SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION | ||||
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) | ||||
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
Filed by the Registrant | [X] | |||
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant | [ ] | |||
Check the appropriate box: | ||||
[ ] | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |||
[ ] | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |||
[X] | Definitive Proxy Statement | |||
[ ] | Definitive Additional Materials | |||
[ ] | Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12 | |||
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust | ||||
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) | ||||
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): | ||||
[X] | No fee required. | |||
[ ] | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |||
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11: | |||
(4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: | |||
(5) | Total Fee Paid: | |||
[ ] | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |||
[ ] | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. | |||
(1) | Amount Previously Paid: | |||
(2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: | |||
(3) | Filing Party: | |||
(4) | Date Filed: | |||
FIDELITY® HIGH INCOME FUND
FIDELITY INFLATION-PROTECTED BOND FUND
FIDELITY ADVISOR INFLATION-PROTECTED BOND FUND*
FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
FIDELITY ADVISOR INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND**
FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND
SPARTAN® GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
FUNDS OF
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
1-800-544-3198
1-877-208-0098 (for Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund)
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of the above funds:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) of Fidelity® High Income Fund, Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan® Government Income Fund (the funds), will be held at an office of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust (the trust), 27 State Street, 10th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 on March <R>24</R>, 2004, at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and act upon the following proposals, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
1. To amend the Declaration of Trust to allow the Board of Trustees, if permitted by applicable law, to authorize fund mergers without shareholder approval.
2. To elect a Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees has fixed the close of business on January <R>26</R>, 2004 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of each of the funds and classes, if applicable, entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
ERIC D. ROITER Secretary
January <R>26</R>, 2004
* Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class A, Class T, Class B, Class C, and Institutional Class are classes of Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund
** Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class A, Class T, Class B, Class C, and Institutional Class are classes of Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund
Your vote is important - please vote your shares promptly.
Shareholders are invited to attend the meeting in person. Any shareholder who does not expect to attend the meeting is urged to vote using the touch-tone or internet voting instructions found below or indicate voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the envelope provided, which needs no postage if mailed in the United States. In order to avoid unnecessary expense, we ask your cooperation in responding promptly, no matter how large or small your holdings may be.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXECUTING PROXY CARD
The following general rules for executing proxy cards may be of assistance to you and help avoid the time and expense involved in validating your vote if you fail to execute your proxy card properly.
1. Individual Accounts: Your name should be signed exactly as it appears in the registration on the proxy card.
2. Joint Accounts: Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration.
3. All other accounts should show the capacity of the individual signing. This can be shown either in the form of the account registration itself or by the individual executing the proxy card. For example:
REGISTRATION | VALID SIGNATURE | ||
A. | 1) | ABC Corp. | John Smith, Treasurer |
2) | ABC Corp. | John Smith, Treasurer | |
c/o John Smith, Treasurer | |||
B. | 1) | ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
2) | ABC Trust | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | |
3) | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | |
C | 1) | Anthony B. Craft, Cust. | Anthony B. Craft |
f/b/o Anthony B. Craft, Jr. | |||
UGMA |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING BY TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE
OR THROUGH THE INTERNET
1. Read the proxy statement, and have your proxy card handy.
2. Call the toll-free number or visit the web site indicated on your proxy card.
3. Enter the control number found on your proxy card.
4. Follow the recorded or on-line instructions to cast your vote.
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST:
FIDELITY HIGH INCOME FUND
FIDELITY INFLATION-PROTECTED BOND FUND
FIDELITY ADVISOR INFLATION-PROTECTED BOND FUND
FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
FIDELITY ADVISOR INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
TO BE HELD ON MARCH <R>24</R>, 2004
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation of proxies made by, and on behalf of, the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust (the trust) to be used at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund(the funds) and at any adjournments thereof (the Meeting), to be held on March <R>24</R>, 2004 at 10:15 a.m. ET at 27 State Street, 10th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, an office of the trust and Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), the funds' investment adviser.
The purpose of the Meeting is set forth in the accompanying Notice. The solicitation is being made primarily by the mailing of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying pro<R>xy o</R>n or about January <R>26</R>, 2004. Supplementary solicitations may be made by mail, telephone, telegraph, facsimile, electronic means or by personal interview by representatives of thetrust.In addition, <R>D.F. King & Co., Inc</R>. may be paid on a per-call basis to solicit shareholders by telephone on behalf of the funds at an anticipated cost of approximately as follows. The funds may also arrange to have votes recorded by telephone. <R>D.F. King & Co., Inc.</R> may be paid on a per-call basis for vote-by-phone solicitations on behalf of the funds at an anticipated cost of approximately as follows:
Estimated cost to call andsolicit vote | Estimated cost to receive vote overthe phone | |
<R>Fidelity High Income Fund | $ 20,000 | $ 10,000</R> |
<R>Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class A | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class T | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class B | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class C | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Institutional Class | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund | $ 20,000 | $ 10,000</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class A | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class T | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class B | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class C | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Institutional Class | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R>Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund | $ 20,000 | $ 10,000</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income Fund | $ 500 | $ 500</R> |
<R> If the funds record votes by telephone or through the internet, they will use procedures designed to authenticate shareholders' identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of their shares in accordance with their instructions, and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Proxies voted by telephone or through the internet may be revoked at any time before they are voted in the same manner that proxies voted by mail may be revoked. For Fidelity High Income Fund and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, the expenses in connection with preparing this Proxy Statement and its enclosures and all solicitations will be paid by the funds. For Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund, the expenses in connection with preparing this Proxy Statement and its enclosures and all solicitations will be paid by the funds,provided the expenses do not exceed, Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund's, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund's, and Spartan Government Income Fund's existing voluntary expense caps listed below (excluding 12b-1 fees): </R>
Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund | 0.50% |
Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class A | 0.65% |
Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class T | 0.75% |
Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class B | 1.40% |
Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class C | 1.50% |
Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Institutional Class | 0.50% |
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund | 0.70% |
Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class A | 0.85% |
Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class T | 0.95% |
Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class B | 1.60% |
Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class C | 1.70% |
Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Institutional Class | 0.70% |
Spartan Government Income Fund | 0.50% |
Expenses exceeding each fund's and/or class's voluntary expense cap, as set forth in the table above, will be paid by FMR. The funds will reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of shares. The costs are allocated among the funds based upon the number of shareholder accounts in each fund.
The principal business address of FMR, each fund's investment adviser and administrator, Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) each fund's principal underwriter and distribution agent, and FMR Co., Inc. (FMRC), sub-adviser to Fidelity High Income Fund, is <R>One Federal Street</R>, Boston, Massachusetts <R>02110</R>. The principal business address of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM), sub-adviser to Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund, is One Spartan Way, Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054. Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.), located at 25 Lovat Lane, London, EC3R 8LL, England; Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (FMR Far East), located at Shiroyama JT Mori Bldg. 4-3-1 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo 105, Japan; and Fidelity Investments Japan Limited (FIJ), located at 8-8 Shinkawa, <R>1-Chome, </R>Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0033, Japan are also sub-advisers for Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund. Fidelity International Investment Advisors (FIIA) located at Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Pembroke HM19, Bermuda and Fidelity International Investment Advisors (U.K.) Limited (FIIA(U.K.)L) located at 25 Cannon Street, London EC4M 5TA, England are also sub-advisers to the funds.
If the enclosed <R>proxy is e</R>xecuted and returned, or an internet or telephonic vote is delivered, that vote may nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to its use by written notification received by the trust, by the execution of a later-dated pro<R>xy, b</R>y the trust's receipt of a subsequent valid internet or telephonic vote, or by attending the Meeting and voting in person.
All proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees that are properly executed and received by the Secretary prior to the Meeting, and are not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting. Shares represented by such proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. If no specification is made on a proxy, it will be voted FOR the matters specified on the proxy. All shares that are voted and votes to ABSTAIN will be counted towards establishing a quorum, as will broker non-votes. (Broker non-votes are shares for which (i) the beneficial owner has not voted and (ii) the broker holding the shares does not have discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.)
With respect to fund shares held in Fidelity individual retirement accounts (including Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SARSEP, Roth and SIMPLE IRAs), the IRA Custodian will vote those shares for which it has received instructions from shareholders only in accordance with such instructions. If Fidelity IRA shareholders do not vote their shares, the IRA Custodian will vote their shares for them, in the same proportion as other Fidelity IRA shareholders have voted.
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or if a quorum is present at the Meeting but sufficient votes to approve one or more of the proposed items are not received, or if other matters arise requiring shareholder attention, the persons named as proxy agents may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present at the Meeting or represented by proxy. When voting on a proposed adjournment, the persons named as proxy agents will vote FOR the proposed adjournment all shares that they are entitled to vote with respect to each item, unless directed to vote AGAINST the item, in which case such shares will be voted AGAINST the proposed adjournment with respect to that item. A shareholder vote may be taken on one or more of the items in this Proxy Statement prior to such adjournment if sufficient votes have been received and it is otherwise appropriate. Please visit www.fidelity.com/goto/proxies to determine the status of this scheduled shareholder Meeting.
<R> Shares of each fund and class of the trust issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2003, are indicated in the following table:</R>
<R>Fidelity High Income Fund | 317,389,553</R> |
<R>Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund | 62,070,027</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class A | 1,619,100</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class T | 2,294,334</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class B | 2,676,232</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class C | 2,604,404</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Institutional Class | 414,638</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond | 724,558,115</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class A | 880,478</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class T | 2,140,185</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class B | 1,177,104</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class C | 733,536</R> |
<R>Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Institutional Class | 34,716</R> |
<R>Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund | 581,474,681</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income Fund | 82,563,852</R> |
<R> To the knowledge of the trust, substantial (5% or more) record ownership of each class on November 30, 2003 was as follows:</R>
<R>Fidelity Inflation Protected Bond Fund: Class A | American International Group, Inc. | Phoenix, AZ | 20.33%</R> |
<R> | American Express Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 9.14%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Inflation Protected Bond Fund: Class T | American Express Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 13.50%</R> |
<R> | State Street Bank | North Quincy, MA | 12.44%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Inflation Protected Bond Fund: Class B | ING | Torrance, CA | 12.25%</R> |
<R> | American Express Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 9.04%</R> |
<R> | Fleet Financial Group | New York, NY | 6.94%</R> |
<R> | Wells Fargo Bank | Des Moines, IA | 6.71%</R> |
<R> | Cantella & Co., Inc. | Boston, MA | 5.41%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Inflation Protected Bond Fund: Class C | Merrill Lynch | Jacksonville, FL | 11.40%</R> |
<R> | Citigroup, Inc. | New York, NY | 10.29%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Inflation Protected Bond Fund: Institutional Class | Merrill Lynch | Jacksonville, FL | 13.50%</R> |
<R> | ING | Torrance, CA | 9.59%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class A | Nationwide Insurance Enterprises | Columbus, OH | 42.72%</R> |
<R> | American Express Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 8.80%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class T | Citigroup, Inc. | New York, NY | 14.51%</R> |
<R> | American Express Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 12.94%</R> |
<R> | Southwest Bancorp | Houston, TX | 10.37%</R> |
<R> | Merrill Lynch | Jacksonville, FL | 7.34%</R> |
<R> | Wachovia/Prudential Financial Advisors, LLC | Charlotte, NC | 6.80%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class B | Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | St. Petersburg, FL | 7.57%</R> |
<R> | American Express Financial Services | Minneapolis, MN | 6.64%</R> |
<R> | American Express Financial Services | Omaha, NE | 6.55%</R> |
<R> | Fleet Financial Group Inc. | New York, NY | 5.56%</R> |
<R> | Merrill Lynch | Jacksonville, FL | 5.41%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class C | Citigroup, Inc. | New York, NY | 33.50%</R> |
<R> | Merrill Lynch | Jacksonville, FL | 10.62%</R> |
<R> | Captrust Financial Advisor, LLC | Charlotte, NC | 6.98%</R> |
<R>Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund: Institutional Class | Fidelity Investments | Boston, MA | 41.35%</R> |
<R> | Merrill Lynch | Jacksonville, FL | 33.09%</R> |
<R> | TD Waterhouse Investment Center | Beverly Hills, CA | 7.68%</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income Fund | General Motors Corporation | New York, NY | 26.33%</R> |
<R> To the knowledge of the trust, substantial (5% or more) beneficial ownership of each fund on November 30, 2003 was as follows:</R>
<R>Fidelity High Income Fund | Fidelity Freedom 2020 Fund | New York, NY | 6.91%</R> |
<R> To the knowledge of the trust, no other shareholder owned of record or beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the funds on that date.</R>
FMR has advised the trust that certain shares are registered to FMR or an FMR affiliate. To the extent that FMR or an FMR affiliate has discretion to vote, these shares will be voted at the Meeting FOR each proposal. Otherwise, these shares will be voted in accordance with the plan or agreement governing the shares. Although the terms of the plans and agreements vary, generally the shares must be voted either (i) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders or (ii) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders and, for shareholders who do not vote, in the same proportion as certain other shareholders have voted.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on <R>January 26</R>, 2004 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each such shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value held on that date.
<R> Only one copy of this Proxy Statement may be mailed to households, even if more than one person in a household is a fund shareholder of record. If you need additional copies of this Proxy Statement, please contact Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 (forall funds except Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund) or 1-877-208-0098 for Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund. If you do not want the mailing of this Proxy Statement to be combined with those for other members of your household, contact Fidelity in writing at P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0002 (forall funds except Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund)or call Fidelity at 1-877-208-0098 for Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund.</R>
For a free copy of each fund's annual report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003and the semiannual report for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2003 call 1-800-544-3198 or 1-877-208-0098 (for Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund); or write to Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
VOTE REQUIRED: Approval of Proposal 1 requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the entire trust. Approval of Proposal 2 requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of the entire trust voted in person or by proxy at the Meeting. <R>Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act), the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities.With respect to each Proposal, votes to ABSTAIN and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes cast AGAINST the proposal.</R>
1. TO AMEND THE DECLARATION OF TRUST TO ALLOW THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, IF PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TO AUTHORIZE FUND MERGERS WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that shareholders of the trust approve, a proposal to amend Article XII, Section 4.3 of the Declaration of Trust. The amendment would allow the Trustees, in certain circumstances, to authorize a fund's <R>or class's</R> merger or consolidation with, or sale of a fund's <R>or class's</R> assets to, another operating mutual fund without a shareholder vote. Currently, these types of transactions require a shareholder vote.
The amendment will give the Trustees more flexibility and, subject to applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) and Massachusetts law, broader authority to act.The amendment will not alter in any way the Trustees' existing fiduciary obligations to act with due care and in the shareholders' interests. Before using any new flexibility that the proposed amendment may afford, the Trustees must first consider the shareholders' interests and then act in accordance with such interests.
Shareholders have the right to vote on any Declaration of Trust amendment affecting their right to vote or on any matter submitted to the shareholders by the Trustees. On November 20, 2003, the Trustees approved the proposed amendment and also authorized its submission to the trust's shareholders for their approval at this Meeting.
Under certain circumstances, it may not be in shareholders' interests to require a shareholder meeting to approve a merger, consolidation, or asset sale transaction between funds. For example, two affiliated funds may have similar investment objectives but be offered through different sales channels. It may be beneficial to combine the funds' assets. However, to approve such a transaction currently, the Trustees of the fund to be acquired would have to schedule a shareholder meeting in order to seek shareholder approval of the merger. The process of obtaining shareholder approval may make it more difficult and time-consuming to complete the merger, and, in general, could increase the costs associated with the merger. In such a case, it may be beneficial to shareholders to merge the funds without incurring the costs and delays of a shareholder meeting, provided the Trustees first determine the merger to be in shareholders' best interests.
Section 17 of the 1940 Act prohibits or limits certain transactions between affiliated funds. On July 26, 2002, the SEC amended Rule 17a-8 under the 1940 Act to permit mergers of affiliated funds without shareholder approval in certain cases, and to require shareholder approval in other cases. For example, Rule 17a-8 now permits affiliated funds to merge without shareholder approval if the advisory contracts and fundamental policies of the affiliated funds are not materially different. On the other hand, Rule 17a-8 requires shareholder approval of a merger of affiliated funds with materially different advisory contracts (which would include where the surviving fund's management fee is higher than the acquired fund's management fee), materially different fundamental policies, or where the 12b-1 fees, if any, of the surviving fund are higher than the 12b-1 fees, if any, of the acquired fund. The Rule also requires shareholder approval if, post-merger, shareholder-elected disinterested trustees of the acquired fund would not comprise a majority of the disinterested trustees of the surviving fund. In all cases, the trustees of each fund must determine that the merger is in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders and that shareholders' interests will not be diluted.
Massachusetts law, the state law under which the trust is organized, does not require shareholder approval of fund mergers, consolidations, or asset sales.
The proposed amendment to the Declaration of Trust will update the trust to permit fund mergers, consolidations, and asset sales without a shareholder vote,onlyif permitted by the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law.The amendment will provide the Trustees increased flexibility, which may allow the Trustees to react more quickly to changes in competitive and regulatory conditions and, as a consequence, may allow the funds to operate in a more efficient and economical manner.
As discussed above, any exercise of the Trustees' increased authority pursuant to the amendment remains subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law. If the amendment is approved, the Board of Trustees will continue to be required to determine that any merger, consolidation, or asset sale transaction is in the best interests of a fund and that the interests of shareholders will not be diluted. The Trustees will evaluate any and all information reasonably necessary to make their determinations, and consider and give appropriate weight to all pertinent factors in fulfilling the overall duty of care owed to shareholders.
Article XII, Section 4.3 of the Declaration of Trust addresses mergers, consolidations, and sales of fund assets. If approved, Article XII, Section 4.3 will be amended as follows (new language isunderlined; language to be deleted is [bracketed]):
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 4.3. Merger, Consolidation, and Sale of Assets. Subject to applicable Federal and state law and except as otherwise provided in Section 4.4 below, the Trust or any Series or Class thereof may merge or consolidate with any other corporation, association, trust, or other organization or may sell, lease, or exchange all or a portion of the Trust property or Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or Class, including its good will, upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration when and as authorizedby the Trustees without the vote or consent of Shareholders[at any meeting of Shareholders called for such purpose by a Majority Shareholder Vote of the Trust or affected Series or Class, as the case may be]. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sale of assets, shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method approved by the Trustees.
Section 4.4. Incorporation; Reorganization. Subject to applicable Federal and state law, the Trustees may without the vote or consent of Shareholders cause to be organized or assist in organizing a corporation or corporations under the laws of any jurisdiction or any other trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or other organization to take over all or a portion of the Trust property or all or a portion of the Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or Class or to carry on any business in which the Trust shall directly or indirectly have any interest, and to sell, convey and transfer the Trust property or the Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or Class to any such corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, association, or organization in exchange for the shares or securities thereof or otherwise, and to lend money to, subscribe for the shares or securities of, and enter into any contracts with any such corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or organization, or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, association, or organization in which the Trust or such Series holds or is about to acquire shares or any other interest. Subject to applicable Federal and state law, the Trustees may also cause a merger or consolidation between the Trust or any successor thereto or any Series or Class thereof and any such corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or other organization. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring approval of Shareholders for the Trustees to organize or assist in organizing one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, or other organizations and selling, conveying, or transferring the Trust property or a portion of the Trust property to such organization or entities; provided, however, that the Trustees shall provide written notice to the affected Shareholders of any transaction whereby, pursuant to this Section 4.4, the Trust or any Series or Class thereof sells, conveys, or transfers all or a portion of its assets to another entity or merges or consolidates with another entity. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sale of assets, shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method approved by the Trustees.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the proposal will benefit the trust and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. The amended Declaration of Trust will become effective upon shareholder approval. If the proposal is not approved by shareholders of the trust, Article XII, Section 4.3 of the Declaration of Trust will remain unchanged.
2. TO ELECT A BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
The purpose of this proposal is to elect a Board of Trustees of the trust. Pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust of <R>the trust</R>, the Trustees have determined that the number of Trustees shall be fixed at 14. It is intended that the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election as Trustees of the 14 nominees listed below unless such authority has been withheld in the proxy.
All nominees named below are currently Trustees of<R>the trust</R> and have served in that capacity continuously since originally elected or appointed.Laura B. Cronin, Robert L. Reynolds, and<R> George H. Heilmeier </R>were selected by the trust's Governance and Nominating Committee (see page<Click Here>)and were appointed to the Board onMarch<R> </R>1, 2003, March 1, 2003, and<R> January 1, 2004,</R> respectively.
Except for William O. McCoy, each of the nominees oversees <R>291</R> funds advised by FMR or an affiliate. Mr. McCoy oversees <R>293</R> funds advised by FMR or an affiliate.
In the election of Trustees, those 14 nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast at the Meeting, provided a quorum is present, shall be elected.
Interested Nominees*:
Correspondence intended for each nominee who is an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) may be sent to <R>Fidelity Investments, </R>82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation** | |
Edward C. Johnson 3d (73)*** | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1984 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Johnson is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Johnson serves as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.; Chairman (1998) and a Director of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc.; and Chairman (2001) and a Director (2000) of FMR Co., Inc. | |
Abigail P. Johnson (42)*** | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Senior Vice President of High Income (2001), Investment Grade Bond (2001), Inflation-Protected Bond (2002), Short-Term Bond (2001), and Spartan Government Income (2001). Ms. Johnson also serves as Senior Vice President of other Fidelity funds (2001). She is President and a Director of FMR (2001), Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2001), FMR Co., Inc. (2001), and a Director of FMR Corp. Previously, Ms. Johnson managed a number of Fidelity funds. | |
Laura B. Cronin (49) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2003 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Ms. Cronin is an Executive Vice President (2002) and Chief Financial Officer (2002) of FMR Corp. and is a member of the Fidelity Management Committee (2003). Previously, Ms. Cronin served as Vice President of Finance of FMR (1997-1999), and Chief Financial Officer of FMR (1999-2001), Fidelity Personal Investments (2001), and Fidelity Brokerage Company (2001-2002). | |
Robert L. Reynolds (51) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2003 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Reynolds is a Director (2003) and Chief Operating Officer (2002) of FMR Corp. and is the head of the Fidelity Management Committee (2003). He also serves on the Board at Fidelity Investments Canada, Ltd. (2000). Previously, Mr. Reynolds served as President of Fidelity Investments Institutional Retirement Group (1996-2000). | |
* Nominees have been determined to be "interested" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR.
** Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
*** Edward C. Johnson 3d, Trustee, is Abigail P. Johnson's father.
Non-Interested Nominees:
Correspondence intended for each non-interested nominee (that is, the nominees other than the interested nominees) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P. O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation* | |
J. Michael Cook (61) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Prior to Mr. Cook's retirement in May 1999, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte & Touche LLP (accounting/consulting), Chairman of the Deloitte & Touche Foundation, and a member of the Board of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. He currently serves as a Director of Comcast (telecommunications, 2002), International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (2000), Rockwell Automation (2000) and The Dow Chemical Company (2000). He is a Member of the Diversity Advisory Council of Marakon (2003) and the Advisory Board of the Directorship Search Group, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Catalyst (a leading organization for the advancement of women in business), and is Chairman of the Accountability Advisory Council to the Comptroller General of the United States. He also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of the Graduate School of Business of the University of Florida, his alma mater. | |
Ralph F. Cox (71) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1991 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Cox is President of RABAR Enterprises (management consulting for the petroleum industry). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill Petroleum Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March 1990, Mr. Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific Resources Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of CH2M Hill Companies (engineering), and Abraxas Petroleum (petroleum exploration and production, 1999). In addition, he is a member of advisory boards of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. | |
Robert M. Gates (60) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Dr. Gates is President of Texas A&M University (2002). He was Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1991 to 1993. From 1989 to 1991, Dr. Gates served as Assistant to the President of the United States and Deputy National Security Advisor. Dr. Gates is a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and manufacturing), and Parker Drilling Co., Inc. (drilling and rental tools for the energy industry, 2001). He also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of VoteHere.net (secure internet voting, 2001). Previously, Dr. Gates served as a Director of LucasVarity PLC (automotive components and diesel engines), a Director of TRW Inc. (automotive, space, defense, and information technology), and Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (1999-2001). Dr. Gates also is a Trustee of the Forum for International Policy. | |
<R>George H. Heilmeier (68)</R> | |
<R> | Year of Election or Appointment: 2004</R> Trustee of Fidelity Puritan Trust.Dr. Heilmeier is Chairman Emeritus of Telcordia Technologies (communication software and systems), where prior to his retirement, he served as company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of The Mitre Corporation (systems engineering and information technology support for the government), INET Technologies Inc. (telecommunications network surveillance, 2001) and Teletech Holdings (customer management services, 1998). He is Chairman of the General Motors Technology Advisory Committee and a Life Fellow of the IEEE (2000). Dr. Heilmeier is a member of the Defense Science Board and the National Security Agency Advisory Board. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and The Board of Overseers of the School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, Dr. Heilmeier served as a Director of TRW Inc. (automotive, space, defense, and information technology, 1992-2002) and Compaq (1994-2002). |
Donald J. Kirk (71) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1987 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Kirk is a Governor of the American Stock Exchange (2001), a Trustee and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Greenwich Hospital Association, a Director of the Yale-New Haven Health Services Corp. (1998), and a Director Emeritus and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Arts Strategies Inc. Mr. Kirk was an Executive-in-Residence (1995-2000) and a Professor (1987-1995) at Columbia University Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Previously, Mr. Kirk served as a Governor of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (1996-2002), a member and Vice Chairman of the Public Oversight Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice Section (1995-2002), a Director of General Re Corporation (reinsurance, 1987-1998) and as a Director of Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations). | |
Marie L. Knowles (57) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Prior to Ms. Knowles' retirement in June 2000, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) (diversified energy, 1996-2000). From 1993 to 1996, she was a Senior Vice President of ARCO and President of ARCO Transportation Company. She served as a Director of ARCO from 1996 to 1998. She currently serves as a Director of Phelps Dodge Corporation (copper mining and manufacturing), URS Corporation (multidisciplinary engineering, 1999), and McKesson Corporation (healthcare service, 2002). Ms. Knowles is a Trustee of the Brookings Institution and the Catalina Island Conservancy and also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. | |
Ned C. Lautenbach (59) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2000 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Lautenbach has been a partner of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. (private equity investment firm) since September 1998. Previously, Mr. Lautenbach was with the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) from 1968 until his retirement in 1998. He was most recently Senior Vice President and Group Executive of Worldwide Sales and Services. From 1993 to 1995, he was Chairman of IBM World Trade Corporation, and from 1994 to 1998 was a member of IBM's Corporate Executive Committee. Mr. Lautenbach serves as Chairman and as a Director (1998) of Acterna Corporation (communications test equipment). He is also Co-Chairman of Covansys, Inc. (global provider of business and technology solutions, 2000). In addition, he is a Director of Eaton Corporation (diversified industrial) and the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Florida (1999). He also is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. | |
Marvin L. Mann (70) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1993 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Mann is Chairman of the non-interested Trustees (2001). He is Chairman Emeritus of Lexmark International, Inc. (computer peripherals) where he served as CEO until April 1998 and retired as Chairman May 1999, and remains a member of the Board. Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice President of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries. Mr. Mann is a Board member of Imation Corp. (imaging and information storage) and Acterna Corporation (communications test equipment, 1999). He is also a member of the Director Services Committee of the Investment Company Institute. In addition, Mr. Mann is a member of the President's Cabinet at the University of Alabama and the Board of Visitors of the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at the University of Alabama. | |
William O. McCoy (70) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Prior to his retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice Chairman of the Board of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and President of BellSouth Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty Corporation (holding company), Duke Realty Corporation (real estate), Progress Energy, Inc. (electric utility), and Acterna Corporation (communications test equipment, 1999). He is also a partner of Franklin Street Partners (private investment management firm) and a member of the Research Triangle Foundation Board. In addition, Mr. McCoy served as the Interim Chancellor (1999-2000) and a member of the Board of Visitors (1994-1998) for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the University of North Carolina Health Care System and the Board of Visitors of the Kenan-Flagler Business School (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). He also served as Vice President of Finance for the University of North Carolina (16-school system, 1995-1998). | |
William S. Stavropoulos (64) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Mr. Stavropoulos is Chairman of the Board, President and CEO (2002), and Chairman of the Executive Committee (2000) and a Director of The Dow Chemical Company. Since joining The Dow Chemical Company in 1967, Mr. Stavropoulos served in numerous senior management positions, including President (1993-2000) and Chief Executive Officer (1995-2000). Currently, he is a Director of NCR Corporation (data warehousing and technology solutions), BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications), Chemical Financial Corporation, and Maersk Inc. (industrial conglomerate, 2002). He also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. In addition, Mr. Stavropoulos is a member of The Business Council, J.P. Morgan International Council, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the University of Notre Dame Advisory Council for the College of Science. | |
* Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
<R>As of November 30, 2003, the nominees, Trustees and officers of the trust and each fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of each fund's outstanding shares.</R>
During the period April 30, 2003 through November 30, 2003, no transactions were entered into by Trustees and nominees as Trustee of the trust involving more than 1% of the voting common, non-voting common and equivalent stock, or preferred stock of FMR Corp.
If elected, the Trustees will hold office without limit in time except that (a) any Trustee may resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) a Trustee may be removed at any Special Meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. In any event, each non-interested Trustee shall retire not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 72nd birthday occurs. In case a vacancy shall for any reason exist, the remaining Trustees will fill such vacancy by appointing another Trustee, so long as, immediately after such appointment, at least two-thirds of the Trustees have been elected by shareholders. If, at any time, less than a majority of the Trustees holding office has been elected by the shareholders, the Trustees then in office will promptly call a shareholders' meeting for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees. Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
The trust's Board, which is currently composed of four interested and ten non-interested Trustees, met 11times during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003. It is expected that the Trustees will meet at least 11 times a year at regularly scheduled meetings. For additional information on the committees of the funds' Trustees, refer to the section entitled "Standing Committees of the Funds' Trustees" beginning on page <R><Click Here></R>.
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each nominee in each fund and in all funds in the aggregate within the same fund family overseen by the nominee as of December 31, 2003.
<R> | Interested Nominees</R> | |||
<R>DOLLAR RANGE OF | Edward C. | Abigail P. | Laura B. | Robert L. |
<R>High Income | $10,001 - $50,000 | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Inflation-Protected Bond | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Investment Grade Bond | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Short-Term Bond | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000</R> |
<R> | Non-Interested Nominees</R> | ||||
<R>DOLLAR RANGE OF | J. Michael | Ralph F. | Robert M. Gates | George H. | Donald J.Kirk</R> |
<R>High Income | none | over $100,000 | none | none | over $100,000</R> |
<R>Inflation-Protected Bond | none | over $100,000 | none | none | $50,001 - |
<R>Investment Grade Bond | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $10,001 - | none | $1 - 10,000</R> |
<R>Short-Term Bond | $1 - $10,000 | over $100,000 | $1-$10,000 | none | $50,001 - |
<R>Spartan Government Income | none | $1 - $10,000 | none | none | $1 - $10,000</R> |
<R>AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000</R> |
<R>DOLLAR RANGE OF | Marie L. | Ned C. | Marvin L. Mann | William O. McCoy | William S. |
<R>High Income | none | none | $1-$10,000 | over $100,000 | none</R> |
<R>Inflation-Protected Bond | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Investment Grade Bond | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000</R> |
<R>Short-Term Bond | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000 | $1 - $10,000</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income | none | none | $1 - $10,000 | none | none</R> |
<R>AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000</R> |
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board for his or her services for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, or calendar year ended December 31, 200<R>3</R>, as applicable.
Compensation Table* | ||||||
<R>DOLLAR RANGE OF | J. Michael | Ralph F. | Phyllis | Robert M. | George H. | Donald J. |
<R>High Income | $ 545 | $ 566 | $ 548 | $ 552 | $ 116 | $ 564</R> |
<R>Inflation-Protected Bond+ | $ 126 | $ 132 | $ 127 | $ 128 | $ 68 | $ 130</R> |
<R>Investment Grade BondC | $ 1,531 | $ 1,587 | $ 1,541 | $ 1,552 | $ 296 | $ 1,584</R> |
<R>Short-Term BondD | $ 1,551 | $ 1,608 | $ 1,562 | $ 1,575 | $ 326 | $ 1,604</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income | $ 359 | $ 373 | $ 362 | $ 365 | $ 70 | $ 372</R> |
<R>TOTAL COMPENSATION | $ 253,500 | $ 261,000 | $ 250,500 | $ 259,500 | $ 212,000 | $ 261,000</R> |
<R>DOLLAR RANGE OF | Marie L. | Ned C. | Marvin L. | William O. | Cornelia | William S. |
<R>High Income | $ 552 | $ 539 | $ 714 | $ 558 | $ 0 | $ 545</R> |
<R>Inflation-Protected Bond+ | $ 128 | $ 125 | $ 166 | $ 131 | $ 0 | $ 127</R> |
<R>Investment Grade BondC | $ 1,552 | $ 1,514 | $ 2,013 | $ 1,564 | $ 0 | $ 1,533</R> |
<R>Short-Term BondD | $ 1,575 | $ 1,536 | $ 2,037 | $ 1,588 | $ 0 | $ 1,556</R> |
<R>Spartan Government Income | $ 365 | $ 356 | $ 473 | $ 367 | $ 0 | $ 360</R> |
<R>TOTAL COMPENSATION | $ 258,000 | $ 256,500 | $ 324,000 | $ 298,500B | $ 0 | $ 253,500</R> |
* Edward C. Johnson 3d, Abigail P. Johnson, Laura B. Cronin, and Robert L. Reynolds are interested persons and are compensated by FMR.
<R>** Ms. Davis served on the Board of Trustees through December 31, 2003. </R>
<R>*** During the period from March 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003, Dr. Heilmeier served as a Member of the Advisory Board. Effective January 1, 2004, Dr. Heilmeier serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees.</R>
<R>**** Effective January 1, 2004, Cornelia M. Small serves as a Member of the Advisory Board.</R>
+ Estimated for the fund's first full year.
A Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2003 for 293 funds of 57 trusts in the fund complex. Compensation figures include cash, amounts required to be deferred, and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2003, the Trustees accrued required deferred compensation from the funds as follows: J. Michael Cook, $111,000; Ralph F. Cox, $111,000; Phyllis Burke Davis, $111,000; Robert M. Gates, $111,000; Donald J. Kirk, $111,000; Marie L. Knowles, $111,000; Ned C. Lautenbach, $111,000; Marvin L. Mann, $141,000; William O. McCoy, $111,000; and William S. Stavropoulos, $111,000. Certain of the non-interested Trustees elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: J. Michael Cook, $35,316.47; Ralph F. Cox, $35,316.47; Phyllis Burke Davis, $44,989.93; Ned C. Lautenbach, $44,989.93; and William O. McCoy, $82,489.93.
B Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts deferred at Mr. McCoy's election under a deferred compensation plan adopted by the other open-end registered investment companies in the fund complex (Other Open-End Funds). Pursuant to the deferred compensation plan, Mr. McCoy, as a non-interested Trustee, may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his annual fees. Amounts deferred under the deferred compensation plan are credited to an account established for Mr. McCoy on the books of the Other Open-End Funds. Interest is accrued on amounts deferred under the deferred compensation plan. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2003, Mr. McCoy voluntarily elected to defer $37,500.
C Compensation figures include cash, amounts required to be deferred, and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. The amounts required to be deferred by each non-interested Trustee are as follows: J. Michael Cook, $949; Ralph F. Cox, $949; Phyllis Burke Davis, $949; Robert M. Gates, $949; Donald J. Kirk, $949; Marie L. Knowles, $949; Ned C. Lautenbach, $949; Marvin L. Mann, $1,205; William O. McCoy, $949; and William S. Stavropoulos, $1,053. Certain of the non-interested Trustees' aggregate compensation from the fund includes accrued voluntary deferred compensation as follows: J. Michael Cook, $408; Ralph F. Cox, $408; Phyllis Burke Davis, $408; Ned C. Lautenbach, $408; and William O. McCoy, $408.
D Compensation figures include cash, amounts required to be deferred, and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. The amounts required to be deferred by each non-interested Trustee are as follows: J. Michael Cook, $962; Ralph F. Cox, $962; Phyllis Burke Davis, $962; Robert M. Gates, $962; Donald J. Kirk, $962; Marie L. Knowles, $962; Ned C. Lautenbach, $962; Marvin L. Mann, $1,222; William O. McCoy, $962; and William S. Stavropoulos, $1,052. Certain of the non-interested Trustees' aggregate compensation from the fund includes accrued voluntary deferred compensation as follows: Michael J. Cook, $412; Ralph F. Cox, $412; Phyllis Burke Davis, $412; Ned C. Lautenbach, $412; and William O. McCoy, $412.
Under a deferred compensation plan adopted in September 1995 and amended in November 1996 and January 2000 (the Plan), non-interested Trustees must defer receipt of a portion of, and may elect to defer receipt of an additional portion of, their annual fees. Amounts deferred under the Plan are treated as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in shares of a cross-section of Fidelity funds including funds in each major investment discipline and representing a majority of Fidelity's assets under management (the Reference Funds). The amounts ultimately received by the non-interested Trustees under the Plan will be directly linked to the investment performance of the Reference Funds. Deferral of fees in accordance with the Plan will have a negligible effect on a fund's assets, liabilities, and net income per share, and will not obligate a fund to retain the services of any non-interested Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the non-interested Trustee. A fund may invest in the Reference Funds under the Plan without shareholder approval.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board knows of no other business to be brought before the Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention that proxies that do not contain specific instructions to the contrary will be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons therein designated.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS
Peter S. Lynch <R>and Cornelia M. Small</R> are Members of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. The executive officers of the funds include: Ms. Johnson, Dwight D. Churchill, Bart A. Grenier, Charles S. Morrison, Andrew J. Dudley, George A. Fischer, Kevin E. Grant, Frederick D. Hoff, Jr., Thomas Silvia, Eric D. Roiter, Stuart Fross, Maria F. Dwyer, Timothy F. Hayes, Jennifer Taub, John R. Hebble, John H. Costello, Francis V. Knox, Jr., Mark Osterheld and Thomas J. Simpson. Additional information about Ms. Johnson can be found in Proposal 2. Additional information about the Members of the Advisory Board and other executive officers of the funds can be found in the following table.
The executive officers and Advisory Board Members hold office without limit in time, except that any officer may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees. Correspondence intended for each executive officer and Mr. Lynch may be sent to <R>Fidelity Investments, </R>82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Correspondence intended for <R>Ms. Small</R> may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 022<R>0</R>5-5235.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation* | |
Peter S. Lynch (60) | |
<R> | Year of Election or Appointment: 2003</R> Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Vice Chairman and a Director of FMR, and Vice Chairman (2001) and a Director (2000) of FMR Co., Inc. Previously, Mr. Lynch served as a Trustee of the Fidelity funds (1990-2003). Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991), Vice President of Fidelity® Magellan® Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader, and Managing Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity Investments Corporate Services. In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield, John F. Kennedy Library, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. |
<R>Cornelia M. Small (59)</R> | |
<R> | Year of Election or Appointment: 2004 </R> Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Ms. Small is a member (2000) and Chairperson (2002) of the Investment Committee, and a member (2002) of the Board of Trustees of Smith College. Previously, she served as Chief Investment Officer (1999-2000), Director of Global Equity Investments (1996-1999), and a member of the Board of Directors (1998-1999) of Scudder Kemper Investments. In addition, Ms. Small served as Co-Chair (2000-2003) of the Annual Fund for the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. |
Dwight D. Churchill (50) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 or 2002 Vice President of Inflation-Protected Bond (2002), Investment Grade Bond (1997), Short-Term Bond (1997), and Spartan Government Income (1997). He serves as Head of Fidelity's Fixed-Income Division (2000), Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2000), Vice President of Fidelity's Bond Funds (1997), and Senior Vice President of FIMM (2000) and FMR (1997). Mr. Churchill joined Fidelity in 1993 as Vice President and Group Leader of Taxable Fixed-Income Investments. | |
Bart A. Grenier (45) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Vice President of High Income. Mr. Grenier also serves as Vice President of certain Equity Funds (2001), a position he previously held from 1999 to 2000, and Vice President of certain High Income Funds (2002). He is Senior Vice President of FMR (1999) and FMR Co., Inc. (2001), and President and Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2002). He also heads Fidelity's Asset Allocation Group (2000), Fidelity's Growth and Income Group (2001), Fidelity's Value Group (2001), and Fidelity's High Income Division (2001). Previously, Mr. Grenier served as President of Fidelity Ventures (2000), Vice President of certain High Income Funds (1997-2000), High Income Division Head (1997-2000), Group Leader of the Income-Growth and Asset Allocation-Income Groups (1996-2000), and Assistant Equity Division Head (1997-2000). | |
Charles S. Morrison (43) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Vice President of Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Mr. Morrison also serves as Vice President of Fidelity's Bond Funds (2002), and Vice President of certain Asset Allocation and Balanced Funds (2002). He serves as Vice President (2002) and Bond Group Leader (2002) of Fidelity Investments Fixed Income Division. Mr. Morrison is also Vice President of FIMM (2002) and FMR (2002). Mr. Morrison joined Fidelity in 1987 as a Corporate Bond Analyst in the Fixed Income Research Division. | |
Andrew J. Dudley (39) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Vice President of Short-Term Bond. Mr. Dudley is also Vice President of other funds advised by FMR. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Dudley managed a variety of Fidelity funds. | |
George A. Fischer (42) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2003 Vice President of Spartan Government Income. Mr. Fisher is also Vice President of other funds advised by FMR. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Fisher managed a variety of Fidelity funds. | |
Kevin E. Grant (43) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Vice President of Investment Grade Bond. Mr. Grant is also Vice President of other funds advised by FMR. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Grant managed a variety of Fidelity funds. | |
Frederick D. Hoff, Jr. (39) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2000 Vice President of High Income. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Hoff served as a portfolio assistant for a variety of Fidelity funds. | |
Thomas Silvia (42) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Vice President of Inflation-Protected Bond and other funds advised by FMR. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Silvia managed a variety of Fidelity funds. | |
Eric D. Roiter (55) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1998 or 2002 Secretary of High Income (1998), Inflation-Protected Bond (2002), Investment Grade Bond (1998), Short-Term Bond (1998), and Spartan Government Income (1998). He also serves as Secretary of other Fidelity funds (1998); Vice President, General Counsel, and Clerk of FMR Co., Inc. (2001) and FMR (1998); Vice President and Clerk of FDC (1998); Assistant Clerk of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2001) and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (2001); and Assistant Secretary of Fidelity Investments Money Management Inc. (2001). Prior to joining Fidelity, Mr. Roiter was with the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton, as an associate (1981-1984) and as a partner (1985-1997), and served as an Assistant General Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1979-1981). Mr. Roiter is an Adjunct Member, Faculty of Law, at Boston College Law School (2003). | |
Stuart Fross (44) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2003 Assistant Secretary of High Income, Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Mr. Fross also serves as Assistant Secretary of other Fidelity funds (2003) and is an employee of FMR. | |
Maria F. Dwyer (45) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 President and Treasurer of High income, Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Ms. Dwyer also serves as President and Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2002) and is a Vice President (1999) and an employee (1996) of FMR. | |
Timothy F. Hayes (53) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Chief Financial Officer of High Income, Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Mr. Hayes also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other Fidelity funds (2002). In 2001, Mr. Hayes was appointed President of Fidelity Investments Operations Group (FIOG), which includes Fidelity Pricing and Cash Management Services Group (FPCMS), where he was appointed President in 1998. Previously, Mr. Hayes served as Chief Financial Officer of Fidelity Investments Corporate Systems and Service Group (1998) and Fidelity Systems Company (1997-1998). | |
Jennifer Taub (37) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2003 Assistant Vice President of Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Ms. Taub is Assistant Vice President of Fidelity's Fixed-Income Funds (2003), Assistant Secretary of FIMM (2003), and is an employee of FMR. | |
John R. Hebble (45) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2003 Deputy Treasurer of High Income, Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Mr. Hebble also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2003), and is an employee of FMR. Before joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Hebble worked at Deutsche Asset Management where he served as Director of Fund Accounting (2002-2003) and Assistant Treasurer of the Scudder Funds (1998-2003). | |
John H. Costello (57) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1986, 1988, 1990, and 2002 Assistant Treasurer of High Income (1990), Inflation-Protected Bond (2002), Investment Grade Bond (1986), Short-Term Bond (1986), and Spartan Government Income (1988). Mr. Costello also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR. | |
Francis V. Knox, Jr. (56) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Assistant Treasurer of High Income, Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Mr. Knox also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2002), and is a Vice President and an employee of FMR. Previously, Mr. Knox served as Vice President of Investment & Advisor Compliance (1990-2001), and Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (1992-2002), Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (1991-2002), and FMR Corp. (1995-2002). | |
Mark Osterheld (48) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Assistant Treasurer of High Income, Inflation-Protected Bond, Investment Grade Bond, Short-Term Bond, and Spartan Government Income. Mr. Osterheld also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2002) and is an employee of FMR. | |
Thomas J. Simpson (45) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1998, 2000, or 2002 Assistant Treasurer of High Income (2000), Inflation-Protected Bond (2002), Investment Grade Bond (1998), Short-Term Bond (1998), and Spartan Government Income (1998). Mr. Simpson is Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2000) and an employee of FMR (1996). Prior to joining FMR, Mr. Simpson was Vice President and Fund Controller of Liberty Investment Services (1987-1995). | |
* Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
<R>STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE FUNDS' TRUSTEES</R>
<R> Correspondence intended for each non-interested (independent) Trustee may be sent to the attention of the individual Trustee or to the Board of Trustees at Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235. Correspondence intended for each interested Trustee may be sent to the attention of the individual Trustee or to the Board of Trustees at Fidelity Investments, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109. The current process for collecting and organizing shareholder communications requires that the Board of Trustees receive copies of all communications addressed to it. All communications addressed to the Board of Trustees or any individual Trustee are logged and sent to the Board or individual Trustee. The fund does not hold annual meetings and therefore does not have a policy with regard to Trustees' attendance at such meetings. However, as a matter of practice, at least one Trustee attends special meetings.</R>
<R> The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to non-interested Trustees, each fund, and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board of Trustees has 10 standing committees.</R>
<R> The Operations Committee is composed of all of the non-interested Trustees, with Mr. Mann currently serving as Chairman. The committee normally meets monthly (except August), or more frequently as called by the Chair, and serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to, or calling for particular determinations by, the non-interested Trustees. The committee also considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest between the funds and FMR and its affiliates and reviews proposed contracts and the proposed continuation of contracts between the Fidelity funds and FMR and its affiliates, and annually reviews and makes recommendations regarding transfer agent and other service agreements, insurance coverage, and custody agreements. The committee also monitors additional issues including the nature, levels and quality of services provided to shareholders, significant litigation, and the voting of proxies of portfolio companies. The committee also has oversight of compliance issues not specifically in the scope of the charters of the Audit Committee or Fund Oversight Committees and considers other operating matters not specifically within the scope of oversight of any other committee. The committee is also responsible for definitive action on all compliance matters involving the potential for significant reimbursement by FMR. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003,the committee held 12 meetings.</R>
<R> The Fair Value Oversight Committee is composed of all of the non-interested Trustees, with Mr. Mann serving as Chairman. The committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Fair Value Oversight Committee monitors and establishes policies concerning procedures and controls regarding the valuation of fund investments and their classification as liquid or illiquid and monitors matters of disclosure to the extent required to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. The committee provides oversight regarding the investment policies relating to, and Fidelity funds' investment in, non-traditional securities. The committee also reviews actions taken by FMR's Fair Value Committee. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003,the committee held fivemeetings.</R>
<R> The Board of Trustees has established three Fund Oversight Committees: the Equity Committee (composed of Messrs. Lautenbach (Chairman), Kirk, and Stavropoulos), the Fixed-Income and International Committee (composed of Messrs. Cook (Chairman) and Cox, and Ms. Knowles), and the Select and Special Committee (composed of Messrs. McCoy (Chairman), Gates, and Heilmeier). Each committee normally meets monthly (except August) or more frequently as called by the Chair of the respective committee. Each committee oversees investment advisory services provided by FMR to the relevant funds and develops an understanding of and monitors the investment objectives, policies, and practices of the relevant Fidelity funds. Each committee also monitors investment performance, compliance by each relevant Fidelity fund with its investment policies and restrictions and reviews appropriate benchmarks, competitive universes, unusual or exceptional investment matters and the personnel and other resources devoted to the management of each fund. The Fixed-Income and International Committee also receives reports required under Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act and has oversight of research bearing on credit quality, investment structures and other fixed-income issues, and of international research. The Select and Special Committee has oversight of FMR's equity investment research. Each committee will review and recommend any required action to the Board in respect of specific funds, including new funds, changes in fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies and restrictions, partial or full closing to new investors, fund mergers, fund name changes, and liquidations of funds. The non-interested Trustees of each committee may organize working groups to make recommendations concerning issues related to funds that are within the scope of the committee's review. These working groups report to the committee or to the non-interested Trustees, or both, as appropriate. Each working group may request from FMR such information from FMR as may be appropriate to the working group's deliberations. Prior to December 2003, the Fixed-Income and International Committee was known as the Fixed-Income/International Committee, and the Select and Special Committee was known as the Select Committee. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003 each fund oversight committee held 11 meetings.</R>
<R> The Board of Trustees established in December 2003 two Fund Contract Committees: the Equity Contract Committee (composed of Messrs. Lautenbach (Chairman), Cook, and McCoy) and the Fixed-Income Contract Committee (composed of Messrs. Cook (Chairman) and Cox, and Ms. Knowles). Each committee ordinarily meets monthly during the first six months of each year and more frequently as necessary to consider matters related to the renewal of fund investment advisory agreements. The committees will assist the Board of Trustees in its consideration of investment advisory agreements of each fund. Each committee receives information on and makes recommendations concerning the approval of investment advisory agreements between the Fidelity funds and FMR and its affiliates and any non-FMR affiliate that serves as a sub-adviser to a Fidelity fund (collectively, "investment advisers") and the annual review of these contracts. The Fixed-Income Contract Committee will be responsible for investment advisory agreements of the Fixed-Income funds. The Equity Contract Committee will be responsible for the investment advisory agreements of all other funds. With respect to each fund under its purview, each committee: requests and receives information on the nature, levels and quality of services provided to the shareholders of the Fidelity funds by the investment advisers and their respective affiliates, fund performance and such other information as the committee determines to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the investment advisory agreements; considers the profitability and other benefits that the investment advisers and their respective affiliates derive from their contractual arrangements with each of the funds (including tangible and intangible "fall-out benefits"); considers methodologies for determining the extent to which the funds benefit from economies of scale and refinements to these methodologies; considers such other matters and information as may be necessary and appropriate to evaluate investment advisory agreements of the funds; and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the approval or renewal of investment advisory agreements. Each committee will consult with the other committees of the Board of Trustees, and in particular with the Audit Committee and the applicable Fund Oversight Committees, in carrying out its responsibilities. Each committee's responsibilities are guided by Sections 15(c) and 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. While each committee consists solely of non-interested Trustees, its meetings may, depending upon the subject matter, be attended by one or more senior members of FMR's management or representatives of a sub-adviser not affiliated with FMR. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, each fund contract committee held no meetings.</R>
<R> The Shareholder Services, Brokerage and Distribution Committee is composed of Messrs. Cox (Chairman), Cook, Heilmeier, Lautenbach, and Stavropoulos. The committee normally meets in conjunction with in-person meetings of the Board of Trustees, or more frequently as called by the Chair. Regarding shareholder services, the committee considers the structure and amount of the Fidelity funds' transfer agency fees, custody fees and direct fees to investors (other than sales loads), such as small account and exchange fees and the nature and quality of services rendered by FMR and its affiliates or third parties (such as custodians) in consideration of these fees. The committee also considers other non-investment management services rendered to the Fidelity funds by FMR and its affiliates, including pricing and bookkeeping services and fees. Regarding brokerage, the committee monitors and recommends policies concerning the securities transactions of the Fidelity funds. The committee periodically reviews the policies and practices with respect to efforts to achieve best execution and commissions paid to firms supplying research and brokerage services or paying fund expenses. The committee also monitors brokerage and other similar relationships between the Fidelity funds and firms affiliated with FMR that participate in the execution of securities transactions. Regarding the distribution of fund shares, the committee considers issues bearing on the various distribution channels employed by the Fidelity funds, including issues regarding Rule 18f-3 plans and related consideration of classes of shares, sales load structures (including breakpoints), load waivers, selling concessions and service charges paid to intermediaries, Rule 12b-1 plans, contingent deferred sales charges, and finders' fees. The committee also oversees and receives reports on the preparation and use of advertisements and sales literature for the Fidelity funds. Prior to January 2003, the Shareholder Services, Brokerage and Distribution Committee was broken out into three separate committees: the Committee on Service Fees and the Committee on Distribution Channels, both of which conferred periodically and met at least annually, and the Brokerage Committee, which normally met four times a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003,the Shareholder Services, Brokerage and Distribution Committee held four meetings, the Committee on Service Fees held one meeting, the Committee on Distribution Channels held two meetings, and the Brokerage Committee held five meetings. </R>
<R> The Audit Committee is composed of Ms. Knowles (Chairman), and Messrs. Gates, Kirk,and McCoy. All committee members must be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company's balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. At least one committee member will be an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The committee normally meets in conjunction with in-person meetings of the Board of Trustees, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The committee meets separately at least four times a year with the Fidelity funds' Treasurer, with personnel responsible for the internal audit function of FMR Corp., and with the Fidelity funds' outside auditors. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the outside auditors employed by the Fidelity funds. The committee assists the Trustees in overseeing and monitoring: (i) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls of the Fidelity funds and the funds' service providers, (ii) the financial reporting processes of the Fidelity funds, (iii) the independence, objectivity and qualification of the auditors to the Fidelity funds, (iv) the annual audits of the Fidelity funds' financial statements, and v) the accounting policies and disclosures of the Fidelity funds. The committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any outside auditor of any non-audit services for any Fidelity fund, and (ii) the provision by any outside auditor of certain non-audit services to Fidelity fund service providers and their affiliates to the extent that such approval (in the case of this clause (ii)) is required under applicable regulations of the SEC. In furtherance of the foregoing, the committee has adopted (and may from time to time amend or supplement) and provides oversight of policies and procedures for non-audit engagements by outside auditors of the Fidelity funds. It is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the Fidelity funds, resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund's financial reporting, and has sole authority to hire and fire any auditor. Auditors of the funds report directly to the committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity from the outside auditors, including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the Fidelity funds and any service providers consistent with Independent Standards Board Standard No. 1. The committee will receive reports of compliance with provisions of the Auditor Independence Regulations relating to the hiring of employees or former employees of the outside auditors. It oversees and receives reports on the Fidelity funds' service providers' internal controls and reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the service providers' accounting and financial controls, including: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Fidelity funds' ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; (ii) any change in the fund's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund's internal control over financial reporting; (iii) and any fraud, whether material or not, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Fidelity funds' or service providers internal controls over financial reporting. The committee reviews at least annually a report from each outside auditor describing any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control, peer review, or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board examination of the auditing firm and any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities of the auditing firm and in each case any steps taken to deal with such issues. The committee will oversee and receive reports on the Fidelity funds' financial reporting process, will discuss with FMR, the Fidelity funds' Treasurer, outside auditors and, if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR Corp. their qualitative judgments about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the Fidelity funds, and will review with FMR, the Fidelity fund's Treasurer, outside auditor, and internal auditor personnel of FMR Corp. (to the extent relevant) the results of audits of the Fidelity funds' financial statements. The committee will review periodically the Fidelity fund's major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures. The committee also plays an oversight role in respect of each Fidelity fund's compliance with its name test and investment restrictions, the code of ethics relating to personal securities transactions, the code of ethics applicable to certain senior officers of the Fidelity funds and anti-money laundering requirements. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, the committee held 10 meetings.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Mann (Chairman), Cox, and Gates, each of whom is not an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act). The committee has two charters: one addressing fund governance and Board administrative matters and one addressing the nomination for the appointment or election of non-interested Trustees. The committee meets as called by the Chair. The committee also recommends the establishment of committees (including ad hoc and standing committees). A current copy of the Governance and Nominating Committee Charter With Respect to Nominations of Independent Trustees is available on Fidelity's website (www.fidelity.com) and is attached as Exhibit I to this proxy statement. The committee is also responsible for other fund governance and board administration matters. With respect to fund governance and board administration matters, the committee periodically reviews procedures and policies of the Board of Trustees and its committees (including committee charters) and periodically reviews compensation of non-interested Trustees. It acts as the administrative committee under the Retirement Plan for non-interested Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996 and under the fee deferral plan for non-interested Trustees. It reviews the performance of legal counsel employed by the Fidelity funds and the non-interested Trustees. On behalf of the non-interested Trustees, the committee will make such findings and determinations as to the independence of counsel for the non-interested Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee is also responsible for Board administrative matters applicable to non-interested Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee monitors compliance with, acts as the administrator of, and makes determinations in respect of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the non-interested Trustees. The committee monitors regulatory and other developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee's responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning "best practices" in corporate governance and other developments in mutual fund governance. The committee meets with non-interested Trustees at least once a year to discuss the Statement of Policies and other matters relating to fund governance. The committee also oversees the annual self-evaluation of the non-interested Trustees. The committee makes nominations for the election or appointment of non-interested Trustees and non-management Members of any Advisory Board, and for membership on committees. The committee will have sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm used to identify non-interested Trustee candidates, including sole authority to approve such firm's fees and other retention terms. The committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as a non-interested Trustee of the Fidelity funds, should be submitted to the Chairman of the committee at the address maintained for communications with non-interested Trustees. If the committee retains a search firm, the Chairman will forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation. With respect to the criteria for selecting non-interested Trustees. It is expected that all candidates will possess the following minimum qualifications: (i) unquestioned personal integrity; (ii) not an "interested person" of FMR or its affiliates within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940; (iii) does not have a material relationship (e.g., commercial, banking, consulting, legal, or accounting) that could create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of FMR and its affiliates; (iv) has the disposition to act independently in respect of FMR and its affiliates and others in order to protect the interests of the funds and all shareholders; (v) able to attend 11 meetings per year; (vi) demonstrates sound business judgment gained through broad experience in significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical, financial or regulatory issues; (vii) sufficient financial or accounting knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the Fidelity funds; (viii) experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar responsibilities, but which board memberships or other relationships could not result in business or regulatory conflicts with the funds; and (ix) the capacity for the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective non-interested Trustee in light of the Fidelity funds' complex regulatory, operational and marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an non-interested Trustee. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, the committee held eight meetings.</R>
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) has been selected as independent accountants for Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund. The firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates, (collectively, "Deloitte"), has been selected as independent accountants for Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund. PWC and Deloitte, in accordance with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (ISB No.1), have confirmed to the trust's Audit Committee that they are independent accountants with respect to the funds.
The independent accountants examine annual financial statements for the funds and provide other non-audit and tax-related services to the funds. The trust's Audit Committee does not consider other non-audit services provided by PWC and Deloitte to be incompatible with maintaining the independence of PWC and Deloitte in their audit of the funds, taking into account representations from PWC and Deloitte, in accordance with ISB No.1, regarding their independence from the funds and their related entities. Representatives of PWC and Deloitteare not expected to be present at the Meeting, but have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.
Fund-Related Fees
<R>Audit Fees. For the funds' fiscal year ended April 30, 2003,the approximate fee for professional services rendered for the audit of annual financial statements for each fund is shown in the table below. These fees include for Inflation-Protected Bond amounts paid to PWC for audit-related internal controls review. These fees include for Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund amounts paid to Deloitte for audit-related internal controls review.</R>
Fidelity High Income Fund | $ 61,000 |
Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund | $ 38,000 |
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond | $ 53,000 |
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund | $ 59,000 |
Spartan Government Income Fund | $ 39,000 |
The approximate annual aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the audits of financial statements for all of the funds in the Fidelity Group of Funds audited by PWC, including amounts for audit-related internal controls review on behalf of all Fidelity funds, for the year ended April 30, 2003 were $10,300,000. The approximate annual aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the audits of financial statements for all of the funds in the Fidelity Group of Funds audited by Deloitte including amounts for audit-related internal controls review on behalf of all Fidelity funds, for the year ended April 30, 2003 were $3,100,000.
All Other Fees. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, PWC was also paid approximately $18,000 for tax-related services rendered to Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, Deloitte <R>was</R> also paid approximately $3,000 for tax-related services rendered to Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund. The approximate annual aggregate fees paid by all of the funds in the Fidelity Group of Funds audited by PWC for tax-related services for the year ended April 30, 2003 were $400,000. The approximate annual aggregate fees paid by all of the funds in the Fidelity Group of Funds audited by Deloitte for tax-related services for the year ended April 30, 2003 were $200,000.
Non-Fund Related Fees
Audit Fees.For the year ended December 31, 2003, PWC was also paid approximately $2,<R>3</R>00,000 for professional services rendered for the audits of financial statements for Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), FMR Corp., the parent company of FMR, and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2003, Deloitte was also paid approximately $600,000 for professional services rendered for the audits of financial statements for Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), FMR Corp., the parent company of FMR, and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds.
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees. For the year ended April 30, 2003 Deloitte was also paid approximately $545,000 for designing or implementing financial information hardware or software systems on behalf of FMR, FMR Corp., and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds.
All Other Fees. For the year ended April 30, 2003, PWC was also paid approximately $2,600,000 for all other non-audit services rendered on behalf of FMR, FMR Corp., and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds. These fees can be sub-categorized as follows:
- $300,000 for consulting on information systems relating to internal operations (other than financial or management information systems);
- $400,000 for data retention and retrieval consulting;
- $700,000 for audit-related professional services; and
- $1,200,000 for tax services.
All Other Fees. For the year ended April 30, 2003, Deloitte was also paid approximately $1,200,000 for all other non-audit services rendered on behalf of FMR, FMR Corp., and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds. These fees can be sub-categorized as follows:
- $100,000 for consulting on information systems relating to internal operations (other than financial or management information systems);
- $1,100,000 for audit-related professional services.
SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
The trust does not hold annual shareholder meetings. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for a subsequent shareholder meeting should send their written proposals to the Secretary of the Trust, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
<R>NOTICE TO BANKS, BROKER-DEALERS AND
VOTING TRUSTEES AND THEIR NOMINEES</R>
<R> Please advise the trust, in care of Fidelity Service Company, Inc., P.O. Box 789, Boston, MA 02109, (for Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Government Income Fund), or Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc., 100 Salem St., Smithfield, RI, 02197, (for Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund and Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund), whether other persons are beneficial owners of shares for which proxies are being solicited and, if so, the number of copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Reports you wish to receive in order to supply copies to the beneficial owners of the respective shares.</R>
<R>GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
WITH RESPECT TO NOMINATIONS OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES</R>
<R>This charter relates to the responsibilities of the Governance and Nominating Committee in connection with the nomination of Independent Trustees.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee will consist solely of Independent Trustees. The Chair of the Independent Trustees will be the Chair of the Committee. If a Vice Chair of the Independent Trustees has been designated, such Vice Chair will normally serve on the Committee. The Committee will meet as called by the Chair. A quorum will include at least two Independent Trustees.</R>
<R>The Committee will make nominations for the appointment or election of Independent Trustees in accordance with the Independent Trustee's Statement of Policy on Criteria for Selecting Independent Trustees ("Statement of Policy") (attached as Appendix A). The selection of Independent Trustees will be committed solely to the discretion of the Independent Trustees; persons so selected will be "disinterested" in terms of both the letter and spirit of the Investment Company Act. The Committee will also make nominations for the appointment of any non-management member of any Advisory Board.</R>
<R>The Committee will periodically review the Statement of Policy, which may from time to time be revised by vote of a majority of Independent Trustees upon the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee.</R>
<R>The Committee will have sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm used to identify Independent Trustee candidates, including sole authority to approve such firm's fees and other retention terms.</R>
<R>The Committee will consider Independent Trustee candidates recommended by Fund shareholders. Any such candidates will be considered based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the Committee by a search firm or other sources, as set forth in the Statement of Policy. The names of such candidates should be submitted to the Chairman of the Committee in writing at the address maintained for communications with Independent Trustees. The submission should be accompanied by appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the Fidelity Funds. If the Committee retains a search firm, the Chairman will forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation.</R>
<R>APPENDIX A</R>
<R>December 2003</R>
<R>STATEMENT OF POLICY ON CRITERIA
FOR SELECTING INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fidelity Funds has adopted this Statement of Policy to memorialize its views as to the appropriate criteria for selecting Independent Trustees of the Funds. This Statement has been prepared in connection with filling vacancies among the Independent Trustees that are expected to arise through the end of 2004.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee expects that all candidates will have the following characteristics:</R>
- <R>Unquestioned personal integrity is a given.</R>
- <R>The candidate may not be an "interested person" of FMR or its affiliates within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.</R>
- <R>The candidate should have no material relationship that could create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of FMR and its affiliates. Material relationships can include commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships (among others).</R>
- <R>The candidate needs the disposition to act independently in fact in respect of FMR and its affiliates and others in order to protect the interests of the Funds and all shareholders. It is expected that Independent Trustees will play an active and, if necessary, an adversarial role in pursuing the best interests of the Funds and shareholders.</R>
- <R>The candidate needs to be able to attend 11 meetings per year. The effect of this requirement is to limit the number of other boards on which a candidate can participate and other commitments.</R>
- <R>The candidate needs to have demonstrated sound business judgment gained through broad experience in significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical, financial or regulatory issues.</R>
- <R>The candidate should have sufficient financial or accounting knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the Fidelity Funds.</R>
- <R>Candidates should have experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar responsibilities. This helps assure that they have other exposure to current governance issues and business practices. Candidates should not, however, have board memberships or other relationships that could result in business or regulatory conflicts with the Fidelity Mutual Funds.</R>
- <R>The candidate needs the capacity for the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective Independent Trustee in light of the Fidelity Funds' complex regulatory, operational and marketing setting.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee.</R>
<R>The following characteristics are desirable, but not mandatory:</R>
- <R>The candidate should have the ability to serve seven or more years before reaching mandatory retirement age.</R>
- <R>The candidate should have diversity of interests evidenced by participation in community, charitable or other similar activities.</R>
<R>The following are desirable characteristics of the Independent Trustees as a group:</R>
- <R>The Independent Trustees will generally be drawn from the ranks of respected and accomplished senior business leaders.</R>
- <R>The Independent Trustees will strive to achieve diversity in terms of gender, race and geographic location.</R>
- <R>The Independent Trustees as a whole should reflect a diversity of business experience. At least one Independent Trustee will be a "audit committee financial expert," as such term is defined by the SEC. The Governance and Nominating Committee will strive to achieve a balance of experience of Independent Trustees in respect of industries, management roles and other experience. For each candidate, the Committee will evaluate specific experience in light of the makeup of the current board.</R>
Fidelity and Spartan are registered trademarks of FMR Corp.
FI-PXS-0104 | CUSIP 316146406/FUND 455 |
1.754515.101 | CUSIP 316146109/FUND 026 |
CUSIP 316146703/FUND 1118 | |
CUSIP 316146802/FUND 1125 | |
CUSIP 316146885/FUND 1123 | |
CUSIP 316146877/FUND 1124 | |
CUSIP 316146208/FUND 450 | |
CUSIP 316146307/FUND 453 | |
CUSIP 316146604/FUND 794 | |
CUSIP 316146869/FUND 1126 | |
CUSIP 316146810/FUND 1148 | |
CUSIP 316146851/FUND 1144 | |
CUSIP 316146828/FUND 1147 | |
CUSIP 316146844/FUND 1145 | |
CUSIP 316146836/FUND 1146 |
Form of Proxy Card: Fidelity High Income Fund, Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund, and Spartan Governement Income Fund
Fidelity Investments®(logo) | Vote this proxy card TODAY! | |
Your prompt response will save the expense | ||
PO Box 145421 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-5421 | of additional mailings. | |
Vote by Touch-Tone Phone, by Mail, or via the Internet!! | ||
CALL: | To vote by phone call toll-free1-888-221-0697 and follow the recorded instructions. | |
LOG-ON: | Vote on the internet at www.proxyweb.com and follow the on-screen instructions. | |
[Control # Prints Here] | MAIL: | Return the signed proxy card in the enclosed envelope. |
[TRUST NAME: FUND NAME Prints Here]
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE TRUSTEES
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoint(s) Edward C. Johnson 3d, Eric D. Roiter and <R>Ralph F. Cox</R>, or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust as indicated above which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the fund to be held at an office of the trust at 27 State Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, on March <R>24</R>, 2004 at 10:15 a.m Eastern Time and at any adjournments thereof. All powers may be exercised by a majority of said proxy holders or substitutes voting or acting or, if only one votes and acts, then by that one. This Proxy shall be voted on the proposals described in the Proxy Statement as specified on the reverse side. Receipt of the Notice of the Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET. | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | Date _____________________ | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature(s) (Title(s), if applicable)(Sign in the Box) NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. When signing in a fiduciary capacity, such as executor, administrator, trustee, attorney, guardian, etc., please so indicate. Corporate or partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized person indicating the person's title. | |
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST | |
Please refer to the Proxy Statement discussion of each of these matters.
IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE PROXY SHALL BE VOTEDFOR THE PROPOSALS.
As to any other matter, said attorneys shall vote in accordance with their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
Please fill in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil. [X] PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. | ||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | ||||
1. | To amend the Declaration of Trust to allow the Board of Trustees, if permitted by applicable law, to authorize fund mergers without shareholder approval. | (_) | (_) | (_) | ||
2. | To elect the fourteen nominees specified below as Trustees: | |||||
<R> | (01) J. Michael Cook (02) Ralph F. Cox (03) Laura B. Cronin (04) Robert M. Gates (05) George H. Heilmeier | (06) Abigail P. Johnson (07) Edward C. Johnson 3d (08) Donald J. Kirk (09) Marie L. Knowles (10) Ned C. Lautenbach | (11) Marvin L. Mann (12) William O. McCoy (13) Robert L. Reynolds (14) William S. Stavropoulos | FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary at left) (_) | WITHHOLD</R> authority to vote for all nominees (_) | |
___________________________________________________________ (Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write the name(s) of the nominee(s) on the line above.) | ||||||
PLEASE SIGN ON THE REVERSE SIDE. | ||||
(down arrow) | SPH/IFB/AIFBI/AIFB/IGB/AIGB/AIGBI/STP/SPG/FI-PXC-0104 | 455, 026, 450, 453, 794, 1144, 1147, 1145, 1146, 1148, 1118, 1125, 1123, 1124, 1126 | (down arrow) | |
Important Proxy Materials
PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!
Fidelity® High Income Fund
Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund
Spartan® Government Income Fund
Fidelity Advisor Inflation-Protected Bond Fund: Class A, Class T, Class B, Class C and Institutional Class
Fidelity Advisor Investment Grade Bond Fund: Class A, Class T, Class B, Class C and Institutional Class
Dear Shareholder:
I am writing to let you know that a special meeting of shareholders of the Fidelity funds mentioned above will be held on March 24, 2004. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on several important proposals that affect the funds and your investment in them. As a shareholder, you have the opportunity to voice your opinion on the matters that affect your funds. This package contains information about the proposals and the materials to use when voting by mail.
Please read the enclosed materials and cast your vote on the proxy card(s).Please vote your shares promptly. Your vote is extremely important, no matter how large or small your holdings may be.
All of the proposals have been carefully reviewed by the Board of Trustees. The Trustees, most of whom are not affiliated with Fidelity, are responsible for protecting your interests as a shareholder. The Trustees believe these proposals are in the best interests of shareholders. They recommend that you votefor each proposal.
The following Q&A is provided to assist you in understanding the proposals. Each of the proposals is described in greater detail in the enclosed proxy statement.
Voting is quick and easy. Everything you need is enclosed. To cast your vote, simply complete the proxy card(s) enclosed in this package. Be sure to sign the card(s) before mailing it in the postage-paid envelope. You may also vote your shares by touch-tone telephone or through the Internet. Simply call the toll-free number or visit the web site indicated on your proxy card(s), enter the control number found on the card(s), and follow the recorded or online instructions.
If you have any questions before you vote, please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-3198 or for the Fidelity Advisor funds please call 1-877-208-0098. We'll be glad to help you get your vote in quickly. Thank you for your participation in this important initiative.
Sincerely,
Edward C. Johnson 3d
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Important information to help you understand and vote on the proposals
Please read the full text of the enclosed proxy statement. Below is a brief overview of the proposals to be voted upon. Your vote is important. We appreciate you placing your trust in Fidelity and look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals.
What proposals am I being asked to vote on?
You may be asked to vote on the following proposals:
1.To amend the Declaration of Trust to allow the Board of Trustees, if permitted by applicable law, to authorize fund mergers without shareholder approval
2.To elect a Board of Trustees.
Proposal 1. To amend the Declaration of Trust to allow the Board of Trustees, if permitted by applicable law, to authorize fund mergers without shareholder approval.
Why are you making this change?
The Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) prohibits or limits certain transactions between affiliated funds (affiliated funds are defined as funds in a fund complex that are usually under common control of an investment adviser or other person when the adviser or other person exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the funds).On July 26, 2002, the SEC amended Rule 17a-8 under the 1940 Act to permit mergers of affiliated funds without shareholder approval in certain cases, while still requiring shareholder approval in other cases. For example, Rule 17a-8 now permits affiliated funds to merge without shareholder approval if the advisory contracts and fundamental polices of the funds are not materially different (fundamental polices are those that can only be changed by shareholder vote). In all cases, the Board of Trustees must first consider that the action is in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders, and that the action will not dilute the shareholders' interests.
How will this change benefit me as a shareholder?
The amendment will give the Trustees increased flexibility, which may allow them to react more quickly to changes in competitive and regulatory conditions. This may allow the funds to operate in a more efficient and economical manner since each time a fund requires a shareholder vote, it is an expense to the fund and ultimately to you as a shareholder.
Under what circumstances would the Board of Trustees need to get shareholder approval?
The Board of Trustees would still need to get shareholder approval if the merger, consolidation or asset sale was not permitted by the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law. For example, Rule 17a-8 still requires shareholder approval of a merger of affiliated funds if they have materially different advisory contracts or fundamental policies. It also requires shareholder approval if, post-merger, the shareholder-elected disinterested trustees of the acquired fund would not comprise a majority of the disinterested trustees of the surviving fund.
Proposal 2. To elect a Board of Trustees.
What role does the Board play?
The Trustees serve as the fund shareholders' representatives. Members of the Board are fiduciaries and have an obligation to serve the best interests of shareholders, including approving policy changes such as those proposed in the proxy statement. In addition, the Trustees review fund performance, oversee fund activities, and review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the fund.
What is the affiliation of the Board and Fidelity?
The Board consists of 14 individuals. The purpose of the Board is to ensure that the shareholders' best interests are protected in the operation of a mutual fund. There are four "interested" trustees and ten "non-interested" trustees. Trustees are determined to be "interested" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the funds, trust, or various other entities under common control with Fidelity Management & Research Co. (FMR). Interested Trustees are compensated by FMR. Non-interested Trustees have no affiliation with FMR and are compensated by each individual fund.
Are Board members paid?
Each non-interested Trustee receives a fee for his or her service on the Board. Under a deferred compensation plan adopted in September 1995 and amended in November 1996 and January 2000 (the Plan), non-interested Trustees must defer receipt of a portion of, and may elect to defer receipt of an additional portion of, their annual fees. You can find the compensation table which details these fees in the proxy statement.
Where is the compensation deferred to?
Amounts deferred under the Plan are treated as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in shares of a cross-section of Fidelity funds including funds in each major investment discipline and representing a majority of Fidelity's assets under management (the Reference Funds). The amounts ultimately received by non-interested Trustees under the Plan will directly be linked to the performance of the Referenced Funds. This aligns the interest of the Trustees with the interests of the shareholders at-large.
Has the fund's Board of Trustees approved each proposal?
Yes. The Board of Trustees has unanimously approved all of the proposals and recommends that you vote to approve them.
How many votes am I entitled to cast?
As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value you own of a fund on the record date. The record date is January 26, 2004.
How do I vote my shares?
You can vote your shares by completing and signing the enclosed proxy card(s) and mailing it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. You may also vote by touch-tone telephone by calling the toll-free number printed on your proxy card(s) and following the recorded instructions. In addition, you may also vote through the internet by visitingwww.proxyweb.comand following the on-line instructions. If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposals or how to vote your shares, please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-3198 or for the Fidelity Advisor funds please call 1-877-208-0098.
How do I sign the proxy card?
Individual Accounts: Shareholders should sign exactly as their names appear on the account registration shown on the card.
Joint Accounts: Either owner may sign, but the name of the person signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration.
All Other Accounts: The person signing must indicate his or her capacity. For example, a trustee for a trust or other entity should sign, "Ann B. Collins, Trustee."
FORM OF
SCRIPT FOR REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE VOTING
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS
When connected to the toll-free number, shareholder will hear:
Speech 1 | Welcome. Please enter the control number labeled as such or located in the box, indicated by an arrow on the upper portion of your card. |
When shareholder enters the control number, he/she will hear:
Speech 2 | To vote as the[Fund Name]Board of Trustees recommends on all proposals, press 1 now. To vote on each proposal separately, press 0 now. |
If shareholder has pressed 1, he/she will hear:
Closing A | You voted as the Board of Trustees recommended for every proposal affecting your fund. If correct, press 1. If incorrect, press 0. |
If the shareholder elects to vote each proposal separately, he/she will hear:
Speech 3 | Proposal 1: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
Speech 4 | Proposal 2: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
Speech 5 | Proposal 3: To vote FOR all nominees, press 1. To WITHHOLD for all nominees, press 9. To WITHHOLD for an individual nominee, press 0. |
If the shareholder presses 0 to withhold from an individual nominee, he/she will hear:
Speech 5a | Enter the two digit number that appears next to the nominee you DO NOT wish to vote for. |
After the Shareholder enters the first nominee number, he/she hears:
Speech 5b | Press 1 to withhold for another nominee or Press 0 if you have completed voting for Trustees. |
Speech 6 | Proposal 4: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
Speech 7 | Proposal 5: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
When shareholder has finished voting on all proposals, he/she will hear:
Closing B | You voted as follows: (Vote for each proposal is given). If this is correct, Press 1 now. If incorrect, Press 0 |
If shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, Speech 2 will be repeated.
If shareholder presses 1, he/she will hear:
Speech 8 | If you have received more than one proxy card, you must vote each card separately. If you would like to vote another proxy, press 1 now. To end this call, press 0. |
If shareholder elects to vote another proxy, he/she is returned to Speech 1. If shareholder elects to end the call he/she will hear:
Speech 9 | Thank you for voting. |
FORM OF
SCREEN SCRIPT FOR REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER INTERNET VOTING
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS
[Upon login to www.ProxyWeb.com shareholder sees Screen 1]
SCREEN 1
Text 1 - (centered)
Internet Proxy Voting Service
Input A
Please Enter Control Number from Your Proxy Card:
Input B
Check here [ ] to vote all proposals as the Board recommends,
then click the VOTE button below.
-OR-
Input C
To vote each proposal separately, click the VOTE button only.
[VOTE]
Graphic I - Example Proxy Card (left justified)
Text 2 - (right justified)
proxyweb.com is a service of:
MIS, an ADP company
Full service proxy specialists
This site is best viewed using
Netscape version 4.7 or Internet Explorer versions 5.0 or higher
and using a display resolution of 800 X 600.
Graphic II - (right justified)
[Upon input of control number and selection of input B or input C shareholder is directed to ProxyWeb Voting Ballot (Screen 2) ]
SCREEN 2
Text 1 - (centered)
Internet Proxy Voting Service
Proxy Voting Form
Fidelity Investments
[Trust Name: Fund Name]
Text 2 - (centered)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
Input A - (left justified)
Proposal 1. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Input B - (left justified)
Proposal 2. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Input C - (left justified)
Proposal 3. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR ALL][WITHHOLD AUTHORITY] [FOR ALL NOMINEES (EXCEPT AS INDICATED:] |
Input D - (left justified)
Proposal 4. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Input E - (left justified)
Proposal 5. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Text 3 - (centered)
Please refer to the proxy statement for discussion of each of these matters.
If no specification is made on a proposal, the proposal will be voted "For".
Input F - (centered)
You will have an opportunity to confirm that your selections were properly recorded after you submit your vote. If you would also like to receive an email confirmation, enter your email address here:
Text 4- (centered)
Please review your selections carefully before voting.
If you vote more than once on the same Proxy, only your last (most recent) vote will be considered valid.
Input G - (centered)
Click here to sign and [SUBMIT] your proxy vote and to appoint [Proxy Agents 1, 2, and 3 ] or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all Fund shares that you are entitled to vote.
[ Upon submission of vote shareholder is directed to ProxyWeb Confirmation Screen (Screen 3) ]
SCREEN 3
Text 1 - (centered)
Internet Proxy Voting Service
Proxy Voting Form
Fidelity Investments
[Trust Name: Fund Name]
Thank you! Your vote has been submitted
Text 2 - (centered)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS :
Text 3 - (left justified)
Proposal 1. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Proposal 2. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Proposal 3. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR ALL][WITHHOLD ALL] [FOR ALL EXCEPT: ] |
Proposal 4. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Proposal 5. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Text 4 - (centered)
Please refer to the proxy statement for discussion of each of these matters.
Text 5 - (centered)
[If no email confirmation was requested]: No email confirmation has been sent.
[If email confirmation was requested ]: Your email confirmation has been sent to: [internet address]
Hyperlink 1 - (left justified)
[Change Vote]
[Directs shareholder to Screen 2 to change vote]
Hyperlink 2 - (centered)
[Exit Internet Voting Service]
[Directs shareholder to www.Fidelity.com]
Hyperlink 3 -(left justified)
[Vote Another Proxy]
[Directs shareholder to Screen 1]
[ If shareholder requests email confirmation, a confirmation in the following form will be sent to the designated email address ]
Form Of
ProxyWeb Email Confirmation
Text - (left justified)
Your vote for Control Number [control number] has been submitted to
[trust name: fund name], as follows:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal 1. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Proposal 2. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Proposal 3. [proposal title].......... [FOR ALL] [WITHHOLD ALL][FOR ALL EXCEPT: ]
Proposal 4. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Proposal 5. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Thank you for voting.