United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-CSR
Certified Shareholder Report of Registered Management Investment Companies
811-21904
(Investment Company Act File Number)
Federated Hermes MDT Series
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(412) 288-1900
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)
Peter J. Germain, Esquire
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(Notices should be sent to the Agent for Service)
Date of Fiscal Year End: 2024-07-31
Date of Reporting Period: 2024-07-31
| Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders |
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class A Shares | $113 | 0.99% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 1000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of large-sized U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An underweight position in companies with negative analyst conviction and flat to worsening earnings to price ratio contributed
positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Industrials aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA and
Vistra Corp. and an underweight position in Tesla, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Poor stock selection among companies with a strong 1-year return, very high analyst conviction, and low structural earnings detracted
from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Financials detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Zscaler, Inc.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class A Shares with sales load | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | Russell 1000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $9,450 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,322 | $11,128 | $11,427 | $11,608 |
| 7/31/2016 | $9,948 | $11,623 | $11,380 | $12,113 |
| 7/31/2017 | $11,507 | $13,498 | $13,364 | $14,299 |
| 7/31/2018 | $14,658 | $15,711 | $16,073 | $17,566 |
| 7/31/2019 | $16,311 | $16,819 | $17,541 | $19,467 |
| 7/31/2020 | $20,700 | $18,657 | $21,565 | $25,275 |
| 7/31/2021 | $27,945 | $25,882 | $29,229 | $34,546 |
| 7/31/2022 | $25,450 | $23,979 | $23,887 | $30,426 |
| 7/31/2023 | $30,173 | $27,013 | $27,296 | $35,692 |
| 7/31/2024 | $38,998 | $32,705 | $33,673 | $45,306 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class A Shares with sales load | 22.12% | 17.71% | 14.58% |
| Class A Shares without sales load | 29.25% | 19.05% | 15.23% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | 23.31% | 13.95% | 12.92% |
| Russell 1000 Growth Index | 26.94% | 18.40% | 16.31% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,507,393,159 |
| Number of Investments | 101 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 58% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,997,886 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.7% |
| Materials | 1.0% |
| Industrials | 3.4% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.6% |
| Financials | 6.5% |
| Health Care | 8.6% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 12.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.8% |
| Information Technology | 47.4% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.75% to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R700
37329-A (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class C Shares | $199 | 1.74% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 1000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of large-sized U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An underweight position in companies with negative analyst conviction and flat to worsening earnings to price ratio contributed
positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Industrials aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA and
Vistra Corp. and an underweight position in Tesla, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Poor stock selection among companies with a strong 1-year return, very high analyst conviction, and low structural earnings detracted
from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Financials detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Zscaler, Inc.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class C Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | Russell 1000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,843 | $11,128 | $11,427 | $11,608 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,366 | $11,623 | $11,380 | $12,113 |
| 7/31/2017 | $11,903 | $13,498 | $13,364 | $14,299 |
| 7/31/2018 | $15,048 | $15,711 | $16,073 | $17,566 |
| 7/31/2019 | $16,623 | $16,819 | $17,541 | $19,467 |
| 7/31/2020 | $20,942 | $18,657 | $21,565 | $25,275 |
| 7/31/2021 | $28,064 | $25,882 | $29,229 | $34,546 |
| 7/31/2022 | $25,370 | $23,979 | $23,887 | $30,426 |
| 7/31/2023 | $30,079 | $27,013 | $27,296 | $35,692 |
| 7/31/2024 | $38,876 | $32,705 | $33,673 | $45,306 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class C Shares with sales load | 27.27% | 18.17% | 14.54% |
| Class C Shares without sales load | 28.27% | 18.17% | 14.54% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | 23.31% | 13.95% | 12.92% |
| Russell 1000 Growth Index | 26.94% | 18.40% | 16.31% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,507,393,159 |
| Number of Investments | 101 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 58% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,997,886 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.7% |
| Materials | 1.0% |
| Industrials | 3.4% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.6% |
| Financials | 6.5% |
| Health Care | 8.6% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 12.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.8% |
| Information Technology | 47.4% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.75% to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R809
37329-B (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Institutional Shares QILGX
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | $85 | 0.74% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 1000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of large-sized U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An underweight position in companies with negative analyst conviction and flat to worsening earnings to price ratio contributed
positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Industrials aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA and
Vistra Corp. and an underweight position in Tesla, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Poor stock selection among companies with a strong 1-year return, very high analyst conviction, and low structural earnings detracted
from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Financials detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Zscaler, Inc.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Institutional Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | Russell 1000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,955 | $11,128 | $11,427 | $11,608 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,583 | $11,623 | $11,380 | $12,113 |
| 7/31/2017 | $12,274 | $13,498 | $13,364 | $14,299 |
| 7/31/2018 | $15,668 | $15,711 | $16,073 | $17,566 |
| 7/31/2019 | $17,483 | $16,819 | $17,541 | $19,467 |
| 7/31/2020 | $22,242 | $18,657 | $21,565 | $25,275 |
| 7/31/2021 | $30,092 | $25,882 | $29,229 | $34,546 |
| 7/31/2022 | $27,477 | $23,979 | $23,887 | $30,426 |
| 7/31/2023 | $32,664 | $27,013 | $27,296 | $35,692 |
| 7/31/2024 | $42,312 | $32,705 | $33,673 | $45,306 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | 29.54% | 19.33% | 15.52% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | 23.31% | 13.95% | 12.92% |
| Russell 1000 Growth Index | 26.94% | 18.40% | 16.31% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,507,393,159 |
| Number of Investments | 101 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 58% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,997,886 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.7% |
| Materials | 1.0% |
| Industrials | 3.4% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.6% |
| Financials | 6.5% |
| Health Care | 8.6% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 12.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.8% |
| Information Technology | 47.4% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.75% to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R882
37329-C (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | $12Footnote Reference* | 0.71% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | Based on operations for the period from May 29, 2024 to July 31, 2024. Expenses for the full year would be higher. |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 1000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of large-sized U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An underweight position in companies with negative analyst conviction and flat to worsening earnings to price ratio contributed
positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Industrials aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA and
Vistra Corp. and an underweight position in Tesla, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Poor stock selection among companies with a strong 1-year return, very high analyst conviction, and low structural earnings detracted
from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Financials detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Zscaler, Inc.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class R6 Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | Russell 1000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,955 | $11,128 | $11,427 | $11,608 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,583 | $11,623 | $11,380 | $12,113 |
| 7/31/2017 | $12,274 | $13,498 | $13,364 | $14,299 |
| 7/31/2018 | $15,668 | $15,711 | $16,073 | $17,566 |
| 7/31/2019 | $17,483 | $16,819 | $17,541 | $19,467 |
| 7/31/2020 | $22,242 | $18,657 | $21,565 | $25,275 |
| 7/31/2021 | $30,092 | $25,882 | $29,229 | $34,546 |
| 7/31/2022 | $27,477 | $23,979 | $23,887 | $30,426 |
| 7/31/2023 | $32,664 | $27,013 | $27,296 | $35,692 |
| 7/31/2024 | $42,312 | $32,705 | $33,673 | $45,306 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
Class R6 SharesFootnote Referencea | 29.54% | 19.33% | 15.52% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Growth Funds Average | 23.31% | 13.95% | 12.92% |
| Russell 1000 Growth Index | 26.94% | 18.40% | 16.31% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Footnotea | The Fund's Class R6 Shares commenced operations on May 29, 2024. For the periods prior to the commencement of operations of the Fund's Class R6 Shares, the performance information shown is for the Fund's Institutional Shares. The performance of the Institutional Shares has not been adjusted to reflect the expenses of the Class R6 Shares, since the Class R6 Shares have a lower expense ratio than the Institutional Shares. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,507,393,159 |
| Number of Investments | 101 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 58% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,997,886 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.7% |
| Materials | 1.0% |
| Industrials | 3.4% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.6% |
| Financials | 6.5% |
| Health Care | 8.6% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 12.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.8% |
| Information Technology | 47.4% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.75% to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31425E101
37329-D (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class A Shares | $118 | 1.04% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 3000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the common stock of U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among companies with strong technical factors and neutral to high analyst conviction
contributed positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Utilities aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA, Vistra
Corp. and Dell Technologies, Inc. (Class C Shares).
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An underweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with negative analyst conviction and flat or improving earnings
to price ratios detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Fortinet.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class A Shares with sales load | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $9,451 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,216 | $11,128 | $10,863 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,154 | $11,623 | $11,045 |
| 7/31/2017 | $11,734 | $13,498 | $12,699 |
| 7/31/2018 | $14,172 | $15,711 | $14,558 |
| 7/31/2019 | $15,273 | $16,819 | $15,422 |
| 7/31/2020 | $16,754 | $18,657 | $16,566 |
| 7/31/2021 | $23,188 | $25,882 | $22,482 |
| 7/31/2022 | $22,040 | $23,979 | $21,008 |
| 7/31/2023 | $25,203 | $27,013 | $23,397 |
| 7/31/2024 | $31,842 | $32,705 | $27,948 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class A Shares with sales load | 19.40% | 14.53% | 12.28% |
| Class A Shares without sales load | 26.34% | 15.83% | 12.92% |
Russell 3000® Index | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average | 19.29% | 12.56% | 10.80% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,066,272,970 |
| Number of Investments | 176 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 71% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,344,724 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Real Estate | 1.5% |
| Utilities | 2.2% |
| Energy | 2.7% |
| Materials | 3.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Industrials | 8.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.0% |
| Communication Services | 9.1% |
| Health Care | 12.7% |
| Financials | 14.4% |
| Information Technology | 28.0% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R106
37309-A (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class C Shares | $204 | 1.81% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 3000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the common stock of U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among companies with strong technical factors and neutral to high analyst conviction
contributed positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Utilities aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA, Vistra
Corp. and Dell Technologies, Inc. (Class C Shares).
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An underweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with negative analyst conviction and flat or improving earnings
to price ratios detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Fortinet.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class C Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,731 | $11,128 | $10,863 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,577 | $11,623 | $11,045 |
| 7/31/2017 | $12,134 | $13,498 | $12,699 |
| 7/31/2018 | $14,550 | $15,711 | $14,558 |
| 7/31/2019 | $15,562 | $16,819 | $15,422 |
| 7/31/2020 | $16,940 | $18,657 | $16,566 |
| 7/31/2021 | $23,270 | $25,882 | $22,482 |
| 7/31/2022 | $21,952 | $23,979 | $21,008 |
| 7/31/2023 | $25,102 | $27,013 | $23,397 |
| 7/31/2024 | $31,714 | $32,705 | $27,948 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class C Shares with sales load | 24.38% | 14.95% | 12.23% |
| Class C Shares without sales load | 25.38% | 14.95% | 12.23% |
Russell 3000® Index | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average | 19.29% | 12.56% | 10.80% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,066,272,970 |
| Number of Investments | 176 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 71% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,344,724 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Real Estate | 1.5% |
| Utilities | 2.2% |
| Energy | 2.7% |
| Materials | 3.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Industrials | 8.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.0% |
| Communication Services | 9.1% |
| Health Care | 12.7% |
| Financials | 14.4% |
| Information Technology | 28.0% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R205
37309-B (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Institutional Shares QIACX
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | $84 | 0.74% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 3000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the common stock of U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among companies with strong technical factors and neutral to high analyst conviction
contributed positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Utilities aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA, Vistra
Corp. and Dell Technologies, Inc. (Class C Shares).
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An underweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with negative analyst conviction and flat or improving earnings
to price ratios detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Fortinet.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Institutional Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,845 | $11,128 | $10,863 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,807 | $11,623 | $11,045 |
| 7/31/2017 | $12,525 | $13,498 | $12,699 |
| 7/31/2018 | $15,175 | $15,711 | $14,558 |
| 7/31/2019 | $16,401 | $16,819 | $15,422 |
| 7/31/2020 | $18,042 | $18,657 | $16,566 |
| 7/31/2021 | $25,048 | $25,882 | $22,482 |
| 7/31/2022 | $23,879 | $23,979 | $21,008 |
| 7/31/2023 | $27,387 | $27,013 | $23,397 |
| 7/31/2024 | $34,707 | $32,705 | $27,948 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | 26.73% | 16.17% | 13.25% |
Russell 3000® Index | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average | 19.29% | 12.56% | 10.80% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,066,272,970 |
| Number of Investments | 176 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 71% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,344,724 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Real Estate | 1.5% |
| Utilities | 2.2% |
| Energy | 2.7% |
| Materials | 3.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Industrials | 8.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.0% |
| Communication Services | 9.1% |
| Health Care | 12.7% |
| Financials | 14.4% |
| Information Technology | 28.0% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R304
37309-C (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | $83 | 0.73% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 3000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the common stock of U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among companies with strong technical factors and neutral to high analyst conviction
contributed positively to Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Utilities aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Spotify Technology SA, Vistra
Corp. and Dell Technologies, Inc. (Class C Shares).
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An underweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with negative analyst conviction and flat or improving earnings
to price ratios detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in NVIDIA Corporation and overweight
positions in PepsiCo, Inc. and Fortinet.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class R6 Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,765 | $11,128 | $10,863 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,652 | $11,623 | $11,045 |
| 7/31/2017 | $12,335 | $13,498 | $12,699 |
| 7/31/2018 | $14,946 | $15,711 | $14,558 |
| 7/31/2019 | $16,154 | $16,819 | $15,422 |
| 7/31/2020 | $17,770 | $18,657 | $16,566 |
| 7/31/2021 | $24,671 | $25,882 | $22,482 |
| 7/31/2022 | $23,521 | $23,979 | $21,008 |
| 7/31/2023 | $26,985 | $27,013 | $23,397 |
| 7/31/2024 | $34,195 | $32,705 | $27,948 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | 26.72% | 16.18% | 13.08% |
Russell 3000® Index | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Morningstar Large Blend Funds Average | 19.29% | 12.56% | 10.80% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,066,272,970 |
| Number of Investments | 176 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 71% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $4,344,724 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Real Estate | 1.5% |
| Utilities | 2.2% |
| Energy | 2.7% |
| Materials | 3.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Industrials | 8.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.0% |
| Communication Services | 9.1% |
| Health Care | 12.7% |
| Financials | 14.4% |
| Information Technology | 28.0% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R718
37309-D (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class A Shares | $142 | 1.31% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to a 60%/40% blend of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital and income by investing in a combination of equity and fixed-income securities.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ Domestic equity security selection positively affected Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Utilities, Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services aided performance.
■ An overweight allocation to equities and underweight position in fixed income throughout the reporting period aided performance.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ The allocation to international equities detracted from Fund relative performance as these investments underperformed the
domestic equity market during the reporting period.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Information Technology, Materials and Health Care detracted from performance.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class A Shares with sales load | S&P 500 Index | Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $9,447 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,004 | $11,121 | $10,282 | $10,790 | $10,398 |
| 7/31/2016 | $9,966 | $11,745 | $10,893 | $11,437 | $10,583 |
| 7/31/2017 | $10,874 | $13,629 | $10,837 | $12,488 | $11,582 |
| 7/31/2018 | $12,170 | $15,843 | $10,750 | $13,641 | $12,378 |
| 7/31/2019 | $12,813 | $17,108 | $11,619 | $14,797 | $12,905 |
| 7/31/2020 | $13,976 | $19,153 | $12,795 | $16,549 | $13,608 |
| 7/31/2021 | $17,234 | $26,134 | $12,705 | $19,945 | $16,762 |
| 7/31/2022 | $16,018 | $24,921 | $11,547 | $18,717 | $15,464 |
| 7/31/2023 | $17,024 | $28,165 | $11,158 | $19,920 | $16,326 |
| 7/31/2024 | $19,808 | $34,403 | $11,727 | $22,939 | $18,352 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class A Shares with sales load | 9.93% | 7.88% | 7.07% |
| Class A Shares without sales load | 16.36% | 9.10% | 7.68% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 14.99% | 13.15% |
| Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 5.10% | 0.19% | 1.61% |
| 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | 15.16% | 9.16% | 8.66% |
| Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity | 12.37% | 7.20% | 6.28% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $227,569,976 |
| Number of Investments | 467 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 68% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $1,554,001 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Top Security Types (% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | 1.2% |
| Emerging Markets Core Fund | 1.9% |
| Cash Equivalents | 2.0% |
| Project and Trade Finance Core Fund | 2.1% |
| U.S. Treasury Securities | 2.5% |
| Asset-Backed Securities | 2.7% |
| International Equity Securities (including International Exchange-Traded Funds) | 7.5% |
| Mortgage Core Fund | 9.8% |
| Corporate Bonds | 11.0% |
| Domestic Equity Securities | 57.2% |
Top Sectors - Equity (% of Equity Securities)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.4% |
| Energy | 2.5% |
| Materials | 3.3% |
| Real Estate | 5.5% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.2% |
| Industrials | 8.3% |
| Communication Services | 8.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.7% |
| Health Care | 12.3% |
| Financials | 13.9% |
| Information Technology | 27.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R841
37326-A (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class C Shares | $224 | 2.08% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to a 60%/40% blend of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital and income by investing in a combination of equity and fixed-income securities.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ Domestic equity security selection positively affected Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Utilities, Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services aided performance.
■ An overweight allocation to equities and underweight position in fixed income throughout the reporting period aided performance.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ The allocation to international equities detracted from Fund relative performance as these investments underperformed the
domestic equity market during the reporting period.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Information Technology, Materials and Health Care detracted from performance.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class C Shares | S&P 500 Index | Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,512 | $11,121 | $10,282 | $10,790 | $10,398 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,397 | $11,745 | $10,893 | $11,437 | $10,583 |
| 7/31/2017 | $11,253 | $13,629 | $10,837 | $12,488 | $11,582 |
| 7/31/2018 | $12,500 | $15,843 | $10,750 | $13,641 | $12,378 |
| 7/31/2019 | $13,068 | $17,108 | $11,619 | $14,797 | $12,905 |
| 7/31/2020 | $14,146 | $19,153 | $12,795 | $16,549 | $13,608 |
| 7/31/2021 | $17,311 | $26,134 | $12,705 | $19,945 | $16,762 |
| 7/31/2022 | $15,968 | $24,921 | $11,547 | $18,717 | $15,464 |
| 7/31/2023 | $16,970 | $28,165 | $11,158 | $19,920 | $16,326 |
| 7/31/2024 | $19,746 | $34,403 | $11,727 | $22,939 | $18,352 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class C Shares with sales load | 14.46% | 8.27% | 7.04% |
| Class C Shares without sales load | 15.46% | 8.27% | 7.04% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 14.99% | 13.15% |
| Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 5.10% | 0.19% | 1.61% |
| 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | 15.16% | 9.16% | 8.66% |
| Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity | 12.37% | 7.20% | 6.28% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $227,569,976 |
| Number of Investments | 467 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 68% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $1,554,001 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Top Security Types (% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | 1.2% |
| Emerging Markets Core Fund | 1.9% |
| Cash Equivalents | 2.0% |
| Project and Trade Finance Core Fund | 2.1% |
| U.S. Treasury Securities | 2.5% |
| Asset-Backed Securities | 2.7% |
| International Equity Securities (including International Exchange-Traded Funds) | 7.5% |
| Mortgage Core Fund | 9.8% |
| Corporate Bonds | 11.0% |
| Domestic Equity Securities | 57.2% |
Top Sectors - Equity (% of Equity Securities)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.4% |
| Energy | 2.5% |
| Materials | 3.3% |
| Real Estate | 5.5% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.2% |
| Industrials | 8.3% |
| Communication Services | 8.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.7% |
| Health Care | 12.3% |
| Financials | 13.9% |
| Information Technology | 27.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R833
37326-B (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Institutional Shares QIBGX
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | $115 | 1.06% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to a 60%/40% blend of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital and income by investing in a combination of equity and fixed-income securities.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ Domestic equity security selection positively affected Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Utilities, Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services aided performance.
■ An overweight allocation to equities and underweight position in fixed income throughout the reporting period aided performance.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ The allocation to international equities detracted from Fund relative performance as these investments underperformed the
domestic equity market during the reporting period.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Information Technology, Materials and Health Care detracted from performance.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Institutional Shares | S&P 500 Index | Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,613 | $11,121 | $10,282 | $10,790 | $10,398 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,606 | $11,745 | $10,893 | $11,437 | $10,583 |
| 7/31/2017 | $11,598 | $13,629 | $10,837 | $12,488 | $11,582 |
| 7/31/2018 | $13,008 | $15,843 | $10,750 | $13,641 | $12,378 |
| 7/31/2019 | $13,738 | $17,108 | $11,619 | $14,797 | $12,905 |
| 7/31/2020 | $15,020 | $19,153 | $12,795 | $16,549 | $13,608 |
| 7/31/2021 | $18,563 | $26,134 | $12,705 | $19,945 | $16,762 |
| 7/31/2022 | $17,297 | $24,921 | $11,547 | $18,717 | $15,464 |
| 7/31/2023 | $18,433 | $28,165 | $11,158 | $19,920 | $16,326 |
| 7/31/2024 | $21,497 | $34,403 | $11,727 | $22,939 | $18,352 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | 16.62% | 9.37% | 7.95% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 14.99% | 13.15% |
| Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 5.10% | 0.19% | 1.61% |
| 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | 15.16% | 9.16% | 8.66% |
| Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity | 12.37% | 7.20% | 6.28% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $227,569,976 |
| Number of Investments | 467 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 68% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $1,554,001 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Top Security Types (% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | 1.2% |
| Emerging Markets Core Fund | 1.9% |
| Cash Equivalents | 2.0% |
| Project and Trade Finance Core Fund | 2.1% |
| U.S. Treasury Securities | 2.5% |
| Asset-Backed Securities | 2.7% |
| International Equity Securities (including International Exchange-Traded Funds) | 7.5% |
| Mortgage Core Fund | 9.8% |
| Corporate Bonds | 11.0% |
| Domestic Equity Securities | 57.2% |
Top Sectors - Equity (% of Equity Securities)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.4% |
| Energy | 2.5% |
| Materials | 3.3% |
| Real Estate | 5.5% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.2% |
| Industrials | 8.3% |
| Communication Services | 8.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.7% |
| Health Care | 12.3% |
| Financials | 13.9% |
| Information Technology | 27.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R825
37326-C (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | $110 | 1.02% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to a 60%/40% blend of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes. The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital and income by investing in a combination of equity and fixed-income securities.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ Domestic equity security selection positively affected Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Utilities, Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services aided performance.
■ An overweight allocation to equities and underweight position in fixed income throughout the reporting period aided performance.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ The allocation to international equities detracted from Fund relative performance as these investments underperformed the
domestic equity market during the reporting period.
■ By sector, domestic equity security selection in Information Technology, Materials and Health Care detracted from performance.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Annual Shareholder Report
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class R6 Shares | S&P 500 Index | Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,561 | $11,121 | $10,282 | $10,790 | $10,398 |
| 7/31/2016 | $10,499 | $11,745 | $10,893 | $11,437 | $10,583 |
| 7/31/2017 | $11,478 | $13,629 | $10,837 | $12,488 | $11,582 |
| 7/31/2018 | $12,883 | $15,843 | $10,750 | $13,641 | $12,378 |
| 7/31/2019 | $13,592 | $17,108 | $11,619 | $14,797 | $12,905 |
| 7/31/2020 | $14,859 | $19,153 | $12,795 | $16,549 | $13,608 |
| 7/31/2021 | $18,380 | $26,134 | $12,705 | $19,945 | $16,762 |
| 7/31/2022 | $17,128 | $24,921 | $11,547 | $18,717 | $15,464 |
| 7/31/2023 | $18,256 | $28,165 | $11,158 | $19,920 | $16,326 |
| 7/31/2024 | $21,297 | $34,403 | $11,727 | $22,939 | $18,352 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | 16.66% | 9.40% | 7.85% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 14.99% | 13.15% |
| Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 5.10% | 0.19% | 1.61% |
| 60% S&P 500/ 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond | 15.16% | 9.16% | 8.66% |
| Morningstar Allocation Funds Average - 50%-70% Equity | 12.37% | 7.20% | 6.28% |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $227,569,976 |
| Number of Investments | 467 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 68% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $1,554,001 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Top Security Types (% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | 1.2% |
| Emerging Markets Core Fund | 1.9% |
| Cash Equivalents | 2.0% |
| Project and Trade Finance Core Fund | 2.1% |
| U.S. Treasury Securities | 2.5% |
| Asset-Backed Securities | 2.7% |
| International Equity Securities (including International Exchange-Traded Funds) | 7.5% |
| Mortgage Core Fund | 9.8% |
| Corporate Bonds | 11.0% |
| Domestic Equity Securities | 57.2% |
Top Sectors - Equity (% of Equity Securities)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.4% |
| Energy | 2.5% |
| Materials | 3.3% |
| Real Estate | 5.5% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.2% |
| Industrials | 8.3% |
| Communication Services | 8.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.7% |
| Health Care | 12.3% |
| Financials | 13.9% |
| Information Technology | 27.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R692
37326-D (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class A Shares | $124 | 1.13% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among younger companies with strong technical factors contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Industrials and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Abercrombie &
Fitch Co. (Class A), Jackson Financial Incorporation (Class A) and Murphy USA, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An overweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with a highly depressed historical return and no significant
financing needs detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology and Real Estate detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
overweight positions in Green Dot Corporation (Class A) and Redfin Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class A Shares with sales load | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Index | Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $9,448 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,414 | $11,128 | $11,203 | $10,772 |
| 7/31/2016 | $11,237 | $11,623 | $11,203 | $10,835 |
| 7/31/2017 | $14,043 | $13,498 | $13,270 | $12,570 |
| 7/31/2018 | $16,640 | $15,711 | $15,756 | $14,544 |
| 7/31/2019 | $15,360 | $16,819 | $15,060 | $13,818 |
| 7/31/2020 | $14,023 | $18,657 | $14,369 | $12,595 |
| 7/31/2021 | $21,648 | $25,882 | $21,836 | $19,162 |
| 7/31/2022 | $19,583 | $23,979 | $18,715 | $17,568 |
| 7/31/2023 | $20,803 | $27,013 | $20,195 | $18,921 |
| 7/31/2024 | $24,703 | $32,705 | $23,073 | $21,669 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class A Shares with sales load | 12.20% | 8.73% | 9.46% |
| Class A Shares without sales load | 18.75% | 9.97% | 10.09% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Index | 14.25% | 8.90% | 8.72% |
| Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average | 14.47% | 9.29% | 7.97% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,373,502,858 |
| Number of Investments | 302 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 85% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $8,597,351 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.0% |
| Communication Services | 3.1% |
| Consumer Staples | 3.5% |
| Materials | 4.6% |
| Real Estate | 5.0% |
| Energy | 5.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.5% |
| Information Technology | 12.8% |
| Industrials | 17.1% |
| Health Care | 17.3% |
| Financials | 18.6% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.80% to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R817
37328-A (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class C Shares | $216 | 1.98% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among younger companies with strong technical factors contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Industrials and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Abercrombie &
Fitch Co. (Class A), Jackson Financial Incorporation (Class A) and Murphy USA, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An overweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with a highly depressed historical return and no significant
financing needs detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology and Real Estate detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
overweight positions in Green Dot Corporation (Class A) and Redfin Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class C Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Index | Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $10,941 | $11,128 | $11,203 | $10,772 |
| 7/31/2016 | $11,720 | $11,623 | $11,203 | $10,835 |
| 7/31/2017 | $14,530 | $13,498 | $13,270 | $12,570 |
| 7/31/2018 | $17,087 | $15,711 | $15,756 | $14,544 |
| 7/31/2019 | $15,661 | $16,819 | $15,060 | $13,818 |
| 7/31/2020 | $14,197 | $18,657 | $14,369 | $12,595 |
| 7/31/2021 | $21,744 | $25,882 | $21,836 | $19,162 |
| 7/31/2022 | $19,504 | $23,979 | $18,715 | $17,568 |
| 7/31/2023 | $20,719 | $27,013 | $20,195 | $18,921 |
| 7/31/2024 | $24,603 | $32,705 | $23,073 | $21,669 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class C Shares with sales load | 16.73% | 9.09% | 9.42% |
| Class C Shares without sales load | 17.73% | 9.09% | 9.42% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Index | 14.25% | 8.90% | 8.72% |
| Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average | 14.47% | 9.29% | 7.97% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,373,502,858 |
| Number of Investments | 302 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 85% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $8,597,351 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.0% |
| Communication Services | 3.1% |
| Consumer Staples | 3.5% |
| Materials | 4.6% |
| Real Estate | 5.0% |
| Energy | 5.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.5% |
| Information Technology | 12.8% |
| Industrials | 17.1% |
| Health Care | 17.3% |
| Financials | 18.6% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.80% to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R791
37328-B (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Institutional Shares QISCX
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | $96 | 0.88% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among younger companies with strong technical factors contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Industrials and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Abercrombie &
Fitch Co. (Class A), Jackson Financial Incorporation (Class A) and Murphy USA, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An overweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with a highly depressed historical return and no significant
financing needs detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology and Real Estate detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
overweight positions in Green Dot Corporation (Class A) and Redfin Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Institutional Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Index | Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $11,048 | $11,128 | $11,203 | $10,772 |
| 7/31/2016 | $11,958 | $11,623 | $11,203 | $10,835 |
| 7/31/2017 | $14,976 | $13,498 | $13,270 | $12,570 |
| 7/31/2018 | $17,789 | $15,711 | $15,756 | $14,544 |
| 7/31/2019 | $16,464 | $16,819 | $15,060 | $13,818 |
| 7/31/2020 | $15,072 | $18,657 | $14,369 | $12,595 |
| 7/31/2021 | $23,321 | $25,882 | $21,836 | $19,162 |
| 7/31/2022 | $21,149 | $23,979 | $18,715 | $17,568 |
| 7/31/2023 | $22,516 | $27,013 | $20,195 | $18,921 |
| 7/31/2024 | $26,814 | $32,705 | $23,073 | $21,669 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | 19.09% | 10.25% | 10.37% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Index | 14.25% | 8.90% | 8.72% |
| Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average | 14.47% | 9.29% | 7.97% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,373,502,858 |
| Number of Investments | 302 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 85% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $8,597,351 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.0% |
| Communication Services | 3.1% |
| Consumer Staples | 3.5% |
| Materials | 4.6% |
| Real Estate | 5.0% |
| Energy | 5.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.5% |
| Information Technology | 12.8% |
| Industrials | 17.1% |
| Health Care | 17.3% |
| Financials | 18.6% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.80% to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R783
37328-C (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | $95 | 0.87% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in and solid stock selection among younger companies with strong technical factors contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Industrials and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Abercrombie &
Fitch Co. (Class A), Jackson Financial Incorporation (Class A) and Murphy USA, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ An overweight position in and weak stock selection among companies with a highly depressed historical return and no significant
financing needs detracted from Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology and Real Estate detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were an underweight position in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
overweight positions in Green Dot Corporation (Class A) and Redfin Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class R6 Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Index | Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $11,009 | $11,128 | $11,203 | $10,772 |
| 7/31/2016 | $11,878 | $11,623 | $11,203 | $10,835 |
| 7/31/2017 | $14,876 | $13,498 | $13,270 | $12,570 |
| 7/31/2018 | $17,670 | $15,711 | $15,756 | $14,544 |
| 7/31/2019 | $16,354 | $16,819 | $15,060 | $13,818 |
| 7/31/2020 | $14,973 | $18,657 | $14,369 | $12,595 |
| 7/31/2021 | $23,178 | $25,882 | $21,836 | $19,162 |
| 7/31/2022 | $21,022 | $23,979 | $18,715 | $17,568 |
| 7/31/2023 | $22,383 | $27,013 | $20,195 | $18,921 |
| 7/31/2024 | $26,655 | $32,705 | $23,073 | $21,669 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | 19.09% | 10.26% | 10.30% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Index | 14.25% | 8.90% | 8.72% |
| Morningstar Small Blend Funds Average | 14.47% | 9.29% | 7.97% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,373,502,858 |
| Number of Investments | 302 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 85% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $8,597,351 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 2.0% |
| Communication Services | 3.1% |
| Consumer Staples | 3.5% |
| Materials | 4.6% |
| Real Estate | 5.0% |
| Energy | 5.8% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.5% |
| Information Technology | 12.8% |
| Industrials | 17.1% |
| Health Care | 17.3% |
| Financials | 18.6% |
The following is a summary of material changes made to the Fund during the reporting period. For more complete and current information, you may review the Fund’s disclosure documents on its webpage at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation or upon request at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or by contacting your financial advisor.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s annual investment advisory fee payable to its investment adviser is reduced from 0.80% to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R627
37328-D (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class A Shares | $120 | 1.13% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in companies with positive analyst conviction and favorable structural earnings contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Murphy USA, Inc.,
Wingstop, Inc., and EMCOR Group, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Negative stock selection among young companies with strong price trends and positive analyst conviction detracted from Fund
relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were underweight positions in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
MicroStrategy Incorporated (Class A) and an overweight to Sunpower Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class A Shares with sales load | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Growth Index | Morningstar Small Growth Funds |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $9,451 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $11,136 | $11,128 | $12,007 | $11,645 |
| 7/31/2016 | $11,392 | $11,623 | $11,371 | $11,034 |
| 7/31/2017 | $14,354 | $13,498 | $13,390 | $12,982 |
| 7/31/2018 | $17,726 | $15,711 | $16,458 | $15,950 |
| 7/31/2019 | $17,217 | $16,819 | $16,258 | $16,474 |
| 7/31/2020 | $17,660 | $18,657 | $17,233 | $17,894 |
| 7/31/2021 | $25,082 | $25,882 | $24,299 | $25,872 |
| 7/31/2022 | $20,453 | $23,979 | $18,666 | $20,027 |
| 7/31/2023 | $22,739 | $27,013 | $20,828 | $21,606 |
| 7/31/2024 | $25,594 | $32,705 | $23,493 | $24,089 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class A Shares with sales load | 6.38% | 7.03% | 9.85% |
| Class A Shares without sales load | 12.56% | 8.25% | 10.48% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 12.80% | 7.64% | 8.92% |
| Morningstar Small Growth Funds | 11.58% | 7.93% | 9.21% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $498,581,925 |
| Number of Investments | 252 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 90% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $3,048,922 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.3% |
| Real Estate | 1.6% |
| Communication Services | 2.9% |
| Energy | 3.4% |
| Materials | 3.7% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.1% |
| Financials | 7.5% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.3% |
| Information Technology | 19.8% |
| Industrials | 21.2% |
| Health Care | 25.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R775
37313-A (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class C Shares | $210 | 1.98% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in companies with positive analyst conviction and favorable structural earnings contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Murphy USA, Inc.,
Wingstop, Inc., and EMCOR Group, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Negative stock selection among young companies with strong price trends and positive analyst conviction detracted from Fund
relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were underweight positions in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
MicroStrategy Incorporated (Class A) and an overweight to Sunpower Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class C Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Growth Index | Morningstar Small Growth Funds |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $11,696 | $11,128 | $12,007 | $11,645 |
| 7/31/2016 | $11,872 | $11,623 | $11,371 | $11,034 |
| 7/31/2017 | $14,850 | $13,498 | $13,390 | $12,982 |
| 7/31/2018 | $18,197 | $15,711 | $16,458 | $15,950 |
| 7/31/2019 | $17,545 | $16,819 | $16,258 | $16,474 |
| 7/31/2020 | $17,864 | $18,657 | $17,233 | $17,894 |
| 7/31/2021 | $25,177 | $25,882 | $24,299 | $25,872 |
| 7/31/2022 | $20,358 | $23,979 | $18,666 | $20,027 |
| 7/31/2023 | $22,634 | $27,013 | $20,828 | $21,606 |
| 7/31/2024 | $25,475 | $32,705 | $23,493 | $24,089 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class C Shares with sales load | 10.62% | 7.39% | 9.80% |
| Class C Shares without sales load | 11.62% | 7.39% | 9.80% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 12.80% | 7.64% | 8.92% |
| Morningstar Small Growth Funds | 11.58% | 7.93% | 9.21% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $498,581,925 |
| Number of Investments | 252 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 90% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $3,048,922 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.3% |
| Real Estate | 1.6% |
| Communication Services | 2.9% |
| Energy | 3.4% |
| Materials | 3.7% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.1% |
| Financials | 7.5% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.3% |
| Information Technology | 19.8% |
| Industrials | 21.2% |
| Health Care | 25.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R767
37313-B (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Institutional Shares QISGX
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | $94 | 0.88% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in companies with positive analyst conviction and favorable structural earnings contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Murphy USA, Inc.,
Wingstop, Inc., and EMCOR Group, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Negative stock selection among young companies with strong price trends and positive analyst conviction detracted from Fund
relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were underweight positions in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
MicroStrategy Incorporated (Class A) and an overweight to Sunpower Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Institutional Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Growth Index | Morningstar Small Growth Funds |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $11,810 | $11,128 | $12,007 | $11,645 |
| 7/31/2016 | $12,112 | $11,623 | $11,371 | $11,034 |
| 7/31/2017 | $15,294 | $13,498 | $13,390 | $12,982 |
| 7/31/2018 | $18,941 | $15,711 | $16,458 | $15,950 |
| 7/31/2019 | $18,441 | $16,819 | $16,258 | $16,474 |
| 7/31/2020 | $18,963 | $18,657 | $17,233 | $17,894 |
| 7/31/2021 | $27,003 | $25,882 | $24,299 | $25,872 |
| 7/31/2022 | $22,065 | $23,979 | $18,666 | $20,027 |
| 7/31/2023 | $24,600 | $27,013 | $20,828 | $21,606 |
| 7/31/2024 | $27,760 | $32,705 | $23,493 | $24,089 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Institutional Shares | 12.85% | 8.52% | 10.75% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 12.80% | 7.64% | 8.92% |
| Morningstar Small Growth Funds | 11.58% | 7.93% | 9.21% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $498,581,925 |
| Number of Investments | 252 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 90% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $3,048,922 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.3% |
| Real Estate | 1.6% |
| Communication Services | 2.9% |
| Energy | 3.4% |
| Materials | 3.7% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.1% |
| Financials | 7.5% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.3% |
| Information Technology | 19.8% |
| Industrials | 21.2% |
| Health Care | 25.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R759
37313-C (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Annual Shareholder Report - July 31, 2024
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT Series
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the "Fund") for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-341-7400, Option 4, or your financial advisor.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | $93 | 0.87% |
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
The following discussion compares the performance of the Fund to the Russell 2000 Growth Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares to the returns of similar investments for the reporting period. See the Average Annual Total Returns table below for the returns of the Fund and related indexes, including the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 98% of investable U.S. equities by market capitalization. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stock of small U.S. companies.
Top Contributors to Performance
■ An overweight position in companies with positive analyst conviction and favorable structural earnings contributed positively to
Fund relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary aided performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that contributed positively to performance included overweight positions in Murphy USA, Inc.,
Wingstop, Inc., and EMCOR Group, Inc.
Top Detractors from Performance
■ Negative stock selection among young companies with strong price trends and positive analyst conviction detracted from Fund
relative performance.
■ By sector, stock selection in Information Technology detracted from performance.
■ Top individual Fund holdings that detracted from performance were underweight positions in Super Micro Computer, Inc. and
MicroStrategy Incorporated (Class A) and an overweight to Sunpower Corporation.
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Cumulative Performance: 7/31/2014 to 7/31/2024
Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment
| Class R6 Shares | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000 Growth Index | Morningstar Small Growth Funds |
|---|
| 7/31/2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 7/31/2015 | $11,790 | $11,128 | $12,007 | $11,645 |
| 7/31/2016 | $12,072 | $11,623 | $11,371 | $11,034 |
| 7/31/2017 | $15,244 | $13,498 | $13,390 | $12,982 |
| 7/31/2018 | $18,873 | $15,711 | $16,458 | $15,950 |
| 7/31/2019 | $18,381 | $16,819 | $16,258 | $16,474 |
| 7/31/2020 | $18,910 | $18,657 | $17,233 | $17,894 |
| 7/31/2021 | $26,923 | $25,882 | $24,299 | $25,872 |
| 7/31/2022 | $22,011 | $23,979 | $18,666 | $20,027 |
| 7/31/2023 | $24,541 | $27,013 | $20,828 | $21,606 |
| 7/31/2024 | $27,694 | $32,705 | $23,493 | $24,089 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| Fund/Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class R6 Shares | 12.85% | 8.54% | 10.72% |
Russell 3000® IndexFootnote Reference* | 21.07% | 14.22% | 12.58% |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 12.80% | 7.64% | 8.92% |
| Morningstar Small Growth Funds | 11.58% | 7.93% | 9.21% |
| Footnote | Description |
Footnote* | The Fund has designated the Russell 3000® Index as its new broad-based securities market index in accordance with the SEC’s revised definition for such an index. |
Visit www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation and click on the link to your fund and share class for more recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $498,581,925 |
| Number of Investments | 252 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 90% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $3,048,922 |
Annual Shareholder Report
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Top Sectors (% of Total Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Utilities | 0.3% |
| Real Estate | 1.6% |
| Communication Services | 2.9% |
| Energy | 3.4% |
| Materials | 3.7% |
| Consumer Staples | 4.1% |
| Financials | 7.5% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.3% |
| Information Technology | 19.8% |
| Industrials | 21.2% |
| Health Care | 25.1% |
Additional Information about the Fund
Additional information is available on the Fund’s website at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation, including its:
• prospectus • financial information • holdings • proxy voting information
CUSIP 31421R619
37313-D (09/24)
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
www.federatedhermes.com/us
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the “Section 406 Standards for Investment Companies - Ethical Standards for Principal Executive and Financial Officers”) that applies to the registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer; the registrant’s Principal Financial Officer also serves as the Principal Accounting Officer.
(c) There was no amendment to the registrant’s code of ethics described in Item 2(a) above during the period covered by the report.
(d) There was no waiver granted, either actual or implicit, from a provision to the registrant’s code of ethics described in Item 2(a) above during the period covered by the report.
(e) Not Applicable
(f)(3) The registrant hereby undertakes to provide any person, without charge, upon request, a copy of the code of ethics. To request a copy of the code of ethics, contact the registrant at 1-800-341-7400, and ask for a copy of the Section 406 Standards for Investment Companies - Ethical Standards for Principal Executive and Financial Officers.
| Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert |
The registrant’s Board has determined that each of the following members of the Board’s Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert,” and is “independent,” for purposes of this Item 3: Thomas M. O’Neill and John S. Walsh.
| Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
(a) Audit Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2024 – $165,433
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $155,705
| (b) | Audit-Related Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years: |
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $4,160
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2024 – Audit consent fee for N-1A filing.
Amount requiring approval of the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $0 and $0 respectively.
(c) Tax Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $0 and $0 respectively.
(d) All Other Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $31,302 and $67,725 respectively. Fiscal year ended 2024- Service fees for analysis of potential Passive Foreign Investment Company holdings. Fiscal year ended 2023- Service fees for analysis of potential Passive Foreign Investment Company holdings.
(e)(1) Audit Committee Policies regarding Pre-approval of Services.
The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor in order to assure that the provision of such services do not impair the auditor’s independence. The Audit Committee is required to pre-concur with independence conclusions made by the independent auditor regarding non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor to the Funds, the Funds Board of Directors, or any entity that is controlled directly or indirectly by the Funds. Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent auditor has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval(and pre-concurrence for non-audit services) by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
Certain services have the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The term of the general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee specifically provides for a different period. The Audit Committee will annually review the services that may be provided by the independent auditor without obtaining specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee and may grant general pre-approval for such services. The Audit Committee will revise the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based on subsequent determinations. The Audit Committee will not delegate to management its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditor.
The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval/pre-concurrence authority to its chairman (the “Chairman”) for services that do not exceed a specified dollar threshold. The Chairman or Chief Audit Executive will report any such pre-approval/pre-concurrence decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee will designate another member with such pre-approval/pre-concurrence authority when the Chairman is unavailable.
AUDIT SERVICES
The annual audit services engagement terms and fees will be subject to the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will approve, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees resulting from changes in audit scope, registered investment company (RIC) structure or other matters.
In addition to the annual audit services engagement specifically approved by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval for other audit services, which are those services that only the independent auditor reasonably can provide. The Audit Committee has pre-approved certain audit services; with limited exception, all other audit services must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
AUDIT-RELATED SERVICES
Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the RIC’s financial statements or that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee believes that the provision of audit-related services does not impair the independence of the auditor, and has pre-approved certain audit-related services; all other audit-related services must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
TAX SERVICES
The Audit Committee believes that the independent auditor can provide tax services to the RIC such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice without impairing the auditor’s independence. However, the Audit Committee will not permit the retention of the independent auditor in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent auditor, the purpose of which may be tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported in the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. The Audit Committee has pre-approved/pre-concurred certain tax services; with limited exception, all tax services involving large and complex transactions must be specifically pre-approved/pre-concurred by the Audit Committee.
ALL OTHER SERVICES
With respect to the provision of permissible services other than audit, review or attest services the pre-approval/pre-concurrence requirement is waived if:
| (1) | With respect to such services rendered to the Funds, the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the audit client to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; and, |
| (2) | With respect to such services rendered to the Fund’s investment adviser ( the “Adviser”)and any entity controlling, controlled by to under common control with the Adviser such as affiliated non-U.S. and U.S. funds not under the Audit Committee’s purview and which do not fall within a category of service which has been determined by the Audit Committee not to have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the RIC, the aggregate amount of all services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid to the RIC’s auditor by the RIC, its Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; and |
| (3) | Such services were not recognized by the issuer or RIC at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and |
| (4) | Such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Audit Committee who are members of the Board of Directors to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the Audit Committee. |
The Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval/pre-concurrence to those permissible non-audit services which qualify for pre-approval and which it believes are routine and recurring services, and would not impair the independence of the auditor.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) rules and relevant guidance should be consulted to determine the precise definitions of these services and applicability of exceptions to certain of the prohibitions.
PRE-APPROVAL FEE LEVELS
Pre-approval fee levels for all services to be provided by the independent auditor will be established annually by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding these levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
PROCEDURES
Requests or applications to provide services that require specific approval/concurrence by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by the Fund’s Principal Accounting Officer and/or the Chief Audit Executive of Federated Hermes, Inc., only after those individuals have determined that the request or application is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.
(e)(2) Percentage of services identified in items 4(b) through 4(d) that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X:
4(b)
Fiscal year ended 2024 – 0%
Fiscal year ended 2023 - 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant’s Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
4(c)
Fiscal year ended 2024 – 0%
Fiscal year ended 2023 – 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant’s Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
4(d)
Fiscal year ended 2024 – 0%
Fiscal year ended 2023 – 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant’s Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
| (g) | Non-Audit Fees billed to the registrant, the registrant’s Adviser, and certain entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser: |
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $196,477
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $237,698
| (h) | The registrant’s Audit Committee has considered that the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s Adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence. |
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants
Not Applicable
| Item 6. | Schedule of Investments |
(a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
(b) Not Applicable
| Item 7. | Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Companies |
Annual Financial Statements
and Additional Information
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT SeriesNot FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee
Portfolio of Investments
| | | |
| | | |
| | Communication Services—9.1% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Discretionary—9.0% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Marriott International, Inc., Class A | |
| | | |
| | O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A | |
| | Hain Celestial Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Weatherford International PLC | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Apollo Global Management, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | |
| | Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Corebridge Financial, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | |
| | Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A | |
| | | |
| | Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Prudential Financial, Inc. | |
| | Ryan Specialty Group Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Edwards Lifesciences Corp. | |
| | Elanco Animal Health, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | United Therapeutics Corp. | |
| | | |
| | Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | |
| | Atmus Filtration Technologies, Inc. | |
| | Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Lennox International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—28.0% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—continued | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Zoom Video Communications, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Constellation Energy Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $819,838,292) | |
| | | |
| | Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares, 5.24%3 (IDENTIFIED COST $30,641,175) | |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—100.6%
(IDENTIFIED COST $850,479,467)4 | |
| | OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET—(0.6)%5 | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Transactions with affiliated investment companies, which are funds managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| Federated Hermes
Government
Obligations Fund,
Premier Shares* | Federated Hermes
Institutional
Prime Value
Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares | Total of
Affiliated
Transactions |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Shares Held as of 7/31/2024 | | | |
| | | |
| All or a portion of the balance/activity for the fund relates to cash collateral received on securities lending transactions. |
| Non-income-producing security. |
| All or a portion of these securities are temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers. |
| |
| The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $852,479,468. |
| Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of total net assets at July 31, 2024.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). Also includes securities valued at amortized cost.
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
As of July 31, 2024, all investments of the Fund utilized Level 1 inputs in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value.
The following acronym(s) are used throughout this portfolio: | |
| |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class A Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class C Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Institutional Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class R6 Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesJuly 31, 2024
| |
Investment in securities, at value including $5,271,615 of securities loaned and $30,641,175 of investments in affiliated holdings* (identified cost $850,479,467, including $30,641,175 of identified cost in affiliated holdings) | |
| |
Income receivable from affiliated holdings | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
Receivable for shares sold | |
| |
| |
Payable for investments purchased | |
Payable for shares redeemed | |
| |
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending (Note 2) | |
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for administrative fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
Accrued expenses (Note 5) | |
| |
Net assets for 23,879,594 shares outstanding | |
| |
| |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | |
| |
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share: | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($196,786,891 ÷ 4,445,295 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
Offering price per share (100/94.50 of $44.27) | |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($52,239,622 ÷ 1,328,639 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share (99.00/100 of $39.32) | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($750,516,076 ÷ 16,591,640 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($66,730,381 ÷ 1,514,020 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of OperationsYear Ended July 31, 2024
| |
Dividends (including $606,764 received from affiliated holdings*) | |
| |
Net income on securities loaned (includes $473,913 earned from affiliated holdings related to cash collateral balances*) (Note 2) | |
| |
| |
Investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Administrative fee (Note 5) | |
| |
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
| |
| |
Portfolio accounting fees | |
Distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Waiver and Reimbursements: | |
Waiver/reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Reimbursement of other operating expenses (Notes 2 and 5) | |
TOTAL WAIVER AND REIMBURSEMENTS | |
| |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | |
Net realized gain on investments (including net realized gain of $1,128 on sales of investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (including net change in unrealized appreciation of $(1,148) on investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | |
Change in net assets resulting from operations | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
| | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | |
Proceeds from shares issued in connection with the tax-free transfer of assets from Stockyard Bank Focused Equity Common Trust Fund | | |
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Notes to Financial Statements
Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust consists of five portfolios. The financial statements included herein are only those of Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. The financial statements of the other portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held. Each portfolio pays its own expenses. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting, except on class-specific matters. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation.
At close of business on May 17, 2024, the Fund acquired all of the net assets of StockYard Focused Equity Common Trust Fund (“Stockyard”), a common trust fund, in a tax-free reorganization in exchange for shares of the Fund. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from Stockyard was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.
| Stockyard
Net Assets
Received | | Net Assets
of the Fund
Immediately
Prior to
Acquisition | Net Assets
of the Fund
Immediately
After
Acquisition |
| | | | |
| Unrealized Appreciation is included in the Net Assets Received amount shown above. |
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
In calculating its net asset value (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.
■
Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs, or NAV per share practical expedient, as applicable.
■
For securities that are fair valued in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”), certain factors may be considered, such as: the last traded or purchase price of the security, information obtained by contacting the issuer or dealers, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents, fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded, public trading in similar securities or derivative contracts of the issuer or comparable issuers, movement of a relevant index, or other factors including but not limited to industry changes and relevant government actions.
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 Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures for the Fund, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Adviser’s valuation committee (“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 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, and the actual value obtained could be materially different.
Fair Valuation and Significant Events Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act, the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) has designated the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to perform any fair value determinations for securities and other assets held by the Fund. The Adviser is subject to the Trustees’ oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to provide the Trustees the information needed to oversee the Adviser’s fair value determinations.
The Adviser, acting through its Valuation Committee, is responsible for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Valuation Committee is comprised of officers of the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s affiliated companies and determines fair value and oversees the calculation of the NAV. The Valuation Committee is also authorized to use pricing services to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. The Valuation Committee employs various methods for reviewing third-party pricing-service evaluations including periodic reviews of third-party pricing services’ policies, procedures and valuation methods (including key inputs, methods, models and assumptions), transactional back-testing, comparisons of evaluations of different pricing services, and review of price challenges by the Adviser based
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
on recent market activity. 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 Adviser. The Trustees periodically review the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee. The Trustees have also approved the Adviser’s fair valuation and significant events procedures as part of the Fund’s compliance program and will review any changes made to the procedures.
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. 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 ask 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. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the fair value of the investment is determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser.
The Adviser has also adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Valuation Committee 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;
■
Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations, litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer’s operations or regulatory changes or market developments affecting the issuer’s industry.
The Adviser has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to provide factors to update the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets from the time of the close of their respective foreign stock exchanges to the pricing time of the Fund. 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 in accordance with the fair valuation procedures approved by the Adviser. The Trustees periodically review fair valuations made in response to significant events.
Investment Income, Gains and Losses, Expenses and Distributions
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified-cost basis. Interest income and expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at fair value. Amortization/accretion of premium and discount is included in investment income. Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated to each class based on relative average daily net assets, except that select classes will bear certain expenses unique to those classes. The detail of the total fund expense waiver and reimbursements of $1,253,389 is disclosed in this Note 2 and Note 5. Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, transfer agent fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Transfer Agent
Fees Incurred | Transfer Agent
Fees Reimbursed |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
The Fund may pay other service fees up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC) for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSSC may voluntarily reimburse the Fund for other service fees.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
For the year ended July 31, 2024, other service fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Other Service
Fees Incurred |
| |
| |
| |
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Subchapter M provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is necessary. As of and during the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not have a liability for any uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of July 31, 2024, tax years 2021 through 2024 remain subject to examination by the Fund’s major tax jurisdictions, which include the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may engage in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions. The Fund records when-issued securities on the trade date and maintains security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.
The Fund participates in a securities lending program providing for the lending of equity securities to qualified brokers. The term of the loans within the program is one year or less. The Fund normally receives cash collateral for securities loaned that may be invested in affiliated money market funds, other money market instruments and/or repurchase agreements. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 100% of the market value of investments loaned, plus interest, if applicable. In accordance with the Fund’s securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Earnings from collateral invested in affiliated holdings as presented parenthetically on the Statement of Operations do not reflect fees and rebates and are allocated between the borrower of the security, the securities lending agent, as a fee for its services under the program and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. 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.
Securities lending transactions are subject to Master Netting Agreements which are agreements between the Fund and its counterparties that provide for the net settlement of all transactions and collateral with the Fund, through a single payment, in the event of default or termination. Amounts presented on the Portfolio of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities are not net settlement amounts but gross. As indicated below, the cash collateral received by the Fund exceeds the market value of the securities loaned reducing the net settlement amount to zero.
The chart below identifies the amount of collateral received as well as the market value of securities on loan. Additionally, the securities lending agreement executed by the Fund includes an indemnification clause. This clause stipulates that the borrower will reimburse the Fund for any losses as a result of any failure of the borrower to return equivalent securities to the Fund.
As of July 31, 2024, securities subject to this type of arrangement and related collateral were as follows:
Fair Value of
Securities Loaned | |
| |
The Fund may purchase securities which are considered restricted. Restricted securities are securities that either: (a) cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, or being able to take advantage of an exemption from registration, under the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) are subject to contractual restrictions on public sales. In some cases, when a security cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, the issuer of the restricted security has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many such restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Restricted securities may be determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Trustees. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resales. The Fund’s restricted securities, like other securities, are priced in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Adviser.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated. The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following tables summarize share activity:
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS A SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS C SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Proceeds from shares issued in connection with the tax-free transfer of assets from the Acquired Fund | | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM INSTITUTIONAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS R6 SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM TOTAL FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
The tax character of distributions as reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended July 31, 2024 and 2023, was as follows:
As of July 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | |
Net unrealized appreciation | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | |
| |
At July 31, 2024, the cost of investments for federal tax purposes was $852,479,468. The net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal tax purposes was $220,139,894. This consists of unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost of $231,498,915 and unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value of $11,359,021. The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation is attributable to differing treatments for the deferral of losses on wash sales.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
5. INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser provides for an annual fee equal to 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, the Adviser may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund for competitive reasons such as to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio, or as and when appropriate, to maintain positive or zero net yields. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser voluntarily waived $898,362 of its fee and voluntarily reimbursed $337,730 of transfer agent fees. The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for certain investment adviser fees as a result of transactions in other affiliated investment companies. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser reimbursed $17,297.
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), under the Administrative Services Agreement, provides the Fund with administrative personnel and services. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Hermes Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement. The fee paid to FAS is based on the average daily net assets of the Investment Complex as specified below:
| Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex |
| on assets up to $50 billion |
| on assets over $50 billion |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FAS may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the annualized fee paid to FAS was 0.078% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
In addition, FAS may charge certain out-of-pocket expenses to the Fund.
Distribution Services Fee
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund will compensate Federated Securities Corp. (FSC), the principal distributor, from the daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to finance activities intended to result in the sale of these shares. The Plan provides that the Fund may incur distribution expenses at the following percentages of average daily net assets annually, to compensate FSC:
| Percentage of Average Daily
Net Assets of Class |
| |
| |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSC may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, distribution services fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Distribution Services
Fees Incurred |
| |
When FSC receives fees, it may pay some or all of them to financial intermediaries whose customers purchase shares.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $87,472 of fees paid by the Fund. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund’s Class A Shares did not incur a distribution services fee; however, it may begin to incur this fee upon approval of the Trustees.
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. They are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $50,122 in sales charges from the sale of Class A Shares. FSC also retained $3,309 of CDSC relating to redemptions of Class C Shares.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSSC received $9,425 of the other service fees disclosed in Note 2.
The Adviser and certain of its affiliates (which may include FSSC, FAS and FSC) on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (as shown in the financial highlights, excluding interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses, if any) paid by the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 1.04%, 1.83%, 0.74% and 0.73% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) October 1, 2025; 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 Trustees.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Directors’/Trustees’ and Miscellaneous Fees
Certain Officers and Trustees of the Fund are Officers and Directors or Trustees of certain of the above companies. To efficiently facilitate payment, Independent Directors’/Trustees’ fees and certain expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses are paid by an affiliate of the Adviser which in due course are reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses may be included in Accrued and Miscellaneous Expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding long-term U.S. government securities and short-term obligations, for the year ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies that are deemed by the Fund’s management to be classified in similar business sectors. Economic developments may have an effect on the liquidity and volatility of the portfolio securities.
A substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of entities in the Information Technology sector. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect these entities.
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Hermes Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement dated June 18, 2024. The LOC was made available to temporarily finance 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 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 (a) the highest, on any day, of (i) the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the published secured overnight financing rate plus an assigned percentage, and (iii) 0.0%, plus (b) a margin. Any fund eligible to borrow under the LOC pays its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders’ commitment that has not been utilized, quarterly in arrears and at maturity. As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Hermes, Inc., may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating affiliated funds. As of July 31, 2024, there were no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the program was not utilized.
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors/Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund (other than liabilities arising out of their willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Fund). In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund provides certain indemnifications under arrangements with third parties. Typically, obligations to indemnify a third party arise in the context of an arrangement entered into by the Fund under which the Fund agrees to indemnify such third party for certain liabilities arising out of actions taken pursuant to the arrangement, provided the third party’s actions are not deemed to have breached an agreed-upon standard of care (such as willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the contract). The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet arisen. The Fund does not anticipate any material claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements at this time, and accordingly expects the risk of loss to be remote.
11. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
For the year ended July 31, 2024, the amount of long-term capital gains designated by the Fund was $4,874,756.
Of the ordinary income distributions made by the Fund during the year ended July 31, 2024, 100% qualify for the dividend received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, 100% of total ordinary income distributions made by the Fund are qualifying dividends which may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003. Complete information is reported in conjunction with the reporting of your distributions on Form 1099-DIV.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FEDERATED HERMES MDT SERIES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF FEDERATED HERMES MDT ALL CAP CORE FUND:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2024, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series), at July 31, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more Federated Hermes investment companies since 1979.
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2024
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract–May 2024
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”)
At its meetings in May 2024 (the “May Meetings”), the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract between the Fund and Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”) with respect to the Fund (the “Contract”) for an additional one-year term. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract reflects the exercise of its business judgment after considering all of the information and factors believed to be relevant and appropriate on whether to approve the continuation of the existing arrangement. The information, factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are summarized below.
Information Received and Review Process
At the request of the Independent Trustees, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) furnished to the Board in advance of its May Meetings an independent written evaluation of the Fund’s management fee (the “CCO Fee Evaluation Report”). The Board considered the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, along with other information, in evaluating the reasonableness of the Fund’s management fee and in determining to approve the continuation of the Contract.
In addition to the extensive materials that comprise and accompany the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, the Board considered information specifically prepared in connection with the approval of the continuation of the Contract that was presented at the May Meetings. In this regard, in the months preceding the May Meetings, the Board requested and reviewed written responses and supporting materials prepared by the Adviser and its affiliates (collectively, “Federated Hermes”) in response to requests posed to Federated Hermes by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees encompassing a wide variety of topics, including those summarized below. The Board also considered such additional matters as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Contract, which included detailed information about the Fund and Federated Hermes furnished to the Board at its meetings throughout the year and in between regularly scheduled meetings on particular matters as the need arose.
The Board’s consideration of the Contract included review of materials and information covering the following matters, among others: (1) copies of the Contracts; (2) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes; (3) Federated Hermes’ business and operations; (4) the Adviser’s investment philosophy, personnel and processes; (5) the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies; (6) the Fund’s short-term and long-term performance - in absolute terms (both on a gross basis and net of expenses) and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds and its benchmark; (7) the Fund’s fees and expenses, including the advisory fee and the overall expense structure of the Fund - in absolute terms and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds, with due regard for contractual or voluntary expense limitations (if any); (8) the financial condition of Federated Hermes; (9) the Adviser’s profitability with respect to managing the Fund; (10) distribution and sales activity for the Fund; and (11) the use and allocation of brokerage commissions derived from trading the Fund’s portfolio securities (if any).
The Board also considered judicial decisions concerning allegedly excessive investment advisory fees charged to other registered funds in evaluating the Contract. Using these judicial decisions as a guide, the Board considered several factors they deemed relevant to an adviser’s fiduciary duty with respect to its receipt of compensation from a fund, including: (1) the nature and quality of the services provided by the adviser to the fund and its shareholders, including the performance of the fund, its benchmark and comparable funds; (2) the adviser’s cost of providing the services and the profitability to the adviser of providing advisory services to the fund; (3) the extent to which the adviser may realize “economies of scale” as the fund grows larger and, if such economies of scale exist, whether they have been appropriately shared with the fund and its shareholders or the family of funds; (4) any “fall-out” benefits that accrue to the adviser because of its relationship with the fund, including research services received from brokers that execute fund trades and any fees paid to affiliates of the adviser for services rendered to the fund; (5) comparative fees and expenses, including a comparison of management fees paid to the adviser with those paid by similar funds managed by the same adviser or other advisers as well as management fees charged to institutional and other advisory clients of the same adviser for what might be viewed as like services; and (6) the extent of care, conscientiousness and independence with which the fund’s board members perform their duties and their expertise, including whether they are fully informed about all facts the board deems relevant to its consideration of the adviser’s services and fees. The Board considered that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure requirements regarding the basis for a fund board’s approval of the fund’s investment advisory contract generally align with the factors listed above. The Board was guided by these factors in its evaluation of the Contract to the extent it considered them to be appropriate and relevant, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighed these factors in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with Federated Hermes on matters relating to the oversight of the other funds advised by Federated Hermes (each, a “Federated Hermes Fund” and, collectively, the “Federated Hermes Funds”).
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board considered the preferences and expectations of Fund shareholders and the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the Contract. In particular, the Board recognized that many shareholders likely have invested in the Fund based on the strength of Federated Hermes’ industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that Federated Hermes will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. Thus, the Board observed that there are a range of investment options available to the Fund’s shareholders in the marketplace, and such shareholders, having had the opportunity to consider other investment options, have effectively selected Federated Hermes by virtue of investing in the Fund.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Contract, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate through the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically with respect to the continuation of the Contract. The Board recognized that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the factors considered and emphasis placed on relevant factors may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the registered fund marketplace. The Independent Trustees were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel. In connection with their deliberations at the May Meetings, the Independent Trustees met separately in executive session with their independent legal counsel and without management present to review the relevant materials and consider their responsibilities under applicable laws. In addition, senior management representatives of Federated Hermes also met with the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel to discuss the materials and presentations furnished to the Board at the May Meetings. The Board considered the approval of the Contract for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the family of Federated Hermes Funds, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the resources of Federated Hermes dedicated to the Fund. In this regard, the Board evaluated, among other things, the terms of the Contract and the full range of services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes. The Board considered the Adviser’s personnel, investment philosophy and process, investment research capabilities and resources, trade operations capabilities, experience and performance track record. The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and evaluated Federated Hermes’ ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Fund. The Board considered the trading operations by the Adviser, including the execution of portfolio transactions and the selection of brokers for those transactions. The Board also considered the Adviser’s ability to deliver competitive investment performance for the Fund when compared to the Fund’s Performance Peer Group (as defined below), which was deemed by the Board to be a useful indicator of how the Adviser is executing the Fund’s investment program.
In addition, the Board considered the financial resources and overall reputation of Federated Hermes and its willingness to consider and make investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, business continuity planning and operational enhancements that are designed to benefit the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted the benefits of the previous significant acquisition of Hermes Fund Managers Limited by Federated Hermes, which has deepened Federated Hermes’ investment management expertise and capabilities and expanded its access to analytical resources related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors and issuer engagement on ESG matters where appropriate. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ oversight of the securities lending program for the Federated Hermes Funds that engage in securities lending and noted the income earned by the Federated Hermes Funds that participate in such program. In addition, the Board considered the quality of Federated Hermes’ communications with the Board and responsiveness to Board inquiries and requests made from time to time with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes is responsible for providing the Federated Hermes Funds’ officers.
The Board received and evaluated information regarding Federated Hermes’ regulatory and compliance environment. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ compliance program and compliance history and reports from the CCO about Federated Hermes’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including responses to regulatory developments and any compliance or other issues raised by regulatory agencies. The Board also noted Federated Hermes’ support of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance control structure and the compliance-related resources devoted by Federated Hermes in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including Federated Hermes’ commitment to respond to rulemaking and other regulatory initiatives of the SEC. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ approach to internal audits and risk management with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds and its day-to-day oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance with their investment objectives and policies as well as with applicable laws and regulations, noting that regulatory and other developments had over time led, and continue to lead, to an increase in the scope of Federated Hermes’ oversight in this regard.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board noted Federated Hermes’ commitment to maintaining high quality systems and expending substantial resources to prepare for and respond to ongoing changes due to the market, regulatory and control environments in which the Fund and its service providers operate.
The Board considered Federated Hermes’ efforts to provide shareholders in the Federated Hermes Funds with a comprehensive array of funds with different investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Board considered the expenses that Federated Hermes had incurred, as well as the entrepreneurial and other risks assumed by Federated Hermes, in sponsoring and providing on-going services to new funds to expand these opportunities for shareholders. The Board noted the benefits to shareholders of being part of the family of Federated Hermes Funds, which include the general right to exchange investments between the same class of shares without the incurrence of additional sales charges.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund.
Fund Investment Performance
The Board considered the investment performance of the Fund. In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance, the Board considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks. The Board considered detailed investment reports on, and the Adviser’s analysis of, the Fund’s performance over different time periods that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. These reports included, among other items, information on the Fund’s gross and net returns, the Fund’s investment performance compared to one or more relevant categories or groups of peer funds and the Fund’s benchmark index, performance attribution information and commentary on the effect of market conditions. The Board considered that, in its evaluation of investment performance at meetings throughout the year, it focused particular attention on information indicating less favorable performance of certain Federated Hermes Funds for specific time periods and discussed with Federated Hermes the reasons for such performance as well as any specific actions Federated Hermes had taken, or had agreed to take, to seek to enhance Fund investment performance and the results of those actions.
The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the performance of other registered funds in the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar”), an independent fund ranking organization (the “Performance Peer Group”). The Board noted the CCO’s view that comparisons to fund peer groups may be helpful, though not conclusive, in evaluating the performance of the Adviser in managing the Fund. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, in evaluating such comparisons, in some cases there may be differences in the funds’ objectives or investment management techniques, or the costs to implement the funds, even within the same Performance Peer Group. In this connection, the Board considered that the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons particularly difficult as the funds in the Performance Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex relative to its Performance Peer Group. The Board also considered a report comparing the performance of the Fund solely to other funds with a quantitative focus in the Performance Peer Group.
The Board also considered comparative performance data from Lipper, Inc. that was included in reports provided to the Board throughout the year. The Board noted that differences may exist between the Performance Peer Group and Lipper peers and that the results of these performance comparisons may vary.
For the periods ended December 31, 2023, the Fund’s performance fell below the Performance Peer Group median for the one-year period, and was above the Performance Peer Group median for the three-year and five-year periods. In addition, the Board was informed by the Adviser that, for the same periods, the Fund outperformed its benchmark index for the three-year and five-year periods and underperformed its benchmark index for the one-year period.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it had continued confidence in the Adviser’s overall capabilities to manage the Fund.
The Board considered the advisory fee, and overall expense structure of the Fund and the comparative fee and expense information that had been provided in connection with the May Meetings. In this regard, the Board was presented with, and considered, information regarding the contractual advisory fee rates, net advisory fee rates, total expense ratios and each element of the Fund’s total expense ratio (i.e., gross and net advisory fees, administrative fees, custody fees, portfolio accounting fees and transfer agency fees) relative to an appropriate group of peer funds compiled by Federated Hermes from the overall category of peer funds selected by Morningstar (the “Expense Peer Group”). The Board received a description of the methodology used to select the Expense Peer Group from the overall Morningstar category. The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the fees and expenses of the broader group of funds in the overall Morningstar category.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
While mindful that courts have cautioned against giving too much weight to comparative information concerning fees charged to funds by other advisers, the use of comparisons between the Fund and its Expense Peer Group assisted the Board in its evaluation of the Fund’s fees and expenses. The Board focused on comparisons with other registered funds more heavily than non-registered fund products or services because such comparisons are believed to be more relevant. The Board considered that other registered funds are the products most like the Fund, in that they are readily available to Fund shareholders as alternative investment vehicles, and they are the type of investment vehicle, in fact, chosen and maintained by the Fund’s shareholders. The Board noted that the range of such other registered funds’ fees and expenses, therefore, appears to be a relevant indicator of what investors have found to be reasonable in the marketplace in which the Fund competes.
The Board reviewed the contractual advisory fee rate, net advisory fee rate and other expenses of the Fund and noted the position of the Fund’s fee rates relative to its Expense Peer Group. In this regard, the Board noted that the contractual advisory fee rate was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, but the Board noted the applicable waivers and reimbursements, and that the overall expense structure of the Fund remained competitive in the context of other factors considered by the Board. In this regard, the Board considered that, while comparisons to the Fund’s Expense Peer Group are relevant in judging the reasonableness of advisory fees, the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons to the Expense Group particularly difficult. The Board further considered that, although the Fund’s advisory fee was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, the funds in the Expense Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex funds relative to the Expense Peer Group.
The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fees charged by Federated Hermes to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Federated Hermes Funds, including non-registered fund clients (such as institutional separate accounts) and third-party unaffiliated registered funds for which the Adviser or its affiliates serve as sub-adviser. The Board noted the CCO’s conclusion that non-registered fund clients are inherently different products due to the following differences, among others: (i) different types of targeted investors; (ii) different applicable laws and regulations; (iii) different legal structures; (iv) different average account sizes and portfolio management techniques made necessary by different cash flows and different associated costs; (v) the time spent by portfolio managers and their teams (among other personnel across various departments, including legal, compliance and risk management) in reviewing securities pricing; (vi) different SEC mandated risk management programs with respect to fund liquidity and use of derivatives; (viii) different administrative responsibilities; (viii) different degrees of risk associated with management; and (ix) a variety of different costs. The Board also considered information regarding the differences in the nature of the services required for Federated Hermes to manage its proprietary registered fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a sub-adviser to another institution’s registered fund, noting the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes generally performs significant additional services and assumes substantially greater risks in managing the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds than in its role as sub-adviser to an unaffiliated third-party registered fund. The Board noted that the CCO did not consider the fees for providing advisory services to other types of clients to be determinative in judging the appropriateness of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory fees.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the fees and total operating expenses of the Fund, in conjunction with other matters considered, are reasonable in light of the services provided.
The Board received and considered profitability information furnished by Federated Hermes. Such profitability information included revenues reported on a fund-by-fund basis and estimates of the allocation of expenses made on a fund-by-fund basis, using allocation methodologies specified by the CCO and described to the Board. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, while these cost allocation reports apply consistent allocation processes, the inherent difficulties in allocating costs on a fund-by-fund basis continues to cause the CCO to question the precision of the process and to conclude that such reports may be unreliable because a single change in an allocation estimate may dramatically alter the resulting estimate of cost and/or profitability of a Federated Hermes Fund and may produce unintended consequences. In addition, the Board considered the CCO’s view that the allocation methodologies used by Federated Hermes in estimating profitability for purposes of reporting to the Board in connection with the continuation of the Contract are consistent with the methodologies previously reviewed by an independent consultant. The Board noted that the independent consultant had previously conducted a review of the allocation methodologies and reported to the Board that, although there is no single best method to allocate expenses, the methodologies used by Federated Hermes are reasonable. The Board considered the CCO’s view that the estimated profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable in relation to the services provided.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The Board also reviewed information compiled by Federated Hermes comparing its profitability information to other publicly-held fund management companies, including information regarding profitability trends over time. The Board recognized that profitability comparisons among fund management companies are difficult because of the variation in the type of comparative information that is publicly available, and the profitability of any fund management company is affected by numerous factors. The Board considered the CCO’s conclusion that, based on such profitability information, Federated Hermes’ profit margins did not appear to be excessive. The Board also considered the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes appeared financially sound, with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under its contracts with the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board received and considered information about the notion of possible realization of “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger, the difficulties of isolating and quantifying economies of scale at an individual fund level, and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes has made significant and long-term investments in areas that support all of the Federated Hermes Funds, such as: portfolio management, investment research and trading operations; shareholder services; compliance; business continuity, cybersecurity and information security programs; internal audit and risk management functions; and technology, systems capabilities and use of data. The Board noted that Federated Hermes’ investments in these areas are extensive and are designed to provide enhanced or expanded services to the Federated Hermes Funds and their shareholders. The Board considered that the benefits of these investments are likely to be shared with the family of Federated Hermes Funds as a whole. In addition, the Board considered that fee waivers and expense reimbursements are another means for potential economies of scale to be shared with shareholders and can provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Federated Hermes Fund’s assets decline. The Board considered that, in order for the Federated Hermes Funds to remain competitive in the marketplace, Federated Hermes has frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Federated Hermes Funds and has disclosed to shareholders and/or reported to the Board its intention to do so (or continue to do so) in the future. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes has been active in managing expenses of the Federated Hermes Funds in recent years, which has resulted in benefits being realized by shareholders.
The Board also received and considered information on adviser-paid fees (commonly referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) that was provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. The Board considered that Federated Hermes and the CCO believe that this information is relevant to considering whether Federated Hermes had an incentive to either not apply breakpoints, or to apply breakpoints at higher levels, but should not be considered when evaluating the reasonableness of advisory fees. The Board also noted the absence of any applicable regulatory or industry guidelines on economies of scale, which is compounded by the lack of any uniform methodology or pattern with respect to structuring fund advisory fees with breakpoints that serve to reduce the fees as a fund attains a certain size.
The Board considered information regarding the compensation and other ancillary (or “fall-out”) benefits that Federated Hermes derived from its relationships with the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted that, in addition to receiving advisory fees under the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisory contracts, Federated Hermes’ affiliates also receive fees for providing other services to the Federated Hermes Funds under separate service contracts including for serving as the Federated Hermes Funds’ administrator and distributor. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes’ affiliates provide distribution and shareholder services to the Federated Hermes Funds, for which they may be compensated through distribution and servicing fees paid pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans or otherwise. The Board also received and considered information detailing the benefits, if any, that Federated Hermes may derive from its receipt of research services from brokers who execute portfolio trades for the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board considered: (i) the CCO’s conclusion that his observations and the information accompanying the CCO Fee Evaluation Report show that the management fee for the Fund is reasonable; and (ii) the CCO’s recommendation that the Board approve the management fee. The Board noted that, under these circumstances, no changes were recommended to, and no objection was raised to the continuation of, the Contract by the CCO. The CCO also recognized that the Board’s evaluation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory arrangements is a continuing and ongoing process that is informed by the information that the Board requests and receives from management throughout the course of the year and, in this regard, the CCO noted certain items, and management has committed to reviewing certain items, for future reporting to the Board as the Board continues its ongoing oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
On the basis of the information and factors summarized above, among other information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and the evaluation thereof, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of the Contract. The Board based its determination to approve the Contract on the totality of the circumstances and relevant factors and with a view of past and future long-term considerations. Not all of the factors and considerations identified above were necessarily deemed to be relevant to the Fund, nor did the Board consider any one of them to be determinative.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Mutual funds are not bank deposits or obligations, are not 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. Investment in mutual funds involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This information is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s Prospectus, which contains facts concerning its objective and policies, management fees, expenses and other information.
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at FederatedHermes.com/us
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
CUSIP 31421R106
CUSIP 31421R205
CUSIP 31421R304
CUSIP 31421R718
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Annual Financial Statements
and Additional Information
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT SeriesNot FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee
Portfolio of Investments
| | | |
| | | |
| | Communication Services—5.1% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Discretionary—5.6% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | |
| | | |
| | O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | Under Armour, Inc., Class A | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A | |
| | Hain Celestial Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Weatherford International PLC | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | |
| | Apollo Global Management, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | |
| | Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Corebridge Financial, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | |
| | Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | |
| | Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Prudential Financial, Inc. | |
| | Ryan Specialty Group Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Community Health Systems, Inc. | |
| | Edwards Lifesciences Corp. | |
| | Elanco Animal Health, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | |
| | Atmus Filtration Technologies, Inc. | |
| | Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | |
| | Lennox International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—15.7% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—continued | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Zoom Video Communications, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Avalonbay Communities, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | |
| | EastGroup Properties, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Essex Property Trust, Inc. | |
| | Getty Realty Holding Corp. | |
| | Healthpeak Properties, Inc. | |
| | Highwoods Properties, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. | |
| | Simon Property Group, Inc. | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Constellation Energy Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $102,233,979) | |
| | | |
| | Basic Industry - Building Materials—0.0% | |
| | Ingersoll-Rand, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.700%, 6/15/2054 | |
| | Basic Industry - Chemicals—0.0% | |
| | DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.319%, 11/15/2038 | |
| | Basic Industry - Metals & Mining—0.1% | |
| | Anglo American Capital PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 5/2/2033 | |
| | Anglogold Ashanti Holdings PLC, Sr. Note, 6.500%, 4/15/2040 | |
| | | |
| | Capital Goods - Aerospace & Defense—0.3% | |
| | BAE Systems PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.000%, 9/15/2050 | |
| | Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 3.844%, 5/1/2025 | |
| | Leidos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 2.300%, 2/15/2031 | |
| | Leidos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 3.625%, 5/15/2025 | |
| | Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.600%, 6/15/2028 | |
| | Textron Financial Corp., Jr. Sub. Note, 144A, 7.318% (CME Term SOFR 3 Month +1.996%), 2/15/2042 | |
| | Textron, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.000%, 3/15/2026 | |
| | | |
| | Capital Goods - Building Materials—0.2% | |
| | Allegion US Holdings Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.200%, 10/1/2024 | |
| | Allegion US Holdings Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.600%, 5/29/2034 | |
| | Carrier Global Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.200%, 3/15/2054 | |
| | | |
| | Capital Goods - Construction Machinery—0.2% | |
| | Ashtead Capital, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.550%, 5/30/2033 | |
| | CNH Industrial Capital America LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.550%, 4/10/2028 | |
| | | |
| | Capital Goods - Diversified Manufacturing—0.1% | |
| | Lennox International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 1.700%, 8/1/2027 | |
| | Wabtec Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.611%, 3/11/2034 | |
| | | |
| | Communications - Cable & Satellite—0.4% | |
| | Charter Communications Operating, LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 2.250%, 1/15/2029 | |
| | Charter Communications Operating, LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 6.550%, 6/1/2034 | |
| | Comcast Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.800%, 1/15/2051 | |
| | Comcast Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.900%, 3/1/2038 | |
| | Comcast Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.400%, 8/15/2035 | |
| | Comcast Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.650%, 6/1/2054 | |
| | | |
| | Communications - Media & Entertainment—0.0% | |
| | Grupo Televisa S.A., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.125%, 1/31/2046 | |
| | Communications - Telecom Wireless—0.6% | |
| | American Tower Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.450%, 2/15/2034 | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | CORPORATE BONDS—continued | |
| | Communications - Telecom Wireless—continued | |
| | Crown Castle, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.700%, 6/15/2026 | |
| | Crown Castle, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.100%, 5/1/2033 | |
| | T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.050%, 7/15/2033 | |
| | T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 1/15/2055 | |
| | Vodafone Group PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 6/28/2054 | |
| | | |
| | Communications - Telecom Wirelines—0.2% | |
| | AT&T, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.500%, 9/15/2053 | |
| | AT&T, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.650%, 6/1/2051 | |
| | AT&T, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.650%, 9/15/2059 | |
| | AT&T, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 5/15/2035 | |
| | Telefonica Emisiones SAU, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.520%, 3/1/2049 | |
| | Verizon Communications, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.150%, 3/22/2030 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Cyclical - Automotive—0.4% | |
| | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.050%, 3/5/2031 | |
| | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.125%, 3/8/2034 | |
| | General Motors Financial Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.100%, 1/12/2032 | |
| | General Motors Financial Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 2/8/2031 | |
| | Mercedes-Benz Finance NA, LLC Co. Guarantee, 8.500%, 1/18/2031 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Cyclical - Retailers—0.3% | |
| | AutoNation, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 6/1/2030 | |
| | AutoZone, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.250%, 4/15/2025 | |
| | WalMart, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 4/15/2053 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Cyclical - Services—0.1% | |
| | Amazon.com, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.800%, 12/5/2024 | |
| | Expedia Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 3.250%, 2/15/2030 | |
| | University of Southern California, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.250%, 10/1/2111 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Non-Cyclical - Food/Beverage—0.4% | |
| | Anheuser-Busch Cos LLC / Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.700%, 2/1/2036 | |
| | Constellation Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.900%, 5/1/2033 | |
| | Danone SA, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 2.947%, 11/2/2026 | |
| | Heineken NV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.500%, 1/29/2028 | |
| | Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.200%, 7/15/2045 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Non-Cyclical - Health Care—0.3% | |
| | CVS Health Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.100%, 3/25/2025 | |
| | CVS Health Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.050%, 6/1/2054 | |
| | GE Healthcare Holding LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.377%, 11/22/2052 | |
| | HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 6/1/2033 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Non-Cyclical - Pharmaceuticals—0.2% | |
| | AbbVie, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.250%, 11/21/2049 | |
| | Amgen, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.400%, 5/1/2045 | |
| | Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 4.125%, 6/15/2039 | |
| | Johnson & Johnson, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.550%, 3/1/2036 | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Non-Cyclical - Tobacco—0.3% | |
| | BAT Capital Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.000%, 2/20/2034 | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | CORPORATE BONDS—continued | |
| | Consumer Non-Cyclical - Tobacco—continued | |
| | Philip Morris International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 11/17/2032 | |
| | | |
| | Energy - Independent—0.2% | |
| | Cimarex Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.900%, 5/15/2027 | |
| | ConocoPhillips Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.025%, 3/15/2062 | |
| | EQT Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.900%, 10/1/2027 | |
| | Occidental Petroleum Corp., 5.550%, 10/1/2034 | |
| | Ovintiv, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.100%, 7/15/2053 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | BP Capital Markets America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.119%, 5/4/2026 | |
| | BP Capital Markets America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.937%, 9/21/2028 | |
| | BP Capital Markets America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.893%, 9/11/2033 | |
| | Exxon Mobil Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.992%, 3/19/2025 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.600%, 9/1/2032 | |
| | Energy Transfer LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.050%, 3/15/2025 | |
| | Energy Transfer LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 6/1/2027 | |
| | Energy Transfer LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.950%, 5/15/2054 | |
| | Energy Transfer LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.125%, 12/15/2045 | |
| | Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.950%, 2/15/2027 | |
| | Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTN, 6.950%, 1/15/2038 | |
| | MPLX LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.125%, 3/1/2027 | |
| | MPLX LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 4/15/2038 | |
| | MPLX LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 6/1/2034 | |
| | National Fuel Gas Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 1/15/2026 | |
| | ONEOK, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.100%, 11/15/2032 | |
| | ONEOK, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.625%, 9/1/2053 | |
| | Targa Resources, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.200%, 2/1/2033 | |
| | TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.200%, 10/15/2037 | |
| | Western Midstream Operating, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 8/15/2028 | |
| | Williams Cos., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.150%, 3/15/2034 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | HF Sinclair Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 4/1/2026 | |
| | Marathon Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 4/1/2048 | |
| | Marathon Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.500%, 3/1/2041 | |
| | Valero Energy Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.350%, 6/1/2028 | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institution - Banking—2.3% | |
| | Bank of America Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.288%, 4/25/2034 | |
| | Bank of America Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series GMTN, 3.500%, 4/19/2026 | |
| | Bank of America Corp., Sub. Note, Series L, 3.950%, 4/21/2025 | |
| | Bank of America Corp., Sub. Note, Series MTN, 4.200%, 8/26/2024 | |
| | Bank of America Corp., Sub., Series MTN, 4.450%, 3/3/2026 | |
| | Citigroup, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.057%, 1/25/2033 | |
| | Citigroup, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.300%, 4/27/2025 | |
| | Citigroup, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.400%, 5/1/2026 | |
| | Citigroup, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.785%, 3/17/2033 | |
| | Citigroup, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.610%, 9/29/2026 | |
| | Citigroup, Inc., Sub. Note, 4.450%, 9/29/2027 | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | CORPORATE BONDS—continued | |
| | Financial Institution - Banking—continued | |
| | Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.841%, 1/23/2030 | |
| | Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.645%, 4/25/2035 | |
| | Comerica, Inc., 3.800%, 7/22/2026 | |
| | FNB Corp. (PA), Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.150%, 8/25/2025 | |
| | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.250%, 2/1/2041 | |
| | JPMorgan Chase & Co., Jr. Sub. Deb., Series X, 6.100%, 4/1/2072 | |
| | JPMorgan Chase & Co., Jr. Sub. Note, Series FF, 5.000%, 2/1/2172 | |
| | JPMorgan Chase & Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.882%, 7/24/2038 | |
| | JPMorgan Chase & Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.336%, 1/23/2035 | |
| | KeyCorp, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.401%, 3/6/2035 | |
| | Morgan Stanley, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.943%, 1/21/2033 | |
| | Morgan Stanley, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.250%, 4/21/2034 | |
| | Morgan Stanley, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.831%, 4/19/2035 | |
| | Morgan Stanley, Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series GMTN, 4.000%, 7/23/2025 | |
| | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.582%, 6/12/2029 | |
| | Regions Financial Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.722%, 6/6/2030 | |
| | State Street Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.159%, 5/18/2034 | |
| | State Street Corp., Sub. Deb., 3.031%, 11/1/2034 | |
| | Truist Financial Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTN, 5.867%, 6/8/2034 | |
| | US Bancorp, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.836%, 6/12/2034 | |
| | US Bancorp, Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTN, 1.375%, 7/22/2030 | |
| | Wells Fargo & Co., Series MTN, 4.100%, 6/3/2026 | |
| | Wells Fargo & Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.499%, 1/23/2035 | |
| | Westpac Banking Corp., Sub., Series GMTN, 4.322%, 11/23/2031 | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institution - Broker/Asset Mgr/Exchange—0.1% | |
| | Invesco Finance PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.750%, 1/15/2026 | |
| | Nuveen LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 11/1/2028 | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institution - Finance Companies—0.1% | |
| | Air Lease Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.850%, 12/15/2027 | |
| | Financial Institution - Insurance - Health—0.2% | |
| | UnitedHealth Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 5/15/2052 | |
| | UnitedHealth Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.150%, 7/15/2034 | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institution - Insurance - Life—0.2% | |
| | AIA Group Ltd., Sub., 144A, 3.200%, 9/16/2040 | |
| | MetLife, Inc., Jr. Sub. Note, 6.400% (3-month USLIBOR +2.205%), 12/15/2036 | |
| | MetLife, Inc., Jr. Sub. Note, 10.750%, 8/1/2039 | |
| | Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., Sr. Note, 144A, 7.625%, 6/15/2040 | |
| | Prudential Financial, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTN, 6.200%, 11/15/2040 | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institution - Insurance - P&C—0.0% | |
| | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.200%, 8/15/2048 | |
| | Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Sub., 144A, 4.350%, 4/30/2050 | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institution - REIT - Apartment—0.1% | |
| | Camden Property Trust, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.800%, 5/15/2030 | |
| | UDR, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTN, 2.100%, 8/1/2032 | |
| | UDR, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTN, 2.950%, 9/1/2026 | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | CORPORATE BONDS—continued | |
| | Financial Institution - REIT - Healthcare—0.1% | |
| | Welltower, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.700%, 2/15/2027 | |
| | Financial Institution - REIT - Office—0.0% | |
| | Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.950%, 1/15/2028 | |
| | Financial Institution - REIT - Other—0.0% | |
| | Host Hotels & Resorts LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.700%, 7/1/2034 | |
| | | |
| | Apple, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.850%, 5/4/2043 | |
| | Broadcom, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.750%, 2/15/2051 | |
| | Broadcom, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.150%, 4/15/2032 | |
| | Corning, Inc., Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 3/15/2042 | |
| | Dell International LLC / EMC Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.020%, 6/15/2026 | |
| | Fiserv, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.500%, 7/1/2029 | |
| | Global Payments, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.200%, 8/15/2029 | |
| | Intel Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.400%, 3/25/2025 | |
| | L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 8/15/2054 | |
| | Microsoft Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.921%, 3/17/2052 | |
| | Microsoft Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.450%, 8/8/2036 | |
| | Oracle Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.250%, 11/9/2032 | |
| | Roper Technologies, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.000%, 6/30/2030 | |
| | Visa, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.150%, 12/14/2025 | |
| | Visa, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.150%, 12/14/2035 | |
| | | |
| | Transportation - Airlines—0.1% | |
| | Delta Air Lines, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.900%, 10/28/2024 | |
| | Southwest Airlines Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.250%, 5/4/2025 | |
| | | |
| | Transportation - Railroads—0.1% | |
| | Canadian Pacific Railway Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.125%, 6/1/2026 | |
| | Transportation - Services—0.2% | |
| | Enterprise Rent-A-Car USA Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.625%, 3/15/2042 | |
| | FedEx Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.900%, 2/1/2035 | |
| | Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP & PTL Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.550%, 5/1/2028 | |
| | United Parcel Service, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.900%, 4/1/2025 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Alabama Power Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.000%, 3/15/2052 | |
| | Ameren Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 1.950%, 3/15/2027 | |
| | Electricite de France SA, Note, 144A, 5.600%, 1/27/2040 | |
| | Electricite de France SA, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.500%, 9/21/2028 | |
| | Emera US Finance LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 6/15/2046 | |
| | EverSource Energy, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.350%, 3/15/2026 | |
| | Exelon Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.400%, 4/15/2026 | |
| | National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., Sr. Sub. Note, 5.250%, 4/20/2046 | |
| | National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series MTNC, 8.000%, 3/1/2032 | |
| | PPL Capital Funding, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.100%, 5/15/2026 | |
| | Southern Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.250%, 7/1/2026 | |
| | Virginia Electric & Power Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.450%, 4/1/2053 | |
| | WEC Energy Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 1.800%, 10/15/2030 | |
| | WEC Energy Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.150%, 10/1/2027 | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | CORPORATE BONDS—continued | |
| | | |
| | National Grid-SP PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.602%, 6/12/2028 | |
| | TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(IDENTIFIED COST $25,923,814) | |
| | ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—2.7% | |
| | | |
| | Citizens Auto Receivables Trust 2024-2, Class A3, 5.330%, 8/15/2028 | |
| | Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust/Ford Credit 2023-2, Class SUB, 5.920%, 2/15/2036 | |
| | General Motors 2024-2A, Class B, 5.350%, 3/17/2031 | |
| | Huntington Auto Trust 2024-1A, Class A3, 5.230%, 1/16/2029 | |
| | M&T Bank Auto Receivables Trust 2024-1A, Class A3, 5.220%, 2/17/2032 | |
| | Navistar Financial Dealer Note Master Trust 2023-1, Class A, 6.180%, 8/25/2028 | |
| | Santander Bank Auto Credit-Linked Notes 2022-B, Class D, 6.793%, 8/16/2032 | |
| | Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2023-1, Class C, 5.090%, 5/15/2030 | |
| | Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2023-3, Class C, 5.770%, 11/15/2030 | |
| | SFS Auto Receivables Securitization Trust 2023-1A, Class C, 5.970%, 2/20/2031 | |
| | Tesla Auto Lease Trust 2023-A, Class B, 6.410%, 7/20/2027 | |
| | Toyota Auto Loan Extended Note 2023-1A, Class A, 4.930%, 6/25/2036 | |
| | World Omni Auto Receivables Trust 2021-A, Class C, 0.890%, 8/16/2027 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | First National Master Note Trust 2023-1, Class A, 5.130%, 4/15/2029 | |
| | Master Credit Card Trust 2022-2A, Class C, 2.730%, 7/21/2028 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Dell Equipment Finance Trust 2023-2, Class C, 6.060%, 1/22/2029 | |
| | DLLAD LLC 2024-1A, Class A4, 5.380%, 9/22/2031 | |
| | DLLMT LLC 2023-1A, Class A4, 5.350%, 3/20/2031 | |
| | HPEFS Equipment Trust 2022-1A, Class C, 1.960%, 5/21/2029 | |
| | HPEFS Equipment Trust 2024-2A, Class C, 5.520%, 10/20/2031 | |
| | Kubota Credit Owner Trust 2023-2A, Class A4, 5.230%, 6/15/2028 | |
| | MMAF Equipment Finance LLC 2023-A, Class A4, 5.500%, 12/13/2038 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | PFS Financing Corp. 2023-B, Class A, 5.270%, 5/15/2028 | |
| | | |
| | Navient Student Loan Trust 2021-A, Class A, 0.840%, 5/15/2069 | |
| | TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(IDENTIFIED COST $6,171,063) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | United States Treasury Bond, 2.250%, 2/15/2052 | |
| | United States Treasury Bond, 3.000%, 8/15/2052 | |
| | United States Treasury Bond, 3.250%, 5/15/2042 | |
| | United States Treasury Bond, 3.375%, 8/15/2042 | |
| | United States Treasury Bond, 4.125%, 8/15/2053 | |
| | United States Treasury Bond, 4.250%, 2/15/2054 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 2.375%, 3/31/2029 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 2.750%, 5/31/2029 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 3.125%, 8/31/2029 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.000%, 1/31/2029 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.000%, 7/31/2029 | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | U.S. TREASURIES—continued | |
| | U.S. Treasury Note—continued | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.000%, 7/31/2030 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.000%, 2/15/2034 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.125%, 7/31/2028 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.375%, 11/30/2030 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.375%, 5/15/2034 | |
| | United States Treasury Note, 4.625%, 4/30/2031 | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL U.S. TREASURIES
(IDENTIFIED COST $5,670,244) | |
| | COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS—1.2% | |
| | | |
| | Bank 2023-BNK46, Class A4, 5.745%, 8/15/2056 | |
| | Bank, Class A4, 3.488%, 11/15/2050 | |
| | Barclays Commercial Mortgage S 2024-5C27, Class A2, 5.550%, 7/15/2057 | |
| | JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2016-C4, Class A3, 3.141%, 12/15/2049 | |
| | | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation—0.7% | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series 2497, Class JH, 6.000%, 9/15/2032 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series 5396, Class FG, 6.330% (30-DAY AVERAGE SOFR +0.000%), 4/25/2054 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series 5402, Class FB, 6.430% (30-DAY AVERAGE SOFR +0.000%), 4/25/2054 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series 5417, Class FC, 6.547% (30-DAY AVERAGE SOFR +1.200%), 6/25/2054 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series 5426, Class FB, 6.547% (30-DAY AVERAGE SOFR +1.200%), 6/25/2054 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series K161, Class A2, 4.900%, 10/25/2033 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series K754, Class A2, 4.940%, 11/25/2030 | |
| | | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association—0.0% | |
| | FNMA REMIC, Series 2003-35, Class UC, 3.750%, 5/25/2033 | |
| | | |
| | Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities, Inc. 1997-6, Class 1A, 8.095%, 3/25/2031 | |
| | GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2023-PJ1, Class A4, 3.500%, 2/25/2053 | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
(IDENTIFIED COST $2,815,464) | |
| | COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—0.4% | |
| | | |
| | BMO Mortgage Trust 2023-5C1, Class A3, 6.534%, 8/15/2056 | |
| | BMO Mortgage Trust 2023-C4, Class A5, 5.116%, 2/15/2056 | |
| | | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation—0.2% | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series K055, Class A1, 2.263%, 4/25/2025 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series K106, Class A1, 1.783%, 10/25/2029 | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMIC, Series K737, Class A2, 2.525%, 10/25/2026 | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,006,569) | |
| | MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—0.1% | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation—0.0% | |
| | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Pool G07801, 4.000%, 10/1/2044 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association—0.1% | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool 357761, 5.500%, 5/1/2035 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool 728709, 5.500%, 7/1/2033 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool 932864, 4.000%, 12/1/2040 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool AB7859, 3.500%, 2/1/2043 | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—continued | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association—continued | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool AD6938, 4.500%, 6/1/2040 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool AQ0945, 3.000%, 11/1/2042 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool AT2127, 3.000%, 4/1/2043 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool AT7861, 3.000%, 6/1/2028 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool BM4388, 4.000%, 8/1/2048 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool BM5024, 3.000%, 11/1/2048 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool BM5246, 3.500%, 11/1/2048 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool CA0833, 3.500%, 12/1/2047 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool CA4427, 3.000%, 10/1/2049 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool FM0008, 3.500%, 8/1/2049 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool FM1000, 3.000%, 4/1/2047 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool FM1221, 3.500%, 7/1/2049 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool MA0500, 5.000%, 8/1/2040 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool MA0666, 4.500%, 3/1/2041 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool MA1430, 3.000%, 5/1/2043 | |
| | Federal National Mortgage Association, Pool MA2803, 2.500%, 11/1/2031 | |
| | | |
| | Government National Mortgage Association—0.0% | |
| | Government National Mortgage Association, Pool MA0625, 3.500%, 12/20/2042 | |
| | Government National Mortgage Association, Pool MA1376, 4.000%, 10/20/2043 | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(IDENTIFIED COST $310,654) | |
| | | |
| | Texas State Transportation Commission - State Highway Fund, 5.178%, 4/1/2030
(IDENTIFIED COST $32,423) | |
| | EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS—6.7% | |
| | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | |
| | | |
| | Total Exchange-Traded Funds
(IDENTIFIED COST $13,404,156) | |
| | INVESTMENT COMPANIES—17.5% | |
| | | |
| | Emerging Markets Core Fund | |
| | Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares, 5.24%5 | |
| | High Yield Bond Core Fund | |
| | | |
| | Project and Trade Finance Core Fund | |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(IDENTIFIED COST $41,398,488) | |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—100.1%
(IDENTIFIED COST $198,966,854)6 | |
| | OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET—(0.1)%7 | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
At July 31, 2024, the Fund had the following outstanding futures contracts:
| | | | Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) |
| | | | |
United States Treasury Notes 2-Year Long Futures | | | | |
United States Treasury Notes 5-Year Long Futures | | | | |
United States Treasury Long Bond Long Futures | | | | |
| | | | |
United States Treasury Notes 10-Year Ultra Short Futures | | | | |
United States Treasury Ultra Bond Short Futures | | | | |
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON FUTURES CONTRACTS | |
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Futures Contracts is included in “Other Assets and Liabilities—Net.”
Transactions with affiliated investment companies, which are funds managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation | | | Shares
Held as of
7/31/2024 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Emerging Markets Core Fund | | | | | | | | |
Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares | | | | | | | | |
Federated Hermes Institutional Prime Value Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares | | | | | | | | |
High Yield Bond Core Fund | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Project and Trade Finance Core Fund | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL OF AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
| Non-income-producing security. |
| Floating/variable note with current rate and current maturity or next reset date shown. |
| Perpetual Bond Security. The maturity date reflects the next call date. |
| All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral to ensure the Fund is able to satisfy the obligations of its outstanding futures contracts. |
| |
| The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $199,276,969. |
| Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of total net assets at July 31, 2024.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). Also includes securities valued at amortized cost.
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of July 31, 2024, in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value:
|
| | Level 2—
Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3—
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | | |
Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Other Financial Instruments:2 | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
TOTAL OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | | | | |
| As permitted by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), an Investment Company valued at $4,822,111 is measured at fair value using the net asset value (NAV) per share practical expedient and has not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy chart above. The price of shares redeemed of Project and Trade Finance Core Fund (PTCORE), a portfolio of Federated Hermes Core Trust III, may be determined as of the closing NAV of the fund up to twenty-four days after receipt of a shareholder redemption request. The investment objective of PTCORE is to provide total return. Copies of the PTCORE financial statements are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website or upon request from the Fund. |
| Other financial instruments are futures contracts. |
The following acronym(s) are used throughout this portfolio: | |
| |
| —Federal National Mortgage Association |
| |
| —London Interbank Offered Rate |
| |
| |
| —Real Estate Investment Trust |
| —Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit |
| —Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class A Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class C Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement5 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Represents less than $0.01. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Represents less than 0.01%. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Institutional Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class R6 Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Represents less than 0.01%. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesJuly 31, 2024
| |
Investment in securities, at value including $39,716,810 of investments in affiliated holdings* (identified cost $198,966,854, including $41,398,488 of identified cost in affiliated holdings) | |
| |
| |
Income receivable from affiliated holdings | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
Receivable for shares sold | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | |
| |
| |
Payable for investments purchased | |
Payable for shares redeemed | |
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for administrative fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for auditing fees | |
Payable for portfolio accounting fees | |
Payable for share registration costs | |
Payable for distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
Accrued expenses (Note 5) | |
| |
Net assets for 10,169,733 shares outstanding | |
| |
| |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | |
| |
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share: | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($130,832,883 ÷ 5,847,039 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
Offering price per share (100/94.50 of $22.38) | |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($12,271,645 ÷ 562,699 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share (99.00/100 of $21.81) | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($81,186,902 ÷ 3,613,640 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($3,278,546 ÷ 146,355 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of OperationsYear Ended July 31, 2024
| |
Dividends (including $1,946,966 received from affiliated holdings* and net of foreign taxes withheld of $10) | |
| |
Net income on securities loaned (includes $148,745 earned from affiliated holdings related to cash collateral balances*) (Note 2) | |
| |
| |
Investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Administrative fee (Note 5) | |
| |
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
| |
| |
Portfolio accounting fees | |
Distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Reimbursement of other operating expenses (Notes 2 and 5) | |
| |
| |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Foreign Currency Transactions and Futures Contracts: | |
Net realized gain on investments (including net realized loss of $(243,749) on sales of investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net realized loss on futures contracts | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (including net change in unrealized depreciation of $640,241 on investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currency | |
Net change in unrealized depreciation of futures contracts | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency transactions and futures contracts | |
Change in net assets resulting from operations | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
| | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | |
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Notes to Financial Statements
Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust consists of five portfolios. The financial statements included herein are only those of Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. The financial statements of the other portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held. Each portfolio pays its own expenses. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting, except on class-specific matters. The investment objective of the Fund is the possibility of long-term growth of capital and income.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with GAAP.
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.
■
Fixed-income securities are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”).
■
Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs, or NAV per share practical expedient, as applicable.
■
Derivative contracts listed on exchanges are valued at their reported settlement or closing price, except that options are valued at the mean of closing bid and ask quotations.
■
Over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Adviser.
■
For securities that are fair valued in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Adviser, certain factors may be considered, such as: the last traded or purchase price of the security, information obtained by contacting the issuer or dealers, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents, fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded, public trading in similar securities or derivative contracts of the issuer or comparable issuers, movement of a relevant index, or other factors including but not limited to industry changes and relevant government actions.
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 Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures for the Fund, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Adviser’s valuation committee (“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 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, and the actual value obtained could be materially different.
Fair Valuation and Significant Events Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act, the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) has designated the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to perform any fair value determinations for securities and other assets held by the Fund. The Adviser is subject to the Trustees’ oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to provide the Trustees the information needed to oversee the Adviser’s fair value determinations.
The Adviser, acting through its Valuation Committee, is responsible for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Valuation Committee is comprised of officers of the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s affiliated companies and determines fair value and oversees the calculation of the NAV. The Valuation Committee is also authorized to use pricing services to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. The Valuation Committee employs various methods for reviewing third-party pricing-service evaluations including periodic reviews of third-party pricing services’ policies, procedures and valuation methods (including key inputs, methods, models and assumptions), transactional back-testing, comparisons of evaluations of different pricing services, and review of price challenges by the Adviser based on recent market activity. 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 Adviser. The Trustees periodically review the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee. The Trustees have also approved the Adviser’s fair valuation and significant events procedures as part of the Fund’s compliance program and will review any changes made to the procedures.
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. 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
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
the prices bid and ask 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. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the fair value of the investment is determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser.
The Adviser has also adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Valuation Committee 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;
■
Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations, litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer’s operations or regulatory changes or market developments affecting the issuer’s industry.
The Adviser has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to provide factors to update the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets from the time of the close of their respective foreign stock exchanges to the pricing time of the Fund. 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 in accordance with the fair valuation procedures approved by the Adviser. The Trustees periodically review fair valuations made in response to significant events.
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements for short-term liquidity purposes. It is the policy of the Fund to require the other party to a repurchase agreement to transfer to the Fund’s custodian or sub-custodian eligible securities or cash with a market value (after transaction costs) at least equal to the repurchase price to be paid under the repurchase agreement. The eligible securities are transferred to accounts with the custodian or sub-custodian in which the Fund holds a “securities entitlement” and exercises “control” as those terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code. The Fund has established procedures for monitoring the market value of the transferred securities and requiring the transfer of additional eligible securities if necessary to equal at least the repurchase price. These procedures also allow the other party to require securities to be transferred from the account to the extent that their market value exceeds the repurchase price or in exchange for other eligible securities of equivalent market value.
The insolvency of the other party or other failure to repurchase the securities may delay the disposition of the underlying securities or cause the Fund to receive less than the full repurchase price. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, any amounts received by the Fund in excess of the repurchase price and related transaction costs must be remitted to the other party.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements in which eligible securities are transferred into joint trading accounts maintained by the custodian or sub-custodian for investment companies and other clients advised by the Fund’s Adviser and its affiliates. The Fund will participate on a pro rata basis with the other investment companies and clients in its share of the securities transferred under such repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of such securities.
Investment Income, Gains and Losses, Expenses and Distributions
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified-cost basis. Interest income and expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Amortization/accretion of premium and discount is included in investment income. Gains and losses realized on principal payment of mortgage-backed securities (paydown gains and losses) are classified as part of investment income. Positive or negative inflation adjustments on Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are included in interest income. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at fair value. Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated to each class based on relative average daily net assets, except that select classes will bear certain expenses unique to those classes. The detail of the total fund expense reimbursement of $35,744 is disclosed in various locations in this Note 2 and Note 5. Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, transfer agent fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Transfer Agent
Fees Incurred | Transfer Agent
Fees Reimbursed |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Other Service Fees
The Fund may pay other service fees up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC) for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSSC may voluntarily reimburse the Fund for other service fees.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, other service fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Other Service
Fees Incurred |
| |
| |
| |
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Subchapter M provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is necessary. As of and during the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not have a liability for any uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of July 31, 2024, tax years 2021 through 2024 remain subject to examination by the Fund’s major tax jurisdictions, which include the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by governments of countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on either income or gains earned or repatriated. The Fund accrues and applies such taxes to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized gains as income and/or gains are earned.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may engage in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions. The Fund records when-issued securities on the trade date and maintains security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.
The Fund purchases and sells financial futures contracts to seek to increase return and to manage currency, duration, market, sector/asset class and yield curve risks. Upon entering into a financial futures contract with a broker, the Fund is required to deposit with a broker, either U.S. government securities or a specified amount of cash, which is shown as due from broker in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are valued daily and unrealized gains or losses are recorded in a “variation margin” account. The Fund receives from or pays to the broker a specified amount of cash based upon changes in the variation margin account. When a contract is closed, the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in the value of the underlying securities. There is minimal counterparty risk to the Fund since futures contracts are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures contracts, guarantees the futures contracts against default.
Futures contracts outstanding at period end are listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
The average notional value of long and short futures contracts held by the Fund throughout the period was $18,046,350 and $1,705,859, respectively. This is based on amounts held as of each month-end throughout the fiscal period.
Foreign Currency Translation
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the rates of exchange of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses are translated at the rate of exchange quoted on the respective date that such transactions are recorded. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at fiscal year end, resulting from changes in the exchange rate.
The Fund participates in a securities lending program providing for the lending of equity securities to qualified brokers. The term of the loans within the program is one year or less. The Fund normally receives cash collateral for securities loaned that may be invested in affiliated money market funds, other money market instruments and/or repurchase agreements. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 100% of the market value of investments loaned, plus interest, if applicable. In accordance with the Fund’s securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Earnings from collateral invested in affiliated holdings as presented parenthetically on the Statement of Operations do not reflect fees and rebates and are allocated between the borrower of the security, the securities lending agent, as a fee for its services under the program and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. 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.
As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no securities on loan.
The Fund may purchase securities which are considered restricted. Restricted securities are securities that either: (a) cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, or being able to take advantage of an exemption from registration, under the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) are subject to contractual restrictions on public sales. In some cases, when a security cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, the issuer of the restricted security has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many such restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Restricted securities may be determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Trustees. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resales. The Fund’s restricted securities, like other securities, are priced in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Adviser.
Additional Disclosure Related to Derivative Instruments
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments |
| |
| Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location | |
Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments under ASC Topic 815 | | |
| Receivable for variation
margin on futures contracts | |
| Includes cumulative net appreciation of futures contracts as reported in the footnotes to the Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended July 31, 2024
Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income |
| |
| |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income |
| |
| |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated. The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance.
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following tables summarize share activity:
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS A SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS C SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM INSTITUTIONAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS R6 SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM TOTAL FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
The tax character of distributions as reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended July 31, 2024 and 2023, was as follows:
As of July 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | |
Net unrealized appreciation | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | |
Other temporary differences | |
| |
At July 31, 2024, the cost of investments for federal tax purposes was $199,276,969. The net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal tax purposes was $28,522,413. This consists of unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost of $34,948,094 and unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value of $6,425,681. The amounts presented are inclusive of derivative contracts. The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation is attributable to differing treatments for the deferral of losses on wash sales and mark to market of futures contracts.
5. INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser provides for an annual fee equal to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, the Adviser may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund for competitive reasons such as to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio, or as and when appropriate, to maintain positive or zero net yields. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser voluntarily reimbursed $29,145 of transfer agent fees.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for certain investment adviser fees as a result of transactions in other affiliated investment companies. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser reimbursed $6,599.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Certain of the Fund’s assets are managed by Federated Investment Management Company (the “Sub-Adviser”). Under the terms of a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser receives an allocable portion of the Fund’s adviser fee. The fee is paid by the Adviser out of its resources and is not an incremental Fund expense. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Sub-Adviser earned a fee of $180,377.
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), under the Administrative Services Agreement, provides the Fund with administrative personnel and services. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Hermes Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement. The fee paid to FAS is based on the average daily net assets of the Investment Complex as specified below:
| Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex |
| on assets up to $50 billion |
| on assets over $50 billion |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FAS may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the annualized fee paid to FAS was 0.081% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
In addition, FAS may charge certain out-of-pocket expenses to the Fund.
Distribution Services Fee
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund will compensate Federated Securities Corp. (FSC), the principal distributor, from the daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to finance activities intended to result in the sale of these shares. The Plan provides that the Fund may incur distribution expenses at the following percentages of average daily net assets annually, to compensate FSC:
| Percentage of Average Daily
Net Assets of Class |
| |
| |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSC may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, distribution services fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Distribution Services
Fees Incurred |
| |
When FSC receives fees, it may pay some or all of them to financial intermediaries whose customers purchase shares. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $13,003 of fees paid by the Fund. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund’s Class A Shares did not incur a distribution services fee; however, it may begin to incur this fee upon approval of the Trustees.
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. They are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $11,798 in sales charges from the sale of Class A Shares. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $1,869 of CDSC relating to redemptions of Class C Shares.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSSC received $16,731 of the other service fees disclosed in Note 2.
The Adviser and certain of its affiliates (which may include FSC, FAS and FSSC) on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (as shown in the financial highlights, excluding interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses, if any) paid by the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 1.31%, 2.10%, 1.06% and 1.05% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) October 1, 2025; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its applicable 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 Trustees.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Directors’/Trustees’ and Miscellaneous Fees
Certain Officers and Trustees of the Fund are Officers and Directors or Trustees of certain of the above companies. To efficiently facilitate payment, Independent Directors’/Trustees’ fees and certain expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses are paid by an affiliate of the Adviser which in due course are reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses may be included in Accrued and Miscellaneous Expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding long-term U.S. government securities and short-term obligations, for the year ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies that are deemed by the Fund’s management to be classified in similar business sectors. Economic developments may have an effect on the liquidity and volatility of the portfolio securities.
A substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of entities in the Information Technology sector. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect these entities.
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Hermes Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement dated June 18, 2024. The LOC was made available to temporarily finance 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 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 (a) the highest, on any day, of (i) the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the published secured overnight financing rate plus an assigned percentage, and (iii) 0.0%, plus (b) a margin. Any fund eligible to borrow under the LOC pays its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders’ commitment that has not been utilized, quarterly in arrears and at maturity. As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Hermes, Inc., may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating affiliated funds. As of July 31, 2024, there were no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the program was not utilized.
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors/Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund (other than liabilities arising out of their willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Fund). In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund provides certain indemnifications under arrangements with third parties. Typically, obligations to indemnify a third party arise in the context of an arrangement entered into by the Fund under which the Fund agrees to indemnify such third party for certain liabilities arising out of actions taken pursuant to the arrangement, provided the third party’s actions are not deemed to have breached an agreed-upon standard of care (such as willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the contract). The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet arisen. The Fund does not anticipate any material claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements at this time, and accordingly expects the risk of loss to be remote.
11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2022-06 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)”. ASU No. 2022-06 updates and clarifies ASU No. 2020-04, which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of LIBOR and other interbank-offered reference rates. The temporary relief provided by ASU No. 2022-06 is effective immediately for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur through December 31, 2024. Management does not expect ASU No. 2022-06 to have a material impact on the financial statements.
12. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, 45.67% of total ordinary income distributions made by the Fund are qualifying dividends which may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003. Complete information is reported in conjunction with the reporting of your distributions on Form 1099-DIV.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Of the ordinary income distributions made by the Fund during the year ended July 31, 2024, 42.83% qualify for the dividend received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, 57.17% of total ordinary income distributions qualified as business interest income for purposes of 163(j) and the regulations thereunder.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FEDERATED HERMES MDT SERIES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF FEDERATED HERMES MDT BALANCED FUND:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2024, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series) at July 31, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the auditor of one or more Federated Hermes investment companies since 1979.
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2024
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract–May 2024
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund (the “Fund”)
At its meetings in May 2024 (the “May Meetings”), the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract between the Fund and Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”) and the investment sub-advisory contract between the Adviser and Federated Investment Management Company (the “Sub-Adviser” and together with the Adviser, the “Advisers”) with respect to the Fund (together, the “Contracts”) for an additional one-year term. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contracts reflects the exercise of its business judgment after considering all of the information and factors believed to be relevant and appropriate on whether to approve the continuation of the existing arrangements. The information, factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are summarized below.
Information Received and Review Process
At the request of the Independent Trustees, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) furnished to the Board in advance of its May Meetings an independent written evaluation of the Fund’s management fee (the “CCO Fee Evaluation Report”). The Board considered the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, along with other information, in evaluating the reasonableness of the Fund’s management fee and in determining to approve the continuation of the Contracts.
In addition to the extensive materials that comprise and accompany the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, the Board considered information specifically prepared in connection with the approval of the continuation of the Contracts that was presented at the May Meetings. In this regard, in the months preceding the May Meetings, the Board requested and reviewed written responses and supporting materials prepared by the Advisers and their affiliates (collectively, “Federated Hermes”) in response to requests posed to Federated Hermes by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees encompassing a wide variety of topics, including those summarized below. The Board also considered such additional matters as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Contracts, which included detailed information about the Fund and Federated Hermes furnished to the Board at its meetings throughout the year and in between regularly scheduled meetings on particular matters as the need arose.
The Board’s consideration of the Contracts included review of materials and information covering the following matters, among others: (1) copies of the Contracts; (2) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes; (3) Federated Hermes’ business and operations; (4) the Advisers’ investment philosophy, personnel and processes; (5) the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies; (6) the Fund’s short-term and long-term performance - in absolute terms (both on a gross basis and net of expenses) and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds and its benchmark; (7) the Fund’s fees and expenses, including the advisory fee and the overall expense structure of the Fund - in absolute terms and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds, with due regard for contractual or voluntary expense limitations (if any); (8) the financial condition of Federated Hermes; (9) the Adviser’s profitability with respect to managing the Fund; (10) distribution and sales activity for the Fund; and (11) the use and allocation of brokerage commissions derived from trading the Fund’s portfolio securities (if any).
The Board also considered judicial decisions concerning allegedly excessive investment advisory fees charged to other registered funds in evaluating the Contracts. Using these judicial decisions as a guide, the Board considered several factors they deemed relevant to an adviser’s fiduciary duty with respect to its receipt of compensation from a fund, including: (1) the nature and quality of the services provided by the adviser to the fund and its shareholders, including the performance of the fund, its benchmark and comparable funds; (2) the adviser’s cost of providing the services and the profitability to the adviser of providing advisory services to the fund; (3) the extent to which the adviser may realize “economies of scale” as the fund grows larger and, if such economies of scale exist, whether they have been appropriately shared with the fund and its shareholders or the family of funds; (4) any “fall-out” benefits that accrue to the adviser because of its relationship with the fund, including research services received from brokers that execute fund trades and any fees paid to affiliates of the adviser for services rendered to the fund; (5) comparative fees and expenses, including a comparison of management fees paid to the adviser with those paid by similar funds managed by the same adviser or other advisers as well as management fees charged to institutional and other advisory clients of the same adviser for what might be viewed as like services; and (6) the extent of care, conscientiousness and independence with which the fund’s board members perform their duties and their expertise, including whether they are fully informed about all facts the board deems relevant to its consideration of the adviser’s services and fees. The Board considered that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure requirements regarding the basis for a fund board’s approval of the fund’s investment advisory contract generally align with the factors listed above. The Board was guided by these factors in its
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
evaluation of the Contracts to the extent it considered them to be appropriate and relevant, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighed these factors in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with Federated Hermes on matters relating to the oversight of the other funds advised by Federated Hermes (each, a “Federated Hermes Fund” and, collectively, the “Federated Hermes Funds”).
In addition, the Board considered the preferences and expectations of Fund shareholders and the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the Contracts. In particular, the Board recognized that many shareholders likely have invested in the Fund based on the strength of Federated Hermes’ industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that Federated Hermes will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. Thus, the Board observed that there are a range of investment options available to the Fund’s shareholders in the marketplace, and such shareholders, having had the opportunity to consider other investment options, have effectively selected Federated Hermes by virtue of investing in the Fund.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Contracts, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate through the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contracts was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically with respect to the continuation of the Contracts. The Board recognized that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the factors considered and emphasis placed on relevant factors may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the registered fund marketplace. The Independent Trustees were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel. In connection with their deliberations at the May Meetings, the Independent Trustees met separately in executive session with their independent legal counsel and without management present to review the relevant materials and consider their responsibilities under applicable laws. In addition, senior management representatives of Federated Hermes also met with the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel to discuss the materials and presentations furnished to the Board at the May Meetings. The Board considered the approval of the Contracts for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the family of Federated Hermes Funds, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Advisers and the resources of Federated Hermes dedicated to the Fund. In this regard, the Board evaluated, among other things, the terms of the Contracts and the full range of services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes. The Board considered the Advisers’ personnel, investment philosophy and process, investment research capabilities and resources, trade operations capabilities, experience and performance track record. The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and evaluated Federated Hermes’ ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Fund. The Board considered the trading operations by the Advisers, including the execution of portfolio transactions and the selection of brokers for those transactions. The Board also considered the Advisers’ ability to deliver competitive investment performance for the Fund when compared to the Fund’s Performance Peer Group (as defined below), which was deemed by the Board to be a useful indicator of how the Advisers are executing the Fund’s investment program.
In addition, the Board considered the financial resources and overall reputation of Federated Hermes and its willingness to consider and make investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, business continuity planning and operational enhancements that are designed to benefit the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted the benefits of the previous significant acquisition of Hermes Fund Managers Limited by Federated Hermes, which has deepened Federated Hermes’ investment management expertise and capabilities and expanded its access to analytical resources related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors and issuer engagement on ESG matters where appropriate. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ oversight of the securities lending program for the Federated Hermes Funds that engage in securities lending and noted the income earned by the Federated Hermes Funds that participate in such program. In addition, the Board considered the quality of Federated Hermes’ communications with the Board and responsiveness to Board inquiries and requests made from time to time with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes is responsible for providing the Federated Hermes Funds’ officers.
The Board received and evaluated information regarding Federated Hermes’ regulatory and compliance environment. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ compliance program and compliance history and reports from the CCO about Federated Hermes’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including responses to regulatory developments and any compliance or other issues raised by regulatory agencies. The Board also noted Federated Hermes’ support of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance control structure and the compliance-related resources devoted by Federated Hermes in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including Federated Hermes’ commitment to respond to rulemaking and other regulatory initiatives of the SEC. The Board
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
considered Federated Hermes’ approach to internal audits and risk management with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds and its day-to-day oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance with their investment objectives and policies as well as with applicable laws and regulations, noting that regulatory and other developments had over time led, and continue to lead, to an increase in the scope of Federated Hermes’ oversight in this regard.
In addition, the Board noted Federated Hermes’ commitment to maintaining high quality systems and expending substantial resources to prepare for and respond to ongoing changes due to the market, regulatory and control environments in which the Fund and its service providers operate.
The Board considered Federated Hermes’ efforts to provide shareholders in the Federated Hermes Funds with a comprehensive array of funds with different investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Board considered the expenses that Federated Hermes had incurred, as well as the entrepreneurial and other risks assumed by Federated Hermes, in sponsoring and providing on-going services to new funds to expand these opportunities for shareholders. The Board noted the benefits to shareholders of being part of the family of Federated Hermes Funds, which include the general right to exchange investments between the same class of shares without the incurrence of additional sales charges.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisers to the Fund.
Fund Investment Performance
The Board considered the investment performance of the Fund. In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance, the Board considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks. The Board considered detailed investment reports on, and the Advisers’ analysis of, the Fund’s performance over different time periods that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. These reports included, among other items, information on the Fund’s gross and net returns, the Fund’s investment performance compared to one or more relevant categories or groups of peer funds and the Fund’s benchmark index, performance attribution information and commentary on the effect of market conditions. The Board considered that, in its evaluation of investment performance at meetings throughout the year, it focused particular attention on information indicating less favorable performance of certain Federated Hermes Funds for specific time periods and discussed with Federated Hermes the reasons for such performance as well as any specific actions Federated Hermes had taken, or had agreed to take, to seek to enhance Fund investment performance and the results of those actions.
The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the performance of other registered funds in the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar”), an independent fund ranking organization (the “Performance Peer Group”). The Board noted the CCO’s view that comparisons to fund peer groups may be helpful, though not conclusive, in evaluating the performance of the Advisers in managing the Fund. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, in evaluating such comparisons, in some cases there may be differences in the funds’ objectives or investment management techniques, or the costs to implement the funds, even within the same Performance Peer Group. In this connection, the Board considered that the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons particularly difficult as the funds in the Performance Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex relative to its Performance Peer Group. The Board also considered a report comparing the performance of the Fund solely to other funds with a quantitative focus in the Performance Peer Group.
The Board also considered comparative performance data from Lipper, Inc. that was included in reports provided to the Board throughout the year. The Board noted that differences may exist between the Performance Peer Group and Lipper peers and that the results of these performance comparisons may vary.
The Board considered that for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2023, the Fund’s performance was above the median of the Performance Peer Group.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it had continued confidence in the Advisers’ overall capabilities to manage the Fund.
The Board considered the advisory fee, sub-advisory fee, and overall expense structure of the Fund and the comparative fee and expense information that had been provided in connection with the May Meetings. In this regard, the Board was presented with, and considered, information regarding the contractual advisory fee rates, net advisory fee rates, total expense ratios and each element of the Fund’s total expense ratio (i.e., gross and net advisory fees, administrative fees, custody fees, portfolio accounting fees and transfer agency fees) relative to an appropriate group of peer funds compiled by Federated Hermes from the overall category of peer funds selected by Morningstar (the “Expense Peer Group”). The Board received a description of the methodology used to select the Expense Peer Group from the overall Morningstar category. The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the fees and expenses of the broader group of funds in the overall Morningstar category.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
While mindful that courts have cautioned against giving too much weight to comparative information concerning fees charged to funds by other advisers, the use of comparisons between the Fund and its Expense Peer Group assisted the Board in its evaluation of the Fund’s fees and expenses. The Board focused on comparisons with other registered funds more heavily than non-registered fund products or services because such comparisons are believed to be more relevant. The Board considered that other registered funds are the products most like the Fund, in that they are readily available to Fund shareholders as alternative investment vehicles, and they are the type of investment vehicle, in fact, chosen and maintained by the Fund’s shareholders. The Board noted that the range of such other registered funds’ fees and expenses, therefore, appears to be a relevant indicator of what investors have found to be reasonable in the marketplace in which the Fund competes.
The Board reviewed the contractual advisory fee rate, net advisory fee rate and other expenses of the Fund and noted the position of the Fund’s fee rates relative to its Expense Peer Group. In this regard, the Board noted that the contractual advisory fee rate was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, but the Board noted the applicable waivers and reimbursements, and that the overall expense structure of the Fund remained competitive in the context of other factors considered by the Board. In this regard, the Board considered that, while comparisons to the Fund’s Expense Peer Group are relevant in judging the reasonableness of advisory fees, the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons to the Expense Group particularly difficult. The Board further considered that, although the Fund’s advisory fee was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, the funds in the Expense Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex funds relative to the Expense Peer Group.
The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fees charged by Federated Hermes to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Federated Hermes Funds, including non-registered fund clients (such as institutional separate accounts) and third-party unaffiliated registered funds for which any of the Advisers or their affiliates serve as sub-adviser. The Board noted the CCO’s conclusion that non-registered fund clients are inherently different products due to the following differences, among others: (i) different types of targeted investors; (ii) different applicable laws and regulations; (iii) different legal structures; (iv) different average account sizes and portfolio management techniques made necessary by different cash flows and different associated costs; (v) the time spent by portfolio managers and their teams (among other personnel across various departments, including legal, compliance and risk management) in reviewing securities pricing ; (vi) different SEC mandated risk management programs with respect to fund liquidity and use of derivatives; (vii) different administrative responsibilities; (viii) different degrees of risk associated with management; and (ix) a variety of different costs. The Board also considered information regarding the differences in the nature of the services required for Federated Hermes to manage its proprietary registered fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a sub-adviser to another institution’s registered fund, noting the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes generally performs significant additional services and assumes substantially greater risks in managing the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds than in its role as sub-adviser to an unaffiliated third-party registered fund. The Board noted that the CCO did not consider the fees for providing advisory services to other types of clients to be determinative in judging the appropriateness of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory fees.
In the case of the Fund, the Board noted that Federated Hermes does not manage any other types of clients that are comparable to the Fund.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the fees and total operating expenses of the Fund, in conjunction with other matters considered, are reasonable in light of the services provided.
The Board received and considered profitability information furnished by Federated Hermes. Such profitability information included revenues reported on a fund-by-fund basis and estimates of the allocation of expenses made on a fund-by-fund basis, using allocation methodologies specified by the CCO and described to the Board. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, while these cost allocation reports apply consistent allocation processes, the inherent difficulties in allocating costs on a fund-by-fund basis continues to cause the CCO to question the precision of the process and to conclude that such reports may be unreliable because a single change in an allocation estimate may dramatically alter the resulting estimate of cost and/or profitability of a Federated Hermes Fund and may produce unintended consequences. In addition, the Board considered the CCO’s view that the allocation methodologies used by Federated Hermes in estimating profitability for purposes of reporting to the Board in connection with the continuation of the Contracts are consistent with the methodologies previously reviewed by an independent consultant. The Board noted that the independent consultant had previously conducted a review of the allocation methodologies and reported to the Board that, although there is no single best method to allocate expenses, the methodologies used by Federated Hermes are reasonable. The Board considered the CCO’s view that the estimated profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable in relation to the services provided.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The Board also reviewed information compiled by Federated Hermes comparing its profitability information to other publicly-held fund management companies, including information regarding profitability trends over time. The Board recognized that profitability comparisons among fund management companies are difficult because of the variation in the type of comparative information that is publicly available, and the profitability of any fund management company is affected by numerous factors. The Board considered the CCO’s conclusion that, based on such profitability information, Federated Hermes’ profit margins did not appear to be excessive. The Board also considered the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes appeared financially sound, with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under its contracts with the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board received and considered information about the notion of possible realization of “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger, the difficulties of isolating and quantifying economies of scale at an individual fund level, and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes has made significant and long-term investments in areas that support all of the Federated Hermes Funds, such as: portfolio management, investment research and trading operations; shareholder services; compliance; business continuity, cybersecurity and information security programs; internal audit and risk management functions; and technology, systems capabilities and use of data. The Board noted that Federated Hermes’ investments in these areas are extensive and are designed to provide enhanced or expanded services to the Federated Hermes Funds and their shareholders. The Board considered that the benefits of these investments are likely to be shared with the family of Federated Hermes Funds as a whole. In addition, the Board considered that fee waivers and expense reimbursements are another means for potential economies of scale to be shared with shareholders and can provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Federated Hermes Fund’s assets decline. The Board considered that, in order for the Federated Hermes Funds to remain competitive in the marketplace, Federated Hermes has frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Federated Hermes Funds and has disclosed to shareholders and/or reported to the Board its intention to do so (or continue to do so) in the future. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes has been active in managing expenses of the Federated Hermes Funds in recent years, which has resulted in benefits being realized by shareholders.
The Board also received and considered information on adviser-paid fees (commonly referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) that was provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. The Board considered that Federated Hermes and the CCO believe that this information is relevant to considering whether Federated Hermes had an incentive to either not apply breakpoints, or to apply breakpoints at higher levels, but should not be considered when evaluating the reasonableness of advisory fees. The Board also noted the absence of any applicable regulatory or industry guidelines on economies of scale, which is compounded by the lack of any uniform methodology or pattern with respect to structuring fund advisory fees with breakpoints that serve to reduce the fees as a fund attains a certain size.
The Board considered information regarding the compensation and other ancillary (or “fall-out”) benefits that Federated Hermes derived from its relationships with the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted that, in addition to receiving advisory fees under the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisory contracts, Federated Hermes’ affiliates also receive fees for providing other services to the Federated Hermes Funds under separate service contracts including for serving as the Federated Hermes Funds’ administrator and distributor. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes’ affiliates provide distribution and shareholder services to the Federated Hermes Funds, for which they may be compensated through distribution and servicing fees paid pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans or otherwise. The Board also received and considered information detailing the benefits, if any, that Federated Hermes may derive from its receipt of research services from brokers who execute portfolio trades for the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board considered: (i) the CCO’s conclusion that his observations and the information accompanying the CCO Fee Evaluation Report show that the management fee for the Fund is reasonable; and (ii) the CCO’s recommendation that the Board approve the management fee. The Board noted that, under these circumstances, no changes were recommended to, and no objection was raised to the continuation of, the Contracts by the CCO. The CCO also recognized that the Board’s evaluation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory arrangements is a continuing and ongoing process that is informed by the information that the Board requests and receives from management throughout the course of the year and, in this regard, the CCO noted certain items, and management has committed to reviewing certain items, for future reporting to the Board as the Board continues its ongoing oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
On the basis of the information and factors summarized above, among other information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and the evaluation thereof, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of the Contracts. The Board based its determination to approve the Contracts on the totality of the circumstances and relevant factors and with a view of past and future long-term considerations. Not all of the factors and considerations identified above were necessarily deemed to be relevant to the Fund, nor did the Board consider any one of them to be determinative.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Mutual funds are not bank deposits or obligations, are not 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. Investment in mutual funds involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This information is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s Prospectus, which contains facts concerning its objective and policies, management fees, expenses and other information.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at FederatedHermes.com/us
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
CUSIP 31421R841
CUSIP 31421R833
CUSIP 31421R825
CUSIP 31421R692
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Annual Financial Statements
and Additional Information
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT SeriesNot FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee
Portfolio of Investments
| | | |
| | | |
| | Communication Services—12.8% | |
| | | |
| | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Discretionary—12.7% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | |
| | Apollo Global Management, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Ryan Specialty Group Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Edwards Lifesciences Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | |
| | Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | |
| | Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—47.4% | |
| | | |
| | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Cadence Design Systems, Inc. | |
| | Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—continued | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Zoom Video Communications, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,152,995,540) | |
| | | |
| | Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares, 5.24%2 (IDENTIFIED COST $33,055,652) | |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—99.9%
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,186,051,192)3 | |
| | OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET—0.1%4 | |
| | | |
Transactions with affiliated investment companies, which are funds managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| Federated
Hermes
Government
Obligations Fund,
Premier Shares | Federated
Hermes
Institutional
Prime Value
Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares | Total of
Affiliated
Transactions |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Shares Held as of 7/31/2024 | | | |
| | | |
| Non-income-producing security. |
| |
| The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $1,188,828,540. |
| Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of total net assets at July 31, 2024.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). Also includes securities valued at amortized cost.
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
At July 31, 2024, all investments of the Fund utilized Level 1 inputs in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value.
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class A Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class C Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Institutional Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement5 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Represents less than $0.01. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class R6 Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period)
| |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | |
Income From Investment Operations: | |
Net investment income (loss)2 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | |
Total From Investment Operations | |
| |
Distributions from net investment income | |
Distributions from net realized gain | |
| |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | |
| |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement8 | |
| |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | |
| |
| Reflects operations for the period from May 29, 2024 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2024. |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Represents less than $0.01. |
| Based on net asset value. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Computed on an annualized basis. |
| Represents less than 0.01%. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesJuly 31, 2024
| |
Investment in securities, at value including $33,055,652 of investments in affiliated holdings* (identified cost $1,186,051,192, including $33,055,652 of identified cost in affiliated holdings) | |
| |
| |
Income receivable from affiliated holdings | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
Receivable for shares sold | |
| |
| |
Payable for investments purchased | |
Payable for shares redeemed | |
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for administrative fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
Accrued expenses (Note 5) | |
| |
Net assets for 45,919,034 shares outstanding | |
| |
| |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | |
| |
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share: | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($247,412,011 ÷ 8,049,731 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
Offering price per share (100/94.50 of $30.74) | |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($33,774,273 ÷ 1,463,578 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share (99.00/100 of $23.08) | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($1,226,156,149 ÷ 36,404,219 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($50,726 ÷ 1,506 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of OperationsYear Ended July 31, 2024
| |
Dividends (including $1,321,870 received from affiliated holdings*) | |
Net income on securities loaned (Note 2) | |
| |
| |
Investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Administrative fee (Note 5) | |
| |
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
| |
| |
Portfolio accounting fees | |
Distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Waiver and Reimbursements: | |
Waiver/reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Reimbursement of other operating expenses (Notes 2 and 5) | |
TOTAL WAIVER AND REIMBURSEMENTS | |
| |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | |
Net realized gain on investments (including net realized loss of $(3,706) on sales of investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (including net change in unrealized appreciation of $(1,149) on investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | |
Change in net assets resulting from operations | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
| | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | |
Proceeds from shares issued in connection with the tax-free transfer of assets from Stockyard | | |
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| On February 3, 2023, Class B Shares were converted into Class A Shares. |
| Reflects operations for the period from May 29, 2024 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2024. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Notes to Financial Statements
Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust consists of five portfolios. The financial statements included herein are only those of Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. The financial statements of the other portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held. Each portfolio pays its own expenses. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting, except on class-specific matters. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund’s Class R6 Shares commenced operations on May 29, 2024.
At the close of business on February 3, 2023, Class B Shares were converted into the Fund’s existing Class A Shares pursuant to a Plan of Conversion approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”). The conversion occurred on a tax-free basis. The cash value of a shareholder’s investment was not changed as a result of the share class conversion. No action was required by shareholders to effect the conversion.
At close of business on July 14, 2023, the Fund acquired all of the net assets of Stock Yard Bank and Trust Company Science and Technology Common Trust Fund (“Stockyard”), a common trust fund, in a tax-free reorganization in exchange for shares of the Fund. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from Stockyard was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.
| Stockyard
Net Assets
Received | | Net Assets
of the Fund
Immediately
Prior to
Acquisition | Net Assets
of the Fund
Immediately
After
Acquisition |
| | | | |
| Unrealized Appreciation is included in the Net Assets Received amount shown above. |
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
In calculating its net asset value (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.
■
Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs, or NAV per share practical expedient, as applicable.
■
For securities that are fair valued in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”) certain factors may be considered, such as: the last traded or purchase price of the security, information obtained by contacting the issuer or dealers, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents, fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded, public trading in similar securities or derivative contracts of the issuer or comparable issuers, movement of a relevant index, or other factors including but not limited to industry changes and relevant government actions.
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 Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures for the Fund, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Adviser’s valuation committee (“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 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, and the actual value obtained could be materially different.
Fair Valuation and Significant Events Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act, the Trustees have designated the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to perform any fair value determinations for securities and other assets held by the Fund. The Adviser is subject to the Trustees’ oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to provide the Trustees the information needed to oversee the Adviser’s fair value determinations.
The Adviser, acting through its Valuation Committee, is responsible for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Valuation Committee is comprised of officers of the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s affiliated companies and determines fair value and oversees the calculation of the NAV. The Valuation Committee is also authorized to use pricing services to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. The Valuation Committee employs various methods for reviewing third-party pricing-service evaluations including periodic reviews of third-party pricing services’ policies, procedures and valuation methods (including key inputs, methods, models and assumptions),
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
transactional back-testing, comparisons of evaluations of different pricing services, and review of price challenges by the Adviser based on recent market activity. 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 Adviser. The Trustees periodically review the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee. The Trustees have also approved the Adviser’s fair valuation and significant events procedures as part of the Fund’s compliance program and will review any changes made to the procedures.
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. 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 ask 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. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the fair value of the investment is determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser.
The Adviser has also adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Valuation Committee 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;
■
Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations, litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer’s operations or regulatory changes or market developments affecting the issuer’s industry.
The Adviser has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to provide factors to update the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets from the time of the close of their respective foreign stock exchanges to the pricing time of the Fund. 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 in accordance with the fair valuation procedures approved by the Adviser. The Trustees periodically review fair valuations made in response to significant events.
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements for short-term liquidity purposes. It is the policy of the Fund to require the other party to a repurchase agreement to transfer to the Fund’s custodian or sub-custodian eligible securities or cash with a market value (after transaction costs) at least equal to the repurchase price to be paid under the repurchase agreement. The eligible securities are transferred to accounts with the custodian or sub-custodian in which the Fund holds a “securities entitlement” and exercises “control” as those terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code. The Fund has established procedures for monitoring the market value of the transferred securities and requiring the transfer of additional eligible securities if necessary to equal at least the repurchase price. These procedures also allow the other party to require securities to be transferred from the account to the extent that their market value exceeds the repurchase price or in exchange for other eligible securities of equivalent market value.
The insolvency of the other party or other failure to repurchase the securities may delay the disposition of the underlying securities or cause the Fund to receive less than the full repurchase price. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, any amounts received by the Fund in excess of the repurchase price and related transaction costs must be remitted to the other party.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements in which eligible securities are transferred into joint trading accounts maintained by the custodian or sub-custodian for investment companies and other clients advised by the Fund’s Adviser and its affiliates. The Fund will participate on a pro rata basis with the other investment companies and clients in its share of the securities transferred under such repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of such securities.
Investment Income, Gains and Losses, Expenses and Distributions
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified-cost basis. Interest income and expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at fair value. Amortization/accretion of premium and discount is included in investment income. Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated to each class based on relative average daily net assets, except that select classes will bear certain expenses unique to those classes. The detail of the total fund expense waiver and reimbursements of $2,246,786 is disclosed in various locations in this Note 2 and Note 5.
Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Transfer Agent Fees
For the year ended July 31, 2024, transfer agent fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Transfer Agent
Fees Incurred | Transfer Agent
Fees Reimbursed |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Prior to their conversion to Class A Shares at the close of business on February 3, 2023, the Class B Shares were also subject to these fees and reimbursements.
The Fund may pay other service fees up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC) for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Prior to their conversion to Class A Shares at the close of business on February 3, 2023, the Class B Shares were also subject to these fees. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSSC may voluntarily reimburse the Fund for other service fees.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, other service fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Other Service
Fees Incurred |
| |
| |
| |
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Subchapter M provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is necessary. As of and during the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not have a liability for any uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of July 31, 2024, tax years 2021 through 2024 remain subject to examination by the Fund’s major tax jurisdictions, which include the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may engage in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions. The Fund records when-issued securities on the trade date and maintains security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.
The Fund participates in a securities lending program providing for the lending of equity securities to qualified brokers. The term of the loans within the program is one year or less. The Fund normally receives cash collateral for securities loaned that may be invested in affiliated money market funds, other money market instruments and/or repurchase agreements. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 100% of the market value of investments loaned, plus interest, if applicable. In accordance with the Fund’s securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Earnings from collateral invested in affiliated holdings as presented parenthetically on the Statement of Operations do not reflect fees and rebates and are allocated between the borrower of the security, the securities lending agent, as a fee for its services under the program and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. 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.
As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no outstanding securities on loan.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated. The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following tables summarize share activity:
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares1 | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS A SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares1 | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS B SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS C SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Proceeds from shares issued in connection with the tax-free transfer of assets from Stockyard | | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM INSTITUTIONAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS R6 SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM TOTAL FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| On February 3, 2023, Class B Shares were converted to Class A Shares. Within the Statement of Changes in Net Assets, the conversion from Class B Shares is within the Cost of shares redeemed and the conversion to Class A Shares is within Proceeds from sale of shares. |
| Reflects operations for the period from May 29, 2024 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2024. |
4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
The tax character of distributions as reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended July 31, 2024 and 2023, was as follows:
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
As of July 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | |
Net unrealized appreciation | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | |
| |
At July 31, 2024, the cost of investments for federal tax purposes was $1,188,828,540. The net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal tax purposes was $316,334,281. This consists of unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost of $325,683,097 and unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value of $9,348,816. The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation/depreciation is attributable to differing treatments for wash sales.
5. INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser provides for an annual fee equal to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, the Adviser may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund for competitive reasons such as to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio, or as and when appropriate, to maintain positive or zero net yields. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser voluntarily waived $2,145,537 of its fee and voluntarily reimbursed $79,274 of transfer agent fees.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for certain investment adviser fees as a result of transactions in other affiliated investment companies. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser reimbursed $21,975.
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), under the Administrative Services Agreement, provides the Fund with administrative personnel and services. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Hermes Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement. The fee paid to FAS is based on the average daily net assets of the Investment Complex as specified below:
| Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex |
| on assets up to $50 billion |
| on assets over $50 billion |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FAS may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the annualized fee paid to FAS was 0.078% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
In addition, FAS may charge certain out-of-pocket expenses to the Fund.
Distribution Services Fee
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund will compensate Federated Securities Corp. (FSC), the principal distributor, from the daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to finance activities intended to result in the sale of these shares. The Plan provides that the Fund may incur distribution expenses at the following percentages of average daily net assets annually, to compensate FSC:
| Percentage of Average Daily
Net Assets of Class |
| |
| |
Prior to their conversion to Class A Shares at the close of business on February 3, 2023, the Class B Shares were also subject to the Plan at 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Class B Shares.
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSC may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, distribution services fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Distribution Services
Fees Incurred |
| |
When FSC receives fees, it may pay some or all of them to financial intermediaries whose customers purchase shares. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $44,360 of fees paid by the Fund. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund’s Class A Shares did not incur a distribution services fee; however, it may begin to incur this fee upon approval of the Trustees.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Sales Charges
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. They are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $39,651 in sales charges from the sale of Class A Shares. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $5,387 of CDSC relating to redemptions of Class C Shares.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSSC received $34,468 of the other service fees disclosed in Note 2.
The Adviser and certain of its affiliates (which may include FSC, FAS and FSSC) on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (as shown in the financial highlights, excluding interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses, if any) paid by the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 0.99%, 1.74%, 0.74% and 0.71% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) October 1, 2025; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its applicable 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 Trustees.
Directors’/Trustees’ and Miscellaneous Fees
Certain Officers and Trustees of the Fund are Officers and Directors or Trustees of certain of the above companies. To efficiently facilitate payment, Independent Directors’/Trustees’ fees and certain expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses are paid by an affiliate of the Adviser which in due course are reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses may be included in Accrued and Miscellaneous Expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding long-term U.S. government securities and short-term obligations, for the year ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies that are deemed by the Fund’s management to be classified in similar business sectors. Economic developments may have an effect on the liquidity and volatility of the portfolio securities.
A substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of entities in the Information Technology sector. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect these entities.
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Hermes Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement dated June 18, 2024. The LOC was made available to temporarily finance 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 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 (a) the highest, on any day, of (i) the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the published secured overnight financing rate plus an assigned percentage, and (iii) 0.0%, plus (b) a margin. Any fund eligible to borrow under the LOC pays its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders’ commitment that has not been utilized, quarterly in arrears and at maturity. As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Hermes, Inc., may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating affiliated funds. As of July 31, 2024, there were no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the program was not utilized.
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors/Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund (other than liabilities arising out of their willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Fund). In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund provides certain indemnifications under arrangements with third parties. Typically, obligations to indemnify a third party arise in the context of an arrangement entered into by the Fund under which the Fund agrees to indemnify such third party for certain liabilities arising out of actions taken pursuant to
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
the arrangement, provided the third party’s actions are not deemed to have breached an agreed-upon standard of care (such as willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the contract). The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet arisen. The Fund does not anticipate any material claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements at this time, and accordingly expects the risk of loss to be remote.
The Trustees have approved a reduction in the stated gross advisory fee of the Fund. Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s gross investment advisory fee will decrease from 0.75% to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
12. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Of the ordinary income distributions made by the Fund during the year ended July 31, 2024, 100% qualify for the dividend received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, 100% of total ordinary income distributions made by the Fund are qualifying dividends which may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003. Complete information is reported in conjunction with the reporting of your distributions on Form 1099-DIV.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, the amount of long-term capital gains designated by the Fund was $11,564,729.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FEDERATED HERMES MDT SERIES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF FEDERATED HERMES MDT LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2024, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series), at July 31, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the auditor of one or more Federated Hermes investment companies since 1979.
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2024
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract–May 2024
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”)
At its meetings in May 2024 (the “May Meetings”), the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract between the Fund and Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”) with respect to the Fund (the “Contract”) for an additional one-year term. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract reflects the exercise of its business judgment after considering all of the information and factors believed to be relevant and appropriate on whether to approve the continuation of the existing arrangement. The information, factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are summarized below.
Information Received and Review Process
At the request of the Independent Trustees, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) furnished to the Board in advance of its May Meetings an independent written evaluation of the Fund’s management fee (the “CCO Fee Evaluation Report”). The Board considered the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, along with other information, in evaluating the reasonableness of the Fund’s management fee and in determining to approve the continuation of the Contract.
In addition to the extensive materials that comprise and accompany the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, the Board considered information specifically prepared in connection with the approval of the continuation of the Contract that was presented at the May Meetings. In this regard, in the months preceding the May Meetings, the Board requested and reviewed written responses and supporting materials prepared by the Adviser and its affiliates (collectively, “Federated Hermes”) in response to requests posed to Federated Hermes by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees encompassing a wide variety of topics, including those summarized below. The Board also considered such additional matters as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Contract, which included detailed information about the Fund and Federated Hermes furnished to the Board at its meetings throughout the year and in between regularly scheduled meetings on particular matters as the need arose.
The Board’s consideration of the Contract included review of materials and information covering the following matters, among others: (1) copies of the Contracts; (2) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes; (3) Federated Hermes’ business and operations; (4) the Adviser’s investment philosophy, personnel and processes; (5) the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies; (6) the Fund’s short-term and long-term performance - in absolute terms (both on a gross basis and net of expenses) and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds and its benchmark; (7) the Fund’s fees and expenses, including the advisory fee and the overall expense structure of the Fund - in absolute terms and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds, with due regard for contractual or voluntary expense limitations (if any); (8) the financial condition of Federated Hermes; (9) the Adviser’s profitability with respect to managing the Fund; (10) distribution and sales activity for the Fund; and (11) the use and allocation of brokerage commissions derived from trading the Fund’s portfolio securities (if any).
The Board also considered judicial decisions concerning allegedly excessive investment advisory fees charged to other registered funds in evaluating the Contract. Using these judicial decisions as a guide, the Board considered several factors they deemed relevant to an adviser’s fiduciary duty with respect to its receipt of compensation from a fund, including: (1) the nature and quality of the services provided by the adviser to the fund and its shareholders, including the performance of the fund, its benchmark and comparable funds; (2) the adviser’s cost of providing the services and the profitability to the adviser of providing advisory services to the fund; (3) the extent to which the adviser may realize “economies of scale” as the fund grows larger and, if such economies of scale exist, whether they have been appropriately shared with the fund and its shareholders or the family of funds; (4) any “fall-out” benefits that accrue to the adviser because of its relationship with the fund, including research services received from brokers that execute fund trades and any fees paid to affiliates of the adviser for services rendered to the fund; (5) comparative fees and expenses, including a comparison of management fees paid to the adviser with those paid by similar funds managed by the same adviser or other advisers as well as management fees charged to institutional and other advisory clients of the same adviser for what might be viewed as like services; and (6) the extent of care, conscientiousness and independence with which the fund’s board members perform their duties and their expertise, including whether they are fully informed about all facts the board deems relevant to its consideration of the adviser’s services and fees. The Board considered that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure requirements regarding the basis for a fund board’s approval of the fund’s investment advisory contract generally align with the factors listed above. The Board was guided by these factors in its evaluation of the Contract to the extent it considered them to be appropriate and relevant, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighed these factors in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with Federated Hermes on matters relating to the oversight of the other funds advised by Federated Hermes (each, a “Federated Hermes Fund” and, collectively, the “Federated Hermes Funds”).
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board considered the preferences and expectations of Fund shareholders and the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the Contract. In particular, the Board recognized that many shareholders likely have invested in the Fund based on the strength of Federated Hermes’ industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that Federated Hermes will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. Thus, the Board observed that there are a range of investment options available to the Fund’s shareholders in the marketplace, and such shareholders, having had the opportunity to consider other investment options, have effectively selected Federated Hermes by virtue of investing in the Fund.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Contract, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate through the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically with respect to the continuation of the Contract. The Board recognized that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the factors considered and emphasis placed on relevant factors may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the registered fund marketplace. The Independent Trustees were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel. In connection with their deliberations at the May Meetings, the Independent Trustees met separately in executive session with their independent legal counsel and without management present to review the relevant materials and consider their responsibilities under applicable laws. In addition, senior management representatives of Federated Hermes also met with the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel to discuss the materials and presentations furnished to the Board at the May Meetings. The Board considered the approval of the Contract for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the family of Federated Hermes Funds, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the resources of Federated Hermes dedicated to the Fund. In this regard, the Board evaluated, among other things, the terms of the Contract and the full range of services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes. The Board considered the Adviser’s personnel, investment philosophy and process, investment research capabilities and resources, trade operations capabilities, experience and performance track record. The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and evaluated Federated Hermes’ ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Fund. The Board considered the trading operations by the Adviser, including the execution of portfolio transactions and the selection of brokers for those transactions. The Board also considered the Adviser’s ability to deliver competitive investment performance for the Fund when compared to the Fund’s Performance Peer Group (as defined below), which was deemed by the Board to be a useful indicator of how the Adviser is executing the Fund’s investment program.
In addition, the Board considered the financial resources and overall reputation of Federated Hermes and its willingness to consider and make investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, business continuity planning and operational enhancements that are designed to benefit the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted the benefits of the previous significant acquisition of Hermes Fund Managers Limited by Federated Hermes, which has deepened Federated Hermes’ investment management expertise and capabilities and expanded its access to analytical resources related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors and issuer engagement on ESG matters where appropriate. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ oversight of the securities lending program for the Federated Hermes Funds that engage in securities lending and noted the income earned by the Federated Hermes Funds that participate in such program. In addition, the Board considered the quality of Federated Hermes’ communications with the Board and responsiveness to Board inquiries and requests made from time to time with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes is responsible for providing the Federated Hermes Funds’ officers.
The Board received and evaluated information regarding Federated Hermes’ regulatory and compliance environment. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ compliance program and compliance history and reports from the CCO about Federated Hermes’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including responses to regulatory developments and any compliance or other issues raised by regulatory agencies. The Board also noted Federated Hermes’ support of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance control structure and the compliance-related resources devoted by Federated Hermes in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including Federated Hermes’ commitment to respond to rulemaking and other regulatory initiatives of the SEC. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ approach to internal audits and risk management with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds and its day-to-day oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance with their investment objectives and policies as well as with applicable laws and regulations, noting that regulatory and other developments had over time led, and continue to lead, to an increase in the scope of Federated Hermes’ oversight in this regard.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board noted Federated Hermes’ commitment to maintaining high quality systems and expending substantial resources to prepare for and respond to ongoing changes due to the market, regulatory and control environments in which the Fund and its service providers operate.
The Board considered Federated Hermes’ efforts to provide shareholders in the Federated Hermes Funds with a comprehensive array of funds with different investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Board considered the expenses that Federated Hermes had incurred, as well as the entrepreneurial and other risks assumed by Federated Hermes, in sponsoring and providing on-going services to new funds to expand these opportunities for shareholders. The Board noted the benefits to shareholders of being part of the family of Federated Hermes Funds, which include the general right to exchange investments between the same class of shares without the incurrence of additional sales charges.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund.
Fund Investment Performance
The Board considered the investment performance of the Fund. In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance, the Board considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks. The Board considered detailed investment reports on, and the Adviser’s analysis of, the Fund’s performance over different time periods that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. These reports included, among other items, information on the Fund’s gross and net returns, the Fund’s investment performance compared to one or more relevant categories or groups of peer funds and the Fund’s benchmark index, performance attribution information and commentary on the effect of market conditions. The Board considered that, in its evaluation of investment performance at meetings throughout the year, it focused particular attention on information indicating less favorable performance of certain Federated Hermes Funds for specific time periods and discussed with Federated Hermes the reasons for such performance as well as any specific actions Federated Hermes had taken, or had agreed to take, to seek to enhance Fund investment performance and the results of those actions.
The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the performance of other registered funds in the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar”), an independent fund ranking organization (the “Performance Peer Group”). The Board noted the CCO’s view that comparisons to fund peer groups may be helpful, though not conclusive, in evaluating the performance of the Adviser in managing the Fund. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, in evaluating such comparisons, in some cases there may be differences in the funds’ objectives or investment management techniques, or the costs to implement the funds, even within the same Performance Peer Group. In this connection, the Board considered that the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons particularly difficult as the funds in the Performance Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex relative to its Performance Peer Group. The Board also considered a report comparing the performance of the Fund solely to other funds with a quantitative focus in the Performance Peer Group.
The Board also considered comparative performance data from Lipper, Inc. that was included in reports provided to the Board throughout the year. The Board noted that differences may exist between the Performance Peer Group and Lipper peers and that the results of these performance comparisons may vary.
The Board considered that for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, the Fund’s performance was above the median of the Performance Peer Group. In addition, the Board was informed by the Adviser that, for the same periods, the Fund outperformed its benchmark index for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it had continued confidence in the Adviser’s overall capabilities to manage the Fund.
The Board considered the advisory fee, and overall expense structure of the Fund and the comparative fee and expense information that had been provided in connection with the May Meetings. In this regard, the Board was presented with, and considered, information regarding the contractual advisory fee rates, net advisory fee rates, total expense ratios and each element of the Fund’s total expense ratio (i.e., gross and net advisory fees, administrative fees, custody fees, portfolio accounting fees and transfer agency fees) relative to an appropriate group of peer funds compiled by Federated Hermes from the overall category of peer funds selected by Morningstar (the “Expense Peer Group”). The Board received a description of the methodology used to select the Expense Peer Group from the overall Morningstar category. The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the fees and expenses of the broader group of funds in the overall Morningstar category.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
While mindful that courts have cautioned against giving too much weight to comparative information concerning fees charged to funds by other advisers, the use of comparisons between the Fund and its Expense Peer Group assisted the Board in its evaluation of the Fund’s fees and expenses. The Board focused on comparisons with other registered funds more heavily than non-registered fund products or services because such comparisons are believed to be more relevant. The Board considered that other registered funds are the products most like the Fund, in that they are readily available to Fund shareholders as alternative investment vehicles, and they are the type of investment vehicle, in fact, chosen and maintained by the Fund’s shareholders. The Board noted that the range of such other registered funds’ fees and expenses, therefore, appears to be a relevant indicator of what investors have found to be reasonable in the marketplace in which the Fund competes.
The Board reviewed the contractual advisory fee rate, net advisory fee rate and other expenses of the Fund and noted the position of the Fund’s fee rates relative to its Expense Peer Group. In this regard, the Board noted that the contractual advisory fee rate was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, but the Board noted the applicable waivers and reimbursements, and that the overall expense structure of the Fund remained competitive in the context of other factors considered by the Board. In this regard, the Board considered that, while comparisons to the Fund’s Expense Peer Group are relevant in judging the reasonableness of advisory fees, the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons to the Expense Group particularly difficult. The Board further considered that, although the Fund’s advisory fee was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, the funds in the Expense Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex funds relative to the Expense Peer Group. In considering the Fund’s expenses, the Board noted that the Adviser recommended, and the Board approved, a contractual advisory fee reduction for the Fund in an agreed upon amount, effective on or about October 1, 2024.
The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fees charged by Federated Hermes to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Federated Hermes Funds, including non-registered fund clients (such as institutional separate accounts) and third-party unaffiliated registered funds for which the Adviser or its affiliates serve as sub-adviser. The Board noted the CCO’s conclusion that non-registered fund clients are inherently different products due to the following differences, among others: (i) different types of targeted investors; (ii) different applicable laws and regulations; (iii) different legal structures; (iv) different average account sizes and portfolio management techniques made necessary by different cash flows and different associated costs; (v) the time spent by portfolio managers and their teams (among other personnel across various departments, including legal, compliance and risk management) in reviewing securities pricing; (vi) different SEC mandated risk management programs with respect to fund liquidity and use of derivatives; (viii) different administrative responsibilities; (viii) different degrees of risk associated with management; and (ix) a variety of different costs. The Board also considered information regarding the differences in the nature of the services required for Federated Hermes to manage its proprietary registered fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a sub-adviser to another institution’s registered fund, noting the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes generally performs significant additional services and assumes substantially greater risks in managing the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds than in its role as sub-adviser to an unaffiliated third-party registered fund. The Board noted that the CCO did not consider the fees for providing advisory services to other types of clients to be determinative in judging the appropriateness of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory fees.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the fees and total operating expenses of the Fund, in conjunction with other matters considered, are reasonable in light of the services provided.
The Board received and considered profitability information furnished by Federated Hermes. Such profitability information included revenues reported on a fund-by-fund basis and estimates of the allocation of expenses made on a fund-by-fund basis, using allocation methodologies specified by the CCO and described to the Board. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, while these cost allocation reports apply consistent allocation processes, the inherent difficulties in allocating costs on a fund-by-fund basis continues to cause the CCO to question the precision of the process and to conclude that such reports may be unreliable because a single change in an allocation estimate may dramatically alter the resulting estimate of cost and/or profitability of a Federated Hermes Fund and may produce unintended consequences. In addition, the Board considered the CCO’s view that the allocation methodologies used by Federated Hermes in estimating profitability for purposes of reporting to the Board in connection with the continuation of the Contract are consistent with the methodologies previously reviewed by an independent consultant. The Board noted that the independent consultant had previously conducted a review of the allocation methodologies and reported to the Board that, although there is no single best method to allocate expenses, the methodologies used by Federated Hermes are reasonable. The Board considered the CCO’s view that the estimated profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable in relation to the services provided.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The Board also reviewed information compiled by Federated Hermes comparing its profitability information to other publicly-held fund management companies, including information regarding profitability trends over time. The Board recognized that profitability comparisons among fund management companies are difficult because of the variation in the type of comparative information that is publicly available, and the profitability of any fund management company is affected by numerous factors. The Board considered the CCO’s conclusion that, based on such profitability information, Federated Hermes’ profit margins did not appear to be excessive. The Board also considered the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes appeared financially sound, with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under its contracts with the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board received and considered information about the notion of possible realization of “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger, the difficulties of isolating and quantifying economies of scale at an individual fund level, and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes has made significant and long-term investments in areas that support all of the Federated Hermes Funds, such as: portfolio management, investment research and trading operations; shareholder services; compliance; business continuity, cybersecurity and information security programs; internal audit and risk management functions; and technology, systems capabilities and use of data. The Board noted that Federated Hermes’ investments in these areas are extensive and are designed to provide enhanced or expanded services to the Federated Hermes Funds and their shareholders. The Board considered that the benefits of these investments are likely to be shared with the family of Federated Hermes Funds as a whole. In addition, the Board considered that fee waivers and expense reimbursements are another means for potential economies of scale to be shared with shareholders and can provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Federated Hermes Fund’s assets decline. The Board considered that, in order for the Federated Hermes Funds to remain competitive in the marketplace, Federated Hermes has frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Federated Hermes Funds and has disclosed to shareholders and/or reported to the Board its intention to do so (or continue to do so) in the future. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes has been active in managing expenses of the Federated Hermes Funds in recent years, which has resulted in benefits being realized by shareholders.
The Board also received and considered information on adviser-paid fees (commonly referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) that was provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. The Board considered that Federated Hermes and the CCO believe that this information is relevant to considering whether Federated Hermes had an incentive to either not apply breakpoints, or to apply breakpoints at higher levels, but should not be considered when evaluating the reasonableness of advisory fees. The Board also noted the absence of any applicable regulatory or industry guidelines on economies of scale, which is compounded by the lack of any uniform methodology or pattern with respect to structuring fund advisory fees with breakpoints that serve to reduce the fees as a fund attains a certain size.
The Board considered information regarding the compensation and other ancillary (or “fall-out”) benefits that Federated Hermes derived from its relationships with the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted that, in addition to receiving advisory fees under the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisory contracts, Federated Hermes’ affiliates also receive fees for providing other services to the Federated Hermes Funds under separate service contracts including for serving as the Federated Hermes Funds’ administrator and distributor. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes’ affiliates provide distribution and shareholder services to the Federated Hermes Funds, for which they may be compensated through distribution and servicing fees paid pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans or otherwise. The Board also received and considered information detailing the benefits, if any, that Federated Hermes may derive from its receipt of research services from brokers who execute portfolio trades for the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board considered: (i) the CCO’s conclusion that his observations and the information accompanying the CCO Fee Evaluation Report show that the management fee for the Fund is reasonable; and (ii) the CCO’s recommendation that the Board approve the management fee. The Board noted that, under these circumstances, no changes were recommended to, and no objection was raised to the continuation of, the Contract by the CCO. The CCO also recognized that the Board’s evaluation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory arrangements is a continuing and ongoing process that is informed by the information that the Board requests and receives from management throughout the course of the year and, in this regard, the CCO noted certain items, and management has committed to reviewing certain items, for future reporting to the Board as the Board continues its ongoing oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
On the basis of the information and factors summarized above, among other information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and the evaluation thereof, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of the Contract. The Board based its determination to approve the Contract on the totality of the circumstances and relevant factors and with a view of past and future long-term considerations. Not all of the factors and considerations identified above were necessarily deemed to be relevant to the Fund, nor did the Board consider any one of them to be determinative.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Mutual funds are not bank deposits or obligations, are not 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. Investment in mutual funds involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This information is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s Prospectus, which contains facts concerning its objective and policies, management fees, expenses and other information.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at FederatedHermes.com/us
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
CUSIP 31421R700
CUSIP 31421R809
CUSIP 31421R882
CUSIP 31425E101
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Annual Financial Statements
and Additional Information
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT SeriesNot FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee
Portfolio of Investments
| | | |
| | | |
| | Communication Services—3.1% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Madison Square Garden Spinco | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Discretionary—8.5% | |
| | Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A | |
| | American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. | |
| | Brinker International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Installed Building Products, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | National Vision Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Rush Street Interactive, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Taylor Morrison Home Corp. | |
| | | |
| | Universal Technical Institute, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Winnebago Industries, Inc. | |
| | Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hain Celestial Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A | |
| | Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. | |
| | Turning Point Brands, Inc. | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Staples—continued | |
| | United Natural Foods, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | California Resources Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. | |
| | International Seaways, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Oil States International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Teekay Tankers Ltd., Class A | |
| | Weatherford International PLC | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Amalgamated Financial Corp. | |
| | Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. | |
| | AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A., Class E | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. | |
| | BrightSpire Capital, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | CNO Financial Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Financial Institutions, Inc. | |
| | First Business Financial Services, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hometrust Bancshares, Inc. | |
| | Independent Bank Corp.- Michigan | |
| | | |
| | James River Group Holdings Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp. | |
| | | |
| | Preferred Bank Los Angeles, CA | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Selective Insurance Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. | |
| | The Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Western New England Bancorp, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. | |
| | Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | Blueprint Medicines Corp. | |
| | Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. | |
| | Community Health Systems, Inc. | |
| | Dynavax Technologies Corp. | |
| | Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. | |
| | Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Revance Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. | |
| | Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Travere Thrapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Atmus Filtration Technologies, Inc. | |
| | Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | BrightView Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. | |
| | Construction Partners, Inc. | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Huron Consulting Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—12.8% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | CommScope Holdings Co., Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Comtech Telecommunications Corp. | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—continued | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Kulicke & Soffa Industries | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Methode Electronics, Inc., Class A | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Rackspace Technology, Inc. | |
| | Ribbon Communications, Inc. | |
| | Sapiens International Corp. NV | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Weave Communications, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Zeta Global Holdings Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Compass Minerals International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. | |
| | Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Portland General Electric Co. | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,035,743,631) | |
| | | |
| | Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares, 5.24%3 (IDENTIFIED COST $49,546,631) | |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—101.9%
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,085,290,262)4 | |
| | OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET—(1.9)%5 | |
| | | |
An affiliated company is a company in which the Fund, alone or in combination with other Federated Hermes funds, has ownership of at least 5% of the voting shares. Transactions with affiliated companies during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)* | | | Shares
Held as of
7/31/2024 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Dynavax Technologies Corp. | | | | | | | | |
Siga Technologies, Inc.** | | | | | | | | |
Affiliated issuers no longer in the portfolio at period end | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL OF AFFILIATED COMPANIES
TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
| A portion of the amount shown may have been recorded when the Fund no longer had ownership of at least 5% of the voting shares. |
| At July 31, 2024, the Fund no longer has ownership of at least 5% of the voting shares. |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Transactions with affiliated investment companies, which are funds managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| Federated
Hermes
Government
Obligations Fund,
Premier Shares* | Federated
Hermes
Institutional
Prime Value
Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares | Total of
Affiliated
Transactions |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Shares Held as of 7/31/2024 | | | |
| | | |
| All or a portion of the balance/activity for the fund relates to cash collateral received on securities lending transactions. |
| Non-income-producing security. |
| All or a portion of these securities are temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers. |
| |
| The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $1,090,701,874. |
| Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of total net assets at July 31, 2024.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). Also includes securities valued at amortized cost.
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
As of July 31, 2024, all investments of the Fund utilized Level 1 inputs in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value.
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class A Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class C Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Institutional Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class R6 Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesJuly 31, 2024
| |
Investment in securities, at value including $25,034,670 of securities loaned and $57,673,829 of investments in affiliated holdings* (identified cost $1,085,290,262, including $54,548,984 of identified cost in affiliated holdings) | |
| |
| |
Income receivable from affiliated holdings | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
Receivable for shares sold | |
| |
| |
Payable for investments purchased | |
Payable for shares redeemed | |
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending (Note 2) | |
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for administrative fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
Payable for distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
Accrued expenses (Note 5) | |
| |
Net assets for 52,826,746 shares outstanding | |
| |
| |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | |
| |
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share: | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($129,183,638 ÷ 5,164,830 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
Offering price per share (100/94.50 of $25.01) | |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($24,424,561 ÷ 1,186,536 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share (99.00/100 of $20.58) | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($1,026,996,353 ÷ 39,129,260 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($192,898,306 ÷ 7,346,120 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of OperationsYear Ended July 31, 2024
| |
Dividends (including $1,189,446 received from affiliated holdings* and net of foreign taxes withheld of $29,893) | |
Net income on securities loaned (includes $1,165,725 earned from affiliated holdings related to cash collateral balances*) (Note 2) | |
| |
| |
Investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Administrative fee (Note 5) | |
| |
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
| |
| |
Portfolio accounting fees | |
Distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Waiver and Reimbursements: | |
Waiver/reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Reimbursement of other operating expenses (Notes 2 and 5) | |
TOTAL WAIVER AND REIMBURSEMENTS | |
| |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | |
Net realized gain on investments (including net realized gain of $3,727,614 on sales of investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (including net change in unrealized appreciation of $(37,083) on investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | |
Change in net assets resulting from operations | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
| | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | |
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Notes to Financial Statements
Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust consists of five portfolios. The financial statements included herein are only those of Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. The financial statements of the other portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held. Each portfolio pays its own expenses. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting, except on class-specific matters. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
In calculating its net asset value (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.
■
Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs, or NAV per share practical expedient, as applicable.
■
Derivative contracts listed on exchanges are valued at their reported settlement or closing price, except that options are valued at the mean of closing bid and ask quotations.
■
Over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”).
■
For securities that are fair valued in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Adviser, certain factors may be considered, such as: the last traded or purchase price of the security, information obtained by contacting the issuer or dealers, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents, fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded, public trading in similar securities or derivative contracts of the issuer or comparable issuers, movement of a relevant index, or other factors including but not limited to industry changes and relevant government actions.
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 Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures for the Fund, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Adviser’s valuation committee (“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 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, and the actual value obtained could be materially different.
Fair Valuation and Significant Events Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act, the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) has designated the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to perform any fair value determinations for securities and other assets held by the Fund. The Adviser is subject to the Trustees’ oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to provide the Trustees the information needed to oversee the Adviser’s fair value determinations.
The Adviser, acting through its Valuation Committee, is responsible for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Valuation Committee is comprised of officers of the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s affiliated companies and determines fair value and oversees the calculation of the NAV. The Valuation Committee is also authorized to use pricing services to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. The Valuation Committee employs various methods for reviewing third-party pricing-service evaluations including periodic reviews of third-party pricing services’ policies, procedures and valuation methods (including key inputs, methods, models and assumptions), transactional back-testing, comparisons of evaluations of different pricing services, and review of price challenges by the Adviser based on recent market activity. 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 Adviser. The Trustees periodically review the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee. The Trustees have also approved the Adviser’s fair valuation and significant events procedures as part of the Fund’s compliance program and will review any changes made to the procedures.
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. 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 ask 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. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the fair value of the investment is determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The Adviser has also adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Valuation Committee 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;
■
Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations, litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer’s operations or regulatory changes or market developments affecting the issuer’s industry.
The Adviser has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to provide factors to update the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets from the time of the close of their respective foreign stock exchanges to the pricing time of the Fund. 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 in accordance with the fair valuation procedures approved by the Adviser. The Trustees periodically review fair valuations made in response to significant events.
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements for short-term liquidity purposes. It is the policy of the Fund to require the other party to a repurchase agreement to transfer to the Fund’s custodian or sub-custodian eligible securities or cash with a market value (after transaction costs) at least equal to the repurchase price to be paid under the repurchase agreement. The eligible securities are transferred to accounts with the custodian or sub-custodian in which the Fund holds a “securities entitlement” and exercises “control” as those terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code. The Fund has established procedures for monitoring the market value of the transferred securities and requiring the transfer of additional eligible securities if necessary to equal at least the repurchase price. These procedures also allow the other party to require securities to be transferred from the account to the extent that their market value exceeds the repurchase price or in exchange for other eligible securities of equivalent market value.
The insolvency of the other party or other failure to repurchase the securities may delay the disposition of the underlying securities or cause the Fund to receive less than the full repurchase price. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, any amounts received by the Fund in excess of the repurchase price and related transaction costs must be remitted to the other party.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements in which eligible securities are transferred into joint trading accounts maintained by the custodian or sub-custodian for investment companies and other clients advised by the Fund’s Adviser and its affiliates. The Fund will participate on a pro rata basis with the other investment companies and clients in its share of the securities transferred under such repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of such securities.
Investment Income, Gains and Losses, Expenses and Distributions
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified-cost basis. Interest income and expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at fair value. Amortization/accretion of premium and discount is included in investment income. Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated to each class based on relative average daily net assets, except that select classes will bear certain expenses unique to those classes. The detail of the total fund expense waiver and reimbursements of $1,599,394 is disclosed in this Note 2 and Note 5. Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, transfer agent fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Transfer Agent
Fees Incurred | Transfer Agent
Fees Reimbursed |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
The Fund may pay other service fees up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC) for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSSC may voluntarily reimburse the Fund for other service fees.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
For the year ended July 31, 2024, other service fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Other Service
Fees Incurred |
| |
| |
| |
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Subchapter M provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is necessary. As of and during the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not have a liability for any uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of July 31, 2024, tax years 2021 through 2024 remain subject to examination by the Fund’s major tax jurisdictions, which include the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by governments of countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on either income or gains earned or repatriated. The Fund accrues and applies such taxes to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized gains as income and/or gains are earned.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may engage in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions. The Fund records when-issued securities on the trade date and maintains security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.
The Fund participates in a securities lending program providing for the lending of equity securities to qualified brokers. The term of the loans within the program is one year or less. The Fund normally receives cash collateral for securities loaned that may be invested in affiliated money market funds, other money market instruments and/or repurchase agreements. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 100% of the market value of investments loaned, plus interest, if applicable. In accordance with the Fund’s securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Earnings from collateral invested in affiliated holdings as presented parenthetically on the Statement of Operations do not reflect fees and rebates and are allocated between the borrower of the security, the securities lending agent, as a fee for its services under the program and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. 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.
Securities lending transactions are subject to Master Netting Agreements which are agreements between the Fund and its counterparties that provide for the net settlement of all transactions and collateral with the Fund, through a single payment, in the event of default or termination. Amounts presented on the Portfolio of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities are not net settlement amounts but gross. As indicated below, the cash collateral received by the Fund exceeds the market value of the securities loaned reducing the net settlement amount to zero. The chart below identifies the amount of collateral received as well as the market value of securities on loan. Additionally, the securities lending agreement executed by the Fund includes an indemnification clause. This clause stipulates that the borrower will reimburse the Fund for any losses as a result of any failure of the borrower to return equivalent securities to the Fund.
As of July 31, 2024, securities subject to this type of arrangement and related collateral were as follows:
Fair Value of
Securities Loaned | |
| |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated. The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following tables summarize share activity:
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS A SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS C SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM INSTITUTIONAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS R6 SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM TOTAL FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
The tax character of distributions as reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended July 31, 2024 and 2023, was as follows:
As of July 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | |
Net unrealized appreciation | |
Capital loss carryforwards | |
| |
At July 31, 2024, the cost of investments for federal tax purposes was $1,090,701,874. The net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal tax purposes was $308,942,049. This consists of unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost of $352,754,554 and unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value of $43,812,505. The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation is attributable to differing treatments for the deferral of losses on wash sales.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of $46,419,015 which will reduce the Fund’s taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Code, thereby reducing the amount of distributions to shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax. Pursuant to the Code, these net capital losses retain their character as either short-term or long-term and do not expire.
The following schedule summarizes the Fund’s capital loss carryforwards:
The Fund used capital loss carryforwards of $87,477,010 to offset capital gains realized during the year ended July 31, 2024.
5. INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser provides for an annual fee equal to 0.80% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, the Adviser may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund for competitive reasons such as to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio, or as and when appropriate, to maintain positive or zero net yields. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser voluntarily waived $619,179 of its fee and voluntarily reimbursed $943,900 of transfer agent fees.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for certain investment adviser fees as a result of transactions in other affiliated investment companies. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser reimbursed $36,315.
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), under the Administrative Services Agreement, provides the Fund with administrative personnel and services. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Hermes Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement. The fee paid to FAS is based on the average daily net assets of the Investment Complex as specified below:
| Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex |
| on assets up to $50 billion |
| on assets over $50 billion |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FAS may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the annualized fee paid to FAS was 0.078% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
In addition, FAS may charge certain out-of-pocket expenses to the Fund.
Distribution Services Fee
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund will compensate Federated Securities Corp. (FSC), the principal distributor, from the daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to finance activities intended to result in the sale of these shares. The Plan provides that the Fund may incur distribution expenses at the following percentages of average daily net assets annually, to compensate FSC:
| Percentage of Average Daily
Net Assets of Class |
| |
| |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSC may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, distribution services fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Distribution Services
Fees Incurred |
| |
When FSC receives fees, it may pay some or all of them to financial intermediaries whose customers purchase shares. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $15,311 of fees paid by the Fund. For the year ended July 31, 2024, Class A Shares did not incur a distribution services fee; however, it may begin to incur this fee upon approval of the Trustees.
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. They are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $2,801 in sales charges from the sale of Class A Shares. FSC also retained $304 of CDSC relating to redemptions of Class C Shares.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Other Service Fees
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSSC received $3,128 of the other service fees disclosed in Note 2.
The Adviser and certain of its affiliates (which may include FSC, FAS and FSSC) on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (as shown in the financial highlights, excluding interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses, if any) paid by the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 1.13%, 2.00%, 0.88% and 0.87% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) October 1, 2025; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its applicable 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 Trustees.
Directors’/Trustees’ and Miscellaneous Fees
Certain Officers and Trustees of the Fund are Officers and Directors or Trustees of certain of the above companies. To efficiently facilitate payment, Independent Directors’/Trustees’ fees and certain expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses are paid by an affiliate of the Adviser which in due course are reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses may be included in Accrued and Miscellaneous Expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding long-term U.S. government securities and short-term obligations, for the year ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Hermes Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement dated June 18, 2024. The LOC was made available to temporarily finance 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 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 (a) the highest, on any day, of (i) the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the published secured overnight financing rate plus an assigned percentage, and (iii) 0.0%, plus (b) a margin. Any fund eligible to borrow under the LOC pays its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders’ commitment that has not been utilized, quarterly in arrears and at maturity. As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Hermes, Inc., may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating affiliated funds. As of July 31, 2024, there were no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the program was not utilized.
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors/Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund (other than liabilities arising out of their willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Fund). In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund provides certain indemnifications under arrangements with third parties. Typically, obligations to indemnify a third party arise in the context of an arrangement entered into by the Fund under which the Fund agrees to indemnify such third party for certain liabilities arising out of actions taken pursuant to the arrangement, provided the third party’s actions are not deemed to have breached an agreed-upon standard of care (such as willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the contract). The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet arisen. The Fund does not anticipate any material claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements at this time, and accordingly expects the risk of loss to be remote.
The Trustees have approved a reduction in the stated gross advisory fee of the Fund. Effective October 1, 2024, the Fund’s gross investment advisory fee will decrease from 0.80% to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
11. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, 100% of total ordinary income distributions made by the Fund are qualifying dividends which may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003. Complete information is reported in conjunction with the reporting of your distributions on Form 1099-DIV.
Of the ordinary income distributions made by the Fund during the year ended July 31, 2024, 100% qualify for the dividend received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TO THE board of trustees OF federated Hermes MDT Series and shareholders of Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2024, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series), at July 31, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the auditor of one or more Federated Hermes investment companies since 1979.
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2024
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract–May 2024
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”)
At its meetings in May 2024 (the “May Meetings”), the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract between the Fund and Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”) with respect to the Fund (the “Contract”) for an additional one-year term. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract reflects the exercise of its business judgment after considering all of the information and factors believed to be relevant and appropriate on whether to approve the continuation of the existing arrangement. The information, factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are summarized below.
Information Received and Review Process
At the request of the Independent Trustees, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) furnished to the Board in advance of its May Meetings an independent written evaluation of the Fund’s management fee (the “CCO Fee Evaluation Report”). The Board considered the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, along with other information, in evaluating the reasonableness of the Fund’s management fee and in determining to approve the continuation of the Contract.
In addition to the extensive materials that comprise and accompany the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, the Board considered information specifically prepared in connection with the approval of the continuation of the Contract that was presented at the May Meetings. In this regard, in the months preceding the May Meetings, the Board requested and reviewed written responses and supporting materials prepared by the Adviser and its affiliates (collectively, “Federated Hermes”) in response to requests posed to Federated Hermes by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees encompassing a wide variety of topics, including those summarized below. The Board also considered such additional matters as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Contract, which included detailed information about the Fund and Federated Hermes furnished to the Board at its meetings throughout the year and in between regularly scheduled meetings on particular matters as the need arose.
The Board’s consideration of the Contract included review of materials and information covering the following matters, among others: (1) copies of the Contracts; (2) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes; (3) Federated Hermes’ business and operations; (4) the Adviser’s investment philosophy, personnel and processes; (5) the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies; (6) the Fund’s short-term and long-term performance - in absolute terms (both on a gross basis and net of expenses) and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds and its benchmark; (7) the Fund’s fees and expenses, including the advisory fee and the overall expense structure of the Fund - in absolute terms and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds, with due regard for contractual or voluntary expense limitations (if any); (8) the financial condition of Federated Hermes; (9) the Adviser’s profitability with respect to managing the Fund; (10) distribution and sales activity for the Fund; and (11) the use and allocation of brokerage commissions derived from trading the Fund’s portfolio securities (if any).
The Board also considered judicial decisions concerning allegedly excessive investment advisory fees charged to other registered funds in evaluating the Contract. Using these judicial decisions as a guide, the Board considered several factors they deemed relevant to an adviser’s fiduciary duty with respect to its receipt of compensation from a fund, including: (1) the nature and quality of the services provided by the adviser to the fund and its shareholders, including the performance of the fund, its benchmark and comparable funds; (2) the adviser’s cost of providing the services and the profitability to the adviser of providing advisory services to the fund; (3) the extent to which the adviser may realize “economies of scale” as the fund grows larger and, if such economies of scale exist, whether they have been appropriately shared with the fund and its shareholders or the family of funds; (4) any “fall-out” benefits that accrue to the adviser because of its relationship with the fund, including research services received from brokers that execute fund trades and any fees paid to affiliates of the adviser for services rendered to the fund; (5) comparative fees and expenses, including a comparison of management fees paid to the adviser with those paid by similar funds managed by the same adviser or other advisers as well as management fees charged to institutional and other advisory clients of the same adviser for what might be viewed as like services; and (6) the extent of care, conscientiousness and independence with which the fund’s board members perform their duties and their expertise, including whether they are fully informed about all facts the board deems relevant to its consideration of the adviser’s services and fees. The Board considered that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure requirements regarding the basis for a fund board’s approval of the fund’s investment advisory contract generally align with the factors listed above. The Board was guided by these factors in its evaluation of the Contract to the extent it considered them to be appropriate and relevant, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighed these factors in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with Federated Hermes on matters relating to the oversight of the other funds advised by Federated Hermes (each, a “Federated Hermes Fund” and, collectively, the “Federated Hermes Funds”).
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board considered the preferences and expectations of Fund shareholders and the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the Contract. In particular, the Board recognized that many shareholders likely have invested in the Fund based on the strength of Federated Hermes’ industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that Federated Hermes will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. Thus, the Board observed that there are a range of investment options available to the Fund’s shareholders in the marketplace, and such shareholders, having had the opportunity to consider other investment options, have effectively selected Federated Hermes by virtue of investing in the Fund.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Contract, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate through the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically with respect to the continuation of the Contract. The Board recognized that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the factors considered and emphasis placed on relevant factors may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the registered fund marketplace. The Independent Trustees were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel. In connection with their deliberations at the May Meetings, the Independent Trustees met separately in executive session with their independent legal counsel and without management present to review the relevant materials and consider their responsibilities under applicable laws. In addition, senior management representatives of Federated Hermes also met with the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel to discuss the materials and presentations furnished to the Board at the May Meetings. The Board considered the approval of the Contract for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the family of Federated Hermes Funds, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the resources of Federated Hermes dedicated to the Fund. In this regard, the Board evaluated, among other things, the terms of the Contract and the full range of services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes. The Board considered the Adviser’s personnel, investment philosophy and process, investment research capabilities and resources, trade operations capabilities, experience and performance track record. The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and evaluated Federated Hermes’ ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Fund. The Board considered the trading operations by the Adviser, including the execution of portfolio transactions and the selection of brokers for those transactions. The Board also considered the Adviser’s ability to deliver competitive investment performance for the Fund when compared to the Fund’s Performance Peer Group (as defined below), which was deemed by the Board to be a useful indicator of how the Adviser is executing the Fund’s investment program.
In addition, the Board considered the financial resources and overall reputation of Federated Hermes and its willingness to consider and make investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, business continuity planning and operational enhancements that are designed to benefit the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted the benefits of the previous significant acquisition of Hermes Fund Managers Limited by Federated Hermes, which has deepened Federated Hermes’ investment management expertise and capabilities and expanded its access to analytical resources related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors and issuer engagement on ESG matters where appropriate. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ oversight of the securities lending program for the Federated Hermes Funds that engage in securities lending and noted the income earned by the Federated Hermes Funds that participate in such program. In addition, the Board considered the quality of Federated Hermes’ communications with the Board and responsiveness to Board inquiries and requests made from time to time with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes is responsible for providing the Federated Hermes Funds’ officers.
The Board received and evaluated information regarding Federated Hermes’ regulatory and compliance environment. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ compliance program and compliance history and reports from the CCO about Federated Hermes’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including responses to regulatory developments and any compliance or other issues raised by regulatory agencies. The Board also noted Federated Hermes’ support of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance control structure and the compliance-related resources devoted by Federated Hermes in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including Federated Hermes’ commitment to respond to rulemaking and other regulatory initiatives of the SEC. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ approach to internal audits and risk management with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds and its day-to-day oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance with their investment objectives and policies as well as with applicable laws and regulations, noting that regulatory and other developments had over time led, and continue to lead, to an increase in the scope of Federated Hermes’ oversight in this regard.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board noted Federated Hermes’ commitment to maintaining high quality systems and expending substantial resources to prepare for and respond to ongoing changes due to the market, regulatory and control environments in which the Fund and its service providers operate.
The Board considered Federated Hermes’ efforts to provide shareholders in the Federated Hermes Funds with a comprehensive array of funds with different investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Board considered the expenses that Federated Hermes had incurred, as well as the entrepreneurial and other risks assumed by Federated Hermes, in sponsoring and providing on-going services to new funds to expand these opportunities for shareholders. The Board noted the benefits to shareholders of being part of the family of Federated Hermes Funds, which include the general right to exchange investments between the same class of shares without the incurrence of additional sales charges.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund.
Fund Investment Performance
The Board considered the investment performance of the Fund. In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance, the Board considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks. The Board considered detailed investment reports on, and the Adviser’s analysis of, the Fund’s performance over different time periods that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. These reports included, among other items, information on the Fund’s gross and net returns, the Fund’s investment performance compared to one or more relevant categories or groups of peer funds and the Fund’s benchmark index, performance attribution information and commentary on the effect of market conditions. The Board considered that, in its evaluation of investment performance at meetings throughout the year, it focused particular attention on information indicating less favorable performance of certain Federated Hermes Funds for specific time periods and discussed with Federated Hermes the reasons for such performance as well as any specific actions Federated Hermes had taken, or had agreed to take, to seek to enhance Fund investment performance and the results of those actions.
The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the performance of other registered funds in the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar”), an independent fund ranking organization (the “Performance Peer Group”). The Board noted the CCO’s view that comparisons to fund peer groups may be helpful, though not conclusive, in evaluating the performance of the Adviser in managing the Fund. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, in evaluating such comparisons, in some cases there may be differences in the funds’ objectives or investment management techniques, or the costs to implement the funds, even within the same Performance Peer Group. In this connection, the Board considered that the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons particularly difficult as the funds in the Performance Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex relative to its Performance Peer Group. The Board also considered a report comparing the performance of the Fund solely to other funds with a quantitative focus in the Performance Peer Group.
The Board also considered comparative performance data from Lipper, Inc. that was included in reports provided to the Board throughout the year. The Board noted that differences may exist between the Performance Peer Group and Lipper peers and that the results of these performance comparisons may vary.
For the periods ended December 31, 2023, the Fund’s performance fell below the Performance Peer Group median for the five-year period, and was above the Performance Peer Group median for the one-year and three-year periods. In addition, the Board was informed by the Adviser that, for the same periods, the Fund outperformed its benchmark index for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods. The Board discussed the Fund’s performance with the Adviser and recognized the efforts being taken by the Adviser in the context of other factors considered relevant by the Board.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it had continued confidence in the Adviser’s overall capabilities to manage the Fund.
The Board considered the advisory fee, and overall expense structure of the Fund and the comparative fee and expense information that had been provided in connection with the May Meetings. In this regard, the Board was presented with, and considered, information regarding the contractual advisory fee rates, net advisory fee rates, total expense ratios and each element of the Fund’s total expense ratio (i.e., gross and net advisory fees, administrative fees, custody fees, portfolio accounting fees and transfer agency fees) relative to an appropriate group of peer funds compiled by Federated Hermes from the overall category of peer funds selected by Morningstar (the “Expense Peer Group”). The Board received a description of the methodology used to select the Expense Peer Group from the overall Morningstar category. The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the fees and expenses of the broader group of funds in the overall Morningstar category.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
While mindful that courts have cautioned against giving too much weight to comparative information concerning fees charged to funds by other advisers, the use of comparisons between the Fund and its Expense Peer Group assisted the Board in its evaluation of the Fund’s fees and expenses. The Board focused on comparisons with other registered funds more heavily than non-registered fund products or services because such comparisons are believed to be more relevant. The Board considered that other registered funds are the products most like the Fund, in that they are readily available to Fund shareholders as alternative investment vehicles, and they are the type of investment vehicle, in fact, chosen and maintained by the Fund’s shareholders. The Board noted that the range of such other registered funds’ fees and expenses, therefore, appears to be a relevant indicator of what investors have found to be reasonable in the marketplace in which the Fund competes.
The Board reviewed the contractual advisory fee rate, net advisory fee rate and other expenses of the Fund and noted the position of the Fund’s fee rates relative to its Expense Peer Group. In this regard, the Board noted that the contractual advisory fee rate was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, but the Board noted the applicable waivers and reimbursements, and that the overall expense structure of the Fund remained competitive in the context of other factors considered by the Board. In this regard, the Board considered that, while comparisons to the Fund’s Expense Peer Group are relevant in judging the reasonableness of advisory fees, the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons to the Expense Group particularly difficult. The Board further considered that, although the Fund’s advisory fee was above the median of the Expense Peer Group, the funds in the Expense Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex funds relative to the Expense Peer Group. In considering the Fund’s expenses, the Board noted that the Adviser recommended, and the Board approved, a contractual advisory fee reduction for the Fund in an agreed upon amount, effective on or about October 1, 2024.
The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fees charged by Federated Hermes to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Federated Hermes Funds, including non-registered fund clients (such as institutional separate accounts) and third-party unaffiliated registered funds for which the Adviser or its affiliates serve as sub-adviser. The Board noted the CCO’s conclusion that non-registered fund clients are inherently different products due to the following differences, among others: (i) different types of targeted investors; (ii) different applicable laws and regulations; (iii) different legal structures; (iv) different average account sizes and portfolio management techniques made necessary by different cash flows and different associated costs; (v) the time spent by portfolio managers and their teams (among other personnel across various departments, including legal, compliance and risk management) in reviewing securities pricing; (vi) different SEC mandated risk management programs with respect to fund liquidity and use of derivatives; (viii) different administrative responsibilities; (viii) different degrees of risk associated with management; and (ix) a variety of different costs. The Board also considered information regarding the differences in the nature of the services required for Federated Hermes to manage its proprietary registered fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a sub-adviser to another institution’s registered fund, noting the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes generally performs significant additional services and assumes substantially greater risks in managing the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds than in its role as sub-adviser to an unaffiliated third-party registered fund. The Board noted that the CCO did not consider the fees for providing advisory services to other types of clients to be determinative in judging the appropriateness of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory fees.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the fees and total operating expenses of the Fund, in conjunction with other matters considered, are reasonable in light of the services provided.
The Board received and considered profitability information furnished by Federated Hermes. Such profitability information included revenues reported on a fund-by-fund basis and estimates of the allocation of expenses made on a fund-by-fund basis, using allocation methodologies specified by the CCO and described to the Board. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, while these cost allocation reports apply consistent allocation processes, the inherent difficulties in allocating costs on a fund-by-fund basis continues to cause the CCO to question the precision of the process and to conclude that such reports may be unreliable because a single change in an allocation estimate may dramatically alter the resulting estimate of cost and/or profitability of a Federated Hermes Fund and may produce unintended consequences. In addition, the Board considered the CCO’s view that the allocation methodologies used by Federated Hermes in estimating profitability for purposes of reporting to the Board in connection with the continuation of the Contract are consistent with the methodologies previously reviewed by an independent consultant. The Board noted that the independent consultant had previously conducted a review of the allocation methodologies and reported to the Board that, although there is no single best method to allocate expenses, the methodologies used by Federated Hermes are reasonable. The Board considered the CCO’s view that the estimated profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable in relation to the services provided.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The Board also reviewed information compiled by Federated Hermes comparing its profitability information to other publicly-held fund management companies, including information regarding profitability trends over time. The Board recognized that profitability comparisons among fund management companies are difficult because of the variation in the type of comparative information that is publicly available, and the profitability of any fund management company is affected by numerous factors. The Board considered the CCO’s conclusion that, based on such profitability information, Federated Hermes’ profit margins did not appear to be excessive. The Board also considered the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes appeared financially sound, with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under its contracts with the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board received and considered information about the notion of possible realization of “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger, the difficulties of isolating and quantifying economies of scale at an individual fund level, and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes has made significant and long-term investments in areas that support all of the Federated Hermes Funds, such as: portfolio management, investment research and trading operations; shareholder services; compliance; business continuity, cybersecurity and information security programs; internal audit and risk management functions; and technology, systems capabilities and use of data. The Board noted that Federated Hermes’ investments in these areas are extensive and are designed to provide enhanced or expanded services to the Federated Hermes Funds and their shareholders. The Board considered that the benefits of these investments are likely to be shared with the family of Federated Hermes Funds as a whole. In addition, the Board considered that fee waivers and expense reimbursements are another means for potential economies of scale to be shared with shareholders and can provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Federated Hermes Fund’s assets decline. The Board considered that, in order for the Federated Hermes Funds to remain competitive in the marketplace, Federated Hermes has frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Federated Hermes Funds and has disclosed to shareholders and/or reported to the Board its intention to do so (or continue to do so) in the future. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes has been active in managing expenses of the Federated Hermes Funds in recent years, which has resulted in benefits being realized by shareholders.
The Board also received and considered information on adviser-paid fees (commonly referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) that was provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. The Board considered that Federated Hermes and the CCO believe that this information is relevant to considering whether Federated Hermes had an incentive to either not apply breakpoints, or to apply breakpoints at higher levels, but should not be considered when evaluating the reasonableness of advisory fees. The Board also noted the absence of any applicable regulatory or industry guidelines on economies of scale, which is compounded by the lack of any uniform methodology or pattern with respect to structuring fund advisory fees with breakpoints that serve to reduce the fees as a fund attains a certain size.
The Board considered information regarding the compensation and other ancillary (or “fall-out”) benefits that Federated Hermes derived from its relationships with the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted that, in addition to receiving advisory fees under the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisory contracts, Federated Hermes’ affiliates also receive fees for providing other services to the Federated Hermes Funds under separate service contracts including for serving as the Federated Hermes Funds’ administrator and distributor. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes’ affiliates provide distribution and shareholder services to the Federated Hermes Funds, for which they may be compensated through distribution and servicing fees paid pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans or otherwise. The Board also received and considered information detailing the benefits, if any, that Federated Hermes may derive from its receipt of research services from brokers who execute portfolio trades for the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board considered: (i) the CCO’s conclusion that his observations and the information accompanying the CCO Fee Evaluation Report show that the management fee for the Fund is reasonable; and (ii) the CCO’s recommendation that the Board approve the management fee. The Board noted that, under these circumstances, no changes were recommended to, and no objection was raised to the continuation of, the Contract by the CCO. The CCO also recognized that the Board’s evaluation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory arrangements is a continuing and ongoing process that is informed by the information that the Board requests and receives from management throughout the course of the year and, in this regard, the CCO noted certain items, and management has committed to reviewing certain items, for future reporting to the Board as the Board continues its ongoing oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
On the basis of the information and factors summarized above, among other information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and the evaluation thereof, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of the Contract. The Board based its determination to approve the Contract on the totality of the circumstances and relevant factors and with a view of past and future long-term considerations. Not all of the factors and considerations identified above were necessarily deemed to be relevant to the Fund, nor did the Board consider any one of them to be determinative.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Mutual funds are not bank deposits or obligations, are not 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. Investment in mutual funds involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This information is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s Prospectus, which contains facts concerning its objective and policies, management fees, expenses and other information.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at FederatedHermes.com/us
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
CUSIP 31421R817
CUSIP 31421R791
CUSIP 31421R783
CUSIP 31421R627
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
Annual Financial Statements
and Additional Information
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
A Portfolio of Federated Hermes MDT SeriesNot FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee
Portfolio of Investments
| | | |
| | | |
| | Communication Services—2.9% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Madison Square Garden Spinco | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Consumer Discretionary—8.3% | |
| | Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A | |
| | American Public Education, Inc. | |
| | Brinker International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Installed Building Products, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | National Vision Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Rush Street Interactive, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Universal Technical Institute, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. | |
| | Turning Point Brands, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Weatherford International PLC | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Selective Insurance Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. | |
| | Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. | |
| | Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Assembly Biosciences, Inc. | |
| | Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Blueprint Medicines Corp. | |
| | BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. | |
| | Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Corcept Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Dynavax Technologies Corp. | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Kymera Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Relmada Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Revance Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Travere Thrapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. | |
| | Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Atmus Filtration Technologies, Inc. | |
| | Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | |
| | Construction Partners, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Huron Consulting Group, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Mueller Water Products, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. | |
| | Sun Country Airlines Holdings | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Watts Industries, Inc., Class A | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—19.8% | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | Information Technology—continued | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | CommScope Holdings Co., Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Kulicke & Soffa Industries | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Sapiens International Corp. NV | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Zeta Global Holdings Corp. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Compass Minerals International, Inc. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $381,573,116) | |
| | | |
| | Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares, 5.24%4 (IDENTIFIED COST $21,588,600) | |
| | TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—102.2%
(IDENTIFIED COST $403,161,716)5 | |
| | OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET—(2.2)%6 | |
| | | |
An affiliated company is a company in which the Fund, alone or in combination with other Federated Hermes funds, has ownership of at least 5% of the voting shares. Transactions with affiliated companies during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)* | | | Shares
Held as of
7/31/2024 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Dynavax Technologies Corp. | | | | | | | | |
Siga Technologies, Inc.** | | | | | | | | |
Affiliated issuers no longer in the portfolio at period end | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL OF AFFILIATED COMPANIES
TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
| A portion of the amount shown was recorded when the Fund no longer had ownership of at least 5% of the voting shares. |
| At July 31, 2024, the Fund no longer has ownership of at least 5% of the voting shares. |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Transactions with affiliated investment companies, which are funds managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, during the period ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
| Federated
Hermes
Government
Obligations Fund,
Premier Shares* | Federated
Hermes
Institutional
Prime Value
Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares | Total of
Affiliated
Transactions |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Shares Held as of 7/31/2024 | | | |
| | | |
| All or a portion of the balance/activity for the fund relates to cash collateral received on securities lending transactions. |
| Non-income-producing security. |
| All or a portion of these securities are temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers. |
| Market quotations and price evaluations are not available. Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Adviser acting through its Valuation Committee. |
| |
| The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $405,627,063. |
| Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of total net assets at July 31, 2024.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). Also includes securities valued at amortized cost.
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of July 31, 2024, in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value:
|
| | Level 2—
Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3—
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class A Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class C Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Institutional Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Financial Highlights–Class R6 Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
| |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)1 | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | |
Total From Investment Operations | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | |
Expense waiver/reimbursement4 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| Based on net asset value. |
| Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income (loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/ reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest. |
| Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesJuly 31, 2024
| |
Investment in securities, at value including $10,363,362 of securities loaned and $23,827,470 of investments in affiliated holdings* (identified cost $403,161,716, including $23,011,006 of identified cost in affiliated holdings) | |
| |
| |
Income receivable from affiliated holdings | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
Receivable for shares sold | |
| |
| |
Payable for investments purchased | |
Payable for shares redeemed | |
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending (Note 2) | |
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for administrative fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
Payable for distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Payable for other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
Accrued expenses (Note 5) | |
| |
Net assets for 18,801,917 shares outstanding | |
| |
| |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | |
| |
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share: | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($80,198,332 ÷ 3,183,890 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
Offering price per share (100/94.50 of $25.19) | |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($15,530,152 ÷ 784,834 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share (99.00/100 of $19.79) | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($218,620,142 ÷ 8,052,443 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| |
Net asset value per share ($184,233,299 ÷ 6,780,750 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized | |
| |
Redemption proceeds per share | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of OperationsYear Ended July 31, 2024
| |
Dividends (including $445,509 received from affiliated holdings* and net of foreign taxes withheld of $16,839) | |
Net income on securities loaned (includes $671,804 earned from affiliated holdings related to cash collateral balances*) (Note 2) | |
| |
| |
Investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Administrative fee (Note 5) | |
| |
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5) | |
| |
| |
Portfolio accounting fees | |
Distribution services fee (Note 5) | |
Other service fees (Notes 2 and 5) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Waiver and Reimbursements: | |
Waiver/reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note 5) | |
Reimbursement of other operating expenses (Notes 2 and 5) | |
TOTAL WAIVER AND REIMBURSEMENTS | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | |
Net realized gain on investments (including net realized gain of $2,215,783 on sales of investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (including net change in unrealized appreciation of $(1,391,370) on investments in affiliated holdings*) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | |
Change in net assets resulting from operations | |
| See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
| | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | |
| | |
Net investment income (loss) | | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | |
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | |
| | |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Notes to Financial Statements
Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust consists of five portfolios. The financial statements included herein are only those of Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. The financial statements of the other portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held. Each portfolio pays its own expenses. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting, except on class-specific matters. The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
In calculating its net asset value (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.
■
Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs, or NAV per share practical expedient, as applicable.
■
For securities that are fair valued in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”), certain factors may be considered, such as: the last traded or purchase price of the security, information obtained by contacting the issuer or dealers, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents, fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded, public trading in similar securities or derivative contracts of the issuer or comparable issuers, movement of a relevant index, or other factors including but not limited to industry changes and relevant government actions.
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 Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures for the Fund, or if information furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the Adviser’s valuation committee (“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 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, and the actual value obtained could be materially different.
Fair Valuation and Significant Events Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act, the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) has designated the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to perform any fair value determinations for securities and other assets held by the Fund. The Adviser is subject to the Trustees’ oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to provide the Trustees the information needed to oversee the Adviser’s fair value determinations.
The Adviser, acting through its Valuation Committee, is responsible for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Valuation Committee is comprised of officers of the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s affiliated companies and determines fair value and oversees the calculation of the NAV. The Valuation Committee is also authorized to use pricing services to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. The Valuation Committee employs various methods for reviewing third-party pricing-service evaluations including periodic reviews of third-party pricing services’ policies, procedures and valuation methods (including key inputs, methods, models and assumptions), transactional back-testing, comparisons of evaluations of different pricing services, and review of price challenges by the Adviser based on recent market activity. 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 Adviser. The Trustees periodically review the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee. The Trustees have also approved the Adviser’s fair valuation and significant events procedures as part of the Fund’s compliance program and will review any changes made to the procedures.
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. 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 ask 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. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the fair value of the investment is determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
The Adviser has also adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Valuation Committee 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;
■
Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations, litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer’s operations or regulatory changes or market developments affecting the issuer’s industry.
The Adviser has adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to provide factors to update the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets from the time of the close of their respective foreign stock exchanges to the pricing time of the Fund. 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 in accordance with the fair valuation procedures approved by the Adviser. The Trustees periodically review fair valuations made in response to significant events.
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements for short-term liquidity purposes. It is the policy of the Fund to require the other party to a repurchase agreement to transfer to the Fund’s custodian or sub-custodian eligible securities or cash with a market value (after transaction costs) at least equal to the repurchase price to be paid under the repurchase agreement. The eligible securities are transferred to accounts with the custodian or sub-custodian in which the Fund holds a “securities entitlement” and exercises “control” as those terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code. The Fund has established procedures for monitoring the market value of the transferred securities and requiring the transfer of additional eligible securities if necessary to equal at least the repurchase price. These procedures also allow the other party to require securities to be transferred from the account to the extent that their market value exceeds the repurchase price or in exchange for other eligible securities of equivalent market value.
The insolvency of the other party or other failure to repurchase the securities may delay the disposition of the underlying securities or cause the Fund to receive less than the full repurchase price. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, any amounts received by the Fund in excess of the repurchase price and related transaction costs must be remitted to the other party.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements in which eligible securities are transferred into joint trading accounts maintained by the custodian or sub-custodian for investment companies and other clients advised by the Adviser and its affiliates. The Fund will participate on a pro rata basis with the other investment companies and clients in its share of the securities transferred under such repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of such securities.
Investment Income, Gains and Losses, Expenses and Distributions
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified-cost basis. Interest income and expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at fair value. Amortization/accretion of premium and discount is included in investment income. Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated to each class based on relative average daily net assets, except that select classes will bear certain expenses unique to those classes. The detail of the total fund expense waiver and reimbursements of $918,733 is disclosed in various locations in this Note 2 and Note 5. Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, transfer agent fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Transfer Agent
Fees Incurred | Transfer Agent
Fees Reimbursed |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
The Fund may pay other service fees up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to financial intermediaries or to Federated Shareholder Services Company (FSSC) for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSSC may voluntarily reimburse the Fund for other service fees.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
For the year ended July 31, 2024, other service fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Other Service
Fees Incurred |
| |
| |
| |
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Subchapter M provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is necessary. As of and during the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not have a liability for any uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of July 31, 2024, tax years 2021 through 2024 remain subject to examination by the Fund’s major tax jurisdictions, which include the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by governments of countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on either income or gains earned or repatriated. The Fund accrues and applies such taxes to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized gains as income and/or gains are earned.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may engage in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions. The Fund records when-issued securities on the trade date and maintains security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.
The Fund participates in a securities lending program providing for the lending of equity securities to qualified brokers. The term of the loans within the program is one year or less. The Fund normally receives cash collateral for securities loaned that may be invested in affiliated money market funds, other money market instruments and/or repurchase agreements. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 100% of the market value of investments loaned, plus interest, if applicable. In accordance with the Fund’s securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Earnings from collateral invested in affiliated holdings as presented parenthetically on the Statement of Operations do not reflect fees and rebates and are allocated between the borrower of the security, the securities lending agent, as a fee for its services under the program and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. 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.
Securities lending transactions are subject to Master Netting Agreements which are agreements between the Fund and its counterparties that provide for the net settlement of all transactions and collateral with the Fund, through a single payment, in the event of default or termination. Amounts presented on the Portfolio of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities are not net settlement amounts but gross. As indicated below, the cash collateral received by the Fund exceeds the market value of the securities loaned reducing the net settlement amount to zero. The chart below identifies the amount of collateral received as well as the market value of securities on loan. Additionally, the securities lending agreement executed by the Fund includes an indemnification clause. This clause stipulates that the borrower will reimburse the Fund for any losses as a result of any failure of the borrower to return equivalent securities to the Fund.
As of July 31, 2024, securities subject to this type of arrangement and related collateral were as follows:
Fair Value of
Securities Loaned | |
| |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated. The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following tables summarize share activity:
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS A SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS C SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM INSTITUTIONAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared | | | | |
| | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM CLASS R6 SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM TOTAL FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
The accounting treatment of certain items in accordance with income tax regulations may differ from the accounting treatment in accordance with GAAP which may result in permanent differences. In the case of the Fund, such differences primarily result from a net operating loss.
|
| Total Distributable
Earnings (Loss) |
| |
The tax character of distributions as reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended July 31, 2024 and 2023, was as follows:
As of July 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Net unrealized appreciation | |
Capital loss carryforwards and deferrals | |
| |
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
At July 31, 2024, the cost of investments for federal tax purposes was $405,627,063. The net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal tax purposes was $104,025,353. This consists of unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost of $125,629,034 and unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value of $21,603,681. The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation is attributable to differing treatments for the deferral of losses on wash sales.
As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of $31,551,228 which will reduce the Fund’s taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Code, thereby reducing the amount of distributions to shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax. Pursuant to the Code, these net capital losses retain their character as either short-term or long-term and do not expire.
The following schedule summarizes the Fund’s capital loss carryforwards:
The Fund used capital loss carryforwards of $29,805,079 to offset capital gains realized during the year ended July 31, 2024.
Under current tax rules, a late-year ordinary loss may be deferred, in whole or in part, and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. As of July 31, 2024, for federal income tax purposes, a late year ordinary loss of $1,068,906 was deferred to August 1, 2024.
5. INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser provides for an annual fee equal to 0.80% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, the Adviser may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund for competitive reasons such as to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio, or as and when appropriate, to maintain positive or zero net yields. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser voluntarily waived $606,486 of its fee and voluntarily reimbursed $295,753 of transfer agent fees.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for certain investment adviser fees as a result of transactions in other affiliated investment companies. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser reimbursed $16,494.
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), under the Administrative Services Agreement, provides the Fund with administrative personnel and services. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Hermes Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement. The fee paid to FAS is based on the average daily net assets of the Investment Complex as specified below:
| Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex |
| on assets up to $50 billion |
| on assets over $50 billion |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FAS may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the annualized fee paid to FAS was 0.078% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
In addition, FAS may charge certain out-of-pocket expenses to the Fund.
Distribution Services Fee
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund will compensate Federated Securities Corp. (FSC), the principal distributor, from the daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares to finance activities intended to result in the sale of these shares. The Plan provides that the Fund may incur distribution expenses at the following percentages of average daily net assets annually, to compensate FSC:
| Percentage of Average Daily
Net Assets of Class |
| |
| |
Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FSC may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the year ended July 31, 2024, distribution services fees for the Fund were as follows:
| Distribution Services
Fees Incurred |
| |
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $5,900 of fees paid by the Fund.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
When FSC receives fees, it may pay some or all of them to financial intermediaries whose customers purchase shares. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund’s Class A Shares did not incur a distribution services fee; however, it may begin to incur this fee upon approval of the Trustees.
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. They are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSC retained $1,123 in sales charges from the sale of Class A Shares. FSC also retained $453 of CDSC relating to redemptions of Class C Shares.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, FSSC received $12,922 of the other service fees disclosed in Note 2.
The Adviser and certain of its affiliates (which may include FSC, FAS and FSSC) on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (as shown in the financial highlights, excluding interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses, if any) paid by the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 1.13%, 2.01%, 0.88% and 0.87% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) October 1, 2025; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its applicable 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 Trustees.
Directors’/Trustees’ and Miscellaneous Fees
Certain Officers and Trustees of the Fund are Officers and Directors or Trustees of certain of the above companies. To efficiently facilitate payment, Independent Directors’/Trustees’ fees and certain expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses are paid by an affiliate of the Adviser which in due course are reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses may be included in Accrued and Miscellaneous Expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding long-term U.S. government securities and short-term obligations, for the year ended July 31, 2024, were as follows:
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies that are deemed by the Fund’s management to be classified in similar business sectors. Economic developments may have an effect on the liquidity and volatility of the portfolio securities.
A substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of entities in the Health Care sector. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect these entities.
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Hermes Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement dated June 18, 2024. The LOC was made available to temporarily finance 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 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 (a) the highest, on any day, of (i) the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the published secured overnight financing rate plus an assigned percentage, and (iii) 0.0%, plus (b) a margin. Any fund eligible to borrow under the LOC pays its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders’ commitment that has not been utilized, quarterly in arrears and at maturity. As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Hermes, Inc., may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating affiliated funds. As of July 31, 2024, there were no outstanding loans. During the year ended July 31, 2024, the program was not utilized.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
10. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors/Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund (other than liabilities arising out of their willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Fund). In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund provides certain indemnifications under arrangements with third parties. Typically, obligations to indemnify a third party arise in the context of an arrangement entered into by the Fund under which the Fund agrees to indemnify such third party for certain liabilities arising out of actions taken pursuant to the arrangement, provided the third party’s actions are not deemed to have breached an agreed-upon standard of care (such as willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the contract). The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet arisen. The Fund does not anticipate any material claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements at this time, and accordingly expects the risk of loss to be remote.
11. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Of the ordinary income distributions made by the Fund during the year ended July 31, 2024, 99.17% qualify for the dividend received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, 99.17% of total ordinary income distributions made by the Fund are qualifying dividends which may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003. Complete information is reported in conjunction with the reporting of your distributions on Form 1099-DIV.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TO THE board of trustees OF federated Hermes MDT Series and shareholders of Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2024, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting Federated Hermes MDT Series), at July 31, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the auditor of one or more Federated Hermes investment companies since 1979.
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2024
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract–May 2024
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”)
At its meetings in May 2024 (the “May Meetings”), the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract between the Fund and Federated MDTA LLC (the “Adviser”) with respect to the Fund (the “Contract”) for an additional one-year term. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract reflects the exercise of its business judgment after considering all of the information and factors believed to be relevant and appropriate on whether to approve the continuation of the existing arrangement. The information, factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are summarized below.
Information Received and Review Process
At the request of the Independent Trustees, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) furnished to the Board in advance of its May Meetings an independent written evaluation of the Fund’s management fee (the “CCO Fee Evaluation Report”). The Board considered the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, along with other information, in evaluating the reasonableness of the Fund’s management fee and in determining to approve the continuation of the Contract.
In addition to the extensive materials that comprise and accompany the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, the Board considered information specifically prepared in connection with the approval of the continuation of the Contract that was presented at the May Meetings. In this regard, in the months preceding the May Meetings, the Board requested and reviewed written responses and supporting materials prepared by the Adviser and its affiliates (collectively, “Federated Hermes”) in response to requests posed to Federated Hermes by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees encompassing a wide variety of topics, including those summarized below. The Board also considered such additional matters as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Contract, which included detailed information about the Fund and Federated Hermes furnished to the Board at its meetings throughout the year and in between regularly scheduled meetings on particular matters as the need arose.
The Board’s consideration of the Contract included review of materials and information covering the following matters, among others: (1) copies of the Contracts; (2) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes; (3) Federated Hermes’ business and operations; (4) the Adviser’s investment philosophy, personnel and processes; (5) the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies; (6) the Fund’s short-term and long-term performance - in absolute terms (both on a gross basis and net of expenses) and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds and its benchmark; (7) the Fund’s fees and expenses, including the advisory fee and the overall expense structure of the Fund - in absolute terms and relative to an appropriate group of peer funds, with due regard for contractual or voluntary expense limitations (if any); (8) the financial condition of Federated Hermes; (9) the Adviser’s profitability with respect to managing the Fund; (10) distribution and sales activity for the Fund; and (11) the use and allocation of brokerage commissions derived from trading the Fund’s portfolio securities (if any).
The Board also considered judicial decisions concerning allegedly excessive investment advisory fees charged to other registered funds in evaluating the Contract. Using these judicial decisions as a guide, the Board considered several factors they deemed relevant to an adviser’s fiduciary duty with respect to its receipt of compensation from a fund, including: (1) the nature and quality of the services provided by the adviser to the fund and its shareholders, including the performance of the fund, its benchmark and comparable funds; (2) the adviser’s cost of providing the services and the profitability to the adviser of providing advisory services to the fund; (3) the extent to which the adviser may realize “economies of scale” as the fund grows larger and, if such economies of scale exist, whether they have been appropriately shared with the fund and its shareholders or the family of funds; (4) any “fall-out” benefits that accrue to the adviser because of its relationship with the fund, including research services received from brokers that execute fund trades and any fees paid to affiliates of the adviser for services rendered to the fund; (5) comparative fees and expenses, including a comparison of management fees paid to the adviser with those paid by similar funds managed by the same adviser or other advisers as well as management fees charged to institutional and other advisory clients of the same adviser for what might be viewed as like services; and (6) the extent of care, conscientiousness and independence with which the fund’s board members perform their duties and their expertise, including whether they are fully informed about all facts the board deems relevant to its consideration of the adviser’s services and fees. The Board considered that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure requirements regarding the basis for a fund board’s approval of the fund’s investment advisory contract generally align with the factors listed above. The Board was guided by these factors in its evaluation of the Contract to the extent it considered them to be appropriate and relevant, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighed these factors in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with Federated Hermes on matters relating to the oversight of the other funds advised by Federated Hermes (each, a “Federated Hermes Fund” and, collectively, the “Federated Hermes Funds”).
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board considered the preferences and expectations of Fund shareholders and the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the Contract. In particular, the Board recognized that many shareholders likely have invested in the Fund based on the strength of Federated Hermes’ industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that Federated Hermes will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. Thus, the Board observed that there are a range of investment options available to the Fund’s shareholders in the marketplace, and such shareholders, having had the opportunity to consider other investment options, have effectively selected Federated Hermes by virtue of investing in the Fund.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Contract, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate through the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically with respect to the continuation of the Contract. The Board recognized that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the factors considered and emphasis placed on relevant factors may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the registered fund marketplace. The Independent Trustees were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel. In connection with their deliberations at the May Meetings, the Independent Trustees met separately in executive session with their independent legal counsel and without management present to review the relevant materials and consider their responsibilities under applicable laws. In addition, senior management representatives of Federated Hermes also met with the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel to discuss the materials and presentations furnished to the Board at the May Meetings. The Board considered the approval of the Contract for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the family of Federated Hermes Funds, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the resources of Federated Hermes dedicated to the Fund. In this regard, the Board evaluated, among other things, the terms of the Contract and the full range of services provided to the Fund by Federated Hermes. The Board considered the Adviser’s personnel, investment philosophy and process, investment research capabilities and resources, trade operations capabilities, experience and performance track record. The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and evaluated Federated Hermes’ ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Fund. The Board considered the trading operations by the Adviser, including the execution of portfolio transactions and the selection of brokers for those transactions. The Board also considered the Adviser’s ability to deliver competitive investment performance for the Fund when compared to the Fund’s Performance Peer Group (as defined below), which was deemed by the Board to be a useful indicator of how the Adviser is executing the Fund’s investment program.
In addition, the Board considered the financial resources and overall reputation of Federated Hermes and its willingness to consider and make investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, business continuity planning and operational enhancements that are designed to benefit the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted the benefits of the previous significant acquisition of Hermes Fund Managers Limited by Federated Hermes, which has deepened Federated Hermes’ investment management expertise and capabilities and expanded its access to analytical resources related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors and issuer engagement on ESG matters where appropriate. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ oversight of the securities lending program for the Federated Hermes Funds that engage in securities lending and noted the income earned by the Federated Hermes Funds that participate in such program. In addition, the Board considered the quality of Federated Hermes’ communications with the Board and responsiveness to Board inquiries and requests made from time to time with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes is responsible for providing the Federated Hermes Funds’ officers.
The Board received and evaluated information regarding Federated Hermes’ regulatory and compliance environment. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ compliance program and compliance history and reports from the CCO about Federated Hermes’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including responses to regulatory developments and any compliance or other issues raised by regulatory agencies. The Board also noted Federated Hermes’ support of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance control structure and the compliance-related resources devoted by Federated Hermes in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including Federated Hermes’ commitment to respond to rulemaking and other regulatory initiatives of the SEC. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ approach to internal audits and risk management with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds and its day-to-day oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance with their investment objectives and policies as well as with applicable laws and regulations, noting that regulatory and other developments had over time led, and continue to lead, to an increase in the scope of Federated Hermes’ oversight in this regard.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
In addition, the Board noted Federated Hermes’ commitment to maintaining high quality systems and expending substantial resources to prepare for and respond to ongoing changes due to the market, regulatory and control environments in which the Fund and its service providers operate.
The Board considered Federated Hermes’ efforts to provide shareholders in the Federated Hermes Funds with a comprehensive array of funds with different investment objectives, policies and strategies. The Board considered the expenses that Federated Hermes had incurred, as well as the entrepreneurial and other risks assumed by Federated Hermes, in sponsoring and providing on-going services to new funds to expand these opportunities for shareholders. The Board noted the benefits to shareholders of being part of the family of Federated Hermes Funds, which include the general right to exchange investments between the same class of shares without the incurrence of additional sales charges.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund.
Fund Investment Performance
The Board considered the investment performance of the Fund. In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance, the Board considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks. The Board considered detailed investment reports on, and the Adviser’s analysis of, the Fund’s performance over different time periods that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. These reports included, among other items, information on the Fund’s gross and net returns, the Fund’s investment performance compared to one or more relevant categories or groups of peer funds and the Fund’s benchmark index, performance attribution information and commentary on the effect of market conditions. The Board considered that, in its evaluation of investment performance at meetings throughout the year, it focused particular attention on information indicating less favorable performance of certain Federated Hermes Funds for specific time periods and discussed with Federated Hermes the reasons for such performance as well as any specific actions Federated Hermes had taken, or had agreed to take, to seek to enhance Fund investment performance and the results of those actions.
The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the performance of other registered funds in the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar”), an independent fund ranking organization (the “Performance Peer Group”). The Board noted the CCO’s view that comparisons to fund peer groups may be helpful, though not conclusive, in evaluating the performance of the Adviser in managing the Fund. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, in evaluating such comparisons, in some cases there may be differences in the funds’ objectives or investment management techniques, or the costs to implement the funds, even within the same Performance Peer Group. In this connection, the Board considered that the quantitative focus of the management of the Fund makes fee and expense comparisons particularly difficult as the funds in the Performance Peer Group varied widely in terms of the complexity of their management, and the management of the Fund is among the more complex relative to its Performance Peer Group. The Board also considered a report comparing the performance of the Fund solely to other funds with a quantitative focus in the Performance Peer Group.
The Board also considered comparative performance data from Lipper, Inc. that was included in reports provided to the Board throughout the year. The Board noted that differences may exist between the Performance Peer Group and Lipper peers and that the results of these performance comparisons may vary.
For the periods ended December 31, 2023, the Fund’s performance fell below the Performance Peer Group median for the five-year period, and was above the Performance Peer Group median for the one-year and three-year periods. In addition, the Board was informed by the Adviser that, for the same periods, the Fund outperformed its benchmark index for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods. The Board discussed the Fund’s performance with the Adviser and recognized the efforts being taken by the Adviser in the context of other factors considered relevant by the Board.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it had continued confidence in the Adviser’s overall capabilities to manage the Fund.
The Board considered the advisory fee, and overall expense structure of the Fund and the comparative fee and expense information that had been provided in connection with the May Meetings. In this regard, the Board was presented with, and considered, information regarding the contractual advisory fee rates, net advisory fee rates, total expense ratios and each element of the Fund’s total expense ratio (i.e., gross and net advisory fees, administrative fees, custody fees, portfolio accounting fees and transfer agency fees) relative to an appropriate group of peer funds compiled by Federated Hermes from the overall category of peer funds selected by Morningstar (the “Expense Peer Group”). The Board received a description of the methodology used to select the Expense Peer Group from the overall Morningstar category. The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the fees and expenses of the broader group of funds in the overall Morningstar category.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
While mindful that courts have cautioned against giving too much weight to comparative information concerning fees charged to funds by other advisers, the use of comparisons between the Fund and its Expense Peer Group assisted the Board in its evaluation of the Fund’s fees and expenses. The Board focused on comparisons with other registered funds more heavily than non-registered fund products or services because such comparisons are believed to be more relevant. The Board considered that other registered funds are the products most like the Fund, in that they are readily available to Fund shareholders as alternative investment vehicles, and they are the type of investment vehicle, in fact, chosen and maintained by the Fund’s shareholders. The Board noted that the range of such other registered funds’ fees and expenses, therefore, appears to be a relevant indicator of what investors have found to be reasonable in the marketplace in which the Fund competes.
The Board reviewed the contractual advisory fee rate, net advisory fee rate and other expenses of the Fund and noted the position of the Fund’s fee rates relative to its Expense Peer Group. In this regard, the Board noted that the contractual advisory fee rate was below the median of the Expense Peer Group, and the Board was satisfied that the overall expense structure of the Fund remained competitive.
The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fees charged by Federated Hermes to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Federated Hermes Funds, including non-registered fund clients (such as institutional separate accounts) and third-party unaffiliated registered funds for which the Adviser or its affiliates serve as sub-adviser. The Board noted the CCO’s conclusion that non-registered fund clients are inherently different products due to the following differences, among others: (i) different types of targeted investors; (ii) different applicable laws and regulations; (iii) different legal structures; (iv) different average account sizes and portfolio management techniques made necessary by different cash flows and different associated costs; (v) the time spent by portfolio managers and their teams (among other personnel across various departments, including legal, compliance and risk management) in reviewing securities pricing; (vi) different SEC mandated risk management programs with respect to fund liquidity and use of derivatives; (viii) different administrative responsibilities; (viii) different degrees of risk associated with management; and (ix) a variety of different costs. The Board also considered information regarding the differences in the nature of the services required for Federated Hermes to manage its proprietary registered fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a sub-adviser to another institution’s registered fund, noting the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes generally performs significant additional services and assumes substantially greater risks in managing the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds than in its role as sub-adviser to an unaffiliated third-party registered fund. The Board noted that the CCO did not consider the fees for providing advisory services to other types of clients to be determinative in judging the appropriateness of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory fees.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the fees and total operating expenses of the Fund, in conjunction with other matters considered, are reasonable in light of the services provided.
The Board received and considered profitability information furnished by Federated Hermes. Such profitability information included revenues reported on a fund-by-fund basis and estimates of the allocation of expenses made on a fund-by-fund basis, using allocation methodologies specified by the CCO and described to the Board. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, while these cost allocation reports apply consistent allocation processes, the inherent difficulties in allocating costs on a fund-by-fund basis continues to cause the CCO to question the precision of the process and to conclude that such reports may be unreliable because a single change in an allocation estimate may dramatically alter the resulting estimate of cost and/or profitability of a Federated Hermes Fund and may produce unintended consequences. In addition, the Board considered the CCO’s view that the allocation methodologies used by Federated Hermes in estimating profitability for purposes of reporting to the Board in connection with the continuation of the Contract are consistent with the methodologies previously reviewed by an independent consultant. The Board noted that the independent consultant had previously conducted a review of the allocation methodologies and reported to the Board that, although there is no single best method to allocate expenses, the methodologies used by Federated Hermes are reasonable. The Board considered the CCO’s view that the estimated profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable in relation to the services provided.
The Board also reviewed information compiled by Federated Hermes comparing its profitability information to other publicly-held fund management companies, including information regarding profitability trends over time. The Board recognized that profitability comparisons among fund management companies are difficult because of the variation in the type of comparative information that is publicly available, and the profitability of any fund management company is affected by numerous factors. The Board considered the CCO’s conclusion that, based on such profitability information, Federated Hermes’ profit margins did not appear to be excessive. The Board also considered the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes appeared financially sound, with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under its contracts with the Federated Hermes Funds.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Economies of Scale
The Board received and considered information about the notion of possible realization of “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger, the difficulties of isolating and quantifying economies of scale at an individual fund level, and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes has made significant and long-term investments in areas that support all of the Federated Hermes Funds, such as: portfolio management, investment research and trading operations; shareholder services; compliance; business continuity, cybersecurity and information security programs; internal audit and risk management functions; and technology, systems capabilities and use of data. The Board noted that Federated Hermes’ investments in these areas are extensive and are designed to provide enhanced or expanded services to the Federated Hermes Funds and their shareholders. The Board considered that the benefits of these investments are likely to be shared with the family of Federated Hermes Funds as a whole. In addition, the Board considered that fee waivers and expense reimbursements are another means for potential economies of scale to be shared with shareholders and can provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Federated Hermes Fund’s assets decline. The Board considered that, in order for the Federated Hermes Funds to remain competitive in the marketplace, Federated Hermes has frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Federated Hermes Funds and has disclosed to shareholders and/or reported to the Board its intention to do so (or continue to do so) in the future. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes has been active in managing expenses of the Federated Hermes Funds in recent years, which has resulted in benefits being realized by shareholders.
The Board also received and considered information on adviser-paid fees (commonly referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) that was provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. The Board considered that Federated Hermes and the CCO believe that this information is relevant to considering whether Federated Hermes had an incentive to either not apply breakpoints, or to apply breakpoints at higher levels, but should not be considered when evaluating the reasonableness of advisory fees. The Board also noted the absence of any applicable regulatory or industry guidelines on economies of scale, which is compounded by the lack of any uniform methodology or pattern with respect to structuring fund advisory fees with breakpoints that serve to reduce the fees as a fund attains a certain size.
The Board considered information regarding the compensation and other ancillary (or “fall-out”) benefits that Federated Hermes derived from its relationships with the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted that, in addition to receiving advisory fees under the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisory contracts, Federated Hermes’ affiliates also receive fees for providing other services to the Federated Hermes Funds under separate service contracts including for serving as the Federated Hermes Funds’ administrator and distributor. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes’ affiliates provide distribution and shareholder services to the Federated Hermes Funds, for which they may be compensated through distribution and servicing fees paid pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans or otherwise. The Board also received and considered information detailing the benefits, if any, that Federated Hermes may derive from its receipt of research services from brokers who execute portfolio trades for the Federated Hermes Funds.
The Board considered: (i) the CCO’s conclusion that his observations and the information accompanying the CCO Fee Evaluation Report show that the management fee for the Fund is reasonable; and (ii) the CCO’s recommendation that the Board approve the management fee. The Board noted that, under these circumstances, no changes were recommended to, and no objection was raised to the continuation of, the Contract by the CCO. The CCO also recognized that the Board’s evaluation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory arrangements is a continuing and ongoing process that is informed by the information that the Board requests and receives from management throughout the course of the year and, in this regard, the CCO noted certain items, and management has committed to reviewing certain items, for future reporting to the Board as the Board continues its ongoing oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds.
On the basis of the information and factors summarized above, among other information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and the evaluation thereof, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of the Contract. The Board based its determination to approve the Contract on the totality of the circumstances and relevant factors and with a view of past and future long-term considerations. Not all of the factors and considerations identified above were necessarily deemed to be relevant to the Fund, nor did the Board consider any one of them to be determinative.
Annual Financial Statements and Additional Information
Mutual funds are not bank deposits or obligations, are not 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. Investment in mutual funds involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This information is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s Prospectus, which contains facts concerning its objective and policies, management fees, expenses and other information.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at FederatedHermes.com/us
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
CUSIP 31421R775
CUSIP 31421R767
CUSIP 31421R759
CUSIP 31421R619
© 2024 Federated Hermes, Inc.
| Item 8. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies |
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund: Not Applicable.
| Item 9. | Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund: Not Applicable.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund: Not Applicable.
| Item 10. | Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund: The Fund’s disclosure of remuneration items is included as part of the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund: The Fund’s disclosure of remuneration items is included as part of the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund: The Fund’s disclosure of remuneration items is included as part of the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund: The Fund’s disclosure of remuneration items is included as part of the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund: The Fund’s disclosure of remuneration items is included as part of the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
| Item 11. | Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. |
Federated Hermes MDT All Cap Core Fund: The Fund’s Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract summary by fund appear in the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Balanced Fund: The Fund’s Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract summary by fund appear in the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Large Cap Growth Fund: The Fund’s Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract summary by fund appear in the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Core Fund: The Fund’s Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract summary by fund appear in the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
Federated Hermes MDT Small Cap Growth Fund: The Fund’s Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract summary by fund appear in the Financial Statements filed under Item 7 of this form.
| Item 12. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies |
Not Applicable
| Item 13. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not Applicable
| Item 14. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
Not Applicable
| Item 15. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
No Changes to Report
| Item 16. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) The registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-(2) under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Item 17. | Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not Applicable
| Item 18. | Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation |
(a) Not Applicable
(b) Not Applicable
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: Federated Hermes MDT Series
By: /s/ Jeremy D. Boughton
Jeremy D. Boughton, Principal Financial Officer
Date: September 23, 2024
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ J. Christopher Donahue
J. Christopher Donahue, Principal Executive Officer
Date: September 23, 2024
By: /s/ Jeremy D. Boughton
Jeremy D. Boughton, Principal Financial Officer
Date: September 23, 2024
