services rendered to each Fund by Adviser hereunder, the fees set forth in the exhibits
attached hereto.
5. The
net asset value of each Fund's Shares as used herein will be calculated to the nearest 1/10th of one cent.
6. The
Adviser may from time to time and for such periods as it deems appropriate reduce its compensation (and, if appropriate, assume
expenses for one or more of the Funds) to the extent that any of the Funds’ expenses exceed such lower expense limitation
as the Adviser may, by notice to the Fund, voluntarily declare to be effective.
7. This
Contract shall begin for each Fund as of the date of execution of the applicable exhibit and shall continue in effect with respect
to each Fund presently set forth on an exhibit (and any subsequent Funds added pursuant to an exhibit during the initial term of
this Contract) for two years from the date of this Contract set forth above and thereafter for successive periods of one year,
subject to the provisions for termination and all of the other terms and conditions hereof if: (a) such continuation shall be specifically
approved at least annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the Trustees who are
not parties to this Contract or interested persons of any such party cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose; and (b)
Adviser shall not have notified a Fund in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to the anniversary date of this Contract in any
year thereafter that it does not desire such continuation with respect to the Fund.
8. Notwithstanding
any provision in this Contract, it may be terminated at any time with respect to any Fund, without the payment of any penalty,
by the Trustees of the Trust or by a vote of the shareholders of that Fund on sixty (60) days' written notice to Adviser.
9. This
Contract may not be assigned by Adviser and shall automatically terminate in the event of any assignment. Adviser may employ or
contract with such other person, persons, corporation, or corporations at its own cost and expense as it shall determine in order
to assist it in carrying out this Contract.
10. In
the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties under this
Contract on the part of Adviser, Adviser shall not be liable to the Trust or to any of the Funds or to any shareholder for any
act or omission in the course of or connected in any way with rendering services or for any losses that may be sustained in the
purchase, holding, or sale of any security.
11. This
Contract may be amended at any time by agreement of the parties provided that the amendment shall be approved both by the vote
of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Contract or interested
persons of any such party to this Contract (other than as Trustees) cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, and, where
required by Section 15(a)(2) of the Act, on behalf of a Fund by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund as
defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the Act.
12. The
Adviser acknowledges that all sales literature for investment companies (such as the Fund) are subject to strict regulatory oversight.
The Adviser agrees to submit any proposed sales literature for the Trust (or any Fund) or for itself or its affiliates which mentions
the Trust (or any Fund) to the Trust’s distributor for review and filing with the appropriate regulatory authorities prior
to the public release of any such sales literature, provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed so as to create any
obligation or duty on the part of the Adviser to produce sales literature for the Trust (or any Fund). The Trust agrees to cause
its distributor to promptly review all such sales literature to ensure compliance with relevant requirements, to promptly advise
Adviser of any deficiencies contained in such sales literature, to promptly file complying sales literature with the relevant authorities,
and to cause such sales literature to be distributed to prospective investors in the Fund.
13. Adviser
is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability as set forth in Article VIII, Section 8.1 of the Declaration of
Trust and agrees that the obligations pursuant to this Contract of a particular Fund and of the Trust with respect to that particular
Fund be limited solely to the assets of that particular Fund, and Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from
the shareholders of any other Fund, the Trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Trust, or any of them.
14. The
Trust and the Funds are hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation
of the Adviser and agree that the obligations assumed by the Adviser pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in any case to
the Adviser and its assets and, except to the extent expressly permitted by the Act, the Funds shall not seek satisfaction of any
such obligation from the shareholders of the Adviser, the Directors, officers, employees, or agents of the Adviser, or any of them.
15. Adviser
agrees to maintain the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information (“NPI”) of Fund customers and
consumers, as those terms are defined in Regulation S-P, 17 CFR Part 248. Adviser agrees to use and redisclose such NPI for the
limited purposes of processing and servicing transactions; for specific law enforcement and miscellaneous purposes; and to service
providers or in connection with joint marketing arrangements directed by the Fund(s), in each instance in furtherance of fulfilling
Adviser’s obligations under this Contract and consistent with the exceptions provided in 17 CFR Sections 248.14, 248.15 and
248.13, respectively.
16. The
parties hereto acknowledge that Federated Investors, Inc., has reserved the right to grant the non-exclusive use of the names “Federated,
“Federated MDT Equity Fund” or any derivative thereof to any other investment company, investment company portfolio,
investment adviser, distributor or other business enterprise, and to withdraw from the Fund the use of the names “Federated,”
“Federated MDT Equity Fund” or any derivative thereof. The names “Federated” and “Federated MDT Equity
Fund” will continue to be used by the Trust and each Fund so long as such use is mutually agreeable to Federated Investors,
Inc. and the Trust.
17. This
Contract shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
18. This
Contract will become binding on the parties hereto upon their execution of the attached exhibits to this Contract.
EXHIBIT A
to the
Investment Advisory Contract
Federated MDT Equity Fund
For all services rendered
by Adviser hereunder, [Federated MDT Equity Fund] shall pay to Adviser and Adviser agrees to accept as full compensation for all
services rendered hereunder, an annual investment advisory fee at an annual rate ranging from 0.75 of 1% on the first $500 million
of average daily net assets of the Fund to 0.40 of 1% on average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion as specified below.
Average Daily Net Assets
|
Advisory Fee
|
First $500 million
|
0.750%
|
Second $500 million
|
0.675%
|
Third $500 million
|
0.600%
|
Fourth $500 million
|
0.525%
|
Over $2 billion
|
0.400%
|
The portion of the fee
based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund shall be accrued daily at the rate of 1/365
th
of the investment
advisory fee as set for h in the schedule above applied to the daily net assets of the Fund. The advisory fee so accrued shall
be paid to Adviser daily.
Witness the due execution
hereof this [X] day of [X], 2017.
Federated MDT
Equity Fund
By:
_____________________
Name: J. Christopher Donahue
Title: President
Federated MDTA,LLC
By:
/_______________
Name: [X]
Title: [X]
LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,
dated as of [X], 2017, that Federated MDT Equity Fund, a statutory trust duly organized under the laws of the state of Delaware
(the “Trust”), does hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Federated MDTA, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized
under the laws of the Delaware (the "Adviser"), to act hereunder as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of
the Trust, for the specific purpose of executing and delivering all such agreements, instruments, contracts, assignments, bond
powers, stock powers, transfer instructions, receipts, waivers, consents and other documents, and performing all such acts, as
the Adviser may deem necessary or reasonably desirable, related to the acquisition, disposition and/or reinvestment of the funds
and assets of the Trust and each portfolio thereof in accordance with Adviser's supervision of the investment, sale and reinvestment
of the funds and assets of the Trust and each portfolio thereof pursuant to the authority granted to the Adviser as investment
adviser of the Trust under that certain investment advisory contract dated [X], 2017 by and between the Adviser and the Fund (such
investment advisory contract, as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time is hereinafter referred to
as the "Investment Advisory Contract").
The Adviser shall exercise
or omit to exercise the powers and authorities granted herein in each case as the Adviser in its sole and absolute discretion deems
desirable or appropriate under existing circumstances. The Trust hereby ratifies and confirms as good and effectual, at law or
in equity, all that the Adviser, and its officers and employees, may do by virtue hereof. However, despite the above provisions,
nothing herein shall be construed as imposing a duty on the Adviser to act or assume responsibility for any matters referred to
above or other matters even though the Adviser may have power or authority hereunder to do so. Nothing in this Limited Power of
Attorney shall be construed (i) to be an amendment or modifications of, or supplement to, the Investment Advisory Contract, (ii)
to amend, modify, limit or denigrate any duties, obligations or liabilities of the Adviser under the terms of the Investment Advisory
Contract or (iii) exonerate, relieve or release the Adviser any losses, obligations, penalties, actions, judgments and suits and
other costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against
the Adviser (x) under the terms of the Investment Advisory Contract or (y) at law, or in equity, for the performance of its duties
as the investment adviser of the Fund.
The Trust hereby agrees
to indemnify and save harmless the Adviser and its trustees, officers and employees (each of the foregoing an "Indemnified
Party" and collectively the "Indemnified Parties") against and from any and all losses, obligations, penalties,
actions, judgments and suits and other costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed
on, incurred by or asserted against an Indemnified Party, other than as a consequence of gross negligence or willful misconduct
on the part of an Indemnified Party, arising out of or in connection with this Limited Power of Attorney or any other agreement,
instrument or document executed in connection with the exercise of the authority granted to the Adviser herein to act on behalf
of the Trust and each portfolio thereof, including without limitation the reasonable costs, expenses and disbursements in connection
with defending such Indemnified Party against any claim or liability related to the exercise or performance of any of the Adviser's
powers or duties under this Limited Power of Attorney or any of the other agreements, instruments or documents executed in connection
with the exercise of the authority granted to the Adviser herein to act on behalf of the Trust and each portfolio thereof, or the
taking of any action under or in connection with any of the foregoing. The obligations of the Trust under this paragraph shall
survive the termination of this Limited Power of Attorney with respect to actions taken by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust and
each portfolio thereof during the term of this Limited Power of Attorney.
Any person, partnership,
corporation or other legal entity dealing with the Adviser in its capacity as attorney-in-fact hereunder for the Trust is hereby
expressly put on notice that the Adviser is acting solely in the capacity as an agent of the Trust and that any such person, partnership,
corporation or other legal entity must look solely to the Trust for enforcement of any claim against the Trust, as the Adviser
assumes no personal liability whatsoever for obligations of the Trust entered into by the Adviser in its capacity as attorney-in-fact
for the Trust.
Each person, partnership,
corporation or other legal entity which deals with the Trust through the Adviser in its capacity as agent and attorney-in-fact
of the Trust is hereby expressly put on notice that all persons or entities dealing with the Trust must look solely to the assets
of the Trust and/or the specific portfolio on whose behalf the Adviser is acting pursuant to its powers hereunder for enforcement
of any claim against the Trust, as the Trustees, officers and/or agents of the Trust, the shareholders of the Trust assume no personal
liability whatsoever for obligations entered into on behalf of the Trust.
Liability for or recourse
under or upon any undertaking of the Adviser pursuant to the power or authority granted to the Adviser under this Limited Power
of Attorney under any rule of law, statute or constitution or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or by legal or equitable
proceedings or otherwise shall be limited only to the assets of the Fund on whose behalf the Adviser was acting pursuant to the
authority granted hereunder.
The Trust hereby agrees
that no person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity dealing with the Adviser shall be bound to inquire into the Adviser's
power and authority hereunder and any such person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity shall be fully protected in relying
on such power or authority unless such person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity has received prior written notice
from the Trust that this Limited Power of Attorney has been revoked. This Limited Power of Attorney shall be revoked and terminated
automatically upon the cancellation or termination of the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and the Adviser. Except
as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, the powers and authorities herein granted may be revoked or terminated by the
Trust at any time provided that no such revocation or termination shall be effective until the Adviser has received actual notice
of such revocation or termination in writing from the Trust.
This Limited Power of Attorney
constitutes the entire agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, may be changed only by a writing signed by both of them, and
shall bind and benefit their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, the Adviser shall have no power or authority
hereunder to appoint a successor or substitute attorney in fact for the Trust.
This Limited Power of Attorney
shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without reference to principles
of conflicts of laws. If any provision hereof, or any power or authority conferred upon the Adviser herein, would be invalid or
unexercisable under applicable law, then such provision, power or authority shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to
render it valid or exercisable while most nearly preserving its original intent, and no provision hereof, or power or authority
conferred upon the Adviser herein, shall be affected by the invalidity or the non-exercisability of another provision hereof, or
of another power or authority conferred herein.
This Limited Power of Attorney
may be executed in as many identical counterparts as may be convenient and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts.
This Limited Power of Attorney shall become binding on the Trust when the Trust shall have executed at least one counterpart and
the Adviser shall have accepted its appointment by executing this Limited Power of Attorney. Immediately after the execution of
a counterpart original of this Limited Power of Attorney and solely for the convenience of the parties hereto, the Trust and the
Adviser will execute sufficient counterparts so that the Adviser shall have a counterpart executed by it and the Trust, and the
Trust shall have a counterpart executed by the Trust and the Adviser. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original and all such
taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Limited
Power of Attorney to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the
Trust has caused this Limited Power of Attorney to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of the date first written above.
Federated MDT Equity Fund
By: _____________________
Name: J. Christopher Donahue
Title: [X]
Accepted and agreed to this
[X], 2017
Federated MDTA, LLC
By: ______________
Name: [X]
Title: [X]
Exhibit 28(o)(1) under Form N-1A
Exhibit (24) under Item 601/Regulation S-K
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature
appears below hereby constitutes and appoints the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries of
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY TRUST
and
each of them, their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for them and
in their names, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940,
by means of the Securities and Exchange Commission's electronic disclosure system known as EDGAR; and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to sign and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as each of them might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
SIGNATURES
|
TITLE
|
DATE
|
/s/ J. Christopher Donahue
|
Trustee and President
|
May 16, 2017
|
J. Christopher Donahue
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
/s/ John T. Collins
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
John T. Collins
|
|
|
/s/ John B. Fisher
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
John B. Fisher
|
|
|
/s/ G. Thomas Hough
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
G. Thomas Hough
|
|
|
/s/ Maureen Lally-Green
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
Maureen Lally-Green
|
|
|
/s/ Peter E. Madden
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
Peter E. Madden
|
|
|
/s/ Charles F. Mansfield Jr.
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
Charles F. Mansfield Jr.
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas M. O’Neill
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
Thomas M. O’Neill
|
|
|
/s/ P. Jerome Richey
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
P. Jerome Richey
|
|
|
/s/ John S. Walsh
|
Trustee
|
May 16, 2017
|
John S. Walsh
|
|
|
/s/ Lori A. Hensler
|
Treasurer
|
May 16, 2017
|
Lori A. Hensler
|
(Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
Exhibit 28(o)(2) under Form N-1A
Exhibit
(24) under Item 601/Regulation S-K
FEDERATED MDT EQUITY TRUST
UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF TRUSTEES
The undersigned, being all of the Trustees
of Federated MDT Equity Trust (the "Trust"), hereby consent, in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware and
Article
IV of the Declaration of Trust, to the adoption of the following resolution with the same effect as though
it had been adopted at the meeting of the Trustees:
RESOLVED, that the
Board hereby authorizes the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries of the Trust to sign in their place and stead, by power of attorney,
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A relating to the proposed establishment of the Trust.
RESOLVED, that the
following persons are hereby elected to serve as the Officers of the Trust for the respective terms provided for in the Bylaws
of the Trust:
President (Principal Executive Officer):
J. Christopher Donahue
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer):
Lori A. Hensler
Assistant Secretaries:
George F. Magera
Edward C. Bartley
Kary A. Moore
Peter J. Germain
Andrew G. Bonnewell
WITNESS the due execution hereof this 16th
day of May, 2017.
|
J. Christopher Donahue
/s/ J.
Christopher Donahue
|
|
Peter E. Madden
/s/ Peter
E. Madden
|
|
John T. Collins
/s/ John T. Collins
|
|
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
/s/
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
|
|
John B. Fisher
/s/ John
B. Fisher
|
|
Thomas M. O’Neill
/s/ Thomas
M. O’Neill
|
|
G. Thomas Hough
/s/ G/ Thomas
Hough
|
|
P. Jerome Richey
/s/ P. Jerome
Richey
|
Maureen Lally-Green
/s/ Maureen
Lally-Green
|
|
John S. Walsh
/s/ John S. Walsh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 28 (p)(1) under Form N-1A
Exhibit (99) under Item 601/Reg. S-K
Federated Investors, Inc.
Code of Ethics for Access Persons
Effective 01/01/2016
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction
|
1
|
1 Responsibilities
|
2
|
1.1 General Principles
|
2
|
1.2 Compliance with this Code is a Condition of Employment
|
3
|
1.3 Personal Responsibility
|
4
|
1.4 Perceived Ambiguity shall not Excuse Violations
|
4
|
1.5 Preclearance does not Protect Wrongdoing
|
4
|
2 Reporting Requirements
|
4
|
2.1 Initial Reporting Requirements
|
5
|
2.2 Quarterly Reporting Requirements
|
5
|
2.3 Annual Reporting Requirements
|
6
|
2.4 Independent Directors
|
7
|
2.5 Non-Federated Officers of Federated Funds or Proprietary Client Funds
|
7
|
2.6 Access Persons Acknowledgments of Receipt of Code of Ethics and Amendments
|
9
|
3 Preclearance Requirements
|
9
|
3.1 Preclearance of Trades
|
9
|
3.2 Duration and Revocation
|
9
|
3.3 Preclearance Does Not Protect Wrongdoing
|
9
|
3.4 Exceptions
|
10
|
3.5 Exception for Employee Stock Options of a Previous Employer
|
10
|
3.6 Federated Stock and Options Trading
|
11
|
3.7 Special Rules for Equity Transactions Based on Market Capitalization
|
12
|
4 Exempt Transactions
|
12
|
4.1 Exempt Securities
|
12
|
4.2 Discretionary Accounts
|
13
|
5 Prohibitions and Restrictions
|
13
|
5.1 General Prohibitions
|
13
|
5.2 Equity Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are Prohibited
|
15
|
5.3 Private Placements Require Prior Compliance Approval
|
15
|
5.4 Prohibition of Short-Term Profits – 60 Day Rule – Individual Securities
|
16
|
5.5 Minimum Holding Period – Designated Federated Funds
|
16
|
5.6 Prohibition on Insider Trading
|
17
|
5.7 Disclosure or Misuse of Fund Information
|
18
|
5.8 Blackout Periods – Fund Trades
|
18
|
5.9 Prior Knowledge
|
19
|
5.10 Serving as a Director or Officer of Outside Organizations
|
19
|
5.11 Excessive Trading and Market Timing
|
21
|
5.12 Independent Directors
|
22
|
5.13 Restrictions on Investment Clubs
|
22
|
5.14 Disclosure of Personal Interests
|
22
|
6 Prohibitions on Giving/Receiving Gifts; Political and Charitable Contributions
|
23
|
7 Review, Reporting, Education and Sanctions
|
25
|
7.1 Management Review of Investment Personnel’s Trading Activity
|
25
|
7.2 Compliance Review of Reports and Trading Activity, and this Code of Ethics
|
25
|
7.3 Self-discovery and Reporting
|
26
|
7.4 Education
|
26
|
7.5 Sanctions
|
26
|
7.6 Factors for Consideration
|
27
|
7.7 Reporting of Violations
|
27
|
8 Definitions
|
28
|
8.1 1933 Act
|
28
|
8.2 1934 Act
|
28
|
8.3 1940 Act
|
28
|
8.4 Access Person
|
28
|
8.5 Adviser
|
28
|
8.6 Advisers Act
|
28
|
8.7 Associated Procedures
|
29
|
8.8 Automatic Investment Plan
|
29
|
8.9 Beneficial Ownership
|
29
|
8.10 Board
|
29
|
8.11 Code
|
29
|
8.12 Compliance Committee
|
29
|
8.13 Compliance Department
|
29
|
8.14 Control
|
29
|
8.15 Covered Security
|
30
|
8.16 Federal Securities Laws
|
30
|
8.17 Federated
|
30
|
8.18 Fund
|
30
|
8.19 Independent Director
|
31
|
8.20 Influence
|
31
|
8.21 Initial Public Offering
|
31
|
8.22 Investment Person; Investment Personnel
|
31
|
8.23 Private Placement
|
32
|
8.24 Purchase or Sale
|
32
|
8.25 Reportable Fund
|
32
|
8.26 SEC
|
32
|
8.27 Security
|
32
|
8.28 Supervised Person
|
32
|
8.29 Underwriter
|
32
|
8.30 Vendor
|
32
|
ADDENDUM
Access Persons Procedures A-1
Compliance Department Procedures B-1
CODE OF ETHICS FOR ACCESS PERSONS
Introduction
This Code sets forth standards of
conduct and professionalism that apply to all persons designated as Access Persons by the Compliance Department. This Code was
designed and established, and will be maintained and enforced, to protect Federated’s clients (or Funds) by deterring misconduct
and to guard against violations of the Federal Securities Laws. This Code reinforces the value that Federated places on ethical
conduct. Each Access Person must comply with this Code and uphold Federated’s ethical standards at all times. Each Access
Person also is responsible for ensuring that spouses, children and others residing in the same household do not violate applicable
provisions of this Code.
It is Federated’s policy that
business must be conducted in accordance with the highest fiduciary, legal and ethical standards. Federated’s reputation
for integrity is its most important asset and each Access Person must contribute to the care and preservation of that asset. This
reputation for integrity is the cornerstone of the public’s faith and trust in Federated; it is what provides Federated an
opportunity to serve investors, shareholders and other stakeholders. A single Access Person’s misconduct can damage Federated’s
hard-earned reputation.
This Code sets forth the fiduciary,
legal and ethical requirements and certain “best practices” that must be satisfied to comply with this Code. This Code
also establishes procedures that Access Persons must follow in order to comply with this Code.
Key terms are defined in Section 8
of this Code.
Access Persons
. Access Persons
are defined under Section 8.4 of this Code and include:
|
(a)
|
Designated employees of Federated, including those who work for any subsidiary that is an Adviser,
an Underwriter for funds and employees of certain other subsidiaries;
|
|
(b)
|
Independent Directors of a fund;
|
|
(c)
|
Designated officers of Federated funds or proprietary funds who are not employed by Federated.
(e.g., designated outside counsel who serve as secretary to one or more funds); and
|
|
(d)
|
All Investment Personnel
;
|
|
(e)
|
Any other individual designated by the Compliance Department. This may include a Federated employee
or a temporary hire, vendor, consultant, service provider or other third party employee.
|
Application to Access Persons
.
This Code applies only to those individuals specified above, designated as Access Persons under this Code. Please note that certain
requirements of this Code apply to Access Persons, while others may only apply to Investment Persons.
Application to Household Members
.
As noted above, each Access Person also is responsible for assuring that spouses, children or any others residing in the same household
do not violate the provisions of this Code that are applicable to the Access Person (even if certain provisions of this Code do
not specifically reference household members). See the definitions of “Access Person” and “Investment Personnel”
in Section 8 of this Code for further information.
This Code also applies to accounts
or holdings for persons outside the household, over which the Access Person has investment discretion, influence or control.
Questions
. All Access Persons
are obligated to read the requirements of this Code carefully. If you have any questions regarding how this Code applies to any
conduct or practice, please contact the Compliance Department. When in doubt, an Access Person should ask before taking any action.
Compliance with Other Requirements
Still Required
. This Code supersedes prior versions of this Code. This Code does not supersede, or relieve an Access Person
from complying with applicable laws or with other Federated standards and corporate and departmental policies or procedures which
can be found on Federated’s internal website. A violation of any of these policies or procedures by an Access Person may,
depending upon the circumstances, also constitute a violation of this Code.
Sanctions for Violations of this
Code. Federated intends to enforce the provisions of this Code vigorously. A violation of this Code may subject an Access Person
to sanctions as set forth in Section 7 below, and possible civil and criminal liability.
Adoption
. Pursuant to Rule
17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act (as applicable), this Code has been adopted on behalf of each investment
company that is served by the Board of Directors of the Federated funds, Federated’s Advisers and Federated’s Underwriters.
The following general principles
govern all conduct of Access Persons, whether or not the conduct also is covered by more specific standards or procedures set forth
below.
Each Access Person must:
|
(i)
|
place the Funds’ interests ahead of his or her personal interests;
|
|
(ii)
|
disclose and, where possible, avoid conflicts of interest (actual or potential) and the appearance
of any conflict with the Funds or any other party;
|
|
(iii)
|
conduct his or her personal transactions in a manner, which is consistent with this Code and which
does not interfere with Fund portfolio transactions or otherwise take unfair or inappropriate advantage of his or her position
or relationship to a Fund or any other party;
|
|
(iv)
|
not show inappropriate favoritism of one Fund over another Fund in a manner that would constitute
a breach of fiduciary duty;
|
|
(v)
|
not accept or offer inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations or other
things of material value that could influence decision-making by either Federated, an Adviser, a Fund or any other party;
|
|
(vi)
|
safeguard material nonpublic Fund information and control its dissemination in a manner consistent
with Federated’s policies and applicable legal requirements; and
|
|
(vii)
|
otherwise act in good faith, in an open, honest, non-misleading, professional and unbiased manner,
with integrity, and in a manner that instills trust and confidence and promotes independence in the investment decision-making
process, in each aspect of the Access Person’s professional activities and business (including, without limitation, in all
disclosures, advertisements and other communications, and dealings, with Funds, shareholders and accountholders).
|
For example, an Access Person’s
failure to recommend or purchase a Covered Security for the Fund in order to purchase the Covered Security for the Access Person’s
personal benefit may be considered a violation of this Code.
In addition to complying with
the above fiduciary principles, each Access Person must comply with State and Federal securities laws, rules and regulations. If
you have questions concerning complying with applicable law, contact the Compliance Department or Federated’s General Counsel.
Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Code, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein prevents reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to
any governmental agency or entity, or making other disclosures, protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or
regulation.
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1.2
|
Compliance with this Code is a Condition of Employment
|
Every Access Person must adhere
to the general principles set forth in Section 1.1 above, and comply with the specific provisions and Associated Procedures of
this Code and the spirit of those provisions. Literal compliance with specific provisions will not be sufficient where the transactions
undertaken by an Access Person show a pattern of abuse of the Access Person’s fiduciary duty or of violation of applicable
legal requirements.
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1.3
|
Personal Responsibility
|
It is the responsibility of each
Access Person to take all steps necessary before executing a personal trade, or taking other action, to verify that the trade or
other action is in compliance with the provisions and intent of this Code.
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1.4
|
Perceived Ambiguity shall not Excuse Violations
|
Any Access Person who believes
a particular provision of this Code is ambiguous is required to contact the Compliance Department for a determination prior to
executing a transaction or taking other action subject to that provision.
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1.5
|
Preclearance does not Protect Wrongdoing
|
Receipt of express prior preclearance
approval does not exempt you from the prohibitions outlined in this Code.
The Reporting Requirements in
Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 of this Code apply to Access Persons and their household members (generally including members of the
immediate family sharing the same household, e.g., a spouse and unemancipated children) and certain partnerships, trusts, corporations
or other similar arrangements. Access Persons should contact the Chief Compliance Officer for further clarification if they have
questions regarding the application of this Code.
Every Access Person must report
(1) all Covered Securities in which the Access Person or members of his or her household have direct or indirect investment discretion,
influence or control (either for the benefit of the Access Person or for any other party), (2) all transactions in those Covered
Securities, and (3) all accounts in which any Covered Securities are held. An Access Person is deemed to have influence or control
over a discretionary account as described in Section 4.2.
NOTE
: All information
provided by the Access Person must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is required to be submitted.
Failure to provide that information within the time specified (if it is not being provided directly to Compliance by the financial
institution or other party) shall be deemed a violation of the Code and SEC Rules.
Covered Securities transactions
of Access Persons will be reviewed for compliance with the provisions of this Code. A violation may result from either a single
transaction or multiple transactions if the Compliance Department determines that the transaction(s) did not comply with provisions
of this Code.
Information relating to the
holdings and personal trades of Access Persons will be shared with Senior Management of Federated from time to time for purposes
of reviewing Access Person trading patterns and practices.
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2.1
|
Initial Reporting Requirements
|
Within ten (10) calendar days
of becoming an Access Person, the Access Person is required to submit to the Compliance Department, a holdings report including:
|
(a)
|
The full security name and description (i.e., type), CUSIP, SEDOL or exchange ticker symbol, number
of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security held in any form, (e.g., brokerage/bank accounts, registered holdings,
physical certificates, etc.) in any location, in which the Access Person or household member had any direct or indirect investment
discretion, influence or control, including, without limitation, those shares of Federated funds included under this Code’s
definition of “Covered Security,”
|
|
(b)
|
All investment accounts with a financial institution or intermediary, including the name and address
of any broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution holding any Securities in which the Access Person or members of his
or her household have any direct or indirect investment discretion, influence or control, and the account numbers (this does not
include accounts held directly with Federated’s Transfer Agent or 401k Plan Administrator);
|
|
(c)
|
The date the Access Person submits the report.
|
The Compliance Department will
direct the broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution maintaining each account to provide duplicate confirmations of all
transactions and account statements directly to the attention of the Compliance Department, in a timely fashion. The Compliance
Department also will obtain reports on accounts held directly with Federated’s Transfer Agent or 401k Plan Administrator.
Each Access Person must assure that such information is received.
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2.2
|
Quarterly Reporting Requirements
|
By the date specified by the Compliance
Department (but in no event later than thirty (30) calendar days after the end of the calendar quarter) every Access Person must
review the information recorded by the Compliance Department relating to his or her personal accounts (discretionary and non-discretionary)
and all transactions in any Covered Securities, regardless of the form in which such securities are held, (e.g., brokerage/bank
accounts, registered holdings, physical certificates, etc.), and each Access Person must complete and submit to the Compliance
Department a quarterly Securities transaction report, using TradeComply where available, to:
|
(a)
|
Identify and confirm that all Covered Security transactions during the previous calendar quarter
in all accounts in which the Access Person or household members have a direct or indirect investment discretion, influence or control,
have been reported, including, without limitation, transactions in Federated funds included under this Code’s definition
of “Covered Security” that are held in accounts with a financial institution or intermediary (this does not include
accounts held directly with Federated’s Transfer Agent or 401k Plan Administrator);
|
|
(b)
|
Identify and confirm that all investment account information has been reported, including any new
investment account(s) established during the quarter with broker-dealers, banks or other financial institutions holding any Securities
in which the Access Person or members of his or her household have any direct or indirect investment discretion, influence or control,
along with the name and address of the intermediary, the date the account was established and account number;
|
|
(c)
|
Resolve any discrepancies identified with the Compliance Department; and
|
|
(d)
|
Record an electronic signature and date on TradeComply or other process approved by the Compliance
Department.
|
The information required in Section
2.2(a) above shall include at least the following information about each transaction involving a Covered Security in which the
Access Person or household member had, or as a result of a transaction acquired, any direct or indirect investment discretion,
influence or control: (1) the date of the transaction, (2) the full security name, description (i.e., type), CUSIP, SEDOL or exchange
ticker symbol, interest rate, maturity date, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security held, (3) the nature
of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition), (4) the price of the Security at which
the transaction was effected, and (5) the name of the broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution with or through which
the transaction was effected.
An Access Person need not submit
a quarterly Securities transactions report to the extent that the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade
confirmations or account statements delivered to Federated so long as trade confirmations or account statements are received by
the Compliance Department no later than 25 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.
|
2.3
|
Annual Reporting Requirements
|
On an annual basis and by the
date specified by the Compliance Department (but in no event later than thirty (30) calendar days after a request) from the Compliance
Department, every Access Person is required to provide a written acknowledgment (1) that he or she is subject to, has received
a copy of and read this Code, and (2) of his or her understanding of and compliance with this Code, its requirements and Associated
Procedures. At the same time, the Access Person must review a current list of Covered Securities held in the Access Person’s
account(s), as recorded by the Compliance Department, for accuracy, and complete and submit to the Compliance Department an annual
report using TradeComply to:
|
(a)
|
Identify and confirm all Covered Securities held in any form (e.g., brokerage/bank accounts, registered
holdings, physical certificates, etc.) in any location, in which the Access Person or household member had any direct or indirect
investment discretion, influence or control, including the full security name and description (i.e., type), CUSIP, SEDOL or exchange
ticker symbol, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security held, including, without limitation, those shares
of Federated funds included under this Code’s definition of “Covered Security,” that are held in accounts with
a financial institution or intermediary (this does not include accounts held directly with Federated’s Transfer Agent or
401k Plan Administrator);
|
|
(b)
|
Resolve any discrepancies with the Compliance Department, and
|
|
(c)
|
Record an electronic signature and date on TradeComply or other process approved by the Compliance
Department.
|
|
2.4
|
Independent Directors
|
Independent Directors must report
all holdings and transactions in shares of Federated funds included under this Code’s definition of “Covered Security”
that are held in accounts with a broker-dealer, bank or other financial institution or intermediary (this does not include accounts
held directly with Federated’s Transfer Agent or 401k Plan Administrator).
Except for holdings and transactions
involving Federated funds, an Independent Director (unless previously identified by the Compliance Department as being an Access
Person who cannot take advantage of this Section) is exempt from all other reporting requirements so long as, at the time of a
personal transaction in a Covered Security, such Independent Director neither knew nor, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his
or her official duties as a fund director, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the director’s
transaction that the Covered Security was purchased or sold by the Fund, or considered for Purchase or Sale.
Any Independent Director who is
identified by the Compliance Department as being an Access Person who cannot take advantage of this Section must comply with all
reporting requirements applicable to Access Persons set forth in this Code or its Associated Procedures.
|
2.5
|
Non-Federated Officers of Federated Funds or Proprietary Client Funds
|
|
(a)
|
Non-Federated personnel serving as officers of a fund who are specifically designated as Access
Persons subject to this provision shall be so notified by the Compliance Department and shall be deemed to be Access Persons.
|
|
(b)
|
Such specially designated Access Persons shall be subject to all provisions under this Code applicable
to Access Persons (as applicable), except that only the following provisions apply:
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Section 1 Responsibilities
Section 2 Reporting
Requirements
Section 4.1 Exempt
Securities
Section 4.2 Discretionary
Accounts
Section 5.1 General
Prohibitions
Section 5.2 Equity
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are Prohibited
Section 5.3 Private
Placements Require Prior Compliance Approval
Section 5.5 Minimum
Holding Period – Designated Federated Funds
Section 5.6 Prohibition
on Insider Trading
Section 5.7 Disclosure
or Misuse of Fund Information
Section 5.9 Prior
Knowledge
Section 5.11 Excessive
Trading and Market Timing
Section 5.13 Restrictions
on Investment Clubs
Section 5.14 Disclosure
of Personal Interests
Section 6 Prohibitions
on Giving/Receiving Gifts; Political and Charitable Contributions
Section 7 Review,
Reporting, Education and Sanctions
Section 8 Definitions
|
(c)
|
Each specially designated Access Person must notify the Compliance Department of any positions
held on the Board of Directors of any publicly held company and any “for-profit” private company. In the event that
the Access Person, thereafter, should be advised of an issue relating to any such company, the Access Person must recuse himself
or herself from any discussion or consideration of such issues.
|
|
(d)
|
Violations of this Code and/or suspicious trading activity shall be reported by the Compliance
Department to the Senior Manager of such Access Person. A report by the employer of the steps taken in response to the issues raised
shall be requested by the Compliance Department and reported to Federated management, and, in the case of a personal transaction
that conflicts with a mutual fund transaction, the fund’s Audit Committee and, ultimately, the fund’s Board of Directors.
|
|
2.6
|
Access Persons Acknowledgments of Receipt of Code of Ethics and Amendments
|
|
(a)
|
The Compliance Department shall provide each Access Person with a copy of this Code annually. The
Compliance Department also shall provide each Access Person with a copy of any amendment to this Code promptly after such amendments
are adopted (and, to the extent possible, prior to their effectiveness).
|
|
(b)
|
After receiving the copy of this Code or an amendment to this Code, each Access Person is required
to provide the Compliance Department, within the time period prescribed by the Compliance Department, a written or electronic acknowledgment
(1) that he or she has received and read this Code or such amendment, and (2) of his or her understanding of and compliance with
this Code or such amendment, its requirements and any Associated Procedures.
|
|
3
|
Preclearance Requirements
|
|
3.1
|
Preclearance of Trades
|
Unless subject to a preclearance
exception, all Access Persons must preclear every Purchase or Sale of a Covered Security in which the Access Person or member of
his or her household has any investment discretion, influence or control (including, without limitation, transactions in pension
or profit-sharing plans, Equity Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) (to the extent approved as satisfying the limited exceptions in
Sections 5.2(a) or (b) to the general prohibition), and Private Placements), in accordance with the Associated Procedures governing
preclearance.
|
(a)
|
All Private Placement securities must be precleared by contacting the Compliance Department;
|
|
(b)
|
All other Covered Securities must be precleared using TradeComply;
|
|
(c)
|
Access Persons without access to TradeComply must contact the Compliance Department for assistance
in preclearing transactions on their behalf.
|
|
3.2
|
Duration and Revocation
|
Preclearance approval remains
in effect until the end of the following business day. Preclearance approval may be revoked at any time upon notification of revocation
being provided by the Compliance Department. Any revocation shall not affect any transaction made prior to such revocation notice
being delivered during a time when the preclearance approval was effective.
|
3.3
|
Preclearance Does Not Protect Wrongdoing
|
Preclearance approval and the
receipt of express prior preclearance approval does not exempt an Access Person from the prohibitions outlined in this Code.
Preclearance requirements do not
apply to:
|
(a)
|
Shares of any registered open end investment companies, including, without limitation, Federated
funds included under this Code’s definition of “Covered Security” (note that this exception does not apply to
ETFs; all ETF transactions must be precleared);
|
|
(b)
|
Involuntary purchases or sales, including mandatory corporate actions (e.g. corporate mergers,
exchanges);
|
|
(c)
|
Automatic Investment Plans, including, without limitation, dividend reinvestment plans; or automatic
payroll deduction plan purchases that are either (a) made solely with the dividend proceeds, or (b) whereby an employee purchases
Securities issued by an employer;
|
|
(d)
|
Exercise of rights to purchase and any sales of such rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all
holders of a class of its Covered Securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer;
|
|
(e)
|
Exercise of rights to tender Securities when an offer is made on a pro rata basis to all holders
of a class of Covered Securities;
|
|
(f)
|
Gifts or charitable donations of a Covered Security;
|
|
(g)
|
Purchases or sales in discretionary accounts (as outlined in Section 4.2) and/or purchases or sales
in other accounts over which the Access Person or household member had or has no investment discretion, influence or control.
|
|
(h)
|
Purchases and sales of Covered Securities executed by an Independent Director.
|
NOTE
: Notwithstanding anything
in this Section to the contrary, Equity Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) (to the extent approved as satisfying the limited exceptions
in Sections 5.2(a) or (b) to the general prohibition) and Private Placements shall in no event be exempt from the preclearance
requirements.
|
3.5
|
Exception for Employee Stock Options of a Previous Employer
|
Subject to the conditions indicated,
an Access Person or Investment Person may exercise employee stock options for Securities of a previous employer, as follows:
|
(a)
|
Access Persons and Investment Persons who are not also Portfolio Managers, Traders or Research
Analysts may exercise employee stock options for Securities of a previous employer for cash or in a cashless exercise and hold
the stock thereafter without preclearance or restriction that would otherwise be imposed by concurrent fund transactions, but must
report the Securities when exercised.
|
|
(b)
|
Investment Persons who are Portfolio Managers, Traders or Research Analysts may exercise such an
employee stock option for cash or in a cashless exercise and hold the stock thereafter, without restriction that would otherwise
be imposed by concurrent fund transactions after requesting and receiving in writing a determination by the Compliance Department
that no material conflict of interest exists.
|
|
(c)
|
A cashless exercise of employee stock options of a previous employer may occur without regard to
the 60-day rule.
|
|
(d)
|
All such exception provisions for the exercise of employee stock options shall be conditioned on:
|
|
(i)
|
Access Persons and Investment Personnel who are not Portfolio Managers, Traders or Research Analysts
must notify the Compliance Department of the exercise of any employee stock options within five business days.
|
|
(ii)
|
Investment Personnel who are Portfolio Managers, Traders or Research Analysts must request a determination
in writing by the Compliance Department that no apparent material conflict of interest exists prior to the exercise of any employee
stock options and may not proceed with the exercise until such determination is received.
|
|
(iii)
|
Approval of any such exercise shall be conditioned on full disclosure to the Compliance Department
of all communications concerning that Security within Federated by the Access Person or Investment Person during the seven days
prior to the exercise of an employee stock option.
|
|
(iv)
|
Any apparent conflict of interest that is identified by the Compliance Department, before or after
an exercise of employer stock options shall be reported to the President of the Advisory Companies and the Chief Executive Officer
of Federated Investors, Inc., and investigated further for determination as to whether a violation has occurred.
|
|
3.6
|
Federated Stock and Options Trading
|
|
(a)
|
All Federated employees are prohibited from trading Federated stock during announced blackout periods.
|
|
(b)
|
All Federated employees are prohibited from short selling Federated stock.
|
|
(c)
|
All Federated employees are further prohibited from options trading on Federated stock or purchasing
Federated stock on margin without Compliance Committee approval.
|
Note
: Employees should
refer to the Federated Policy on Trading and Confidentiality for additional details.
|
3.7
|
Special Rules for Equity Transactions Based on Market Capitalization
|
|
(a)
|
To insure proper compliance with the Code and limit unintended preclearance mistakes, the Chief
Compliance Officer, in conjunction with the President of the Advisory Companies requires all Investment Personnel to preclear all
trades in equity securities of issuers having a market capitalization of less than $500 Million manually with the Compliance Department
and such requests will be monitored and compared to Fund holdings for any appearance of conflicts of interest.;
|
|
(b)
|
Investment Personnel with a proposed transaction in equity securities having a market capitalization
of less than $500 Million will be required submit to the Compliance Department a manual preclearance request inclusive of the proposed
transaction details along with confirmation that the total requested transaction in the issuer will result in 5% or less of the
Investment Person’s total current reported brokerage account exposure/ holdings. Compliance will review the submitted request
to ensure that the proposed transaction. will not result in the requesting individual’s aggregate ownership exceeding the
lesser of ½ of 1% of the outstanding securities of the issuer or $500,000. Additionally, the requested trade may not result
in the Investment Management team, as defined in the Investment Management Organizational Chart, owning 1% or more of the outstanding
securities of the issuer. Should an issue arise, the Compliance Department will review this information with the CIO - Global Equity
to identify any holdings that might require additional special preclearance requirements and may impose a blackout or holding period
of up to 90 days from the date of the last Fund trade in such security. These additional requirements will be communicated to and
discussed with each affected Investment Person as they are identified.
|
Unless otherwise specified within
this Code, purchases or sales of the following Securities are not subject to the Preclearance (Section 3) or Prohibitions and Restrictions
(Section 5) sections of this Code:
|
(a)
|
Direct obligations of the Government of the United States and U. S. Government Agencies;
|
|
(b)
|
Bankers’ acceptances;
|
|
(c)
|
Bank certificates of deposit;
|
|
(e)
|
High quality short-term debt instruments
[1]
,
including, without limitation, repurchase agreements; and
|
|
(f)
|
Shares of those registered open-end investment companies that are not included under this Code’s
definition of “Covered Security”.
|
NOTE
: Specified provisions
of this Code are applicable to investment in Federated funds included under this Code’s definition of “Covered Security”.
|
4.2
|
Discretionary Accounts
|
Discretionary accounts over which
the Access Person (or household member) has no investment discretion, but over which the Access Person retains control to designate
an investment manager, are not subject to preclearance requirements (Section 3), prohibition of short-term profits (Section 5.4)
or blackout periods caused by fund transactions (Section 5.8), but retain the prohibition on trading Federated stock (Section 3.6),
Equity Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) (Section 5.2), the limitations of Private Placements (Section 5.3), and the minimum holding
period for designated Federated Funds (Section 5.5) specified in this Code and are subject to all reporting requirements (Section
2).
It is the Access Person’s
responsibility to notify his or her broker or manager of these restrictions and limitations.
Access Persons establishing discretionary
accounts and the individuals accepting discretionary authority over such accounts are required to acknowledge, in writing, their
understanding and acceptance of the restrictions applicable to such accounts. Access Persons must provide information relating
to the investment objective and any restrictions placed on his or her (or household member’s) discretionary account(s) and
any changes made to those objectives or restrictions to the Compliance Department.
|
5
|
Prohibitions and Restrictions
|
Every Access Person is prohibited
from:
|
(a)
|
Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Fund;
|
|
(b)
|
Making any untrue statement of a material fact to the Fund or omitting to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made to the Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
|
|
(c)
|
Engaging in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or
deceit on the Fund; or
|
|
(d)
|
Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to the Fund.
|
Examples
: Causing the
Fund to purchase a Covered Security owned by the Access Person for the purpose of supporting or driving up the price of the Covered
Security, and causing the Fund to refrain from selling a Covered Security in an attempt to protect the value of the Access Person’s
investment, such as an outstanding option.
Without limiting the foregoing:
|
(i)
|
Each Access Person is prohibited from usurping investment or other business opportunities of a
Fund for personal benefit (or for the inappropriate benefit of Federated). Each Access Person owes a duty to the Funds to advance
the Funds’ legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises. This duty of loyalty is violated if an Access Person
personally profits (or allows Federated to inappropriately profit) from an investment or other business opportunity that rightfully
belongs to a Fund. This problem could arise, for example, if an Access Person becomes aware through the use of Federated or Fund
property, information or relationships of an investment opportunity (either a loan or equity transaction) in which the Fund is
or may be interested, and then participates in the transaction personally or informs others of the opportunity before offering
it to the Fund. An Access Person is prohibited from using Federated or Fund property, information or relationships for personal
gain (or for the inappropriate gain of Federated);
|
|
(ii)
|
Each Access Person is prohibited from taking inappropriate or unfair advantage of his or her relationship
with a Fund or a Vendor. Under this duty of fair dealing, no Access Person should take advantage of a Fund or a Vendor, or another
person or entity, through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any
other unfair dealing practice. All business conducted on behalf of Federated is to be done with integrity and high fiduciary, legal
and ethical business standards;
|
|
(iii)
|
Each Access Person is prohibited from misappropriating Federated or Fund assets; and
|
|
(iv)
|
Each Access Person is prohibited from taking any action to fraudulently influence, control, coerce,
manipulate or mislead any independent accountants engaged in the performance of an audit of Federated’s or a Fund’s
financial statements for the purpose of rendering such financial statements materially misleading.
|
(Any Access Person who is a director,
officer or employee of Federated should also refer to the “Corporate Opportunities,” “Fair Dealing,” “Protection
and Proper Use of Company Assets” and “Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits” requirements in Federated’s
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. If you have questions concerning the duty of loyalty, the duty of fair dealing, use of assets
or conduct of audits, contact the Compliance Department or Federated’s General Counsel.)
|
5.2
|
Equity Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are Prohibited
|
Access Persons may not directly
or indirectly acquire Beneficial Ownership or exercise investment discretion, influence or control in any equity Security in an
Initial Public Offering (IPO) without prior approval. Exceptions may be approved in the following instances:
|
(a)
|
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) relating to Securities of the employer of a spouse, when offered
to all employees at the spouse’s level, or the demutualization of insurance companies, banks or savings and loans, if the
Access Person owned a policy or held such a prior interest or relationship in or with the issuer, are allowed, and
|
|
(b)
|
Initial offering of diversified investment funds, including, without limitation, closed-end funds
and unit investment trusts (or “UITs”) are allowed.
|
All such exceptions require reporting
and preclearance approval in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2 and 3 above.
Initial public offerings in fixed
income securities are permitted, however no Access Person will be allowed to invest in a fixed income Security during a blackout
period caused by a Fund trade.
|
5.3
|
Private Placements Require Prior Compliance Approval
|
Access Persons may not directly
or indirectly acquire Beneficial Ownership or exercise investment discretion, influence or control in any Private Placement Security
without prior approval. Any such transaction requires reporting and preclearance approval directly from the Compliance Department.
No Access Person will be allowed to invest in a Private Placement Security in which a Fund has an investment or contemplates participation.
If an Investment Person receives
prior approval and acquires a Private Placement Security, the Investment Person must disclose this investment to the Chief Investment
Officer (or the Chief Investment Officer’s designee) before the Investment Person may participate in any subsequent consideration
of any potential investment by a Fund in the issuer of that Security.
Following a purchase by an Investment
Person in an approved personal transaction, any purchase by a Fund of Securities issued by the same company (other than secondary
market purchases of publicly traded Securities) will be subject to an independent review by the Compliance Department.
|
5.4
|
Prohibition of Short-Term Profits – 60 Day Rule – Individual Securities
|
As a general rule, personal Securities
transactions of Access Persons should be for long-term investment purposes and should not be initiated for short-term profits.
Profits realized on the sale of an individual Security held less than 60 days must be disgorged.
|
(a)
|
When a new purchase results in multiple lots of a Security held in personal portfolios, no lot
of the same Security may be sold within 60 days if sale of any lot of the Security would result in a gain.
|
|
(b)
|
Similarly, no Security may be purchased within 60 days of the sale of the same Security, unless
the Security is purchased at a price greater than the price of any sale of the Security within the prior 60 days.
|
Note: The short-term profit prohibition
also applies to derivative transactions in securities. Any transaction completed to liquidate a previously established derivative
position in a security (either through purchasing or selling the underlying security, assigning a derivative contract, covering
margin requirements, or taking an offsetting derivative position) within 60 calendar days of the original transaction date, that
results in a gain, would be a violation of the Code. Further, derivative transactions cannot have an expiration date of less than
60 calendar days at the point of purchase.
|
5.5
|
Minimum Holding Period – Designated Federated Funds
|
Any holding of a Federated fund
which, according to its prospectus has adopted Frequent Trading Policies and is subject to monitoring for Frequent Trading will
be subject to the following conditions:
|
(a)
|
The minimum required holding period for shares of Federated funds subject to monitoring for Frequent
Trading is 60 days, unless the particular fund has a redemption fee provision lasting for a longer period, in which case the minimum
holding period will be the same as the redemption fee period. Holding periods will be measured for fund transactions for this condition
on a “first in, first out” (FIFO) accounting basis.
|
|
(b)
|
In addition to the holding period specified above, shares of Federated funds that are subject to
monitoring for Frequent Trading are further subject to the limitations expressed within the prospectus regarding frequency of trading
that may be deemed excessive or disruptive, including but not limited to purchases and sales within 30 days or trading that is
deemed disruptive over periods longer than 30 days. Such frequent or disruptive trading may occur in the same account or more than
one account; that is to say that a purchase may be made in one account and a sale in another account and still be subject to these
provisions. Access persons making asset allocation adjustments (transfers between or re-balancing) to investments in Federated
funds that are subject to monitoring for Frequent Trading must observe these limitations and restrictions. A violation of the Frequent
Trading Policies of any Federated Fund will be treated as a violation of the Code and will be subject to sanctions imposed by the
Chief Compliance Officer.
|
|
(c)
|
Systematic purchases (periodic contributions or 401k deferrals) or systematic or periodic withdrawals,
that are part of a regular pattern, as determined by the Compliance Department, will generally not trigger a holding period violation.
Similarly, required income distributions by a trust, minimum required individual retirement account (IRA) distributions and 529
Plan distributions for education expenses will not generally trigger a holding period violation.
|
|
(d)
|
The Compliance Department shall be authorized to grant further exception from the required holding
period in cases of exceptional hardship that could not be reasonably foreseen by an Access Person.
|
|
5.6
|
Prohibition on Insider Trading
|
Use of material, non-public information
about any issuer of Securities by an Access Person is prohibited, regardless of whether such Securities are held by or have been
recommended for any Fund. “Material non-public information” relates not only to issuers, but also includes, without
limitation, an Adviser’s Securities recommendations and Fund Securities holdings and transactions. In limited instances,
awareness of material, non-public information relating to a specific Federated Fund, could subject certain Access Persons, as identified
by the Compliance Department, to a blackout period during which those specified Access Person would be prohibited from buying or
selling shares of the Fund.
(See the Federated “Policy
on Trading and Confidentiality” for more information. Also, any Access Person who is a director, officer or employee of Federated
should also refer to the “Insider Trading” requirements in Federated’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. If
you have questions concerning insider trading issues, contact the Compliance Department or Federated’s General Counsel.)
|
5.7
|
Disclosure or Misuse of Fund Information
|
Selective disclosure to third
parties or misuse of any material, nonpublic Fund-related information by an access person is prohibited. No portfolio holdings
or any other material, nonpublic information regarding a Fund may be disclosed, unless the same data is posted on the public website
for other investors or is otherwise publicly available on a simultaneous basis. “Material” information is defined as
any Fund-related information that might be expected to impact an investor’s decision to buy, sell or hold a Fund or Security,
and may include, without limitation, holdings, trading strategies, pending transactions, performance or performance attribution,
duration, yields or other key statistics. Requests for public disclosure of previously undisclosed information or to release information
on a more frequent schedule must be approved by the President of the Advisory Companies and the Chief Compliance Officer.
The Purchase or Sale of Federated
fund shares based on material, nonpublic information about the fund’s portfolio is similarly prohibited.
(See the Federated “Fund
Information Disclosure Policy” for more information. Also, any Access Person who is a director, officer or employee of Federated
should also refer to the “Confidentiality” requirements in Federated’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. If
you have questions concerning disclosure or misuse of Fund information, contact the Compliance Department or Federated’s
General Counsel.
|
5.8
|
Blackout Periods – Fund Trades
|
Portfolio Managers and Research
Analysts identified as serving a Fund or group of Fund(s) are prohibited from purchasing or selling any Covered Security for which
there is an open “buy” or “sell” order or any Covered Security that has been purchased or sold by those
Fund(s) within fifteen (15) calendar days before or after the Fund purchases or sells that Security. Personal transactions that
occur before transactions in those Fund(s) will be prohibited if the aggregate related open “buy” or “sell”
orders and/or purchases or sells of that Covered Security by those Fund(s) are thereafter determined to have been of an amount
sufficient to trigger a blackout period. Transactions of those Funds in any amount will cause personal transactions to be prohibited
for fifteen days after the trades. This provision supersedes any prior preclearance.
Investment Personnel who are not
among the Portfolio Managers and Research Analysts identified as serving the Fund(s), as provided above, may not purchase or sell
a Covered Security within seven (7) calendar days after one or more Funds have open “buy” or “sell” orders
and/or purchases or sells in the same Covered Security in an amount sufficient to trigger a blackout period, subject to any prior
preclearance.
All other Access Persons may not
purchase or sell a Covered Security on any day during which one or more Funds have open “buy” or “sell”
orders and/or purchases or sells the same Covered Security in an amount sufficient to trigger a blackout period, subject to any
prior preclearance.
NOTE
: For purposes of administering
this Section, all MDT employees shall be considered Investment Personnel, but generally no MDT employees shall be considered portfolio
managers, traders or research analysts.
The Compliance Department shall
have discretion in determining the methodology by which blackout periods are calculated.
No Access Person may execute a
personal transaction, directly or indirectly, in any Covered Security and no prior preclearance will apply, when he or she knows,
or should have known, that the Covered Security is being:
|
(a)
|
Considered for Purchase or Sale by the Fund; or
|
|
(b)
|
Purchased or sold by the Fund.
|
|
5.10
|
Serving as a Director or Officer of Outside Organizations
|
This Section applies to Access
Persons, but not any household members of such Access Persons.
While serving the community is
a worthy objective, a director or officer of any organization has access to sensitive information and charts the course of that
entity. Federated must take safeguards to shield Federated and Access Persons (including, without limitation, Investment Personnel)
from even the appearance of impropriety. To that end:
|
(a)
|
All Access Persons are prohibited from serving as an officer or director of any other organization
unless written approval is first granted by the Compliance Committee. Approval of the Committee is not required in those situations
where the organization is not-for-profit and does not issue securities.
|
|
(b)
|
All Access Persons must notify the Chief Compliance Officer in writing (by completing the Non-Federated
Business or Board Activity request form) of any organization for which such Access Person serves in compliance with this Section:
(1) initially upon becoming an Access Person or, (2) before they accept and begin to serve as an officer or director, and/or (3)
upon resigning from any such position.
|
|
(c)
|
If approval to serve as an officer or director of an organization is granted, an Access Person
has an affirmative duty to (1) recuse himself or herself from participating in any deliberations inside Federated regarding such
organization, and (2) not share non-public information of such organization with any Federated personnel (including, without limitation,
any Investment Personnel).
|
|
(d)
|
The President of the Advisory Companies and all Investment Personnel reporting directly or indirectly
to him are further prohibited from serving as an officer or director of any publicly issued or privately held issuer of a Security
(whether “for profit,” “not for profit,” “charitable” or otherwise) that is or may become an
eligible investment for a Fund unless an exception is granted by the Compliance Committee pursuant to the following provisions:
|
|
(i)
|
In the case of charitable, eleemosynary, municipal or educational organizations only, if the organization
has no securities outstanding or if all Chief Investment Officers confirm in writing that the securities of the issuer either are
not qualified for investment by the funds or that adequate alternative investments are available, and the President of the Advisory
Companies approves, then the Compliance Committee may approve service as an officer or director by an Investment Person, subject
to semi-annual confirmation by the Chief Investment Officers and approval by the President of the Advisory Companies that these
conditions have not changed.
|
|
(ii)
|
In the instances specified in Paragraph d. (i) of this Section, above, the Compliance Department
shall maintain the organization on the Funds Restricted List. Inclusion on the Restricted List shall make any security of the issuer
an ineligible investment for the funds. The Compliance Department shall communicate the Restricted List to all Chief Investment
Officers and the President of the Advisory Companies quarterly.
|
|
(iii)
|
If an Investment Person, at the time of adoption of this amended provision of the Code or, in the
case of a new hire, at the time of his or her employment, is serving as an officer or of a charitable or eleemosynary organization
that has issued securities eligible for or owned by the funds, then the Investment Person shall recuse himself or herself from
all discussions concerning possible investment by the funds in such security and may request that his or her current term in such
role may be completed. The Compliance Committee may approve completion of terms under such circumstances if it deems the remaining
term reasonable. Approval to continue a current term will not permit the Investment Person to begin another term on the board.
|
|
(iv)
|
If a Security issued by a charitable or eleemosynary organization becomes an eligible investment
for a Fund while an Investment Person is serving as an officer or director, the Investment Person shall be subject to the same
terms as are provided in Paragraph (d)(iii) of this Section, above.
|
|
(v)
|
If a Security issued by any organization that is not a charitable or eleemosynary organization
becomes an eligible investment for a Fund after an Investment Person has begun serving as an officer or director, the Investment
Person must immediately resign from such role and recuse himself or herself from all matters relating to the organization.
|
|
(e)
|
If an Access Person serves as an officer or director of a non-public organization, and the organization
seeks to issue securities, such Access Person must, promptly after the company’s intention to issue securities becomes public,
take steps to notify the Chief Compliance Officer in writing. If an exception has not been reconfirmed under this Section or if
continued service would be prohibited under this Section, as of the time when the organization’s securities are first offered
to the public, then the Access Person must immediately resign from such board and recuse himself or herself from all board matters.
|
|
(f)
|
Nothing in this Section limits or restricts service on the Board of Federated, its subsidiaries,
Federated Funds, Proprietary Funds, or other funds administered by subsidiaries of Federated.
|
NOTE
: Any Access Person
who is a director, officer or employee of Federated should also refer to the “Corporate Boards” requirements in Federated’s
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
|
5.11
|
Excessive Trading and Market Timing
|
|
(a)
|
Access Persons are strongly discouraged from trading excessively. This applies to both individual
Securities and registered investment company Securities included under this Code’s definition of “Covered Security.”
The Chief Investment Officers, the President of the Advisory Companies and the Head of Trading will review the transaction volume
of Investment Personnel on a quarterly basis. The transaction volume of other Access Persons may be reviewed with other managers
periodically.
|
|
(b)
|
Access Persons are prohibited from market timing. This includes, without limitation, entering into
any agreement or arrangement to permit market timing by any fund, shareholder or accountholder or in any fund, or by any broker,
dealer, bank or other financial institution, person or entity. Frequent or short-term trading into and out of funds can have adverse
consequences for the funds, shareholders and accountholders who use the funds as long-term investment vehicles. Such trading in
significant amounts can disrupt the funds’ investment strategies (e.g., by requiring the funds to sell investments at inopportune
times or maintain excessive short-term or cash positions to support redemptions or cash flow needs), increase brokerage and administrative
costs and affect the timing and amount of taxable gains distributed by or in respect of the funds. Such trading may also seek to
profit by estimating changes in a fund’s net asset value in advance of the time as of which net asset value is calculated.
|
|
5.12
|
Independent Directors
|
Notwithstanding the other restrictions
or exemptions provided under this Code, Independent Directors (other than Independent Directors identified by the Compliance Department
as being Access Persons subject to additional provisions of this Code) and their household members are subject only to the following
Code restrictions:
Section 5.1 General
Prohibitions
Section 5.5 Minimum
Holding Period – Designated Federated Funds
Section 5.6 Prohibition
on Insider Trading
Section 5.7 Disclosure
or Misuse of Fund Information
Section 5.9 Prior
Knowledge
Section 5.11 Excessive
Trading and Market Timing
In order to monitor compliance
with the above referenced Code provisions, Section 2.4 further requires Independent Directors to disclose holdings and transactions
in certain Federated funds for themselves and their household members.
|
5.13
|
Restrictions on Investment Clubs
|
Investment Personnel who wish
to participate in an investment club must request Chief Investment Officer approval prior to joining in the club activity. Names
of other club members must be disclosed. The Chief Investment Officer shall notify the Compliance Department when such approval
is granted.
Access Persons will be deemed
to have investment discretion, influence or control in any trade by the club. All investment club activity by any Access Person
will require preclearance and must be reported by duplicate confirms and statements.
|
5.14
|
Disclosure of Personal Interests
|
All Access Persons (including,
without limitation, Investment Personnel) are prohibited from:
|
(a)
|
Recommending, implementing or considering any Securities transaction for a Fund, or
|
|
(b)
|
Negotiating any agreement or otherwise arranging for any relationship with any Vendor,
|
without having disclosed in writing
to the Chief Investment Officer (in the case of Investment Personnel) (or another person designated by the Chief Investment Officer)
(Chief Investment Officers shall disclose to the President of the Advisory Companies) or the Compliance Department (in the case
of all other Access Persons):
|
(i)
|
any material Beneficial Ownership, business or personal relationship, or other material interest,
that the Access Person has in an issuer or its affiliates, or in a Vendor, or
|
|
(ii)
|
other material conflict of interest that the Access Person has with an issuer or its affiliates
or with a Vendor.
|
If the Chief Investment Officer
(or other designated person) or Compliance Department determines that the disclosed interest is a material conflict of interest,
then the Access Person may not participate in (a) any decision-making process regarding the Securities of that issuer, or (b) any
negotiations or discussions with any Vendor.
In addition to the specific requirements
above, each Access Person has the responsibility to use his or her best judgment to assess objectively whether there might be even
the appearance of a conflict of interest or acting for reasons of personal gain (or the inappropriate gain of Federated to the
detriment of a Fund, an issuer or its affiliates or a Vendor). If you have questions regarding disclosure of personal interests
and conflicts of interest, contact the Compliance Department or Federated’s General Counsel).
NOTE
: Refer also to the
“Conflicts of Interest” and “Personal Financial Interests; Outside Business Interests” requirements in
Federated’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
|
6
|
Prohibitions on Giving/Receiving Gifts; Political and Charitable Contributions
|
Access Persons are in a position
of trust and must exercise great care to preserve their independence. As a general rule, no Access Person should ever receive,
solicit, make or offer an inappropriate payment or anything of value in exchange for a decision involving Federated’s, a
Fund’s or a Vendor’s business. Decisions must be made in an unbiased manner. Bribery, kickbacks and other improper
payments have no place in Federated’s business.
Without limiting the foregoing
general principles:
|
(a)
|
Every Access Person is prohibited from giving, either individually or in the aggregate with all
other Access Persons, or receiving any gift, favor, preferential treatment, valuable consideration, or other thing of more than
a de minimis value in any year to or from any Fund, or other person or entity, from, to or through whom Fund purchases or sells
Securities, or an issuer of Securities or its affiliates or a Vendor. For purposes of this Code, “de minimis value”
is equal to $100 in the aggregate in the US; £50 in the aggregate in the UK; and, €100 in the aggregate in Germany
or less. This prohibition does not apply to:
|
|
(i)
|
salaries, wages, fees or other compensation paid, or expenses paid or reimbursed, in the usual
scope of an Access Person’s employment responsibilities for the Access Person’s employer;
|
|
(ii)
|
meals, refreshments or entertainment of reasonable value in the course of a meeting or other occasion,
the purpose of which is to hold bona fide business discussions;
|
|
(iii)
|
advertising or promotional material of nominal value, such as pens, pencils, note pads, key chains,
calendars and similar items;
|
|
(iv)
|
the acceptance of gifts, meals, refreshments, or entertainment of reasonable value that are related
to commonly recognized events or occasions, such as a promotion, new job or recognized holiday; or
|
|
(v)
|
the acceptance of awards, from an employer to an employee, for recognition of service and accomplishment.
|
Note
: Access Persons must
be aware that in certain instances, gifts and/or various forms of entertainment may be subject to lower limitations or be prohibited
entirely to certain individuals, including government officials, and it remains the obligation of the Access Person to verify actual
limits or prohibitions with the Compliance Department, (which may further require discussion with the Legal Department) prior to
making a gift or engaging in such other activities. Such activities may be limited or prohibited by federal, state, local or foreign
laws.
Investment Personnel should also
refer to the Investment Management Gift and Entertainment Policy and Procedures.
|
(b)
|
Every Access Person is prohibited from (i) making political or charitable contributions solely
for the purpose of obtaining or retaining assets from, or advisory contracts or other business relationships with, federal, state,
local or foreign governments or governmental agencies, or political subdivisions of any of them, or charitable organizations; and
(ii) considering an Adviser’s or Federated’s current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in soliciting
political or charitable donations.
|
NOTE
: Any Access Person
who is a director, officer or employee of Federated should also refer to the “Payments and Gifts” requirements in Federated’s
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Any Access Persons who are subject to the Broker-Dealer Written Supervisory Policies and Procedures
also should consult those procedures for additional guidance on the receipt of gifts and gratuities. If you have questions regarding
the receipt of gifts or political and charitable contributions, contact the Compliance Department or Federated’s General
Counsel.
|
7
|
Review, Reporting, Education and Sanctions
|
|
7.1
|
Management Review of Investment Personnel’s Trading Activity
|
The President of the Advisory
Companies, the Chief Investment Officers, the Head of Trading and such additional managers as the President of the Advisory Companies
may designate will receive monthly reports of investment-related activity by Investment Personnel, such as preclearance requests,
executed transactions and any other activity. Personal investment data will be reviewed to determine whether the transactions conflict
with any Fund activity and whether the transactions appear appropriate and consistent with the position and responsibility of the
Investment Person.
|
7.2
|
Compliance Review of Reports and Trading Activity, and this Code of Ethics
|
Federated’s Compliance Department
will review all initial holdings reports, confirmations, quarterly transaction reports, annual holdings reports and other reports
and information required to be submitted under this Code to identify improper trading activity or patterns of trading, and to otherwise
seek to verify compliance with this Code. Without limiting the foregoing, the Compliance Department will review personal trading
activity and trading records to identify possible violations, including:
(a) Delay
in reporting individual investments or investment accounts;
(b) Failure
to report individual investments or investment accounts;
(c) Filing
false or incomplete reports;
(d) Failure
to preclear individual trades;
(e) Executing
trades that violate provisions of this Code; and
(f) Failure
to comply with the receipt of gifts provision.
In addition, the review may also
include (as applicable, and in the Compliance Department’s discretion): (i) a comparison of personal trading to applicable
restricted lists; (ii) an assessment of whether an Access Person is trading for his or her own account in the same Securities he
or she is trading for Funds (and, if so, whether the Funds are receiving terms as favorable as the Access Person takes for himself
or herself); (iii) an assessment of Access Person trading patterns for indications of abuse (including, without limitation, “market
timing”); (iv) an analysis of any substantial disparities between the quality of performance an Access Person receives for
his or her own account and that he or she receives for Funds; and (iv) an analysis of any substantial disparities between the percentage
of personal trades that are profitable and the percentage that are profitable when he or she places trades for Funds.
Federated’s Compliance Department
also will review this Code, and the implementation, effectiveness and enforcement of this Code, at least once annually or more
frequently in response to material changes in legal requirements or business practices, as contemplated by Federated’s written
compliance program.
|
7.3
|
Self-discovery and Reporting
|
|
(a)
|
Each Access Person is required to report violations or suspected violations by any party of this
Code promptly to the Compliance Department. If the person within the Compliance Department that receives the report is not the
Chief Compliance Officer, that person must report all violations reported to the Chief Compliance Officer.
|
|
(b)
|
Immediate disclosure by an Access Person to the Compliance Department of a self-discovered violation
and correction of that violation (including, without limitation, the immediate disgorging of any gain) will generally be treated
as a violation to be recorded, but not as a material violation, if the Access Person has not benefited by the transaction and the
Compliance Department determines that the violation was not intentional.
|
|
(c)
|
It is Federated’s policy that retaliation against Access Persons who report actual or suspected
violations of this Code is prohibited. Any actual or attempted retaliation will be treated as a separate violation of this Code,
which will be subject to sanction in accordance with Section 7.5 below (including, without limitation, termination).
|
NOTE
: Any Access Person
who is a director, officer or employee of Federated should also refer to the “Reporting of any Illegal or Unethical Behavior”
requirements in Federated’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. If you have questions concerning reporting violations, contact
the Compliance Department or Federated’s General Counsel.
From time to time the Compliance
Department will schedule training sessions or may otherwise distribute educational materials regarding this Code. Access Persons
are required to participate in all training sessions offered. Access Persons will be required to provide a written acknowledgment
that the Access Person received, read and understood the Code and its administration.
Upon determining that a violation
of this Code or its Associated Procedures has occurred, the Chief Compliance Officer may take such actions or impose such sanctions,
if any, as may be deemed appropriate, including, without limitation:
|
(a)
|
Issue a letter of censure;
|
|
(b)
|
Assess a fine, either nominal or substantial;
|
|
(c)
|
Require the unwinding of trades;
|
|
(d)
|
Require the disgorging of profits;
|
|
(e)
|
Disallow discretionary accounts or required preclearance of discretionary account trades;
|
|
(f)
|
Prohibit or place further restrictions on personal trading or other activities;
|
|
(g)
|
Recommend suspension;
|
|
(h)
|
Recommend a reassignment of duties or job functions; or
|
|
(i)
|
Recommend that the employment of the violator be terminated.
|
|
7.6
|
Factors for Consideration
|
Sanctions listed above may be
assessed individually or in combination. Prior violations of the Access Person and the degree of responsibility exercised by the
Access Person will be taken into consideration in the assessment of sanctions.
In instances where a member of
the Access Person’s household commits the violation, any sanction will be imposed on the Access Person.
If extraordinary or unforeseen
circumstances exist, an appeal may be directed to the Compliance Department. Appeals are solely within the discretion of the Chief
Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer shall further have full discretion and authority to make special provision under
and/or interpret or apply provisions of this Code.
|
7.7
|
Reporting of Violations
|
|
(a)
|
Violations of Investment Personnel and proposed sanctions will be reported to the responsible Chief
Investment Officer and/or Manager. Violations of other Access Persons, and proposed sanctions, will be reported to the responsible
Senior Manager. All violations and the proposed sanction will be reported to Senior Management and the Board of Directors of the
Federated Funds quarterly.
|
|
(b)
|
Any patterns or trends noted and any difficulties in administration of this Code shall be reported
to Senior Management and to the Board of Directors of the Federated Funds, at least annually.
|
The “1933 Act” means
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The “1934 Act” means
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The “1940 Act” means
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
“Access Person” means
any person who participates in or who: (i) in connection with his or her duties, obtains or could obtain any information concerning
recommendations on Covered Securities being made by the investment adviser to any Fund or (ii) any person who has access to nonpublic
information regarding any Fund’s Purchase or Sale of Securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings
of any Reportable Fund.
“Access Person” includes,
without limitation, a director, trustee, officer, managing general partner, general partner, or Investment Person of a Fund, of
the Underwriter, and of the Adviser and other persons designated by the Compliance Department, any trust over which an Access Person
is a trustee with investment discretion, influence or control, (either for the benefit of the Access Person or for any other party),
any closely-held entity (such as a partnership, limited liability company or corporation) and any account (including, without limitation,
any retirement, pension, deferred compensation or similar account) with respect to which the Access Person has investment discretion,
influence or control.
Activity (including, without limitation,
trading activity) by an Access Person’s household members will generally be attributed to the Access Person. (If emancipated
adult children or other independent parties also reside in the household, the Access Person must either declare that the Access
Person has no discretion, influence or control over the investment decisions of such other party or the Access Person must report
the party as an Access Person.)
“Adviser” means any
subsidiary of Federated registered as an investment adviser with the SEC.
“Advisers Act” means
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
|
8.7
|
Associated Procedures
|
“Associated Procedures”
means those procedures and/or statements that have been adopted by the Underwriter, the Adviser, a Fund or the Compliance Department,
and which are designed to supplement this Code and its provisions.
|
8.8
|
Automatic Investment Plan
|
“Automatic Investment Plan”
means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in
accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An “Automatic Investment Plan” includes, without limitation,
a dividend reimbursement plan.
“Beneficial Ownership”
will be attributed to an Access Person in all instances where the Access Person directly or indirectly (i) possesses the ability
to purchase or sell the Covered Securities (or the ability to direct the disposition of the Covered Securities); (ii) possesses
voting power (including the power to vote or to direct the voting) over such Covered Securities; or (iii) receives any benefits
substantially equivalent to those of ownership. It is the intent of Federated that “Beneficial Ownership” be interpreted
in the same manner as it would be under 17 C.F.R. § 240.16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a person has Beneficial Ownership
of a Security for purposes of Section 16 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The “Board” means,
with respect to a fund, the board of directors or trustees or any other group serving a similar function that has adopted this
Code on behalf of the fund.
“Code” means this
Code of Ethics and any Associated Procedures.
|
8.12
|
Compliance Committee
|
“Compliance Committee”
means the committee referenced under the Federated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, consisting of, among others, the Chief
Compliance Officer, the General Counsel, the Chief Audit Executive and the Chief Risk Officer.
|
8.13
|
Compliance Department
|
The “Compliance Department”
means the Chief Compliance Officer of Federated and those other individuals designated by him or her as responsible for implementing
this Code and the Associated Procedures.
“Control” has the
same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.
“Covered Security”
means any Security, or interest in a Security held in any form, not expressly excluded by provisions of this Code, including, without
limitation: equity and debt Securities; derivative Securities, including, without limitation, options on and warrants to purchase
equity or debt Securities; shares of closed-end investment companies; investments in unit investment trusts; and any related instruments
and Securities. “Covered Security” also means shares of any Reportable Funds and any 529 Plan or annuity employing
such funds, unless specifically excluded in the paragraph below. Also included are futures, swaps and other derivative contracts.
“Covered Security”
does not include: (1) direct obligations of the Government of the United States or U. S. Government Agencies (regardless of their
maturities); (2) bankers’ acceptances; bank certificates of deposit; commercial paper; high quality short-term debt instruments,
including repurchase agreements; (3) shares of 1940 Act registered investment companies that are designated as money market funds;
(4) shares issued by 1940 Act registered open-end investment companies (other than Reportable Funds) in a direct account with a
mutual fund, or 529 Plan or annuity offeror when that account may only hold registered open-end investment company Securities;
or (5) shares issued by unit investment trusts (or “UITs”) that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds,
none of which are Reportable Funds.
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8.16
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Federal Securities Laws
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“Federal Securities Laws”
means (a) the 1933 Act, (b) the 1934 Act, (c) the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, (d) the 1940 Act, (e) the Advisers Act, (f) Title
V of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, (g) any rules of the SEC promulgated under any of the statutes identified in (a) through (f) above,
(h) the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to registered mutual funds and investment advisers, and (i) any rules adopted under the
Bank Secrecy Act by the SEC or the Department of Treasury.
“Federated” means
Federated Investors, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries as the context may require.
“Fund” means (i) each
investment company registered under the 1940 Act (and any series or portfolios of such company) for which an Adviser serves as
an investment adviser (as defined in § 2(a)(20) of the 1940 Act or an Underwriter serves as a principal underwriter (as defined
in §§ 2(a)(29) and (40) of the 1940 Act) and (ii) any other investment account or portfolio over which an Adviser exercises
investment discretion (whether pursuant to a direct advisory agreement, through a managed account or “wrap fee” program,
or otherwise), and (iii) any investment adviser, broker, dealer, bank, or other financial institution to which Federated provides
non-discretionary investment advisory services.
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8.19
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Independent Director
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“Independent Director”
means a member of the Federated Funds’ Board who is not an “interested person” of the Fund within the meaning
of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
Influence means taking an action
that is reasonably expected to materially modify the independent investment decision-making of a person who controls or otherwise
has investment discretion with respect to an account (whether by imposing a restraint on such decision-making ability or directing
a decision).
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8.21
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Initial Public Offering
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“Initial Public Offering”
means an offering of Securities registered under the 1933 Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not
subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act.
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8.22
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Investment Person; Investment Personnel
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“Investment Person”
or “Investment Personnel” means (a) Access Persons with direct responsibility and authority to make investment decisions
affecting the Fund (such as portfolio managers and Chief Investment Officers) and individuals who provide information and advice
to such portfolio managers (such as Securities analysts); and (b) those who assist in executing investment decisions for the Fund
(such as traders) and their related staff members.
“Investment Person”
or “Investment Personnel” further means any trust over which an Investment Person is a trustee with investment discretion,
influence or control, (either for the benefit of the Investment Person or for any other party), any closely-held entity (such as
a partnership, limited liability company or corporation) in which an Investment Person holds a Controlling interest and with respect
to which he or she has investment influence or control, and any account (including, without limitation, any retirement, pension,
deferred compensation or similar account) with respect to which the Access Person has investment discretion, influence or control.
Investment Person is intended to include and includes persons deemed to be Supervised Persons pursuant to Rule 204A-1 under the
Investments Advisers Act of 1940, as further defined hereunder.
Activity (including, without limitation,
trading activity) by an Investment Person’s household members will generally be attributed to the Investment Person. (If
emancipated adult children or other independent parties also reside in the household, the Investment Person must either declare
that the Investment Person has no discretion, influence or control over the investment decisions of such other party or the Investment
Person must report the party as an Investment Person.)
“Private Placement”
(or “limited offering”) means an offering that is exempt from registration under the 1933 Act pursuant to Section 4(2)
or Section 4(6) of the 1933 Act or pursuant to rule 504, rule 505 or rule 506 under the 1933 Act.
“Purchase or Sale”
of a Security or Covered Security includes, among other things, the writing of an option, future or other derivative contract to
purchase or sell a Security or Covered Security.
“Reportable Fund”
means any 1940-Act registered open end investment company for which an Adviser serves as investment adviser as defined in Section
2(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, or any 1940-Act registered investment company whose investment adviser or principal underwriter Controls
an Adviser, is Controlled by an Adviser or is under common Control with an Adviser.
The “SEC” means the
Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States, and any successor thereto.
“Security” or “Securities”
means any security as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act or Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act.
“Supervised Person”
means directors, officers and partners of an Adviser (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions),
employees of an Adviser, and any other person who provides advice on behalf of an Adviser and is subject to the Adviser’s
supervision and control.
“Underwriter” means
any subsidiary of Federated registered as a broker/dealer with the SEC.
“Vendor” means any
borrower, lender, tenant, landlord, supplier, service provider (including, without limitation, a service provider to a mutual fund)
or other vendor of Federated (including, without limitation, any Adviser or any other affiliate), any managed account or “wrap
fee” program sponsor or turn key platform provider, or any other third party that has or is seeking a relationship with Federated
(including, without limitation, any Adviser or other affiliate).
Approved by:
/s/ John B. Fisher
Date: 10/08/15
President of the Advisory Companies
Approved by:
/s/ Stephen Van Meter
Date: 10/09/15
Compliance
Addendum
ACCESS PERSONS PROCEDURES
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1
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Preclearance Approval Using TradeComply
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(a)
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All Access Persons who wish to effect a personal Securities transaction, whether a purchase, sale,
or other disposition, must preclear the Covered Security in TradeComply prior to engaging in the transaction. Private Placement
securities must be precleared directly through the Compliance Department.
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(b)
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When trading options, the Access Person must preclear the option and the underlying Security before
entering into the option contract.
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(c)
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Based on established criteria, TradeComply determines whether the contemplated transaction should
be permitted. The primary criterion applied is whether the Covered Security is on the Federated Equity Restricted List or Open
Order lists, or whether the Covered Security was traded by any of the Federated advised Funds (fund trade information is updated
nightly in TradeComply).
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(d)
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Approval is either granted or denied immediately in TradeComply.
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(e)
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If approval is denied, the contemplated personal transaction in that Covered Security is prohibited
until prior approval is subsequently granted upon request in TradeComply.
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(f)
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If approval is granted, the Access Person is free to effect the personal transaction in that Covered
Security until the end of the next trading day only (subject to revocation as contemplated in Section 3.2 of this Code). In this
regard, open orders extending beyond the next trading day (good till cancel) must be resubmitted for approval in TradeComply to
comply with this Code.
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(g)
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All trade requests and their dispositions are maintained in TradeComply and reviewed by the Compliance
Department in conjunction with other information provided by Access Persons in accordance with this Code.
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(h)
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The Compliance Department reviews all potential violations identified by TradeComply after Fund
trades and personal trades have been compared and determines the appropriate action to be taken to resolve each identified violation.
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2
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Federated Funds Compliance Review
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Access Persons must provide
all relevant information concerning investments in Federated funds held in accounts with financial institutions or intermediaries
(banks, broker-dealers, etc.) to the Compliance Department in the same manner and subject to the same timing requirements as individual
Securities.
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3
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Non-U.S. Based Federated Access Persons
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(a)
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Access Persons who are not located in the U.S. must request preclearance approval from the Compliance
Department via email. Access Persons must provide specific trade details including the issuer name, anticipated date of transaction,
full name of Security (i.e., title), description (i.e., type), CUSIP or SEDOL number or exchange ticker symbol, number of shares
and principal amount, interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and the type of transaction (purchase or sale). The Compliance
Department requests preclearance for the transaction through TradeComply during normal business hours on the day the request is
received. The Compliance Department notifies the Access Person via email of the results of the preclearance request.
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If the trade request is approved,
the Access Person must execute the trade no later than the close of business on the business day following the date of the request
(subject to revocation as contemplated in Section 3.2 of this Code).
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4
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Non-Federated Access Persons
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(a)
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Transaction and holdings information of non-Federated officers of Federated and/or proprietary
funds shall be reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine whether any patterns of conflict are exhibited with any Funds for which
Federated has access to Fund transaction information, and
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(b)
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Data relating to the trades of all personnel designated as Access Persons of a Fund for which Federated
does not have access to Fund transaction information will be submitted to Compliance Department or other appropriate personnel
of the Fund’s adviser for review on a quarterly basis.
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COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES
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(a)
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Documentation of valid preclearance approval, including a statement that the Access Person was
not aware of any consideration of a Security by research analysts or Fund portfolio managers for a recommendation, an actual Fund
trade or an anticipated transaction, shall be conclusive for purposes of reviewing a personal transaction, unless additional facts
or a preponderance of circumstances suggest otherwise. This conclusive presumption does not apply to research analysts covering
or recommending a Covered Security involved in a Fund trade or portfolio managers of a Fund making a trade in that Security.
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(b)
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Before approving a preclearance request for a Private Placement, submitted by an Access Person,
the Compliance Department shall inquire of the appropriate portfolio manager(s) and head trader(s) as to whether an order is pending
or expected to be entered for the same Security. In cases where an Investment Person has submitted the request for preclearance,
the Compliance Department shall also notify the Chief Investment Officer to whom the Investment Person reports. The Compliance
Department will notify the Access Person as to whether or not the investment has been precleared.
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2
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Initial Reporting Process
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(a)
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A member of the Compliance Department meets with each new Access Person and reviews this Code,
the Insider Trading Policy and the procedures for preclearing personal Securities transactions through TradeComply.
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(b)
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The Access Person is required to complete the “Certification and Acknowledgment Form”
to acknowledge his/her understanding of this Code and return it to the designated Compliance Assistant within ten (10) calendar
days.
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(c)
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In addition, the Access Person is required to complete the “Personal Security Portfolio Forms”
which includes information detailed in Section 2.1 of the Code, and:
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NOTE
: Information provided
by the Access Person must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted. Failure to provide that
information within 10 calendar days is deemed a violation of the Code and SEC Rules.
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(d)
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Separate forms must be completed for the Access Person and all household members as defined in
Section 8.4 of this Code. The signed form(s) must be returned to the Compliance Department within ten (10) calendar days.
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(e)
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A member of the Compliance Department inputs current portfolio holdings information into TradeComply
as “initial” holdings.
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(f)
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The Compliance Department notifies each broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution that
duplicate confirmations and statements for the Access Person and household members, if applicable, must be sent to the Chief Compliance
Officer, effective immediately. The Compliance Department also will obtain reports on accounts held directly with Federated’s
Transfer Agent and 401k Plan Administrator.
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3
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Quarterly Reporting Process
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(a)
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On the first business day after each calendar quarter end, the Compliance Assistant sends an e-mail
to each Access Person giving step-by-step instructions on how to complete the quarterly reporting requirements using TradeComply.
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(b)
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By the date specified by the Compliance Department (but no later than thirty (30) calendar days
of the quarter end), the Access Person is required to:
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(i)
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review for accuracy all Covered Security transactions recorded during the previous calendar quarter
in all personal and household member accounts;
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(ii)
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review all open account information, including names of broker-dealers, banks and other financial
institutions, addresses and account numbers;
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(iii)
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notify the Compliance Department of any new accounts established with broker-dealers, banks or
other financial institutions during the quarter and the date the account was established;
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(iv)
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resolve any discrepancies with the Compliance Department;
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(v)
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record an electronic signature and date on TradeComply.
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Information provided by the Access
Person must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted. Failure to provide that information within
10 calendar days is deemed a violation of the Code and SEC Rules.
The information required shall
include the information detailed in Section 2.2 of the Code.
An Access Person need not submit
a quarterly Securities transactions report to the extent that the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade
confirmations or account statements delivered to Federated so long as such trade confirmations or account statements are received
by the Compliance Department by the date specified by the Compliance Department (but in no later than 25 days after the end of
the applicable calendar quarter).
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(c)
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Chief Compliance Officer Stephen Van Meter reviews potential violations of the Code by any Access
Person periodically during the calendar quarter.
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(d)
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The Compliance Department issues memos to each Access Person involved if any personal transactions
executed during the quarter appear to be violations of this Code.
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(e)
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Based on the facts and the Access Person’s response to the memo, the Chief Compliance Officer
may impose or recommend any of the sanctions identified in Section 7 of this Code.
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4
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Annual Reporting Process
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(a)
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At least annually, the Compliance Department requires that each Access Person read this Code and
certify and acknowledge his/her understanding of this Code and its requirements.
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(b)
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In addition to the quarterly reporting requirements, on an annual basis, the Compliance Department
requires each Access Person to confirm and certify that the records of all Covered Securities holdings in Trade Comply are complete
and accurate.
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This re-certification is required
to be completed by the date specified by the Compliance Department (but in no event later than thirty (30) calendar days after
a request) from the Compliance Department. The Compliance Department monitors compliance with this requirement through the electronic
signatures on TradeComply.
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5
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Reportable Funds Transactions
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On a quarterly basis, the Compliance
Department will request and review a report of Federated Fund Securities transactions by Access Persons and Investment Personnel
from both the Federated Transfer Agent and the 401k Plan Administrator and from other accounts reported by Access Persons and Investment
Personnel. After reviewing these transactions, the Compliance Department will discuss any issues identified with the Access Person
and management and take appropriate action, as provided by the Code.
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6
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Blackout Periods – Fund Trades
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A transaction in a Covered Security
by a Fund shall trigger a blackout period as specified above for Access Persons and Investment Persons, (other than the Portfolio
Managers, Traders and Research Analysts serving a Fund in which such purchase or sale occurs), only if the aggregate of open orders
and executed purchases and sales in the security within the Federated complex is equal to or exceeds a specified threshold on each
trading day. That threshold shall be defined by asset type, as follows:
Covered
Security
Threshold equal to or greater than
:
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Equity
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1% of the average daily volume measured over the preceding 20 trading days.
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Fixed
Income
Investment
Grade
Corporate
Obligation $250,000
State or
Foreign Obligation $250,000
Municipal
Obligation $250,000
High Yield
Corporate
Obligation $100,000
State or
Foreign Obligation $100,000
Municipal
Obligation $100,000
An open order or executed trade
in any equity Covered Security for which an average daily volume cannot be determined shall trigger a blackout period. Any trades
in any fixed income Covered Security not specified above shall trigger a blackout period.
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7
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Reporting to the Board of Directors
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(a)
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Each quarter, the Compliance Department will provide reports of any violations of this Code to
Senior Management and the Board of Directors of the Federated Funds. Any patterns or trends noted and any difficulties in administration
of this Code shall be reported to Senior Management and, to the Board Directors of the Federated Funds, at least annually.
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(b)
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The Compliance Department will also report any difficulties in administration of this Code and
any trends or patterns of personal Securities trading which are deemed by the Compliance Department to be violations of this Code.
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(c)
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The Compliance Department provides the Board with the job title of the Access Person; the type
of violation; the details of the transaction(s); and the types of sanctions imposed, if any.
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(d)
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At least annually, the Compliance Department shall certify that the Fund, investment adviser or
principal underwriter, as applicable, has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating this
Code.
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8
|
Record Keeping Requirements
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The Compliance Department maintains
the following books and records in TradeComply for a period equal to (a) no less than six (6) calendar years or (b) any longer
period that may be required under applicable law:
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(a)
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a copy of this Code (current and for the past five years)
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(b)
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a record of any violation of this Code and any action taken as a result of the violation;
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(c)
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a record of all written acknowledgments of access persons (current and for the past five years).
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(d)
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a record of each report made by an Access Person, including initial, quarterly and annual reporting
(and including any information on a broker trade confirmation or account statement that was submitted in lieu of such reports);
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(e)
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a record of all Access Persons (current and for the past five years);
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(f)
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a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the acquisition of
Securities by Access Persons in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) (to the extent approved as satisfying the limited exceptions in
Sections 5.2(a) or (b) to the general prohibition) or Private Placement;
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(g)
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a record of persons responsible for reviewing reports; and
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(h)
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a copy of any supporting documentation used in making decisions regarding action taken by the Compliance
Department with respect to personal Securities trading.
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Such records will be kept in
such locations, and for such periods, as required under the Advisers Act and the 1940 Act.
[1]
The SEC has interpreted "high quality short-term debt instruments" to mean any instrument having a maturity at issuance
of less than 366 days and which is rated in one of the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating
Organization, or which is unrated but is of comparable quality. Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel
and Codes of Ethics of Investment Companies and Their Investment Advisers and Principal Underwriters, Investment Company Act Release
No. 21341 (Sept. 8, 1995) [60 FR 47844 (Sept. 14, 1995)] (proposing amendments to rule 17j-1) at note 66.This definition is repeated
in the footnotes to the adopting and proposing releases for the Adviser's Code of Ethics requirement under Rule 204A-1.