05/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/27/2026 07:48
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-CSR
Certified Shareholder Report of Registered Management Investment Companies
811-23174
(Investment Company Act File Number)
Federated Hermes Project and Trade Finance Tender Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(412) 288-1900
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Peter J. Germain, Esquire
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(Notices should be sent to the Agent for Service)
Date of Fiscal Year End: 2026/03/31
Date of Reporting Period: 2026/03/31
| Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders |
|
Share Class
|
Institutional
|
Service
|
|
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
|
1
|
|
Portfolio of Investments Summary Table
|
4
|
|
Portfolio of Investments
|
5
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
12
|
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
|
14
|
|
Statement of Operations
|
15
|
|
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
|
16
|
|
Statement of Cash Flows
|
17
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
18
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
24
|
|
Board of Trustees and Fund Officers
|
25
|
|
Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract
|
29
|
|
Voting Proxies on Fund Portfolio Securities
|
34
|
|
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
|
34
|
|
1 Year
|
5 Years
|
Since
Inception 2/2/2017
|
|
|
Institutional Shares3
|
7.24%
|
6.19%
|
4.86%
|
|
Service Shares4
|
7.24%
|
6.19%
|
4.86%
|
|
ICE1MDOR
|
4.23%
|
3.49%
|
2.56%
|
|
Security Type
|
Percentage of
Net Assets
|
|
Trade Finance Agreements
|
92.4%
|
|
Cash Equivalents2
|
0.2%
|
|
Derivative Contracts3
|
0.4%
|
|
Other Assets and Liabilities-Net4
|
7.0%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
|
1
|
See the Fund's Prospectus for a description of the principal types of securities in which the Fund invests.
|
|
2
|
Cash Equivalents include any investments in money market mutual funds and/or overnight repurchase agreements.
|
|
3
|
Based upon net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) or value of the derivative contracts as applicable. Derivative contracts may consist of futures, forwards,
options and swaps. The impact of a derivative contract on the Fund's performance may be larger than its unrealized appreciation (depreciation) or value may
indicate. In many cases, the notional value or amount of a derivative contract may provide a better indication of the contract's significance to the portfolio. More
complete information regarding the Fund's direct investments in derivative contracts, including unrealized appreciation (depreciation), value and notional values
or amounts of such contracts, can be found in the table at the end of the Portfolio of Investments included in this Report.
|
|
4
|
Assets, other than investments in securities and derivative contracts, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
|
|
Foreign
Currency
Par Amount,
Principal
Amount
or Shares
|
Acquisition
Date1
|
Acquisition
Cost
in U.S. Dollars1
|
Value
in
U.S. Dollars
|
||
|
|
1
|
TRADE FINANCE AGREEMENTS-92.4%
|
|||
|
Air Transportation-3.9%
|
|||||
|
$ 3,015,683
|
2,3
|
AerCap Holdings NV, 5.172% (SOFR CME +1.500%), 12/31/2028
|
9/22/2021
|
$ 3,152,404
|
$ 3,015,683
|
|
9,875,000
|
2,3
|
Avolon TLB 2030, 5.425% (SOFR CME +1.750%), 6/24/2030
|
10/3/2024
|
9,862,656
|
9,875,000
|
|
15,000,000
|
2,3
|
Viva Aerobus, 6.678% (SOFR CME +3.000%), 12/16/2030
|
1/6/2026
|
14,925,000
|
14,488,745
|
|
13,513,456
|
2,3
|
Yeco Leasing Ltd. (Cayman, Inc.), 5.664%- 5.690% (SOFR CME +1.750%), 12/15/2029
|
3/20/2025-
4/22/2025
|
13,409,455
|
13,513,455
|
|
TOTAL
|
40,892,883
|
||||
|
Automotive-0.2%
|
|||||
|
1,600,000
|
2,3
|
JSC UzAuto Motors ("UzAuto Motors"), 7.854% (SOFR CME +4.250%), 8/24/2026
|
9/18/2023
|
1,600,000
|
1,600,000
|
|
Banking-13.2%
|
|||||
|
4,000,000
|
2,3
|
Banco Do Brasil S.A., London Branch, 4.716% (SOFR CME +1.000%), 3/19/2027
|
3/19/2026
|
4,000,000
|
3,994,517
|
|
10,800,000
|
2,3
|
Joint Stock Commercial Bank Agrobank, 6.673% (SOFR CME +3.050%), 11/12/2027
|
12/15/2025-
1/15/2026
|
10,795,000
|
10,792,332
|
|
EUR 9,000,000
|
2,3
|
Joint-Stock Co. Asakabank, 4.988% (3-month EURIBOR +2.850%), 12/7/2027
|
12/9/2025
|
10,566,456
|
10,329,865
|
|
$10,400,000
|
2,3
|
Joint-Stock Co. Asakabank, 6.185% (SOFR CME +2.500%), 4/29/2026
|
4/25/2025
|
10,400,000
|
10,400,000
|
|
8,000,000
|
2
|
National Bank of Egypt, 5.064%, 7/31/2026
|
12/19/2025
|
7,759,843
|
7,822,612
|
|
2,500,000
|
2
|
National Bank of Egypt, 5.462%, 11/4/2026
|
3/24/2026
|
2,500,000
|
2,497,978
|
|
15,000,000
|
2,3
|
National Bank of Egypt, 5.657% (SOFR CME +2.000%), 6/3/2026
|
6/21/2024-
9/13/2024
|
15,002,833
|
15,000,000
|
|
20,000,000
|
2
|
QNB Finansbank Anonim Sirketi, 4.433%, 5/18/2026
|
12/19/2025
|
20,000,000
|
19,967,409
|
|
EUR 5,000,000
|
2,3
|
T.C. Ziraat Bankasi AS, Istanbul ("Ziraat"), 2.852% (3-month EURIBOR
+0.830%), 5/25/2026
|
5/2/2025
|
5,578,209
|
5,769,951
|
|
13,500,000
|
2,3
|
TurkExim Bank (Turkiye Ihracat Kredi Bankasi A.S.) the Republic of Turkiye, state owned
bank and the official Export Credit Agency of Turkiye, 3.105% (6-month EURIBOR
+2.156%), 5/19/2026
|
10/15/2025
|
15,647,230
|
15,562,051
|
|
$10,000,000
|
2,3
|
TurkExim Bank (Turkiye Ihracat Kredi Bankasi A.S.) the Republic of Turkiye, state owned
bank and the official Export Credit Agency of Turkiye, 4.681% (SOFR CME +
1.100%), 2/10/2027
|
1/26/2026
|
10,000,000
|
9,934,209
|
|
EUR 10,000,000
|
2,3
|
Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi A.S., 3.072% (3-month EURIBOR +0.950%), 6/15/2026
|
8/5/2025-
8/7/2025
|
11,556,838
|
11,543,818
|
|
$10,063,350
|
2
|
Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi A.S., 5.205%, 7/23/2026
|
6/18/2025
|
9,492,959
|
9,907,978
|
|
5,000,000
|
2,3
|
Ziraat Bank USD, 4.761% (SOFR CME +1.100%), 5/25/2026
|
4/25/2025
|
4,953,375
|
4,990,945
|
|
TOTAL
|
138,513,665
|
||||
|
Basic Industry - Metals/Mining Excluding Steel-6.8%
|
|||||
|
EUR 10,500,000
|
2,3
|
Almalyk Mining Metallurgical Complex JSC, 5.334% (3-month EURIBOR
+3.300%), 4/23/2030
|
8/5/2025-
10/15/2025
|
12,240,840
|
12,136,427
|
|
$16,481,632
|
2,3
|
CSN, 6.173% (SOFR CME +2.500%), 12/31/2027
|
3/26/2024-
2/5/2026
|
16,481,632
|
15,315,121
|
|
10,263,158
|
2,3
|
Glencore Eramet, 6.700% (SOFR CME +3.000%), 12/31/2029
|
5/15/2025
|
10,263,158
|
10,289,091
|
|
6,250,000
|
2,3
|
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., 6.420% (SOFR CME +2.800%), 6/25/2026
|
3/12/2026
|
6,250,000
|
6,248,249
|
|
5,500,000
|
2,3
|
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., 6.470% (SOFR CME +2.800%), 6/1/2027
|
7/30/2018-
4/30/2021
|
5,507,949
|
5,500,000
|
|
8,878,476
|
2,3
|
Trafigura Pte., Ltd., 5.068% (SOFR CME +1.400%), 12/3/2026
|
12/4/2025
|
8,878,476
|
8,866,136
|
|
12,600,000
|
2,3
|
Trafigura Pte., Ltd., 5.168% (SOFR CME +1.400%), 6/30/2026
|
6/26/2024-
8/22/2025
|
12,600,000
|
12,616,758
|
|
TOTAL
|
70,971,782
|
||||
|
Beverages-0.8%
|
|||||
|
8,531,250
|
2,3
|
International Beverage Tashkent, 8.422% (SOFR CME +4.500%), 5/23/2029
|
12/23/2021-
3/26/2025
|
8,531,250
|
8,531,250
|
|
Foreign
Currency
Par Amount,
Principal
Amount
or Shares
|
Acquisition
Date1
|
Acquisition
Cost
in U.S. Dollars1
|
Value
in
U.S. Dollars
|
||
|
|
1
|
TRADE FINANCE AGREEMENTS-continued
|
|||
|
Chemicals-2.7%
|
|||||
|
$ 2,692,500
|
2,3
|
Egyptian Ethylene & Derivatives Co. SAE, 7.674% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 9/13/2028
|
9/22/2023-
10/17/2023
|
$ 2,692,500
|
$ 2,679,993
|
|
EUR 8,000,000
|
2,3
|
Ineos Rafnes AS, 4.231% (3-month EURIBOR +1.981%), 4/30/2030
|
10/3/2025
|
9,320,415
|
9,181,028
|
|
$ 1,200,000
|
2,3
|
PJSC Acron, 6.659% (SOFR CME +1.700%), 5/18/2026
|
11/10/2021
|
1,200,000
|
1,198,976
|
|
15,000,000
|
2,3
|
Valentra LLC, 8.010% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 12/3/2030
|
11/26/2025
|
15,000,000
|
14,960,855
|
|
TOTAL
|
28,020,852
|
||||
|
Communications - Telecom Wirelines-6.6%
|
|||||
|
EUR 13,000,000
|
2,3
|
Antin Elephant Bidco B.V., 4.227%- 4.477% (3-month EURIBOR +2.200%), 6/29/2029
|
3/18/2025-
3/3/2026
|
14,120,200
|
14,913,656
|
|
$13,830,000
|
2,3
|
Dobson Technologies, Inc., 7.370%- 7.450% (SOFR CME +3.750%), 9/26/2029
|
12/16/2024-
3/25/2026
|
13,830,000
|
13,724,201
|
|
10,890,000
|
2,3
|
Gridiron Fiber Corp., 7.450% (SOFR CME +3.750%), 4/1/2032
|
11/22/2023-
3/26/2025
|
10,823,766
|
10,890,000
|
|
EUR 4,000,000
|
2,3
|
Srbija Telecom, 7.999% (6-month EURIBOR +5.850%), 7/3/2028
|
7/1/2025
|
4,716,998
|
4,617,837
|
|
12,750,000
|
2,3
|
TDC Net A/S, 4.641% (3-month EURIBOR +2.600%), 2/2/2027
|
3/28/2023-
11/5/2024
|
13,718,901
|
14,737,090
|
|
9,200,000
|
2,3
|
Telekom Srbija a.d. Beograd, 5.613% (6-month EURIBOR +3.500%), 12/5/2029
|
11/28/2024
|
9,665,588
|
10,608,794
|
|
TOTAL
|
69,491,578
|
||||
|
Consumer Goods - Food - Wholesale-1.2%
|
|||||
|
$12,500,000
|
2,3
|
Marfrig Global Foods S.A., 5.492% (SOFR CME +1.800%), 4/27/2026
|
5/24/2024
|
12,500,000
|
12,497,222
|
|
1
|
3,4,5,6
|
Vicentin SAIC II, 10.853% (SOFR CME +6.000%), 1/15/2024
|
12/28/2017-
2/8/2018
|
1
|
0
|
|
TOTAL
|
12,497,222
|
||||
|
Energy - Exploration & Production-8.2%
|
|||||
|
16,277,460
|
2,3
|
Azule Energy Holding Ltd., 8.620% (SOFR CME +4.500%), 7/29/2029
|
10/27/2022-
1/23/2026
|
16,329,717
|
16,429,177
|
|
9,043,478
|
2,3
|
BlueNord Energy Denmark A/S, 7.630% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 12/31/2029
|
6/7/2024-
7/17/2025
|
9,043,478
|
9,043,478
|
|
5,395,833
|
2,3
|
Borrower Prime Oil and Gas Cooperatief UA, parent holdco offshore in Netherlands,
7.676% (SOFR CME +4.250%), 3/31/2032
|
3/28/2024-
3/25/2026
|
5,379,986
|
5,395,833
|
|
10,292,305
|
2,3
|
Carmo Energy S.A., 6.415% (SOFR CME +5.280%), 12/22/2029
|
6/30/2023-
12/16/2024
|
10,292,305
|
10,292,305
|
|
11,000,000
|
2,3
|
CC Energy Development Ltd., 7.689% (SOFR CME +4.500%), 12/31/2030
|
8/31/2022
|
11,000,000
|
11,000,000
|
|
711,538
|
2,3
|
Ithaca Energy UK Ltd., 7.667% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 12/31/2029
|
3/5/2026
|
711,539
|
711,539
|
|
15,044,412
|
2,3
|
Neo Energy Group Ltd., 7.630%- 7.743% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 6/30/2031
|
7/24/2025-
3/30/2026
|
15,044,412
|
15,044,412
|
|
GBP 278,229
|
2,3
|
Neo Energy Group Ltd., 7.727% (SONIA +4.000%), 6/30/2031
|
7/24/2025
|
371,658
|
368,263
|
|
$ 9,000,000
|
2,3
|
OQ SAOC, 4.577% (SOFR CME +0.850%), 9/17/2026
|
1/28/2025
|
8,990,250
|
8,999,275
|
|
5,000,000
|
2,3
|
SOCAR Energy, 7.518% (SOFR CME +3.450%), 8/11/2026
|
8/11/2021
|
4,957,500
|
5,000,000
|
|
2,925,870
|
2,3
|
Sonangol Finance Ltd. (SFL), Inc. in Cayman Islands, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Sonangol EP, 9.028% (SOFR CME +5.750%), 9/30/2027
|
4/25/2024-
12/4/2024
|
2,896,953
|
2,925,870
|
|
TOTAL
|
85,210,152
|
||||
|
Energy - Gas Distribution-8.5%
|
|||||
|
11,413,312
|
2,3
|
BOTAS Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkiye, 6.101%- 6.136%
(SOFR CME +2.350%), 10/16/2028
|
10/13/2025-
11/13/2025
|
11,413,312
|
11,259,787
|
|
8,961,522
|
2,3
|
Caliche Development Partners III LLC, SPV, 5.890% (SOFR CME +2.250%), 10/1/2029
|
12/4/2024-
3/27/2026
|
9,137,472
|
8,961,522
|
|
10,017,235
|
2,3
|
Energia Mayakan S.A. de CV, 6.425%- 6.452% (SOFR CME +2.750%), 3/20/2031
|
10/8/2024-
2/6/2026
|
9,972,037
|
10,017,235
|
|
18,983,747
|
2,3
|
Matterhorn Express Pipeline LLC, 6.100% (SOFR CME +2.250%), 3/31/2031
|
11/4/2025-
2/5/2026
|
18,966,259
|
18,919,006
|
|
EUR 10,000,000
|
2,3
|
Medina, 4.776% (3-month EURIBOR +2.750%), 4/30/2031
|
2/20/2026
|
11,730,518
|
11,510,263
|
|
Foreign
Currency
Par Amount,
Principal
Amount
or Shares
|
Acquisition
Date1
|
Acquisition
Cost
in U.S. Dollars1
|
Value
in
U.S. Dollars
|
||
|
|
1
|
TRADE FINANCE AGREEMENTS-continued
|
|||
|
Energy - Gas Distribution-continued
|
|||||
|
$ 7,603,778
|
2,3
|
Nigeria LNG Ltd., 7.711% (SOFR CME +3.750%), 3/31/2029
|
2/5/2025
|
$ 7,324,128
|
$ 7,516,150
|
|
7,569,355
|
2,3
|
Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC, 6.643% (SOFR CME +2.875%), 8/19/2026
|
1/28/2021-
2/10/2023
|
7,536,055
|
7,569,355
|
|
931,102
|
3
|
Venture Global Plaquemines Cont Reserve, 5.893% (SOFR CME +2.225%), 5/25/2029
|
8/27/2025-
2/2/2026
|
931,102
|
931,684
|
|
7,389,487
|
3
|
Venture Global Plaquemines LNG LLC, 5.893% (SOFR CME +2.225%), 5/25/2029
|
12/15/2022-
2/2/2026
|
7,389,487
|
7,375,668
|
|
4,368,000
|
2,3
|
VMOS S.A., 9.075%- 9.168% (SOFR CME +5.500%), 7/8/2030
|
8/18/2025-
3/6/2026
|
4,368,000
|
4,368,000
|
|
TOTAL
|
88,428,670
|
||||
|
Energy - Integrated Energy-6.4%
|
|||||
|
10,118,472
|
2,3
|
Heritage Petrol Co. Ltd., 9.186% (SOFR CME +5.250%), 5/5/2029
|
11/9/2023-
5/22/2024
|
10,365,859
|
10,118,472
|
|
4,572,973
|
2,3
|
Leopard Funding Ltd., 9.924% (SOFR CME +6.250%), 9/17/2029
|
6/9/2025
|
4,523,623
|
4,630,022
|
|
10,000,000
|
2,3
|
Leopard Funding Ltd., 9.924% (SOFR CME +6.250%), 12/15/2030
|
3/4/2026
|
10,001,250
|
9,930,706
|
|
14,160,529
|
2,3
|
Northern Hydrocarbon Funding Ltd., 9.200% (SOFR CME +5.500%), 9/30/2029
|
7/15/2025-
3/6/2026
|
14,145,591
|
14,264,677
|
|
12,018,182
|
2,3
|
Puma International Financing S.A. (Lux, Inc.), 5.764% (SOFR CME +2.100%), 6/4/2028
|
5/30/2024-
5/27/2025
|
12,003,182
|
12,014,379
|
|
16,380,098
|
2,3
|
Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname NV ("Staatsolie"), 9.168%- 9.173% (SOFR CME
+5.500%), 5/24/2032
|
5/15/2025-
2/20/2026
|
16,380,098
|
16,351,490
|
|
TOTAL
|
67,309,746
|
||||
|
Energy - Oil Field Equipment & Services-5.7%
|
|||||
|
6,333,008
|
2,3
|
Alfa Lula Alto S.a.r.l., 6.002% (SOFR CME +2.100%), 1/15/2028
|
6/16/2023-
4/8/2024
|
6,270,029
|
6,407,731
|
|
6,471,543
|
2,3
|
Alfa Lula Alto S.a.r.l., 6.202% (SOFR CME +2.300%), 12/15/2029
|
6/16/2023-
2/10/2026
|
6,445,002
|
6,570,793
|
|
10,268,848
|
2,3
|
Beta Lula Central S.a.r.l. (Lux, Inc.), 6.212% (SOFR CME +2.300%), 6/15/2030
|
12/6/2023-
7/11/2024
|
10,227,930
|
10,421,335
|
|
2,873,524
|
2,3
|
EDRILL T15 Pte. Ltd., 7.354% (SOFR CME +3.500%), 2/29/2028
|
6/20/2025
|
2,859,156
|
2,861,927
|
|
3,012,543
|
2,3
|
EDRILL Vencedor Pte., 7.354% (SOFR CME +3.500%), 2/29/2028
|
6/20/2025
|
2,997,480
|
3,000,137
|
|
1,205,070
|
2,3
|
Sonasing Xikomba Ltd. ("Xikomba"), Bermuda, Inc., 6.192% (SOFR CME
+2.300%), 5/29/2026
|
4/11/2022-
12/8/2023
|
1,205,409
|
1,205,070
|
|
15,401,998
|
2,3
|
Tartaruga MV29 B.V., 6.286% (SOFR CME +2.350%), 3/15/2032
|
7/16/2025
|
15,328,386
|
15,401,998
|
|
13,720,126
|
2,3
|
Yinson Azalea Production Pte Ltd., 6.443% (SOFR CME +2.800%), 11/12/2031
|
8/5/2024-
12/15/2025
|
13,700,233
|
13,720,126
|
|
TOTAL
|
59,589,117
|
||||
|
Energy - Oil Refining and Marketing-1.6%
|
|||||
|
4,375,000
|
2,3
|
Dangote, 10.950% (SOFR CME +6.500%), 8/31/2029
|
12/9/2025-
2/16/2026
|
4,375,000
|
4,341,213
|
|
5,500,000
|
2
|
P.M.I. Trading, DAC, 5.661%, 5/22/2026
|
1/14/2026
|
5,400,450
|
5,450,018
|
|
7,500,000
|
2
|
P.M.I. Trading, DAC, 5.676%, 4/14/2026
|
12/3/2025
|
7,358,991
|
7,482,248
|
|
TOTAL
|
17,273,479
|
||||
|
Foreign Sovereign-11.6%
|
|||||
|
EUR 1,553,572
|
2,3
|
Benin, Government of, 6.073% (6-month EURIBOR +3.950%), 4/30/2027
|
6/29/2023-
6/20/2024
|
1,675,836
|
1,795,696
|
|
1,371,429
|
2,3
|
Benin, Government of, 6.434% (6-month EURIBOR +4.300%), 12/21/2026
|
12/21/2021
|
1,547,383
|
1,564,151
|
|
1,485,714
|
2
|
Benin, Government of, 6.434%, 12/21/2026
|
12/22/2021
|
1,683,983
|
1,717,263
|
|
5,000,000
|
2,3
|
Cote D'Ivoire, Government of, 4.623% (3-month EURIBOR +2.500%), 1/2/2027
|
2/23/2026
|
5,708,538
|
5,762,678
|
|
12,500,000
|
2,3
|
Cote D'Ivoire, Government of, 5.185% (6-month EURIBOR +3.050%), 3/5/2027
|
5/21/2024
|
13,569,994
|
14,448,128
|
|
$ 5,531,777
|
2,3
|
Egypt, Government of, 6.498%- 7.056% (SOFR CME +3.150%), 3/30/2027
|
6/24/2025-
3/26/2026
|
5,531,777
|
5,531,777
|
|
Foreign
Currency
Par Amount,
Principal
Amount
or Shares
|
Acquisition
Date1
|
Acquisition
Cost
in U.S. Dollars1
|
Value
in
U.S. Dollars
|
||
|
|
1
|
TRADE FINANCE AGREEMENTS-continued
|
|||
|
Foreign Sovereign-continued
|
|||||
|
$10,161,458
|
2,3
|
Egypt, Government of, 7.374%- 7.687% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 3/18/2027
|
9/25/2025-
3/31/2026
|
$10,161,458
|
$ 10,130,705
|
|
157,557
|
2
|
Egypt, Government of, 7.685%- 7.995%, 6/1/2026
|
6/9/2024-
5/27/2025
|
157,557
|
157,557
|
|
6,964,350
|
2
|
GOV Pakistan 216, 7.437%- 7.882%, 8/24/2026
|
6/14/2025-
11/4/2025
|
6,964,350
|
7,010,583
|
|
EUR 3,500,000
|
2
|
Minister of Finance of Ukraine, 7.819%, 9/1/2026
|
8/25/2021
|
4,114,075
|
3,737,533
|
|
9,375,000
|
2,3
|
Republic of Senegal via Ministry of Finance and Budget, 7.944% (6-month EURIBOR
+5.800%), 12/22/2028
|
12/19/2023-
5/9/2024
|
10,186,142
|
9,486,129
|
|
8,000,000
|
2,3
|
Senegal, Government of, 6.872% (3-month EURIBOR +4.850%), 5/1/2026
|
6/9/2023
|
8,596,798
|
9,126,920
|
|
4,388,889
|
2,3
|
The Republic De Cote D'Ivoire Acting Through And Represented By The Ministre Des
Finances Et Du Budget (Minister Of Finance And Budget), 7.853% (6-month EURIBOR
+5.750%), 1/8/2028
|
6/3/2024
|
4,784,571
|
5,072,898
|
|
666,667
|
2,3
|
The Republic of Angola Acting By and Through the Ministry of Finance of the Republic
of Angola, 6.378% (6-month EURIBOR +4.250%), 3/3/2027
|
9/8/2025
|
771,637
|
763,497
|
|
1,713,179
|
2,3
|
The Republic of Angola Acting By and Through the Ministry of Finance of the Republic
of Angola, 6.386% (6-month EURIBOR +4.250%), 3/8/2029
|
9/8/2025
|
1,939,734
|
1,931,395
|
|
$ 8,500,000
|
2,3
|
The Republic of Angola Acting By and Through the Ministry of Finance of the Republic
of Angola, 9.423% (SOFR CME +5.750%), 2/23/2027
|
2/23/2026
|
8,500,000
|
8,500,000
|
|
8,400,000
|
2,3
|
The Republic of Angola Acting By and Through the Ministry of Finance of the Republic
of Angola, 9.526% (SOFR CME +5.750%), 10/23/2026
|
10/26/2025
|
8,400,000
|
8,400,000
|
|
EUR 9,200,000
|
2,3
|
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, acting through the Minister of Finance and Budget,
4.912% (6-month EURIBOR +2.850%), 3/9/2027
|
4/23/2025
|
10,419,463
|
10,595,619
|
|
11,500,000
|
2,3
|
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, acting through the Minister of Finance and Budget,
4.991% (6-month EURIBOR +2.850%), 7/14/2026
|
8/15/2025
|
13,378,522
|
13,263,163
|
|
$ 2,000,000
|
2,3
|
United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Finance & Economic Affairs, 9.883% (SOFR
CME +5.850%), 8/10/2026
|
5/20/2024
|
2,000,250
|
2,000,000
|
|
TOTAL
|
120,995,692
|
||||
|
Supranational-3.2%
|
|||||
|
4,000,000
|
2
|
Afreximbank 209, 4.639%- 4.943%, 5/18/2026
|
4/30/2025-
5/15/2025
|
4,000,000
|
4,000,000
|
|
10,000,000
|
2,3
|
African Export-Import Bank ("Afrexim Bank"), 4.900% (SOFR CME
+1.200%), 12/30/2026
|
2/26/2026
|
9,985,000
|
9,973,506
|
|
7,500,000
|
2,3
|
Bank of Industry Ltd. (BOI) Guarantor - Africa Finance Corp., 5.864% (SOFR CME
+2.200%), 9/30/2027
|
12/3/2024
|
7,500,000
|
7,499,200
|
|
3,000,000
|
2,3
|
Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, 5.383% (SOFR CME
+1.750%), 12/16/2026
|
11/22/2024
|
3,000,000
|
2,993,654
|
|
5,000,000
|
2,3
|
Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, 5.619%- 5.637% (SOFR
CME +1.950%), 11/23/2026
|
11/21/2023-
11/30/2023
|
5,000,000
|
5,000,000
|
|
4,000,000
|
2,3
|
Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, 5.633% (SOFR CME
+1.950%), 12/16/2027
|
12/11/2024
|
4,000,000
|
3,969,988
|
|
TOTAL
|
33,436,348
|
||||
|
Telecommunications - Wireless-7.6%
|
|||||
|
5,800,000
|
2,3
|
HTA Group Ltd, Inc. in Mauritius, 7.961% (SOFR CME +4.311%), 9/13/2028
|
5/20/2024-
5/28/2024
|
5,648,600
|
5,692,508
|
|
5,722,500
|
2,3
|
HTA Group Ltd., Inc. in Mauritius, 7.961% (SOFR CME +4.311%), 9/13/2028
|
9/13/2024
|
5,666,275
|
5,664,505
|
|
9,500,000
|
2,3
|
IHS Holding Ltd., Cayman Islands, Inc., 8.172% (SOFR CME +4.500%), 10/9/2029
|
10/8/2024
|
9,500,000
|
9,500,000
|
|
6,107,692
|
2,3
|
IHS Zambia Ltd., 8.934% (SOFR CME +5.262%), 12/15/2027
|
11/11/2021-
10/17/2024
|
6,103,955
|
6,232,322
|
|
EUR 7,800,000
|
2,3
|
Phoenix Tower International (PTI) Iberica V, NewCo created and Inc. in Spain, 5.779%
(6-month EURIBOR +3.250%), 10/25/2030
|
10/19/2023-
4/23/2025
|
8,318,474
|
9,310,054
|
|
7,700,000
|
2,3
|
Phoenix Tower International (PTI) Iberica V, NewCo created and, Inc. in Spain, 5.779%
(6-month EURIBOR +3.250%), 10/25/2030
|
10/19/2023-
2/25/2025
|
8,494,245
|
9,190,694
|
|
Foreign
Currency
Par Amount,
Principal
Amount
or Shares
|
Acquisition
Date1
|
Acquisition
Cost
in U.S. Dollars1
|
Value
in
U.S. Dollars
|
||
|
|
1
|
TRADE FINANCE AGREEMENTS-continued
|
|||
|
Telecommunications - Wireless-continued
|
|||||
|
$23,000,000
|
2,3
|
Phoenix Tower International Spain ETVE, SL, 7.700% (SOFR CME +4.000%), 8/10/2027
|
11/21/2022-
1/28/2026
|
$22,941,583
|
$ 23,199,137
|
|
EUR 9,000,000
|
2,3
|
Vantage Towers AG, 4.627% (3-month EURIBOR +4.000%), 3/21/2030
|
7/2/2024
|
9,673,010
|
10,402,652
|
|
TOTAL
|
79,191,872
|
||||
|
Transportation - Transport Infrastructure/Services-3.0%
|
|||||
|
$19,256,250
|
2,3
|
Impala Terminals Switzerland S.a.r.l., 5.927% (SOFR CME +4.250%), 7/21/2028
|
8/4/2025
|
19,256,250
|
19,256,250
|
|
3,882,857
|
2,3
|
Maher Terminals LLC, 6.418% (SOFR CME +2.750%), 11/17/2027
|
3/7/2024
|
3,853,736
|
3,882,857
|
|
8,175,000
|
2,3
|
Transnet SOC Ltd., 8.401% (SOFR CME +4.250%), 6/21/2027
|
11/14/2024-
12/4/2025
|
8,150,848
|
8,175,000
|
|
TOTAL
|
31,314,107
|
||||
|
Utility - Electric-Generation-1.2%
|
|||||
|
10,000,000
|
2,3
|
Karadeniz WAF, 8.722% (SOFR CME +4.950%), 11/7/2030
|
8/26/2025
|
10,000,000
|
9,896,342
|
|
2,193,512
|
2,3
|
Qatar Electricity and Water Co. (QEWC) Q.P.S.C, 4.830% (SOFR CME
+5.320%), 6/30/2027
|
2/8/2024
|
2,157,019
|
2,173,704
|
|
TOTAL
|
12,070,046
|
||||
|
TOTAL TRADE FINANCE AGREEMENTS
(IDENTIFIED COST $961,176,718)
|
965,338,461
|
||||
|
INVESTMENT COMPANY-0.2%
|
|||||
|
2,027,447
|
Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares, 3.58%7
(IDENTIFIED COST $2,027,447)
|
|
|
2,027,447
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES-92.6%
(IDENTIFIED COST $963,204,165)8
|
967,365,908
|
||||
|
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET-7.4%9
|
77,805,264
|
||||
|
NET ASSETS-100%
|
$1,045,171,172
|
|
Settlement
Date
|
Counterparty
|
Foreign
Currency
Units to
Deliver/Receive
|
In
Exchange
For
|
Net Unrealized
Appreciation
|
|
|
Contracts Purchased:
|
|||||
|
4/20/2026
|
Morgan Stanley Capital
|
3,820,000
|
EUR
|
$4,390,493
|
$28,620
|
|
Contracts Sold:
|
|||||
|
4/20/2026
|
Credit Agricole CIB
|
58,450,000
|
EUR
|
$69,383,078
|
$1,766,027
|
|
5/26/2026
|
Morgan Stanley Capital
|
51,900,000
|
EUR
|
$61,217,186
|
$1,077,573
|
|
5/26/2026
|
State Street Bank & Trust Co.
|
280,000
|
GBP
|
$376,677
|
$6,110
|
|
6/26/2026
|
State Street Bank & Trust Co.
|
45,220,000
|
EUR
|
$53,536,709
|
$1,067,395
|
|
7/24/2026
|
Barclays Bank
|
55,000,000
|
EUR
|
$63,913,971
|
$29,498
|
|
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
|
$3,975,223
|
||||
|
Federated Hermes
Government
Obligations Fund,
Premier Shares
|
|
|
Value as of 3/31/2025
|
$43,649,984
|
|
Purchases at Cost
|
$503,465,002
|
|
Proceeds from Sales
|
$(545,087,539)
|
|
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation
|
$-
|
|
Net Realized Gain/(Loss)
|
$-
|
|
Value as of 3/31/2026
|
$2,027,447
|
|
Shares Held as of 3/31/2026
|
2,027,447
|
|
Dividend Income
|
$2,052,498
|
|
1
|
Denotes a restricted security that either: (a) cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, or availing of an exemption from registration, under
the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) is subject to a contractual restriction on public sales. At March 31, 2026, these restricted securities amounted to $965,338,461,
which represented 92.4% of net assets.
|
|
2
|
Trade finance agreements' fair values are primarily derived from discounted cash flow methodologies utilizing unobservable inputs due to the lack of market
transactions. The discount rate used within the methodologies to discount the future anticipated cash flows is considered a significant unobservable input.
Increases/(decreases) in the discount rate would result in a (decrease)/increase to an investment's fair value. The discount rates used as of March 31, 2026, as
inputs for valuing Fund investments ranged from 0.29% to 100% and the weighted average discount rate based on the Value in U.S. dollars is 3.91%.
|
|
3
|
Floating/variable note with current rate and current maturity or next reset date shown.
|
|
4
|
Issuer in default.
|
|
5
|
Market quotations and price evaluations are not available. Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs in accordance with procedures established
by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Adviser acting through its Valuation Committee.
|
|
6
|
Non-income-producing security.
|
|
7
|
7-day net yield.
|
|
8
|
The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $963,212,760.
|
|
9
|
Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
|
|
Valuation Inputs
|
||||
|
Level 1-
Quoted
Prices
|
Level 2-
Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
|
Level 3-
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
|
Total
|
|
|
Debt Securities:
|
||||
|
Trade Finance Agreements
|
$-
|
$8,307,352*
|
$957,031,109
|
$965,338,461
|
|
Investment Company
|
2,027,447
|
-
|
-
|
2,027,447
|
|
TOTAL SECURITIES
|
$2,027,447
|
$8,307,352
|
$957,031,109
|
$967,365,908
|
|
Other Financial Instruments1
|
||||
|
Assets
|
$-
|
$3,975,223
|
$-
|
$3,975,223
|
|
1
|
Other financial instruments are foreign exchange contracts.
|
|
*
|
Includes $8,307,352 transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 because fair values were determined using valuation techniques utilizing observable market data. This
transfer represents the value of the security at the end of the period.
|
|
Investments in Trade
Finance Agreements
|
|
|
Balance as of 3/31/2025
|
$826,370,289
|
|
Accreted/amortized discount/premiums
|
1,970,761
|
|
Realized gain (loss)
|
5,409,772
|
|
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
4,125,457
|
|
Purchases
|
816,707,743
|
|
(Sales)
|
(689,245,561)
|
|
Transfers out of Level 3
|
(8,307,352)
|
|
Balance as of 3/31/2026
|
$957,031,109
|
|
Total change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation attributable to
investments still held at 3/31/2026
|
$5,008,873
|
|
The following acronym(s) are used throughout this portfolio:
|
||
|
EUR
|
-Euro
|
|
|
EURIBOR
|
-Euro Interbank Offered Rate
|
|
|
GBP
|
-British Pound
|
|
|
JSC
|
-Joint Stock Company
|
|
|
SOFR
|
-Secured Overnight Financing Rate
|
|
|
SONIA
|
-Sterling Overnight Index Average
|
|
|
USD
|
-United States Dollar
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31,
|
|||||
|
20261
|
2025
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$9.94
|
$9.91
|
$9.87
|
$9.80
|
$9.92
|
|
Income From Investment Operations:
|
|||||
|
Net investment income (loss)2
|
0.66
|
0.76
|
0.78
|
0.46
|
0.19
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
|
0.04
|
0.01
|
0.08
|
0.12
|
(0.11)
|
|
Total From Investment Operations
|
0.70
|
0.77
|
0.86
|
0.58
|
0.08
|
|
Less Distributions:
|
|||||
|
Distributions from net investment income
|
(0.61)
|
(0.74)
|
(0.75)
|
(0.51)
|
(0.20)
|
|
Distributions from net realized gain
|
-
|
-
|
(0.07)
|
(0.00)3
|
(0.00)3
|
|
Total Distributions
|
(0.61)
|
(0.74)
|
(0.82)
|
(0.51)
|
(0.20)
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
$10.03
|
$9.94
|
$9.91
|
$9.87
|
$9.80
|
|
Total Return4
|
7.24%
|
7.99%
|
9.04%
|
6.07%
|
0.80%
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
|
|||||
|
Net expenses5
|
0.41%
|
0.41%
|
0.41%
|
0.41%
|
0.41%
|
|
Net investment income
|
6.54%
|
7.50%
|
7.77%
|
4.70%
|
1.94%
|
|
Expense waiver/reimbursement6
|
0.20%
|
0.22%
|
0.22%
|
0.24%
|
0.22%
|
|
Supplemental Data:
|
|||||
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)
|
$1,045,119
|
$902,558
|
$608,323
|
$577,272
|
$560,685
|
|
Portfolio turnover7
|
45%
|
42%
|
47%
|
52%
|
36%
|
|
1
|
Effective at the open of business July 25, 2025, the Fund's Common Shares were re-designated as the Institutional Shares.
|
|
2
|
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
|
|
3
|
Represents less than $0.01.
|
|
4
|
Based on net asset value.
|
|
5
|
Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest.
|
|
6
|
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/
reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest.
|
|
7
|
Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation.
|
|
Period
Ended
3/31/20261
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$10.02
|
|
Income From Investment Operations:
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)2
|
0.45
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
|
0.02
|
|
Total From Investment Operations
|
0.47
|
|
Less Distributions:
|
|
|
Distributions from net investment income
|
(0.46)
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
$10.03
|
|
Total Return3
|
4.77%
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
|
|
|
Net expenses4
|
0.57%5
|
|
Net investment income
|
6.37%5
|
|
Expense waiver/reimbursement6
|
0.20%5
|
|
Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)
|
$52
|
|
Portfolio turnover7
|
45%8
|
|
1
|
Reflects operations for the period from July 25, 2025 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2026.
|
|
2
|
Per share number has been calculated using the average shares method.
|
|
3
|
Based on net asset value. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
|
|
4
|
Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund may invest.
|
|
5
|
Computed on an annualized basis.
|
|
6
|
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/
reimbursement recorded by investment companies in which the Fund may invest.
|
|
7
|
Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation.
|
|
8
|
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended March 31, 2026.
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
Investment in securities, at value including $2,027,447 of investments in affiliated holdings* (identified cost $963,204,165, including
$2,027,447 of identified cost in affiliated holdings)
|
$967,365,908
|
|
Cash
|
14,242,585
|
|
Cash denominated in foreign currencies (identified cost $15,191,937)
|
14,970,071
|
|
Income receivable
|
11,253,249
|
|
Income receivable from affiliated holdings
|
49,877
|
|
Receivable for investments sold
|
23,495,770
|
|
Receivable for shares sold
|
10,000,000
|
|
Unrealized appreciation on foreign exchange contracts
|
3,975,223
|
|
Total Assets
|
1,045,352,683
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5)
|
8,158
|
|
Payable for custodian fees
|
13,449
|
|
Payable for transfer agent fees
|
10,625
|
|
Payable for auditing fees
|
71,705
|
|
Payable for legal fees
|
7,936
|
|
Payable for portfolio accounting fees
|
68,438
|
|
Accrued expenses (Note 5)
|
1,200
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
181,511
|
|
Net assets for 104,238,138 shares outstanding
|
$1,045,171,172
|
|
Net Assets Consist of:
|
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
$1,039,713,582
|
|
Total distributable earnings (loss)
|
5,457,590
|
|
Net Assets
|
$1,045,171,172
|
|
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share:
|
|
|
Institutional Shares:
|
|
|
Net asset value per share ($1,045,118,807 ÷ 104,232,915 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized
|
$10.03
|
|
Service Shares:
|
|
|
Net asset value per share ($52,365 ÷ 5,223 shares outstanding), no par value, unlimited shares authorized
|
$10.03
|
|
*
|
See information listed after the Fund's Portfolio of Investments.
|
|
Investment Income:
|
|
|
Interest
|
$65,278,346
|
|
Dividends received from affiliated holdings*
|
2,052,498
|
|
TOTAL INCOME
|
67,330,844
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
Investment adviser fee (Note 5)
|
4,848,024
|
|
Administrative fee (Note 5)
|
2,338
|
|
Custodian fees
|
36,977
|
|
Transfer agent fees
|
172,783
|
|
Directors'/Trustees' fees (Note 5)
|
13,184
|
|
Auditing fees
|
98,838
|
|
Legal fees
|
24,599
|
|
Portfolio accounting fees
|
490,026
|
|
Other service fees (Notes 2 and 5)
|
61
|
|
Share registration costs
|
99,267
|
|
Printing and postage
|
25,086
|
|
Miscellaneous (Note 5)
|
19,812
|
|
TOTAL EXPENSES
|
5,830,995
|
|
Waiver/reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note 5)
|
(1,893,463)
|
|
Net expenses
|
3,937,532
|
|
Net investment income
|
63,393,312
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Foreign Currency Transactions and Foreign Exchange Contracts:
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
|
5,409,772
|
|
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
|
2,049,895
|
|
Net realized loss on foreign exchange contracts
|
(12,134,033)
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments
|
4,125,457
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currency
|
(566,927)
|
|
Net change in unrealized depreciation of foreign exchange contracts
|
4,914,152
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency transactions and foreign exchange contracts
|
3,798,316
|
|
Change in net assets resulting from operations
|
$67,191,628
|
|
*
|
See information listed after the Fund's Portfolio of Investments.
|
|
Year Ended March 31
|
2026
|
2025
|
|
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
|
||
|
Operations:
|
||
|
Net investment income
|
$63,393,312
|
$61,415,741
|
|
Net realized gain (loss)
|
(4,674,366)
|
2,263,686
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
8,472,682
|
(1,387,952)
|
|
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
|
67,191,628
|
62,291,475
|
|
Distributions to Shareholders:
|
||
|
Institutional Shares1
|
(59,378,981)
|
(63,142,653)
|
|
Service Shares2
|
(2,334)
|
-
|
|
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
|
(59,381,315)
|
(63,142,653)
|
|
Share Transactions:
|
||
|
Proceeds from sale of shares
|
93,650,000
|
250,691,477
|
|
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared
|
43,953,139
|
44,484,682
|
|
Cost of shares redeemed
|
(2,800,000)
|
(90,000)
|
|
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
134,803,139
|
295,086,159
|
|
Change in net assets
|
142,613,452
|
294,234,981
|
|
Net Assets:
|
||
|
Beginning of period
|
902,557,720
|
608,322,739
|
|
End of period
|
$1,045,171,172
|
$902,557,720
|
|
1
|
Effective at the open of business July 25, 2025, the Fund's Common Shares were re-designated as the Institutional Shares.
|
|
2
|
Reflects operations for the period from July 25, 2025 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2026.
|
|
Operating Activities:
|
|
|
Change in net assets resulting from operations
|
$67,191,628
|
|
Adjustments to Reconcile Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to Net Cash Used by Operating Activities:
|
|
|
Purchase of investment securities
|
(816,032,893)
|
|
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities
|
689,245,561
|
|
Proceeds of short-term investments, net
|
41,622,537
|
|
Amortization/accretion of premium/discount, net
|
(1,970,761)
|
|
Payment-in-kind shares
|
(674,850)
|
|
Increase in income receivable
|
(1,858,140)
|
|
Increase in receivable for investments sold
|
(21,150,956)
|
|
Decrease in payable for investments purchased
|
(9,096,203)
|
|
Decrease in accrued expenses
|
(62,679)
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
|
(5,409,772)
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments
|
(4,125,457)
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign exchange contracts
|
(4,914,152)
|
|
Net Cash Used By Operating Activities
|
(67,236,137)
|
|
Financing Activities:
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of units
|
93,650,000
|
|
Income distributions to participants
|
(15,428,176)
|
|
Payments for units redeemed
|
(2,800,000)
|
|
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities
|
75,421,824
|
|
Increase in cash
|
8,185,687
|
|
Cash at beginning of year
|
21,026,969
|
|
Cash at end of year
|
$29,212,656
|
|
Other Service
Fees Incurred
|
|
|
Service Shares
|
$61
|
|
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
|
||
|
Assets
|
||
|
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location
|
Fair
Value
|
|
|
Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments under ASC Topic 815
|
||
|
Foreign exchange contracts
|
Unrealized appreciation on
foreign exchange contracts
|
$3,975,223
|
|
Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
|
|
|
Foreign
Exchange
Contracts
|
|
|
Foreign exchange contracts
|
$(12,134,033)
|
|
Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
|
|
|
Foreign
Exchange
Contracts
|
|
|
Foreign exchange contracts
|
$4,914,152
|
|
Year Ended
3/31/20261
|
Year Ended
3/31/2025
|
|||
|
Institutional Shares:
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
|
Shares sold
|
9,315,850
|
$93,600,000
|
24,984,326
|
$250,691,477
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared
|
4,390,144
|
43,950,805
|
4,462,191
|
44,484,682
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
(276,740)
|
(2,800,000)
|
(8,876)
|
(90,000)
|
|
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM INSTITUTIONAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
13,429,254
|
$134,750,805
|
29,437,641
|
$295,086,159
|
|
Year Ended
3/31/20262
|
Year Ended
3/31/2025
|
|||
|
Service Shares:
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
|
Shares sold
|
4,990
|
$50,000
|
-
|
$-
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared
|
233
|
2,334
|
-
|
-
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM SERVICE SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
5,223
|
$52,334
|
-
|
$-
|
|
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM TOTAL FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
13,434,477
|
$134,803,139
|
29,437,641
|
$295,086,159
|
|
1
|
Effective at the open of business July 25, 2025, the Fund's Common Shares were re-designated as the Institutional Shares.
|
|
2
|
Reflects operations for the period from July 25, 2025 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2026.
|
|
2026
|
2025
|
|
|
Ordinary income
|
$59,381,315
|
$63,142,653
|
|
Undistributed ordinary income
|
$6,270,043
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation
|
$4,153,148
|
|
Capital loss carryforwards and deferrals
|
$(3,832,351)
|
|
Other temporary differences
|
$(1,133,250)
|
|
TOTAL
|
$5,457,590
|
|
Short-Term
|
Long-Term
|
Total
|
|
$2,547,407
|
$1,284,944
|
$3,832,351
|
|
Purchases
|
$451,740,247
|
|
Sales
|
$337,539,038
|
|
Country
|
Percentage of
Net Assets
|
|
United States
|
8.3%
|
|
Brazil
|
7.7%
|
|
Turkey
|
6.6%
|
|
Nigeria
|
6.0%
|
|
Egypt
|
5.5%
|
|
Angola
|
5.2%
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
5.2%
|
|
Ivory Coast
|
4.7%
|
|
Mexico
|
3.6%
|
|
Chile
|
3.5%
|
|
Singapore
|
3.2%
|
|
Senegal
|
2.7%
|
|
Denmark
|
2.3%
|
|
Qatar
|
2.1%
|
|
Oman
|
1.9%
|
|
Country
|
Percentage of
Net Assets
|
|
South Africa
|
1.9%
|
|
Switzerland
|
1.8%
|
|
Italy
|
1.8%
|
|
Suriname
|
1.6%
|
|
United Kingdom
|
1.5%
|
|
Serbia
|
1.5%
|
|
Netherlands
|
1.4%
|
|
Argentina
|
1.4%
|
|
Tanzania
|
1.3%
|
|
Ireland
|
1.2%
|
|
Mauritius
|
1.1%
|
|
Spain
|
1.1%
|
|
Germany
|
1.0%
|
|
Trinidad And Tobago
|
1.0%
|
|
Norway
|
0.9%
|
|
Pakistan
|
0.7%
|
|
Zambia
|
0.6%
|
|
Thailand
|
0.6%
|
|
Benin
|
0.5%
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
0.5%
|
|
Ukraine
|
0.4%
|
|
Russia
|
0.1%
|
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s)
|
|
J. Christopher Donahue*
Birth Date: April 11, 1949
President and Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: August 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Principal Executive Officer and President of certain of the Funds in the Federated Hermes Fund
Family; Director or Trustee of the Funds in the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director, Federated Hermes, Inc.; Trustee, Federated Administrative Services and Director, Federated Administrative
Services, Inc.; Trustee and Chairman, Federated Advisory Services Company; Director or Trustee and Chairman, Federated
Investment Management Company, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Equity Management
Company of Pennsylvania, and Federated MDTA LLC; Trustee, Federated Investment Counseling; Trustee, Federated
Shareholder Services Company; Director, Federated Services Company.
Previous Positions: President, Federated Investment Counseling; President and Chief Executive Officer, Federated
Investment Management Company, Federated Global Investment Management Corp. and Passport Research, Ltd; Chairman,
Passport Research, Ltd.
|
|
Thomas R. Donahue*
Birth Date: October 20, 1958
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: August 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of certain of the funds in the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer, Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Federated Hermes, Inc.; Chairman and Trustee, Federated
Administrative Services; Chairman and Director, Federated Administrative Services, Inc.; Trustee and Treasurer, Federated
Advisory Services Company; Director or Trustee and Treasurer, Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania,
Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, and Federated Investment
Management Company; Director, MDTA LLC; Director, Executive Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Federated Securities
Corp.; Director or Trustee and Chairman, Federated Services Company and Federated Shareholder Services Company; and
Director and President, FII Holdings, Inc.
Previous Positions: Director, Federated Hermes, Inc.; Assistant Secretary, Federated Investment Management Company,
Federated Global Investment Management Company and Passport Research, LTD; Treasurer, Passport Research, LTD;
Executive Vice President, Federated Securities Corp.; and Treasurer, FII Holdings, Inc.
|
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
|
John G. Carson
Birth Date: May 15, 1965
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: January 2024
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment
Officer, Northstar Asset Management (Financial Services); formerly, Chief Compliance Officer, Northstar Asset Management.
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Mr. Carson has served in various business management roles throughout his career. Mr. Carson was a Vice
President at the Glenmede Trust Company and a Managing Director at Oppenheimer & Company. Prior to that he spent
more than a decade with the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch as a Director of Institutional Sales. Earlier on, Mr. Carson held
similar positions for Wertheim Schroder/Schroders PLC and Drexel Burnham Lambert.
|
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
|
G. Thomas Hough
Birth Date: February 28, 1955
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: August 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee and Chair of the Board of Directors or Trustees of the Federated Hermes Fund
Family; formerly, Vice Chair, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting firm) (Retired).
Other Directorships Held: Director, Chair of the Audit Committee, Member of the Compensation Committee, Equifax, Inc.;
Lead Director, Member of the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, Haverty Furniture Companies,
Inc.
Qualifications: Mr. Hough has served in accounting, business management and directorship positions throughout his career.
Mr. Hough most recently held the position of Americas Vice Chair of Assurance with Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting
firm). Mr. Hough serves on the President's Cabinet and Business School Board of Visitors for the University of Alabama.
Mr. Hough previously served as a Director and Member of the Audit, Governance, and Compensation Committees at Publix
Super Markets, Inc., as well as on the Business School Board of Visitors for Wake Forest University. In addition, he previously
served as an Executive Committee member of the United States Golf Association.
|
|
Karen L. Larrimer
Birth Date: December 10, 1962
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: January 2025
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; formerly, Executive Vice President and
Head of Retail Banking and Chief Customer Officer, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (Retired).
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Ms. Larrimer has served in several business and financial management roles and directorship positions
throughout her career. She previously held the position of Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Banking and Chief
Customer Officer, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Prior to those roles, Ms. Larrimer held several executive positions
at PNC, including Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President for Business Banking. In addition to her various roles
at PNC, Ms. Larrimer previously was an assistant director at Ernst & Young LLP and served in several leadership roles at
Mellon Bank. Ms. Larrimer also currently holds the positions on not for profit or for profit boards of directors as follows:
Director, Highmark Inc. (health insurance organization); Director, Modern Executive Solutions (executive search and advisory
solutions firm); Director and former Chair, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh; Director and former Chair, United Way of
Southwestern Pennsylvania; and Emeritus Director, Goodwill Industries Pittsburgh. Ms. Larrimer has held the positions of:
President, Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh; Trustee, Robert Morris University; Director, PNC Foundation; and Director, numo
(fintech incubator).
|
|
Max F. Miller
Birth Date: December 6, 1968
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: January 2025
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Associate Professor, Director of
Entrepreneurial Studies, Director-Ignite Business Incubator, Washington & Jefferson College.
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Mr. Miller has served in several legal, business, and academic roles and directorship positions throughout his
career. Mr. Miller serves as Associate Professor of Business & Entrepreneurship, Director of Entrepreneurial Studies, and
Director of Ignite Business Incubator at Washington & Jefferson College. He also serves as President and Chief Tasting
Officer of Raise Your Spirits, an experiential engagement firm. Mr. Miller previously served as Executive Vice President &
Chief Operating Officer of Urban Innovation 21, an economic development focused public-private partnership; Director of
VIP Experiences of MetroMe, a mobile app providing concierge services; Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; and Director of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law's Innovation Practice Institute.
Prior to those roles, Mr. Miller held various operations, marketing and legal leadership roles at H.J. Heinz Company and was
an attorney for Federated Investors, Inc. (now Federated Hermes, Inc.) from May 3, 1994, to November 11, 1997.
|
|
Frank J. Nasta
Birth Date: October 11, 1964
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: January 2025
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Chair of the Mutual Fund Advisory
Committee and the European Fund Advisory Committee (industry forums sponsored by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.)1
(Retired).
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Mr. Nasta has served in various legal, compliance, and business roles in the investment management industry
throughout his career. He previously was a Managing Director of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Head of Legal for the JPMorgan
U.S. Mutual Funds business. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Nasta was a Partner, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and
Member of the Board of Directors of J. & W. Seligman, an investment management firm. Mr. Nasta previously served as the
chair of the Investment Company Institute's (the "ICI") SEC Rules Committee, the ICI's Mutual Funds Conference Advisory
Committee, and the Investment Management Regulation Committee of the New York City Bar Association. He also previously
served as a Director of The International Preschools in New York City.
1 Mr. Nasta served as Chair of these committees in the capacity of a non-employee consultant, has never been an employee
of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., and has resigned from these positions, effective December 31, 2024, in connection
with his election to the Board.
|
|
Thomas M. O'Neill
Birth Date: June 14, 1951
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: August 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Sole
Proprietor, Navigator Management Company (investment and strategic consulting).
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Mr. O'Neill has served in several business, mutual fund and financial management roles and directorship
positions throughout his career. Mr. O'Neill serves as Director, Medicines for Humanity. Mr. O'Neill previously served as Chief
Executive Officer and President, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Fleet Investment Advisors; President and
Chief Executive Officer, Aeltus Investment Management, Inc.; General Partner, Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Boston,
MA; Chief Investment Officer, The Putnam Companies, Boston, MA; and Credit Analyst and Lending Officer, Fleet Bank.
|
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
|
Madelyn A. Reilly
Birth Date: February 2, 1956
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving:
November 2020
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; formerly, Senior Vice President for Legal
Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary of Board of Directors, Duquesne University (Retired).
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Ms. Reilly has served in various business and legal management roles throughout her career. Ms. Reilly
previously served as Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary of Board of Directors and
Director of Risk Management and Associate General Counsel, Duquesne University. Prior to her work at Duquesne University,
Ms. Reilly served as Assistant General Counsel of Compliance and Enterprise Risk as well as Senior Counsel of Environment,
Health and Safety, PPG Industries. Ms. Reilly currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of UPMC Mercy
Hospital, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities, Pittsburgh, and as a member of the Duquesne
Kline Law School Advisory Board.
|
|
John S. Walsh
Birth Date:
November 28, 1957
Trustee
Indefinite Term
Began serving: August 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Director or Trustee of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Chairman and Director, Heat Wagon, Inc.
(manufacturer of construction temporary heaters); Chairman and Director, Manufacturers Products, Inc. (distributor of
portable construction heaters); Chairman, Portable Heater Parts, a division of Manufacturers Products, Inc.; formerly,
President, Heat Wagon, Inc. and Manufacturers Products, Inc..
Other Directorships Held: None.
Qualifications: Mr. Walsh has served in several business management roles and directorship positions throughout his career.
Mr. Walsh previously served as President at Heat Wagon, Inc. (manufacturer of construction temporary heaters),
Manufacturers Products, Inc. (distributor of portable construction heaters), and Portable Heater Parts, a division of
Manufacturers Products, Inc. Mr. Walsh previously served as Vice President, Walsh & Kelly, Inc. (paving contractors).
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|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years
and Previous Position(s)
|
|
Jeremy D. Boughton
Birth Date:
September 29, 1976
TREASURER
Officer since: March 2024
|
Principal Occupations: Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Senior Vice President,
Federated Administrative Services, Federated Administrative Services, Inc., Federated Advisory Services Company,
Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated
Investment Counseling, Federated Investment Management Company and Federated MDTA, LLC. Formerly, Controller,
Federated Hermes, Inc. and Financial and Operations Principal for Federated Securities Corp. Mr. Boughton has received the
Certified Public Accountant designation.
Previous Positions: Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, Federated Investors Management Company; Treasurer,
Federated Investors Trust Company; Assistant Treasurer, Federated Administrative Services, Federated Administrative
Services, Inc., Federated Securities Corp., Federated Advisory Services Company, Federated Equity Management Company
of Pennsylvania, Federated Global Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Investment
Management Company, Federated MDTA, LLC and Federated Hermes (UK) LLP, as well as other subsidiaries of Federated
Hermes, Inc.
|
|
Peter J. Germain
Birth Date:
September 3, 1959
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER,
SECRETARY and EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT
Officer since: November 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Mr. Germain is Chief Legal Officer, Secretary and Executive Vice President of the Federated Hermes
Fund Family. He is Chief Legal Officer, Secretary and Executive Vice President, Federated Hermes, Inc.; Trustee and Senior
Vice President, Federated Investors Management Company; Trustee and President, Federated Administrative Services;
Director and President, Federated Administrative Services, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Federated Securities Corp.;
Director and Secretary, Federated Private Asset Management, Inc.; and Secretary, Federated Shareholder Services Company.
Mr. Germain joined Federated Hermes, Inc. in 1984 and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Previous Positions: Deputy General Counsel, Special Counsel, Managing Director of Mutual Fund Services, Federated
Hermes, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Federated Services Company; and Senior Corporate Counsel, Federated Hermes, Inc.
|
|
Stephen Van Meter
Birth Date: June 5, 1975
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Officer since: June 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Federated Hermes Fund Family; Vice
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Federated Hermes, Inc. and Chief Compliance Officer of certain of its subsidiaries.
Mr. Van Meter joined Federated Hermes, Inc. in October 2011. He holds FINRA licenses under Series 3, 7, 24 and 66.
Previous Positions: Mr. Van Meter previously held the position of Compliance Operating Officer, Federated Hermes, Inc.
Prior to joining Federated Hermes, Inc., Mr. Van Meter served at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in
the positions of Senior Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, Division of Investment Management and Senior Counsel, Division
of Enforcement.
|
|
R. J. Gallo
Birth Date: June 10, 1969
Chief Investment Officer
Officer since: May 2026
|
Principal Occupations: R.J. Gallo is Chief Investment Officer of various global fixed income Funds in the Federated Hermes
Complex. Mr. Gallo joined Federated in 2000 as an Investment Analyst. He became a Senior Vice President of the Fund's
Adviser in 2011. From 2005 to 2010 Mr. Gallo served as Vice President and from January 2002 through 2004 and as an
Assistant Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. He has been a Portfolio Manager since December 2002. From 1996 to 2000,
Mr. Gallo was a Financial Analyst and Trader at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Mr. Gallo has received the Chartered
Financial Analyst designation and a Master's in Public Affairs with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy from
Princeton University.
|
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Fund
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years
and Previous Position(s)
|
|
Ihab Salib
Birth Date: December 14, 1964
VICE PRESIDENT
Officer since: November 2016
Portfolio Manager since:
December 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Ihab Salib has been the Portfolio Manager of the Fund since December 2016. He is Vice President of
the Fund. Mr. Salib joined Federated Hermes in April 1999 as a Senior Fixed-Income Trader/Assistant Vice President of the
Fund's Adviser. In July 2000, he was named a Vice President of the Fund's Adviser and in January 2007 he was named a
Senior Vice President of the Fund's Adviser. He has served as a Portfolio Manager since January 2002. From January 1994
through March 1999, Mr. Salib was employed as a Senior Global Fixed-Income Analyst with UBS Brinson, Inc. Mr. Salib
received his B.A. with a major in Economics from Stony Brook University.
|
|
Chris McGinley
Birth Date: July 28, 1978
Vice President
Officer since: November 2016
Portfolio Manager since:
December 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Chris McGinley has been the Fund's Portfolio Manager since December 2016. He is Vice President of
the Fund. Mr. McGinley joined Federated Hermes in 2004 as an associate research analyst in the international fixed-income
department. He became an Assistant Vice President of the Fund's Adviser in 2005, Vice President in 2013 and Senior Vice
President in March 2023. Mr. McGinley joined the Sub-Adviser in 2013. Mr. McGinley worked in Senator Rick Santorum's
office in 2001 and from 2002 to 2004 he served as Legislative Correspondent for Senator Santorum. Mr. McGinley earned his
B.S. and received his M.P.I.A. from the University of Pittsburgh.
|
|
Maarten Offeringa
Birth Date: February 1, 1976
Vice President
Officer since: August 2019
Portfolio Manager since:
July 2019
|
Principal Occupations: Maarten Offeringa has been the Fund's Portfolio Manager since July 2019. He is Vice President of the
Fund. Mr. Offeringa joined Federated Hermes in 2018. Mr. Offeringa is responsible for providing research and advice on
sector allocation and security selection. He has worked in financial services since 2002; has worked in investment
management since 2018; has managed investment portfolios since 2019. Previous associations: Director, Bank of America
Merrill Lynch; Vice President, J.P. Morgan. Education: MA, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
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|
Kazaur Rahman
Birth Date: November 30, 1982
Vice President
Officer since: August 2023
Portfolio Manager since:
July 2023
|
Principal Occupations: Kazaur Rahman has been the Fund's Portfolio Manager since July 2023. He is Vice President of the
Fund. Mr. Rahman joined Federated Hermes in 2019. Mr. Rahman is responsible for providing research and advice on sector
allocation and security selection. He has worked in financial services since 2005; has worked in investment management since
2019; has managed investment portfolios since 2023. Previous associations include roles with: Deutsche Bank; VTB Capital;
Bank of America; PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Education: BSc, University of London.
|
| Item 2. | Code of Ethics |
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the "Section 406 Standards for Investment Companies - Ethical Standards for Principal Executive and Financial Officers") that applies to the registrant's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer; the registrant's Principal Financial Officer also serves as the Principal Accounting Officer.
(c) There was no amendment to the registrant's code of ethics described in Item 2(a) above during the period covered by the report.
(d) There was no waiver granted, either actual or implicit, from a provision to the registrant's code of ethics described in Item 2(a) above during the period covered by the report.
(e) Not Applicable
(f)(3) The registrant hereby undertakes to provide any person, without charge, upon request, a copy of the code of ethics. To request a copy of the code of ethics, contact the registrant at 1-800-341-7400, and ask for a copy of the Section 406 Standards for Investment Companies - Ethical Standards for Principal Executive and Financial Officers.
| Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert |
The registrant's Board has determined that each of the following members of the Board's Audit Committee is an "audit committee financial expert," and is "independent," for purposes of this Item 3.: John G. Carson, Thomas M. O'Neill and John S. Walsh.
| Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
(a) Audit Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2026 - $94,977
Fiscal year ended 2025 - $88,785
(b) Audit-Related Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2026 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2025 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $0 and $0 respectively.
(c) Tax Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2026 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2025 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $0 and $0 respectively.
(d) All Other Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2026 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2025 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $0 and $0 respectively.
(e)(1) Audit Committee Policies regarding Pre-approval of Services.
The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor in order to assure that the provision of such services do not impair the auditor's independence. The Audit Committee is required to pre-concur with independence conclusions made by the independent auditor regarding non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor to the Funds, the Funds Board of Directors, or any entity that is controlled directly or indirectly by the Funds. Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent auditor has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval (and pre-concurrence for non-audit services) by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
Certain services have the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The term of the general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee specifically provides for a different period. The Audit Committee will annually review the services that may be provided by the independent auditor without obtaining specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee and may grant general pre-approval for such services. The Audit Committee will revise the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based on subsequent determinations. The Audit Committee will not delegate to management its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditor.
The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval/pre-concurrence authority to its chairman (the "Chairman") for services that do not exceed a specified dollar threshold. The Chairman or Chief Audit Executive will report any such pre-approval/pre-concurrence decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee will designate another member with such pre-approval/pre-concurrence authority when the Chairman is unavailable.
AUDIT SERVICES
The annual audit services engagement terms and fees will be subject to the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will approve, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees resulting from changes in audit scope, registered investment company (RIC) structure or other matters.
In addition to the annual audit services engagement specifically approved by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval for other audit services, which are those services that only the independent auditor reasonably can provide. The Audit Committee has pre-approved certain audit services; with limited exception, all other audit services must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
AUDIT-RELATED SERVICES
Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the RIC's financial statements or that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee believes that the provision of audit-related services does not impair the independence of the auditor, and has pre-approved certain audit-related services; all other audit-related services must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
TAX SERVICES
The Audit Committee believes that the independent auditor can provide tax services to the RIC such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice without impairing the auditor's independence. However, the Audit Committee will not permit the retention of the independent auditor in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent auditor, the purpose of which may be tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported in the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. The Audit Committee has pre-approved/pre-concurred certain tax services; with limited exception, all tax services involving large and complex transactions must be specifically pre-approved/pre-concurred by the Audit Committee.
ALL OTHER SERVICES
With respect to the provision of permissible services other than audit, review or attest services the pre-approval/pre-concurrence requirement is waived if:
(1) With respect to such services rendered to the Funds, the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the audit client to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; and,
(2) With respect to such services rendered to the Fund's investment adviser ( the "Adviser")and any entity controlling, controlled by to under common control with the Adviser such as affiliated non-U.S. and U.S. funds not under the Audit Committee's purview and which do not fall within a category of service which has been determined by the Audit Committee not to have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the RIC, the aggregate amount of all services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid to the RIC's auditor by the RIC, its Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; and
(3) Such services were not recognized by the issuer or RIC at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and
(4) Such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Audit Committee who are members of the Board of Directors to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval/pre-concurrence to those permissible non-audit services which qualify for pre-approval and which it believes are routine and recurring services, and would not impair the independence of the auditor.
The Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") rules and relevant guidance should be consulted to determine the precise definitions of these services and applicability of exceptions to certain of the prohibitions.
PRE-APPROVAL FEE LEVELS
Pre-approval fee levels for all services to be provided by the independent auditor will be established annually by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding these levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
PROCEDURES
Requests or applications to provide services that require specific approval/concurrence by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by the Fund's Principal Accounting Officer and/or the Chief Audit Executive of Federated Hermes, Inc., only after those individuals have determined that the request or application is consistent with the SEC's rules on auditor independence.
(e)(2) Percentage of services identified in items 4(b) through 4(d) that were approved by the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X:
4(b)
Fiscal year ended 2026 - 0%
Fiscal year ended 2025 - 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant's Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
4(c)
Fiscal year ended 2026 - 0%
Fiscal year ended 2025 - 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant's Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
4(d)
Fiscal year ended 2026 - 0%
Fiscal year ended 2025 - 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant's Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant's Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
(f) NA
(g) Non-Audit Fees billed to the registrant, the registrant's Adviser, and certain entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser:
Fiscal year ended 2026 - $467,561
Fiscal year ended 2025 - $0
(h) The registrant's Audit Committee has considered that the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's Adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
(i) Not Applicable
(j) Not Applicable
| Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants |
The registrant has established an Audit Committee of the Board as described in Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Audit Committee consists of the following Board members: John G. Carson, Thomas M. O'Neill, Madelyn A. Reilly and John S. Walsh.
| Item 6. | Schedule of Investments |
(a) The registrant's Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
(b) Not Applicable
| Item 7. | Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Companies |
Not Applicable
| Item 8. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies |
Not Applicable
| Item 9. | Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not Applicable
| Item 10. | Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not Applicable
| Item 11. | Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. |
The Fund's Evaluation and Approval of Advisory Contract summary appears in the Fund's Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
| Item 12. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies |
VOTING PROXIES ON FUND PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Board has delegated to the Adviser authority to vote proxies on the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. The Board has also approved the Adviser's policies and procedures for voting the proxies, which are described below.
Proxy Voting Policies
As an investment adviser with a fiduciary duty to the Fund and its shareholders, the Adviser's general policy is to cast proxy votes in favor of management proposals and shareholder proposals that the Adviser anticipates will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted in a manner that is consistent with the investment objectives of the Fund. Generally, this will mean voting for proposals that the Adviser believes will improve the management of a company, increase the rights or preferences of the voted securities, or increase the chance that a premium offer would be made for the company or for the voted securities. This approach to voting proxy proposals will be referred to hereafter as the "General Policy."
The Adviser generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client portfolios. However, the Adviser may vote differently if a client's investment objectives differ from those of other clients or if a client explicitly instructs the Adviser to vote differently.
The following examples illustrate how the General Policy may apply to the most common management proposals and shareholder proposals. However, whether the Adviser supports or opposes a proposal will always depend on a thorough understanding of the registrant's investment objectives and the specific circumstances described in the proxy statement and other available information.
Corporate Governance
On matters related to the board of directors, generally the Adviser will vote to elect nominees to the board in uncontested elections except in certain circumstances, such as where the director: (1) has not attended at least 75% of the board meetings during the previous year; (2) serves as the company's chief financial officer, unless the company is headquartered in the UK or Ireland where this is market practice; (3) has become overboarded (more than five public company boards for retired executives and more than two such boards for CEOs); (4) is a non-independent, non-executive director on the board of a U.S. domestic issuer where less than two-thirds of the directors are independent; (5) is a non-independent, non-executive director on the board of a foreign issuer where less than half of the directors are independent; (6) is a non-independent member of the audit committee; (7) is the chair of the nominating or governance committee when the roles of chair of the board and CEO are combined and there is no lead independent director; (8) served on the compensation committee during a period in which compensation appears excessive relative to performance and peers; or (9) served on a board that did not implement a shareholder proposal that the Adviser supported and received more than 50% shareholder support the previous year.
In addition, the Adviser will generally vote in favor of: (10) a full slate of directors, where the directors are elected as a group and not individually, unless more than half of the nominees are not independent; (11) shareholder proposals to declassify the board of directors; (12) shareholder proposals to require a majority voting standard in the election of directors; (13) shareholder proposals to separate the roles of chair of the board and CEO; (14) a proposal to require a company's audit committee to be comprised entirely of independent directors; and (15) shareholder proposals to eliminate supermajority voting requirements in company bylaws.
On other matters of corporate governance, generally the Adviser will vote: (1) in favor of proposals to grant shareholders the right to call a special meeting if owners of at least 10% of the outstanding stock agree; (2) on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals to grant shareholders the right to act by written consent when the company does not already grant shareholders the right to call a special meeting; (3) on a case-by-case basis for proposals to adopt or amend shareholder rights plans (also known as "poison pills"); and (4) in favor of shareholder proposals calling for "Proxy Access," that is, a bylaw change allowing shareholders owning at least 3% of the outstanding common stock for at least three years to nominate candidates for election to the board of directors.
Notwithstanding the above, the Adviser may vote in a manner that diverges from the General Policy based on its evaluation of the specific facts and circumstances of the vote. For example, if a Federated Hermes investment professional has insights into a proxy voting issue as it relates to a specific portfolio company, the investment professional may determine to vote in a manner that contravenes the guidelines set out in the General Policy. The process for casting such votes will be overseen by the Proxy Voting Committee. See further the Proxy Voting Procedures below.
Shareholder Proposals on Environmental and Social Issues
The Adviser will vote shareholder proposals of an environmental or social nature on a case-by-case basis. The Adviser's general approach to analyzing these proposals calls for considering the language of the proposal and whether it is overly prescriptive, the financial materiality of the proposal's objective, and the practices followed by the company's industry peers. This analysis utilizes research reports from the Adviser's proxy service providers, company filings, as well as reports published by the company and other outside organizations.
Environmental
The Adviser will generally support proposals calling for enhanced reporting on the company's business practices, including policies, strategic initiatives, and oversight mechanisms, related to environmental risks. To reach a final voting decision, the Adviser will take into consideration:
• The company's current level of publicly available disclosure;
• Whether the company has formally committed to implementation of a reporting program based on well-established, generally accepted frameworks;
• Whether the company's current level of disclosure is comparable to that of industry peers; and
• Whether there are significant controversies or litigation associated with the company's environmental performance.
Social
The Adviser will generally support resolutions in the social category when they call for measures to enhance disclosure that would enable investors to make high quality risk assessments of the company's social issues, such as their human capital management practices. The Adviser will generally oppose proposals calling for a change in the company's product line or methods of distribution.
Political Activities
The Adviser will generally support enhanced disclosure of policies, practices, and oversight of corporate political activity when the current level of disclosure falls short of disclosure provided by industry peers. The Adviser will oppose proposals prohibiting the company's participation in any part of the political process, such as making political contributions and joining trade associations.
Capital Structure
On matters of capital structure, generally, the Adviser will vote: (1) on a case-by-case basis for proposals to authorize the issuance of new shares if not connected to an M&A transaction and the potential dilution is more than 10%; (2) against proposals to create multiple-class voting structures where one class has superior voting rights to the other classes; (3) in favor of proposals to authorize reverse stock splits unless the amount of authorized shares is not also reduced proportionately.
Some foreign issuers annually request shareholders to approve general share issuance authorities as a matter of routine business. On these matters, the Adviser will vote in favor of proposals to authorize issuance of shares with and without preemptive rights unless the size of the authorities would unreasonably dilute existing shareholders.
Executive Compensation
Votes on executive compensation come in many forms, including, but not limited to: advisory votes on U.S. executive compensation plans ("Say On Pay"); advisory and binding votes on the design or implementation of non-U.S. executive remuneration plans; and votes to approve new equity plans or amendment to existing plans. Generally, the Adviser will support compensation arrangements that are believed to sufficiently align executive compensation outcomes with the company's long-term performance.
Say on Pay
The Adviser will generally vote in favor of these proposals unless the plan has failed to align executive compensation with corporate performance, or the design of the plan is likely to lead to misalignment in the future. We support the principle of an annual shareholder vote on executive pay and will generally vote accordingly on proposals which set the frequency of the Say On Pay vote.
Remuneration Policy
In some markets, shareholders are provided a vote on the remuneration policy, which sets out the structural elements of a company's executive remuneration plan on a forward-looking basis. The Adviser will generally support these proposals unless:
• The design of the remuneration policy fails to appropriately link executive compensation with corporate performance and shareholder value;
• Total compensation appears excessive relative to the company's industry peer group considering local market dynamics; or
• There is insufficient disclosure to enable an informed judgment, particularly as it relates to the disclosure of the maximum amounts of compensation that may be awarded.
Remuneration Report
Markets with remuneration policy proposals typically also feature proposals which request shareholders to approve the annual remuneration report. The remuneration report provides shareholders with details concerning the implementation in the previous year of the remuneration policy. The Adviser will generally support these proposals unless:
Implementation decisions during the period in question are not appropriately aligned with corporate performance and shareholder value; or
The level of disclosure is not sufficient to permit an evaluation of the company's pay practices in the period covered by the report.
Equity Plans
The Adviser will generally vote in favor of equity plan proposals unless they:
• Result in unreasonable dilution to existing shareholders.
• Permit replacement of "underwater" options with new options on more favorable terms for the recipient; or
• Omit the criteria for determining the granting or vesting of awards.
M&A Activity
On matters relating to corporate transactions, the Adviser will generally vote in favor of mergers, acquisitions, and sales of assets if the Adviser's analysis of the proposed business strategy and the transaction price would have a positive impact on the total return for shareholders.
Contested Elections
If a shareholder meeting is contested - that is, shareholders are presented with director nominees from company management and nominees from one or more dissident shareholders - the Adviser will analyze the proposed business strategies of both groups and vote in a way that maximizes expected total return for the Fund.
Cost/Benefit Analysis
In addition, the Adviser will not vote any proxy if it determines that the consequences or costs of voting outweigh the potential benefit of voting. For example, if a foreign market requires shareholders voting proxies to retain the voted shares until the meeting date (thereby rendering the shares "illiquid" for some period), the Adviser will not vote proxies for such shares. In addition, the Adviser is not obligated to incur any expense to send a representative to a shareholder meeting or to translate proxy materials into English.
Securities Lending Recall
To the extent that the Adviser is permitted to loan securities, the Adviser does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, the Adviser will take all reasonable steps to recall shares prior to the record date when the meeting concerns issues that the Adviser believes materially affect shareholder value, provided that the Adviser considers that the benefits of voting on the securities are greater than the associated costs, including the opportunity cost of the lost revenue that would otherwise be generated by the loan. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan in time to vote thereon.
Issuer Feedback
The Adviser will consider feedback from issuers on the voting recommendations of the Adviser's proxy service provider(s) if the feedback is provided at least five days before the voting cut-off date.
Best Efforts
If proxies are not delivered in a timely or otherwise appropriate basis, the Adviser may not be able to vote a particular proxy.
For an Adviser that employs a quantitative investment strategy for certain funds or accounts that does not make use of qualitative research ("Non-Qualitative Accounts"), the Adviser may not have the kind of research to make decisions about how to vote proxies for them. Therefore, the Adviser will vote the proxies of these Non-Qualitative Accounts as follows: (a) in accordance with the Standard Voting Instructions (defined below); (b) if the Adviser is casting votes for the same proxy on behalf of a regular qualitative account and a Non-Qualitative Account, the Non-Qualitative Account would vote in the same manner as the regular qualitative account; (c) if neither of the first two conditions apply, as the proxy service provider is recommending; and (d) if none of the previous conditions apply, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Committee.
Proxy Voting Procedures
The Adviser has established a Proxy Voting Committee ("Proxy Committee"), to exercise all voting discretion granted to the Adviser by the Board in accordance with the proxy voting policies. To assist it in carrying out the day-to-day operations related to proxy voting, the Proxy Committee has created the Proxy Voting Management Group (PVMG). The day-to-day operations related to proxy voting are carried out by the Proxy Voting Team (PVT) and overseen by the PVMG. The PVT comprises a team of professionals who specialize in prox voting and corporate governance best practices. In addition to managing the operational aspects of proxy vote execution, the PVT's responsibilities include: engaging with investee companies on proxy voting and corporate governance matters; managing the relationship with , and monitoring the effectiveness of, Federated Hermes' proxy service providers, and reporting on these to the PVMG and the Proxy Committee; providing input on specific case-by-case vote decisions made by the Adviser's investment professionals; facilitating the proxy voting process, including by presenting the proxy voting decisions made by the Adviser's investment professionals to the Proxy Committee; preparing proxy voting data for filing on Form N-PX with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; providing proxy voting reports to clients and investment companies as they are requested from time to time; and keeping the Proxy Committee informed of any emerging or developing issues related to corporate governance and proxy voting to guide future policy development.
The Adviser has compiled a list of specific voting instructions based on the General Policy (the "Standard Voting Instructions"). The Standard Voting Instructions and any modifications to them are approved by the Proxy Committee. The Standard Voting Instructions may call for an investment professional to review the ballot question and provide a voting recommendation to the Proxy Committee. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Proxy Committee always has the authority to determine a final voting decision.
The Adviser has hired a proxy voting service provider to perform various proxy voting related administrative services such as ballot reconciliation, vote processing, and recordkeeping functions. The Proxy Committee has supplied the proxy service provider with the Standard Voting Instructions. The Proxy Committee retains the right to modify the Standard Voting Instructions at any time or to vote contrary to them at any time to cast proxy votes in a manner that the Proxy Committee believes is in accordance with the General Policy. If the Standard Voting Instructions require case-by-case handling for a proposal, the PVT will work with the investment professionals and the proxy service provider to develop a voting recommendation for the Proxy Committee and to communicate the Proxy Committee's final voting decision to the proxy service provider. Further, if the Standard Voting Instructions require the PVT to analyze a ballot question and make the final voting decision, the PVT will report such votes to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis for review.
Conflicts of Interest
The Adviser has adopted procedures to address situations where a matter on which a proxy is sought may present a potential conflict between the interests of the registrant (and its shareholders) and those of the Adviser or Distributor. This may occur where a significant business relationship exists between the Adviser (or its affiliates) and a company involved with a proxy vote.
A company that is a proponent, opponent or the subject of a proxy vote, and which to the knowledge of the Proxy Committee has this type of significant business relationship, is referred to below as an "Interested Company."
The Adviser has implemented the following procedures to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the Adviser or its affiliates have influenced proxy votes. Any employee of the Adviser or its affiliates who is contacted by an Interested Company regarding proxies to be voted by the Adviser must refer the Interested Company to a member of the Proxy Committee and must inform the Interested Company that the Proxy Committee has exclusive authority to determine how the proxy will be voted. Any Proxy Committee member contacted by an Interested Company must report it to the full Proxy Committee and provide a written summary of the communication. This requirement includes engagement meetings with investee companies and does not include communications with proxy solicitation firms. Under no circumstances will the Proxy Committee or any member of the Proxy Committee make a commitment to an Interested Company regarding the voting of proxies or disclose to an Interested Company how the Proxy Committee has directed such proxies to be voted. If the Standard Voting Instructions already provide specific direction on the proposal in question, the Proxy Committee shall not alter or amend such directions. If the Standard Voting Instructions require the Proxy Committee to provide further direction, the Proxy Committee shall do so in accordance with the proxy voting policies, without regard for the interests of the Adviser with respect to the Interested Company. If the Proxy Committee provides any direction as to the voting of proxies relating to a proposal affecting an Interested Company, it must disclose annually to the Fund's Board information regarding: the significant business relationship; any material communication with the Interested Company; the matter(s) voted on; and how, and why, the Adviser voted as it did. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate for the Adviser to vote in the same proportion as all other shareholders as to not affect the outcome beyond helping to establish a quorum at the shareholders' meeting. This is referred to as "proportional voting." If the registrant owns shares of another Federated Hermes, Inc. ("Federated Hermes") mutual fund, generally the Adviser will proportionally vote the client's proxies for that fund or seek direction from the Board or the client on how the proposal should be voted. If the registrant owns shares of an unaffiliated mutual fund, the Adviser may proportionally vote the registrant's proxies for that fund depending on the size of the position. If the registrant owns shares of an unaffiliated exchange-traded fund, the Adviser will proportionally vote the registrant's proxies for that fund.
Downstream Affiliates
If the Proxy Committee gives further direction or seeks to vote contrary to the Standard Voting Instructions for a proxy relating to a portfolio company in which the registrant owns more than 10% of the portfolio company's outstanding voting securities at the time of the vote ("Downstream Affiliate"), the Proxy Committee must first receive guidance from counsel to the Proxy Committee as to whether any relationship between the Adviser and the portfolio company, other than such ownership of the portfolio company's securities, gives rise to an actual conflict of interest. If counsel determines that an actual conflict exists, the Proxy Committee must address any such conflict with the executive committee of the board of directors or trustees of any investment company client prior to taking any action on the proxy at issue.
Proxy Advisors' Conflicts of Interest
Proxy advisory firms may have significant business relationships with the subjects of their research and voting recommendations. For example, a significant vendor for a proxy advisory firm may be a public company with an upcoming shareholders' meeting and the proxy advisory firm has published a research report which includes voting recommendations. In another example, a proxy advisory firm consulting client may be a public company on which the proxy advisory firm will write a research report, with voting recommendations, for its institutional clients. These and similar situations give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
To mitigate concerns that the conflicting interests of proxy advisory firms have influenced their proxy voting recommendations, the Adviser will take the following steps:
• A due diligence team made up of employees of the Adviser and/or its affiliates will meet with its primary proxy advisor on an annual basis and determine through a review of their policies and procedures and through inquiry that they have established a system of internal controls that provide reasonable assurance that their voting recommendations are not influenced by their various conflicts of interest.
• If a proxy advisory firm provides material consulting services to corporate issuers, the PVT will annually review a sample of the proxy advisor's research reports on those issuers which are consulting clients to assess potential bias in its voting recommendations. If evidence of bias is found, the results of the examination will be presented to the Proxy Voting Management Group and a decision would be made as to the further use of that advisory firm's research reports.
• Whenever the standard voting guidelines call for voting a proposal in accordance with a proxy advisory firm's recommendation and the proxy advisory firm has disclosed that they have a conflict of interest with respect to that issuer, the PVT will take the following steps: (a) the PVT will obtain a copy of the research report published by an alternative proxy advisory firm for that issuer; and (b) the Director of Proxy Voting, or their designee, will review both proxy advisory firm research reports and determine what vote will be cast. The PVT will report all proxies voted in this manner to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the PVT may seek direction from the Committee on how the proposal shall be voted.
Proxy Voting Report
A report on "Form N-PX" of how the registrant voted any proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available via the Proxy Voting Record (Form N-PX) link associated with the registrant at www.FederatedHermes.com/us/FundInformation. Form N-PX filings are also available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the registrant at 1-800-341-7400, Option #4; and (ii) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
| Item 13. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
As of the date of filing of this report, the Portfolio Managers listed below are jointly and primarily responsible for managing the registrant's assets.
Portfolio Manager Information
As a general matter, certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of a fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other funds/pooled investment vehicles or accounts (collectively, including the Fund, as applicable, "accounts") for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment of the registrant. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts can include, for example, conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements (including, for example, the allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts or activities for which the portfolio manager is responsible in calculating the portfolio manager's compensation), and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute Fund portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from Fund portfolio trades (for example, research or "soft dollars"). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers' compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the registrant from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
The following information about the registrant's Portfolio Managers is provided as of the end of the registrant's most recently completed fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.
Ihab L. Salib, Senior Portfolio Manager
Ihab L. Salib, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the registrant's portfolio manager since its inception in December of 2016.
Mr. Salib is Head of the International Fixed Income Group and Head of the Currency Management Committee. He is responsible for day to day management of the Fund focusing on asset allocation, interest rate strategy and security selection. He has been with the Adviser or an affiliate since 1999; has worked in investment management since 1992; has managed investment portfolios since 2002. Education: B.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook.
|
Types of Accounts Managed by Ihab Salib |
Total Number of Additional Accounts Managed/Total Assets* |
Additional Accounts/Assets Managed that are Subject to Advisory Fee Based on Account Performance |
| Registered Investment Companies | 15/$3.4 billion | 0/$0 |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 8/$982.6 million | 0/$0 |
| Other Accounts | 0/$0 | 2/$475.4 million |
* None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
Dollar value range of shares owned in the Fund: None.
Ihab Salib is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive, position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP), and may also include a discretionary component based on a variety of factors deemed relevant, such as financial measures and performance and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash and restricted stock of Federated Hermes, Inc. ("Federated Hermes"). The total combined annual incentive opportunity is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is measured on a rolling one, three and five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis versus the Fund's representative performance index (i.e., Derived from Secured Overnight Financing Rate). Performance periods are adjusted if a portfolio manager has been managing an account for less than five years; accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded.
As noted above, Mr. Salib is also the portfolio manager for other accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other accounts may have different benchmarks and performance measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts or activities for which Mr. Salib is responsible when his compensation is calculated may be equal or can vary.
In addition, Mr. Salib has oversight responsibility for other portfolios that he does not personally manage and serves on one or more Investment Teams that establish guidelines on various performance drivers (e.g., currency, duration, sector, and/or yield curve) for taxable, fixed-income accounts. A portion of the IPP score is based on Federated Hermes' senior management's assessment of team contributions.
For purposes of calculating the annual incentive amount, each account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into one of two IPP groups (which may be adjusted periodically). Within each performance measurement period and IPP group, IPP currently is calculated on the basis of an assigned weighting to each account managed or activity engaged in by the portfolio manager and included in the IPP groups. At the account level, the weighting assigned to the Fund is lesser than or equal to the weighting assigned to certain other accounts or activities used to determine IPP (but can be adjusted periodically). A portion of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to account performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
Any individual allocations from the discretionary pool may be determined, by executive management on a discretionary basis using various factors, such as, for example, on a product, strategy or asset class basis, and considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant (and may be adjusted periodically).
Christopher P. McGinley, Senior Portfolio Manager
Christopher P. McGinley, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the registrant's portfolio manager since its inception in December of 2016.
Mr. McGinley is Head of the Trade Finance Team and is responsible for day to day management of the Fund focusing on asset allocation, interest rate strategy and security selection. He has been with the Adviser or an affiliate since 2004; has worked in investment management since 2005; has managed investment portfolios since 2009. Education: B.S., University of Pittsburgh; M.P.I.A., University of Pittsburgh.
| Types of Accounts Managed by Christopher McGinley | Total Number of Additional Accounts Managed/Total Assets* |
| Registered Investment Companies | 10/$1.9 billion |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 1/$451.1 thousand |
| Other Accounts | 1/$29.7 million |
* None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
Dollar value range of shares owned in the Fund: None.
Christopher McGinley is paid a fixed base salary and a variable annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP), and may also include a discretionary component based on a variety of factors deemed relevant, such as financial measures and performance and may be paid entirely in cash, or in a combination of cash and restricted stock of Federated Hermes, Inc. ("Federated Hermes"). The total combined annual incentive opportunity is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
IPP is measured on a rolling one, three and five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis versus the Fund's representative performance index (i.e., Derived from Secured Overnight Financing Rate). Performance periods are adjusted if a portfolio manager has been managing an account for less than five years; accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded.
As noted above, Mr. McGinley is also the portfolio manager for other accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other accounts may have different benchmarks and performance measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts for which Mr. McGinley is responsible when his compensation is calculated may be equal or can vary.
For purposes of calculating the annual incentive amount, each account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into one of two IPP groups (which may be adjusted periodically). Within each performance measurement period and IPP group, IPP currently is calculated on the basis of an assigned weighting to each account managed by the portfolio manager and included in the IPP groups. At the account level, the weighting assigned to the Fund is greater than or equal to the weighting assigned to other accounts used to determine IPP (but can be adjusted periodically). A portion of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to account performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
Any individual allocations from the discretionary pool may be determined, by executive management on a discretionary basis using various factors, such as, for example, on a product, strategy or asset class basis, and considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant (and may be adjusted periodically).
Maarten Offeringa, Portfolio Manager
Maarten Offeringa, Portfolio Manager, has been the registrant's portfolio manager since July of 2019.
Effective August 1, 2023, Mr. Offeringa is dual employed with Federated Hermes (UK) LLP (the "Sub-Adviser") and Federated Hermes Limited ("FHL") and serves as Portfolio Manager of the Fund in his capacity as an employee of the Sub-Adviser.
Mr. Offeringa is responsible for providing research and advice on sector allocation and security selection. He has been with the Adviser or an affiliate since 2018; has worked in financial services since 2002; has worked in investment management since 2018; has managed investment portfolios since 2019. Previous associations: Director, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Vice President, J.P. Morgan. Education: MA, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
|
Types of Accounts Managed by Maarten Offeringa |
Total Number of Additional Accounts Managed/Total Assets* |
| Registered Investment Companies | 4/$1.9 billion |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0/$0 |
| Other Accounts | 0/$0 |
*None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
Dollar value range of shares owned in the Fund: None.
Maarten Offeringa is paid a fixed base salary and a discretionary annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP), and also includes a discretionary component based on a variety of factors deemed relevant, including financial and non-financial criteria. Discretionary incentive awards take into consideration the overall financial performance of the company, the individual, and the products that the individual is involved in managing as well as the individual's conduct and behaviours. Other factors deemed relevant may also be considered, and the criteria may be adjusted periodically. The total combined annual incentive opportunity is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
A portion of Mr. Offeringa's discretionary annual incentive may be subject to deferral arrangements, and the deferral period is three years.
IPP is measured on a rolling one, three and five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis versus the Fund's representative performance index (i.e., Derived from Secured Overnight Financing Rate). Performance periods are adjusted if a portfolio manager has been managing an account for less than five years; accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded.
As noted above, Mr. Offeringa is also the portfolio manager for other accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other accounts may have different benchmarks and performance measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts for which Mr. Offeringa is responsible when his compensation is calculated may be equal or can vary.
For purposes of calculating the annual incentive amount, each account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into one of two IPP groups (which may be adjusted periodically). Within each performance measurement period and IPP group, IPP currently is calculated on the basis of an assigned weighting to each account managed by the portfolio manager and included in the IPP groups. At the account level, the weighting assigned to the Fund is greater than or equal to the weighting assigned to other accounts used to determine IPP (but can be adjusted periodically). Additionally, a portion of Mr. Offeringa's IPP score is based on the performance of the accounts for which he provides research and analytic support. A portion of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to account performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
Any individual allocations from the discretionary pool may be determined, by executive management on a discretionary basis using various factors, such as, for example, on a product, strategy or asset class basis, and considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant (and may be adjusted periodically).
Additionally, Hermes has established a long-term incentive plan that allows participants to benefit from ownership of restricted Federated Hermes' shares in the business. Award holders are eligible to receive dividends from the first year of award. Participants are proposed by the Executive Committee based on a range of factors.
Kazaur Rahman, Portfolio Manager
Kazaur Rahman, ACA, Portfolio Manager, has been the registrant's portfolio manager since July of 2023.
Effective August 1, 2023, Mr. Rahman is dual employed with the Sub-Adviser and FHL and serves as Portfolio Manager of the Fund in his capacity as an employee of the Sub-Adviser.
Mr. Rahman is responsible for providing research and advice on sector allocation and security selection. He has been with the Adviser or an affiliate since 2019; has worked in financial services since 2005; has worked in investment management since 2019; has managed investment portfolios since 2023. Previous associations include roles with: Deutsche Bank; VTB Capital; Bank of America; PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Education: BSc, University of London.
|
Types of Accounts Managed by Kazaur Rahman |
Total Number of Additional Accounts Managed/Total Assets* |
| Registered Investment Companies | 4/$1.9 billion |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0/$0 |
| Other Accounts | 0/$0 |
*None of the Accounts has an advisory fee that is based on the performance of the account.
Dollar value range of shares owned in the Fund: None.
Kazaur Rahman is paid a fixed base salary and a discretionary annual incentive. Base salary is determined within a market competitive position-specific salary range, based on the portfolio manager's experience and performance. The annual incentive amount is determined based primarily on Investment Product Performance (IPP) and also includes a discretionary component based on a variety of factors deemed relevant, including financial and non-financial criteria. Discretionary incentive awards take into consideration the overall financial performance of the company, the individual, and the products that the individual is involved in managing as well as the individual's conduct and behaviours. Other factors deemed relevant may also be considered, and the criteria may be adjusted periodically. The total combined annual incentive opportunity is intended to be competitive in the market for this portfolio manager role.
A portion of Mr. Rahman's discretionary annual incentive may be subject to deferral arrangements, and the deferral period is three years.
IPP is measured on a rolling one, three and five calendar year pre-tax gross total return basis versus the Fund's representative performance index (i.e., Derived from Secured Overnight Financing Rate). Performance periods are adjusted if a portfolio manager has been managing an account for less than five years; accounts with less than one year of performance history under a portfolio manager may be excluded.
As noted above, Mr. Rahman is also the portfolio manager for other accounts in addition to the Fund. Such other accounts may have different benchmarks and performance measures. The allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts for which Mr. Rahman is responsible when his compensation is calculated may be equal or can vary.
For purposes of calculating the annual incentive amount, each account managed by the portfolio manager currently is categorized into one of two IPP groups (which may be adjusted periodically). Within each performance measurement period and IPP group, IPP currently is calculated on the basis of an assigned weighting to each account managed by the portfolio manager and included in the IPP groups. At the account level, the weighting assigned to the Fund is greater than or equal to the weighting assigned to other accounts used to determine IPP (but can be adjusted periodically). Additionally, a portion of Mr. Rahman's IPP score is based on the performance of the accounts for which he provides research and analytic support. A portion of the bonus tied to the IPP score may be adjusted based on management's assessment of overall contributions to account performance and any other factors as deemed relevant.
Any individual allocations from the discretionary pool may be determined, by executive management on a discretionary basis using various factors, such as, for example, on a product, strategy or asset class basis, and considering overall contributions and any other factors deemed relevant (and may be adjusted periodically).
Additionally, Hermes has established a long-term incentive plan that allows participants to benefit from ownership of restricted Federated Hermes' shares in the business. Award holders are eligible to receive dividends from the first year of award. Participants are proposed by the Executive Committee based on a range of factors.
| Item 14. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
There were no such purchases for this reporting period.
| Item 15. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
Not Applicable
| Item 16. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) The registrant's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-(2) under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
| Item 17. | Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not Applicable. The registrant does not currently participate in a securities lending program and did not engage in any securities lending activities during the period of this report.
| Item 18. | Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation |
(a) Not Applicable
(b) Not Applicable
| Item 19. | Exhibits |
(a)(1) Not Applicable
(a)(2) Not Applicable
(a)(3)
(a)(4) Not Applicable
(a)(5) Not Applicable
(b) .
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: Federated Hermes Project and Trade Finance Tender Fund
By: /s/ Jeremy D. Boughton
Jeremy D. Boughton, Principal Financial Officer
Date: May 22, 2026
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ J. Christopher Donahue
J. Christopher Donahue, Principal Executive Officer
Date: May 22, 2026
By: /s/ Jeremy D. Boughton
Jeremy D. Boughton, Principal Financial Officer
Date: May 22, 2026