SEC Form N-CSR filed by Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-CSR
Certified Shareholder Report of Registered Management Investment Companies
811-21235
(Investment Company Act File Number)
Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income 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: 2024/11/30
Date of Reporting Period: 2024/11/30
Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders |

Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund
Dear Valued Shareholder,

|
Total Returns (Annualized)
|
||||
|
1-Year
|
3-Year
|
5-Year
|
10-Year
|
Current
Yield8
|
FMN
|
9.47%
|
-2.61%
|
0.45%
|
2.75%
|
3.53%
|
Morningstar US Closed End Muni National Long Median
|
8.48%
|
-2.25%
|
0.75%
|
2.77%
|
5.28%
|
|
Total Returns (Annualized)
|
||||
|
1-Year
|
3-Year
|
5-Year
|
10-Year
|
Dividend
Yield9
|
FMN
|
13.19%
|
-5.43%
|
-0.06%
|
2.37%
|
4.02%
|
Morningstar US Closed End Muni National Long Median
|
16.36%
|
-3.36%
|
1.06%
|
3.19%
|
5.28%
|
Premium(+)/Discount(-)
|
11/30/2024
|
5/31/2024
|
11/30/2023
|
FMN
|
-12.17%
|
-9.90%
|
-14.75%
|
Morningstar US Closed End Muni National Long Median
|
-7.37%
|
-10.19%
|
-13.61%
|
(Inception 12/20/2002)
|
Market
Price
|
NAV
|
6 Months (cumulative)
|
4.07%
|
6.60%
|
1 Year
|
13.19%
|
9.47%
|
3 Year
|
-5.43%
|
-2.61%
|
5 Year
|
-0.06%
|
0.45%
|
10 Year
|
2.37%
|
2.75%
|
Market Price
|
$11.33
|
NAV
|
$12.90
|
Dividend Yield1
|
4.02%
|
Taxable Equivalent Dividend Yield2
|
6.38%
|
Premium/Discount to NAV
|
12.17% discount
|
Common Share Assets
|
$100.9 million
|
Preferred Share Assets
|
$67.3 million
|
Total Portfolio Assets
|
$168.2 million
|
Weighted Average Effective Maturity
|
7.9 years
|
Weighted Average Stated Maturity
|
19.9 years
|
Weighted Average Modified Duration3
|
5.7 years
|
Total Number of Securities
|
148
|
AAA
|
5.0%
|
AA
|
30.5%
|
A
|
32.1%
|
BBB
|
16.2%
|
BB
|
2.7%
|
B
|
0.0%
|
Not Rated
|
13.5%
|
February 2003–August 2005
|
$0.08375/month
|
September 2005–October 2006
|
$0.073/month
|
November 2006–February 2009
|
$0.067/month
|
March 2009–February 2010
|
$0.09/month
|
March 2010–May 2011
|
$0.087/month
|
June 2011–November 2012
|
$0.083/month
|
December 2012–August 2014
|
$0.0755/month
|
September 2014–May 2016
|
$0.0735/month
|
June 2016–November 2016
|
$0.07/month
|
December 2016–May 2018
|
$0.061/month
|
June 2018–May 2019
|
$0.054/month
|
June 2019–August 2020
|
$0.05/month
|
September 2020–May 2022
|
$0.054/month
|
June 2022–February 2023
|
$0.041/month
|
March 2023–May 2023
|
$0.0385/month
|
June 2023–May 2024
|
$0.035/month
|
June 2024–November 2024
|
$0.038/month
|

|
1 Year
|
5 Years
|
10 Years
|
Fund at NAV
|
9.47%
|
0.45%
|
2.75%
|
Fund at Market Price
|
13.19%
|
-0.06%
|
2.37%
|
SPMUNI
|
5.52%
|
1.49%
|
2.52%
|
Sector Composition
|
Percentage of
Total Investments
|
Hospital
|
19.9%
|
Dedicated Tax
|
13.1%
|
Water & Sewer
|
7.7%
|
Senior Care
|
6.6%
|
Other Utility
|
6.5%
|
Toll Road
|
6.5%
|
General Obligation—State
|
5.5%
|
General Obligation—State Appropriation
|
5.1%
|
Primary/Secondary Education
|
5.1%
|
Public Power
|
4.8%
|
Industrial Development Bond/Pollution Control Revenue
|
4.6%
|
Other2
|
14.6%
|
TOTAL
|
100.0%
|
1
|
Sector classifications, and the assignment of holdings to such sectors, are based
upon the economic sector and/or revenue source of the underlying borrower, as
determined by the Fund’s Adviser. For securities that have been enhanced by a third-party guarantor, such as bond insurers and banks, sector classifications are
based upon the economic sector and/or revenue source of the underlying obligor, as determined by the Fund’s Adviser. Refunded securities are those whose
debt service is paid from escrowed assets, usually U.S. government securities.
|
2
|
For purposes of this table, sector classifications constitute 85.4% of the Fund’s investments. Remaining sectors have been aggregated under the designation
“Other.”
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL BONDS—95.5%
|
|
|
|
Alabama—3.6%
|
|
$1,500,000
|
|
Alabama State Corrections Institution Finance Authority (Alabama State), Revenue Bonds
(Series 2022A), 5.250%, 7/1/2052
|
$ 1,611,587
|
1,500,000
|
|
Jefferson County, AL (Jefferson County, AL Sewer System), Sewer Revenue Warrants (Series
2024), 5.250%, 10/1/2049
|
1,629,557
|
2,500,000
|
|
Lower Alabama Gas District, Gas Project Revenue Bonds (Series 2016A), (Goldman Sachs
Group, Inc. GTD), 5.000%, 9/1/2046
|
2,795,661
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
6,036,805
|
|
|
Arizona—2.6%
|
|
585,000
|
1
|
Maricopa County, AZ, IDA (Paradise Schools), Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5.000%, 7/1/2036
|
591,765
|
1,000,000
|
|
Phoenix, AZ Civic Improvement Corp. - Wastewater System, Junior Lien Wastewater System
Revenue Bonds (Series 2023),
5.250%, 7/1/2047
|
1,118,238
|
2,000,000
|
|
Phoenix, AZ IDA (GreatHearts Academies), Education Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2014A), 5.000%, 7/1/2034
|
2,001,256
|
625,000
|
1
|
Pima County, AZ IDA (La Posada at Pusch Ridge), Senior Living Revenue Bonds (Series
2022A), 6.750%, 11/15/2042
|
688,170
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
4,399,429
|
|
|
California—3.9%
|
|
165,000
|
1
|
California Public Finance Authority (Kendal at Sonoma), Enso Village Senior Living
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series 2021A),
5.000%, 11/15/2056
|
155,143
|
600,000
|
1
|
California School Finance Authority (KIPP LA), School Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2014A), 5.000%, 7/1/2034
|
600,220
|
250,000
|
1
|
California School Finance Authority (KIPP LA), School Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2014A), 5.125%, 7/1/2044
|
250,102
|
1,000,000
|
1
|
California School Finance Authority (KIPP LA), School Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2015A), 5.000%, 7/1/2035
|
1,006,833
|
1,500,000
|
|
M-S-R Energy Authority, CA, Gas Revenue Bonds (Series 2009A), (Citigroup, Inc. GTD),
7.000%, 11/1/2034
|
1,897,322
|
1,025,000
|
|
M-S-R Energy Authority, CA, Gas Revenue Bonds (Series 2009A), (Original Issue Yield:
6.375%), (Citigroup, Inc. GTD),
6.125%, 11/1/2029
|
1,097,417
|
1,500,000
|
|
San Francisco, CA City & County Airport Commission, Second Series Revenue Bonds (Series
2019F), 5.000%, 5/1/2050
|
1,584,778
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
6,591,815
|
|
|
Colorado—5.0%
|
|
500,000
|
|
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority (University Lab School), Charter
School Refunding & Improvement
Revenue Bonds (Series 2015), 5.000%, 12/15/2035
|
503,462
|
2,000,000
|
|
Colorado Health Facilities Authority (Adventist Health System), Hospital Revenue Bonds
(Series 2018B), 4.000%, 11/15/2048
|
1,946,470
|
800,000
|
|
Colorado Health Facilities Authority (CommonSpirit Health), Revenue Bonds (Series
2022), 5.500%, 11/1/2047
|
894,330
|
1,805,000
|
|
Colorado High Performance Transportation Enterprise, C-470 Express Lanes Senior Revenue
Bonds (Series 2017),
5.000%, 12/31/2056
|
1,805,136
|
1,000,000
|
|
Colorado State Health Facilities Authority (Intermountain Healthcare Obligated Group),
Revenue Bonds (Series 2024A),
5.000%, 5/15/2054
|
1,067,203
|
2,070,000
|
|
Public Authority for Colorado Energy, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue Bonds (Series 2008),
(Original Issue Yield: 6.630%), (Bank
of America Corp. GTD), 6.250%, 11/15/2028
|
2,188,749
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
8,405,350
|
|
|
District of Columbia—0.3%
|
|
500,000
|
|
District of Columbia (Friendship Public Charter School, Inc.), Revenue Bonds (Series
2016A), 5.000%, 6/1/2041
|
503,129
|
|
|
Florida—3.7%
|
|
815,000
|
|
Atlantic Beach, FL Health Care Facilities (Fleet Landing Project, FL), Revenue & Refunding
Bonds (Series 2013A),
5.000%, 11/15/2028
|
815,901
|
596,555
|
1,2,3
|
Collier County, FL IDA (Arlington of Naples), Continuing Care Community Revenue Bonds
(Series 2013A), (Original Issue Yield:
8.250%), 8.125%, 5/15/2044
|
7,696
|
1,000,000
|
|
Florida Development Finance Corp. (Tampa General Hospital), Healthcare Facilities
Revenue Bonds (Series 2024A),
5.250%, 8/1/2049
|
1,063,653
|
1,000,000
|
|
Hillsborough County, FL IDA (Baycare Health System), Health System Revenue Bonds (Series
2024C), (Original Issue Yield:
4.320%), 4.125%, 11/15/2051
|
997,222
|
500,000
|
|
Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, FL (Taylor Ranch), Special Assessment Revenue
Bonds (Series 2023), 6.125%, 5/1/2043
|
536,235
|
1,500,000
|
|
Miami-Dade County, FL (Miami-Dade County, FL Transit System), Sales Surtax Revenue
Bonds (Series 2020A),
4.000%, 7/1/2050
|
1,482,521
|
500,000
|
|
Midtown Miami, FL CDD, Special Assessment & Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series 2014A),
5.000%, 5/1/2029
|
500,230
|
900,000
|
|
Rivers Edge II CDD, Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds (Series 2021), 4.000%, 5/1/2051
|
762,915
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
6,166,373
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL BONDS—continued
|
|
|
|
Georgia—3.3%
|
|
$ 500,000
|
|
Atlanta, GA Development Authority (Westside Gulch Area Project (Spring Street Atlanta)),
Senior Revenue Bonds
(Series 2024A-1), 5.000%, 4/1/2034
|
$ 511,474
|
500,000
|
|
Fulton County, GA Residential Care Facilities (Lenbrook Square Foundation, Inc.),
Retirement Facility Refunding Revenue
Bonds (Series 2016), 5.000%, 7/1/2036
|
505,904
|
510,000
|
|
Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Convention Center Hotel
Second Tier Revenue Bonds
(Series 2021B), 5.000%, 1/1/2054
|
500,707
|
1,000,000
|
|
Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., GA, Gas Supply Revenue Bonds (Series 2023C), (Royal
Bank of Canada GTD), 5.000%,
Mandatory Tender 9/1/2030
|
1,071,564
|
1,000,000
|
|
Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Plant Vogtle Units 3&4 Project J Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Series 2015A),
5.500%, 7/1/2060
|
1,007,284
|
1,000,000
|
|
Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Plant Vogtle Units 3&4 Project M Bonds (Series
2021A), 5.000%, 1/1/2056
|
1,034,843
|
775,000
|
|
Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Plant Vogtle Units 3&4 Project P Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Series 2023A),
5.500%, 7/1/2064
|
842,304
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
5,474,080
|
|
|
Illinois—8.6%
|
|
430,000
|
|
Chicago, IL Board of Education, Dedicated Capital Improvement Tax Bonds (Series 2023),
5.750%, 4/1/2048
|
471,275
|
2,000,000
|
|
Chicago, IL Wastewater Transmission, Second Lien Wastewater Transmission Revenue Bonds
(Series 2023A), (Assured
Guaranty, Inc. INS), 5.250%, 1/1/2053
|
2,172,587
|
200,000
|
|
Chicago, IL Water Revenue, Second Lien Water Revenue Bonds (Series 2023A), (Assured
Guaranty, Inc. INS),
5.250%, 11/1/2053
|
217,273
|
234,000
|
|
DuPage County, IL (Naperville Campus LLC), Special Tax Bonds (Series 2006), 5.625%,
3/1/2036
|
234,077
|
1,000,000
|
|
Illinois Finance Authority (Admiral at the Lake), Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series
2017), (Original Issue Yield: 5.500%),
5.250%, 5/15/2054
|
803,399
|
750,000
|
|
Illinois State, UT GO Bonds (Series 2020B), (Original Issue Yield: 5.850%), 5.750%,
5/1/2045
|
822,314
|
2,000,000
|
|
Illinois State, UT GO Bonds (Series 2022C), 5.125%, 10/1/2043
|
2,163,593
|
2,000,000
|
|
Illinois State, UT GO Bonds (Series 2022C), 5.500%, 10/1/2045
|
2,199,165
|
1,000,000
|
|
Illinois State, UT GO Bonds (Series of May 2014), (United States Treasury PRF 1/14/2025@100),
5.000%, 5/1/2039
|
1,001,860
|
235,000
|
|
Illinois State, UT GO Refunding Bonds (Series 2018A), 5.000%, 10/1/2026
|
242,921
|
1,600,000
|
|
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, IL, McCormick Place Expansion Project Bonds
(Series 2015A), (Original Issue Yield:
5.060%), 5.000%, 6/15/2053
|
1,610,104
|
1,250,000
|
|
Sales Tax Securitization Corp., IL, Sales Tax Securitization Bonds (Series 2018A),
5.000%, 1/1/2048
|
1,283,423
|
1,105,000
|
|
Sales Tax Securitization Corp., IL, Sales Tax Securitization Bonds (Series 2022A),
4.000%, 1/1/2042
|
1,116,028
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
14,338,019
|
|
|
Indiana—2.6%
|
|
500,000
|
|
Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System Revenue Bonds (Series 2013A),
5.250%, 1/1/2038
|
500,639
|
1,000,000
|
|
Indiana State Finance Authority (CWA Authority, Inc.), First Lien Wastewater Utility
Revenue Bonds (Series 2022B),
5.250%, 10/1/2052
|
1,073,244
|
2,500,000
|
|
Indianapolis, IN Local Public Improvement Bond Bank (Indiana Convention Center Hotel),
Senior Revenue Bonds
(Series 2023E), (Original Issue Yield: 5.880%), 5.750%, 3/1/2043
|
2,723,738
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
4,297,621
|
|
|
Iowa—1.4%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Iowa Finance Authority (Iowa Fertilizer Co. LLC), Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Series 2022), (United
States Treasury PRF 12/1/2032@100), 5.000%, 12/1/2050
|
1,154,650
|
1,015,000
|
|
Iowa Finance Authority (Iowa Fertilizer Co. LLC), Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Series 2022), (United
States Treasury PRF 12/1/2032@100), 5.000%, Mandatory Tender 12/1/2042
|
1,171,970
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
2,326,620
|
|
|
Kansas—1.2%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
Wyandotte County, KS Unified Government Utility System, Improvement & Refunding Revenue
Bonds (Series 2014-A),
5.000%, 9/1/2044
|
2,000,778
|
|
|
Kentucky—0.6%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (Miralea), Revenue Bonds (Series 2016A),
5.000%, 5/15/2031
|
972,652
|
|
|
Louisiana—1.3%
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, Senior Revenue Bonds (Series 2023A), 5.000%,
7/1/2048
|
1,612,180
|
550,000
|
|
St. James Parish, LA (NuStar Logistics LP), Revenue Bonds (Series 2011), 5.850%, Mandatory
Tender 6/1/2025
|
555,378
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
2,167,558
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL BONDS—continued
|
|
|
|
Maryland—0.4%
|
|
$ 320,000
|
|
Baltimore, MD (East Baltimore Research Park), Special Obligation Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Series 2017A), 5.000%, 9/1/2038
|
$ 323,372
|
400,000
|
|
Westminster, MD (Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, Inc.), Revenue Bonds (Series 2014A), 6.000%, 7/1/2034
|
400,312
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
723,684
|
|
|
Massachusetts—0.7%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, UT GO Consolidated Loan Bonds (Series 2023C), 5.000%,
8/1/2044
|
1,109,534
|
|
|
Michigan—4.7%
|
|
445,000
|
|
Detroit, MI, UT GO Bonds (Series 2020), 5.500%, 4/1/2045
|
472,593
|
2,250,000
|
|
Michigan State Building Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds Facilities Program (Series
2023-II), 4.000%, 10/15/2047
|
2,249,266
|
1,750,000
|
|
Michigan State Finance Authority (Detroit, MI Public Lighting Authority), Local Government
Loan Program Revenue Bonds
(Series 2014B), 5.000%, 7/1/2039
|
1,751,670
|
1,250,000
|
|
Michigan State Finance Authority (McLaren Health Care Corp.), Revenue Bonds (Series
2019A), 4.000%, 2/15/2044
|
1,221,287
|
430,000
|
|
Michigan State Finance Authority (Provident Group - HFH Energy LLC), Act 38 Facilities
Senior Revenue Bonds (Series 2024),
5.500%, 2/28/2049
|
479,543
|
1,755,000
|
|
Michigan State Finance Authority (Trinity Healthcare Credit Group), (Series MI 2019A),
4.000%, 12/1/2049
|
1,707,232
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
7,881,591
|
|
|
Missouri—0.8%
|
|
550,000
|
1
|
Kansas City, MO Redevelopment Authority (Kansas City Convention Center Headquarters
Hotel CID), Revenue Bonds
(Series 2018B), (Original Issue Yield: 5.079%), 5.000%, 2/1/2050
|
535,608
|
750,000
|
1
|
Kansas City, MO Redevelopment Authority (Kansas City Convention Center Headquarters
Hotel CID), Revenue Bonds
(Series 2018B), 5.000%, 2/1/2040
|
742,886
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
1,278,494
|
|
|
Montana—0.2%
|
|
350,000
|
|
Kalispell, MT Housing and Healthcare Facilities (Immanuel Lutheran Corp.), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2017A), 5.250%, 5/15/2047
|
307,515
|
|
|
Nevada—1.0%
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
Nevada State, LT GO Bonds (Series 2023A), 5.000%, 5/1/2042
|
1,673,702
|
|
|
New Hampshire—0.5%
|
|
500,000
|
1
|
National Finance Authority, NH (Attwater Project Texas MUD No. 38), Special Revenue
Capital Appreciation Bonds
(Series 2024), (Original Issue Yield: 6.250%), 0.000%, 4/1/2032
|
320,764
|
496,418
|
|
National Finance Authority, NH, Municipal Certificates (Series 2024-1 Class A), (Original
Issue Yield: 4.510%),
4.250%, 7/20/2041
|
493,001
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
813,765
|
|
|
New Jersey—4.8%
|
|
750,000
|
|
New Jersey EDA (New Jersey State), North Portal Bridge Project (Series 2022), 5.250%,
11/1/2041
|
838,640
|
1,000,000
|
|
New Jersey EDA (New Jersey State), North Portal Bridge Project (Series 2022), 5.250%,
11/1/2047
|
1,099,871
|
500,000
|
|
New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (New Jersey State), Higher Education Capital
Improvement Fund (Series 2023A),
4.625%, 9/1/2048
|
522,783
|
1,500,000
|
|
New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority (New Jersey State), Transportation
Program Bonds (Series 2023BB),
5.000%, 6/15/2046
|
1,634,484
|
575,000
|
|
New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority (New Jersey State), Transportation
System Bonds (Series 2018A),
5.000%, 12/15/2034
|
610,418
|
500,000
|
|
New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority (New Jersey State), Transportation
System Bonds (Series 2022CC),
5.500%, (United States Treasury PRF 12/15/2032@100), 6/15/2050
|
595,515
|
2,520,000
|
|
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., NJ, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Senior Refunding
Bonds (Series 2018A),
5.000%, 6/1/2035
|
2,629,614
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
7,931,325
|
|
|
New York—8.7%
|
|
1,650,000
|
|
Build NYC Resource Corporation (KIPP NYC Canal West), Revenue Bonds (Series 2022),
5.250%, 7/1/2057
|
1,726,846
|
1,500,000
|
|
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, NY (MTA Transportation Revenue), Transportation
Revenue Green Bonds
(Series 2020C-1), 5.250%, 11/15/2055
|
1,577,254
|
1,000,000
|
|
New York City Housing Development Corp., Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Series
2024B-1), 4.750%, 11/1/2054
|
1,026,473
|
2,000,000
|
|
New York City, NY Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System Second
General Resolution Revenue Bonds
(Series 2023-DD), (Original Issue Yield: 4.380%), 4.125%, 6/15/2047
|
2,025,810
|
1,500,000
|
|
New York City, NY Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System Second
General Resolution Revenue Bonds
(Series 2024CC-1), 5.250%, 6/15/2054
|
1,675,165
|
1,250,000
|
|
New York City, NY Transitional Finance Authority, Future Tax Secured Subordinate Bonds
(Series 2015E-1), 5.000%, 2/1/2041
|
1,252,543
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL BONDS—continued
|
|
|
|
New York—continued
|
|
$1,000,000
|
|
New York City, NY Transitional Finance Authority, Future Tax Secured Subordinate Bonds
(Series 2023F-1), (Original Issue
Yield: 4.450%), 4.000%, 2/1/2051
|
$ 989,685
|
1,000,000
|
1
|
New York Liberty Development Corporation (3 World Trade Center), Revenue Bonds (Series
2014 Class 1), 5.000%, 11/15/2044
|
1,000,543
|
1,480,000
|
|
New York State Thruway Authority (New York State Thruway Authority - General Revenue),
General Revenue Junior
Indebtedness Obligations (Series 2016A), 5.000%, 1/1/2046
|
1,498,342
|
1,000,000
|
|
New York Transportation Development Corporation (JFK International Air Terminal LLC),
Special Facilities Revenue Bonds
(Series 2020C), 4.000%, 12/1/2040
|
1,000,298
|
500,000
|
|
Suffolk County, NY Off-Track Betting Corp., Revenue Bonds (Series 2024), (Original
Issue Yield: 5.076%), 5.000%, 12/1/2034
|
520,897
|
250,000
|
|
Suffolk County, NY Off-Track Betting Corp., Revenue Bonds (Series 2024), (Original
Issue Yield: 5.865%), 5.750%, 12/1/2044
|
261,127
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
14,554,983
|
|
|
North Carolina—1.2%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Charlotte, NC (Charlotte, NC Douglas International Airport), Airport Revenue Bonds
(Series 2017A), 5.000%, 7/1/2047
|
1,032,849
|
1,000,000
|
|
North Carolina Medical Care Commission (United Methodist Retirement Homes), Retirement
Facilities First Mortgage Revenue
Bonds (Series 2024), 5.125%, 10/1/2054
|
1,036,698
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
2,069,547
|
|
|
Ohio—2.6%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Cuyahoga County, OH Hospital Authority (MetroHealth System), Hospital Revenue Bonds
(Series 2017), (Original Issue Yield:
5.030%), 5.000%, 2/15/2057
|
1,008,132
|
640,000
|
|
Cuyahoga County, OH Hospital Authority (MetroHealth System), Hospital Revenue Bonds
(Series 2017), 5.250%, 2/15/2047
|
652,638
|
1,500,000
|
|
Miami County, OH Hospital Facility (Kettering Health Network Obligated Group), Hospital
Facilities Revenue Refunding and
Improvement Bonds (Series 2019), 5.000%, 8/1/2049
|
1,537,687
|
1,105,000
|
|
Muskingum County, OH (Genesis Healthcare Corp.), Hospital Facilities Revenue Bonds
(Series 2013), 5.000%, 2/15/2027
|
1,110,466
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
4,308,923
|
|
|
Oregon—1.2%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
Oregon State Housing and Community Services Department, Single Family Mortgage Program
(Series 2023A),
4.600%, 7/1/2043
|
2,046,425
|
|
|
Pennsylvania—7.2%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Allegheny County, PA Hospital Development Authority (Allegheny Health Network Obligated
Group), Revenue Bonds
(Series 2018A), 5.000%, 4/1/2047
|
1,019,890
|
45,000
|
|
Cumberland County, PA Municipal Authority (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2015), (United States
Treasury PRF 1/1/2025@100), 5.000%, 1/1/2038
|
45,060
|
185,000
|
|
Cumberland County, PA Municipal Authority (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2015), (United States
Treasury PRF 1/1/2025@100), 5.000%, 1/1/2038
|
185,245
|
220,000
|
|
Cumberland County, PA Municipal Authority (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2015),
5.000%, 1/1/2038
|
220,074
|
1,500,000
|
|
Lehigh County, PA General Purpose Authority (Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter
School), Charter School Revenue
Bonds (Series 2022), 4.000%, 6/1/2057
|
1,297,557
|
1,500,000
|
|
Northampton County, PA General Purpose Authority (Lafayette College), College Refunding
and Revenue Bonds (Series 2017),
5.000%, 11/1/2047
|
1,546,638
|
1,865,000
|
|
Northampton County, PA General Purpose Authority (St. Luke’s University Health Network), Hospital Revenue Bonds
(Series 2016A), 4.000%, 8/15/2040
|
1,841,743
|
570,000
|
|
Pennsylvania State Economic Development Financing Authority (UPMC Health System),
Revenue Bonds (Series 2023A-2),
4.000%, 5/15/2053
|
546,200
|
1,350,000
|
|
Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission, Subordinate Revenue Bonds (Series 2019A),
5.000%, 12/1/2044
|
1,431,135
|
345,000
|
|
Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission, Turnpike Revenue Bonds (Series 2022B), 5.250%,
12/1/2052
|
380,252
|
1,080,000
|
|
Philadelphia, PA Airport System, Airport Revenue and Refunding Bonds (Series 2017A),
5.000%, 7/1/2047
|
1,107,707
|
1,050,000
|
|
Philadelphia, PA Water & Wastewater System, Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds (Series
2020A), 5.000%, 11/1/2045
|
1,124,228
|
1,200,000
|
|
Westmoreland County, PA Municipal Authority, Municipal Service Revenue Bonds (Series
2016), (Build America Mutual
Assurance INS), 5.000%, 8/15/2042
|
1,209,002
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
11,954,731
|
|
|
Puerto Rico—4.5%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, UT GO Restructured Bonds (Series 2022A), 4.000%, 7/1/2041
|
962,144
|
5,000,000
|
|
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Restructured Sales Tax Bonds (Series 2019A),
(Original Issue Yield: 5.154%),
5.000%, 7/1/2058
|
5,019,962
|
1,500,000
|
|
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Restructured Sales Tax Bonds (Series 2019A-2),
4.329%, 7/1/2040
|
1,497,462
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
7,479,568
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL BONDS—continued
|
|
|
|
South Carolina—2.8%
|
|
$1,000,000
|
|
South Carolina Jobs-EDA (Novant Health, Inc.), Health Care Facilities Revenue Bonds
(Series 2024A), 5.500%, 11/1/2054
|
$ 1,118,204
|
2,250,000
|
|
South Carolina Jobs-EDA (Prisma Health Obligated Group), Hospital Revenue Bonds (Series
2018A), 5.000%, 5/1/2048
|
2,305,245
|
650,000
|
1
|
South Carolina Jobs-EDA (Seafields at Kiawah Island), Retirement Community Revenue
Bonds TEMPS-50 (Series 2023B-2),
5.250%, 11/15/2028
|
653,672
|
650,000
|
1
|
South Carolina Jobs-EDA (Seafields at Kiawah Island), Retirement Community Revenue
Bonds TEMPS-75 (Series 2023B-1),
5.750%, 11/15/2029
|
650,761
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
4,727,882
|
|
|
Tennessee—1.3%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Chattanooga, TN Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board (CommonSpirit Health),
Revenue Bonds (Series 2019A),
5.000%, 8/1/2049
|
1,035,201
|
1,000,000
|
|
Metropolitan Nashville Tennessee Airport Authority, Airport Revenue Bonds (Series
2022A), 5.000%, 7/1/2052
|
1,072,383
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
2,107,584
|
|
|
Texas—7.3%
|
|
500,000
|
|
Austin, TX, Water and Wastewater System Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series 2022), 5.000%,
11/15/2052
|
541,652
|
1,460,000
|
|
Harris County, TX IDC (Energy Transfer LP), Marine Terminal Refunding Revenue Bonds
(Series 2023), 4.050%, Mandatory
Tender 6/1/2033
|
1,490,469
|
665,000
|
|
Houston, TX, Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds (Series 2024A), (Original Issue
Yield: 4.380%), 4.125%, 3/1/2051
|
665,443
|
1,930,000
|
|
North Texas Tollway Authority, First Tier Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series 2017A),
5.000%, 1/1/2048
|
1,999,158
|
1,450,000
|
|
Richardson, TX ISD, UT GO School Building Bonds (Series 2024), (Original Issue Yield:
4.160%), (Texas Permanent School Fund
Guarantee Program GTD), 4.000%, 2/15/2049
|
1,452,389
|
1,000,000
|
|
San Antonio, TX Electric & Gas System, Revenue Bonds (Series 2024A), 5.250%, 2/1/2049
|
1,116,759
|
1,500,000
|
|
San Antonio, TX Electric & Gas System, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series 2017), 5.000%,
2/1/2047
|
1,532,893
|
1,600,000
|
|
Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. IV, Gas Supply Revenue Bonds (Series
2023B), (BP PLC GTD), 5.500%,
Mandatory Tender 1/1/2034
|
1,801,068
|
1,550,000
|
|
Texas State Transportation Commission (State Highway 249 System), First Tier Toll
Revenue Bonds (Series 2019A),
5.000%, 8/1/2057
|
1,588,505
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
12,188,336
|
|
|
Utah—0.6%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Utah State Board of Higher Education (University of Utah), General Revenue Bonds (Series
2022A), 4.000%, 8/1/2051
|
999,173
|
|
|
Virginia—2.0%
|
|
2,035,000
|
|
Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel District, VA, First Tier General Resolution Revenue
Bonds (Series 2016), 5.000%, 7/1/2046
|
2,056,297
|
400,000
|
|
James City County, VA EDA (Williamsburg Landing), Residential Care Facility Revenue
Bonds (Series 2024A),
6.875%, 12/1/2058
|
445,073
|
750,000
|
|
Virginia Beach, VA Development Authority (Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay),
Residential Care Facility Revenue
Bonds (Series 2023A), 7.000%, 9/1/2053
|
860,800
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
3,362,170
|
|
|
Washington—2.3%
|
|
1,275,000
|
|
Washington State Health Care Facilities Authority (CommonSpirit Health), Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Series 2019A-1),
4.000%, 8/1/2044
|
1,229,492
|
100,000
|
1
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Heron’s Key Senior Living), Nonprofit Housing Revenue Bonds (Series 2015A),
(United States Treasury COL), 6.000%, 7/1/2025
|
101,333
|
500,000
|
1
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest),
Revenue Bonds
(Series 2016), 5.000%, 1/1/2031
|
504,313
|
1,000,000
|
1
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest),
Revenue Bonds
(Series 2016), 5.000%, 1/1/2051
|
929,300
|
1,000,000
|
1
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Rockwood Retirement Communities), Nonprofit
Housing Revenue &
Refunding Revenue Bonds (Series 2020A), 5.000%, 1/1/2041
|
1,005,673
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
3,770,111
|
|
|
West Virginia—0.7%
|
|
1,050,000
|
|
West Virginia State Hospital Finance Authority (Vandalia Health), Hospital Refunding
and Improvement Revenue Bonds
(Series 2023B), 6.000%, 9/1/2048
|
1,197,084
|
|
|
Wisconsin—1.9%
|
|
1,000,000
|
1
|
Public Finance Authority, WI (LVHN CHP JV, LLC), Revenue Bonds (Series 2022A), 7.250%,
12/1/2042
|
1,041,463
|
700,000
|
1
|
Public Finance Authority, WI Revenue (Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2023),
9.000%, 11/1/2028
|
742,180
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL BONDS—continued
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin—continued
|
|
$1,500,000
|
|
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority (Ascension Health Alliance Senior
Credit Group), Revenue Bonds
(Series 2016A), 4.000%, 11/15/2046
|
$ 1,451,774
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
3,235,417
|
|
|
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(IDENTIFIED COST $155,385,785)
|
159,401,773
|
|
4
|
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPALS—4.5%
|
|
|
|
North Carolina—0.9%
|
|
1,400,000
|
|
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, NC (Atrium Health (previously Carolinas
HealthCare) System), (Series 2018H) Daily
VRDNs, (JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. LIQ), 3.200%, 12/2/2024
|
1,400,000
|
|
|
Ohio—0.2%
|
|
50,000
|
|
Ohio State Higher Educational Facility Commission (Cleveland Clinic), (Series 2008
B-4) Daily VRDNs, (Barclays Bank plc LIQ),
3.100%, 12/2/2024
|
50,000
|
250,000
|
|
Ohio State Higher Educational Facility Commission (Cleveland Clinic), (Series 2013B-2)
Daily VRDNs, (TD Bank, N.A. LIQ),
3.150%, 12/2/2024
|
250,000
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
300,000
|
|
|
Pennsylvania—0.8%
|
|
1,350,000
|
|
Delaware County, PA IDA (United Parcel Service, Inc.), (Series 2015) Daily VRDNs,
(United Parcel Service, Inc. GTD),
3.200%, 12/2/2024
|
1,350,000
|
|
|
Tennessee—2.6%
|
|
4,400,000
|
|
Shelby County, TN Health Education & Housing Facilities Board (Methodist Le Bonheur
Healthcare), (Series 2008A) Daily
VRDNs, (Assured Guaranty, Inc. INS)/(JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. LIQ), 3.250%, 12/2/2024
|
4,400,000
|
|
|
TOTAL SHORT-TERM MUNICIPALS
(IDENTIFIED COST $7,450,000)
|
7,450,000
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—100%
(IDENTIFIED COST $162,835,785)5
|
166,851,773
|
|
|
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET6
|
1,349,791
|
|
|
LIQUIDATION VALUE OF VARIABLE RATE MUNICIPAL TERM PREFERRED SHARES (VMTPS)
|
(67,350,000)
|
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
|
$100,851,564
|
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 November 30, 2024, these restricted securities amounted to
$11,528,425, which represented 11.3% of total net assets.
|
2
|
Non-income-producing security.
|
3
|
Security in default.
|
4
|
Current rate and current maturity or next reset date shown for floating rate notes
and variable rate notes/demand instruments. Certain variable rate securities are
not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer
or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do
not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.
|
5
|
The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $162,728,692.
|
6
|
Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets
and Liabilities.
|
The following acronym(s) are used throughout this portfolio:
|
|
|
CDD
|
—Community Development District
|
|
COL
|
—Collateralized
|
|
EDA
|
—Economic Development Authority
|
|
GO
|
—General Obligation
|
|
GTD
|
—Guaranteed
|
|
IDA
|
—Industrial Development Authority
|
|
IDC
|
—Industrial Development Corporation
|
|
INS
|
—Insured
|
|
ISD
|
—Independent School District
|
|
LIQ
|
—Liquidity Agreement
|
|
LP
|
—Limited Partnership
|
|
LT
|
—Limited Tax
|
|
PRF
|
—Pre-refunded
|
|
TEMPS
|
—Tax Exempt Mandatory Paydown Securities
|
|
UT
|
—Unlimited Tax
|
|
VRDNs
|
—Variable Rate Demand Notes
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
||||
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$12.20
|
$12.32
|
$15.65
|
$15.49
|
$15.35
|
Income From Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income1
|
0.48
|
0.45
|
0.53
|
0.65
|
0.66
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
|
0.62
|
(0.12)
|
(3.29)
|
0.16
|
0.09
|
Distributions to auction market preferred shareholders from net investment income2
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(0.00)3
|
(0.00)3
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
1.10
|
0.33
|
(2.76)
|
0.81
|
0.75
|
Less Distributions to Common Shareholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net investment income
|
(0.44)
|
(0.45)
|
(0.57)
|
(0.65)
|
(0.61)
|
Increase From Common Share Tender and Repurchase
|
0.04
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
$12.90
|
$12.20
|
$12.32
|
$15.65
|
$15.49
|
Market Price, End of Period
|
$11.33
|
$10.40
|
$11.02
|
$15.23
|
$14.45
|
Total Return at Net Asset Value4
|
9.47%
|
2.76%
|
(17.84)%
|
5.28%
|
5.11%
|
Total Return at Market Price5
|
13.19%
|
(1.51)%
|
(24.14)%
|
9.99%
|
7.17%
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses6
|
3.65%
|
3.64%
|
2.17%
|
1.62%
|
2.05%
|
Net expenses excluding all interest and trust expenses7
|
0.99%8
|
0.99%8
|
0.99%
|
0.99%
|
0.99%8
|
Net investment income9
|
3.76%
|
3.73%
|
3.93%
|
4.11%
|
4.37%
|
Expense waiver/reimbursement10
|
0.26%
|
0.23%
|
0.22%
|
0.19%
|
0.22%
|
Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)
|
$100,852
|
$140,226
|
$141,705
|
$179,906
|
$178,130
|
Portfolio turnover11
|
26%
|
39%
|
52%
|
19%
|
20%
|
|
Total
Amount
Outstanding
|
Asset
Coverage
Per Share
|
Minimum
Required
Asset
Coverage
Per Share
|
Involuntary
Liquidating
Preference
Per Share
|
Average
Market
Value
Per Share12
|
11/30/2024 - VMTPS
|
$67,350,000
|
$124,871
|
$100,332
|
$50,166
|
$50,000
|
11/30/2023 - VMTPS
|
$88,600,000
|
$129,128
|
$100,371
|
$50,186
|
$50,000
|
11/30/2022 - VMTPS
|
$88,600,000
|
$129,957
|
$100,250
|
$50,125
|
$50,000
|
11/30/2021 - VMTPS
|
$113,600,000
|
$129,256
|
$100,082
|
$50,041
|
$50,000
|
11/30/2020 - VMTPS
|
$113,600,000
|
$126,287
|
$100,086
|
$50,043
|
$50,000
|
11/30/2020 - AMPS
|
$1,175,000
|
$126,287
|
$50,000
|
$25,000
|
$25,000
|
1
|
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
|
2
|
The amounts shown are based on Common Share equivalents.
|
3
|
Represents less than $0.01.
|
4
|
Total Return at Net Asset Value is the combination of changes in the Common Share
net asset value, reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains
distributions at net asset value, if any, and does not reflect the sales charge, if
applicable.
|
5
|
Total Return at Market Price is the combination of changes in the market price per
share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains
distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of the reinvestment.
|
6
|
Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the
Fund may invest.
|
7
|
Ratios do not reflect the effect of interest expense on variable rate municipal term
preferred shares, dividend payments to preferred shareholders and any
associated commission costs, or interest and trust expenses on tender option bond
trusts.
|
8
|
The net expense ratio is calculated without reduction for expense offset arrangements.
The net expense ratio is 0.99% for the years ended November 30, 2024,
2023, and 2020, after taking into account these expense reductions.
|
9
|
Ratios reflect reductions for dividend payments to preferred shareholders.
|
10
|
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.
|
11
|
Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation.
|
12
|
Represents initial public offering price.
|
Assets:
|
|
Investment in securities, at value (identified cost $162,835,785)
|
$166,851,773
|
Cash
|
34,237
|
Income receivable
|
2,296,847
|
Total Assets
|
169,182,857
|
Liabilities:
|
|
Payable for investments purchased
|
$320,760
|
Income distribution payable - Common Shares
|
297,111
|
Interest payable - VMTPS
|
223,525
|
Payable for portfolio accounting fees
|
84,079
|
Payable for auditing fees
|
44,304
|
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note 5)
|
1,571
|
Payable for administrative fee (Note 5)
|
732
|
Payable for Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5)
|
515
|
Accrued expenses (Note 4)
|
8,696
|
TOTAL ACCRUED LIABILITIES
|
981,293
|
Other Liabilities:
|
|
Variable Rate Municipal Term Preferred Shares (VMTPS) (1,347 shares authorized and
issued at $50,000 per share)
|
$67,350,000
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
68,331,293
|
Net assets applicable to Common Shares
|
$100,851,564
|
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares Consists of:
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
$112,187,474
|
Total distributable earnings (loss)
|
(11,335,910)
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES
|
$100,851,564
|
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share:
|
|
$100,851,564 ÷ 7,818,701 shares outstanding, ($0.01 par value, unlimited shares authorized)
|
$12.90
|
Investment Income:
|
|
Interest
|
$10,344,543
|
Expenses:
|
|
Investment adviser fee (Note 5)
|
$1,240,567
|
Administrative fee (Note 5)
|
112,855
|
Custodian fees
|
6,571
|
Transfer agent fees
|
55,425
|
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note 5)
|
8,732
|
Auditing fees
|
46,008
|
Legal fees
|
64,132
|
Portfolio accounting fees
|
115,102
|
Printing and postage
|
40,209
|
Interest expense - VMTPS (Note 7)
|
3,708,281
|
Miscellaneous (Note 5)
|
60,791
|
TOTAL EXPENSES
|
5,458,673
|
Waiver and Reduction:
|
|
Waiver of investment adviser fee (Note 5)
|
(361,800)
|
Reduction of custodian fees (Note 6)
|
(2,560)
|
TOTAL WAIVER AND REDUCTION
|
(364,360)
|
Net expenses
|
5,094,313
|
Net investment income
|
5,250,230
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts:
|
|
Net realized loss on investments
|
(483,870)
|
Net realized gain on futures contracts
|
81,136
|
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments
|
7,159,976
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation of futures contracts
|
(7,408)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts
|
6,749,834
|
Change in net assets resulting from operations applicable to Common Shares
|
$12,000,064
|
Year Ended November 30
|
2024
|
2023
|
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
|
|
|
Operations:
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
$5,250,230
|
$5,217,861
|
Net realized loss
|
(402,734)
|
(4,513,071)
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
7,152,568
|
2,973,192
|
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES
|
12,000,064
|
3,677,982
|
Distribution to Common Shareholders:
|
(4,756,530)
|
(5,156,894)
|
Share Transactions Applicable to Common Shares:
|
|
|
Cost of shares tendered and repurchased
|
(46,617,870)
|
—
|
Change in net assets
|
(39,374,336)
|
(1,478,912)
|
Net Assets:
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
140,225,900
|
141,704,812
|
End of period
|
$100,851,564
|
$140,225,900
|
Operating Activities:
|
|
Change in net assets resulting from operations applicable to common shares
|
$12,000,064
|
Adjustments to Reconcile Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities:
|
|
Purchases of investment securities
|
(55,796,453)
|
Proceeds from sale of investment securities
|
128,796,855
|
Net purchases of short-term investment securities
|
(4,100,000)
|
Decrease in due from broker
|
153,500
|
Decrease in income receivable
|
1,091,568
|
Decrease in variation margin on futures contracts
|
(40,000)
|
Decrease in payable for investments purchased
|
(3,076,670)
|
Decrease in interest payable—VMTPS
|
(105,193)
|
Increase in payable for portfolio accounting fees
|
84,079
|
Decrease in payable for investment adviser fee
|
(1,005)
|
Increase in payable for Directors’/Trustees’ fees
|
515
|
Increase in payable for administrative fee
|
732
|
Increase in payable for auditing fees
|
44,304
|
Decrease in accrued expenses
|
(121,492)
|
Net amortization of premium
|
414,013
|
Net realized loss on investments
|
483,870
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments
|
(7,159,976)
|
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
|
72,668,711
|
Financing Activities:
|
|
Decrease in deferred offering costs
|
10,582
|
Redemption of VMTPS, at liquidation value
|
(21,250,000)
|
Tender and repurchase of common shares
|
(46,617,870)
|
Income distributions to participants
|
(4,861,852)
|
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
|
(72,719,140)
|
Net decrease in cash
|
(50,429)
|
Cash:
|
|
Cash at beginning period
|
84,666
|
Cash at end of period
|
$34,237
|
Security
|
Acquisition
Date
|
Acquisition
Cost
|
Value
|
California Public Finance Authority (Kendal at Sonoma), Enso Village Senior Living
Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Series 2021A), 5.000%, 11/15/2056
|
5/27/2021
|
$171,137
|
$155,143
|
California School Finance Authority (KIPP LA), School Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2014A), 5.000%, 7/1/2034
|
6/13/2014
|
$600,000
|
$600,220
|
California School Finance Authority (KIPP LA), School Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2014A), 5.125%, 7/1/2044
|
7/10/2014
|
$250,000
|
$250,102
|
California School Finance Authority (KIPP LA), School Facility Revenue Bonds (Series
2015A), 5.000%, 7/1/2035
|
8/27/2015
|
$1,004,278
|
$1,006,833
|
Collier County, FL IDA (Arlington of Naples), Continuing Care Community Revenue Bonds
(Series 2013A), (Original
Issue Yield: 8.250%), 8.125%, 5/15/2044
|
8/11/2017
|
$596,555
|
$7,696
|
Kansas City, MO Redevelopment Authority (Kansas City Convention Center Headquarters
Hotel CID), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2018B), (Original Issue Yield: 5.079%), 5.000%, 2/1/2050
|
5/15/2018
|
$556,401
|
$535,608
|
Kansas City, MO Redevelopment Authority (Kansas City Convention Center Headquarters
Hotel CID), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2018B), 5.000%, 2/1/2040
|
1/10/2018
|
$751,110
|
$742,886
|
Maricopa County, AZ, IDA (Paradise Schools), Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5.000%, 7/1/2036
|
10/6/2016
|
$584,672
|
$591,765
|
National Finance Authority, NH (Attwater Project Texas MUD No. 38), Special Revenue
Capital Appreciation Bonds
(Series 2024), (Original Issue Yield: 6.250%), 0.000%, 4/1/2032
|
11/22/2024
|
$320,760
|
$320,764
|
Security
|
Acquisition
Date
|
Acquisition
Cost
|
Value
|
New York Liberty Development Corporation (3 World Trade Center), Revenue Bonds (Series
2014 Class 1),
5.000%, 11/15/2044
|
10/29/2014
|
$1,000,000
|
$1,000,543
|
Pima County, AZ IDA (La Posada at Pusch Ridge), Senior Living Revenue Bonds (Series
2022A),
6.750%, 11/15/2042
|
10/6/2022
|
$628,387
|
$688,170
|
Public Finance Authority, WI (LVHN CHP JV, LLC), Revenue Bonds (Series 2022A), 7.250%,
12/1/2042
|
2/2/2023
|
$1,000,000
|
$1,041,463
|
Public Finance Authority, WI Revenue (Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation), Revenue
Bonds (Series 2023),
9.000%, 11/1/2028
|
12/14/2023
|
$700,000
|
$742,180
|
South Carolina Jobs-EDA (Seafields at Kiawah Island), Retirement Community Revenue
Bonds TEMPS-50
(Series 2023B-2), 5.250%, 11/15/2028
|
7/21/2023
|
$650,000
|
$653,672
|
South Carolina Jobs-EDA (Seafields at Kiawah Island), Retirement Community Revenue
Bonds TEMPS-75
(Series 2023B-1), 5.750%, 11/15/2029
|
7/21/2023
|
$622,948
|
$650,761
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Heron’s Key Senior Living), Nonprofit Housing Revenue Bonds
(Series 2015A), (United States Treasury COL), 6.000%, 7/1/2025
|
7/22/2015
|
$100,056
|
$101,333
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest),
Revenue
Bonds (Series 2016), 5.000%, 1/1/2031
|
12/14/2016
|
$500,976
|
$504,313
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest),
Revenue
Bonds (Series 2016), 5.000%, 1/1/2051
|
2/13/2019
|
$1,020,252
|
$929,300
|
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Rockwood Retirement Communities), Nonprofit
Housing Revenue
& Refunding Revenue Bonds (Series 2020A), 5.000%, 1/1/2041
|
1/14/2021
|
$1,036,647
|
$1,005,673
|
Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
|
|
|
Futures
Contracts
|
Interest rate contracts
|
$81,136
|
Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
|
|
|
Futures
Contracts
|
Interest rate contracts
|
$(7,408)
|
|
Year Ended
11/30/2024
|
Year Ended
11/30/2023
|
Shares sold
|
—
|
—
|
Shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared
|
—
|
—
|
Shares redeemed
|
(3,679,390)
|
—
|
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
(3,679,390)
|
—
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Tax-exempt income
|
$8,464,811
|
$8,866,904
|
Undistributed tax-exempt income
|
$444,677
|
Net unrealized appreciation
|
$4,123,081
|
Capital loss carryforwards
|
$(15,903,668)
|
TOTAL
|
$(11,335,910)
|
Short-Term
|
Long-Term
|
Total
|
$6,183,099
|
$9,720,569
|
$15,903,668
|
Administrative Fee
|
Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex
|
0.100%
|
on assets up to $50 billion
|
0.075%
|
on assets over $50 billion
|
Purchases
|
$55,796,453
|
Sales
|
$128,796,855
|

January 22, 2025
For
|
Withheld
Authority
to Vote
|
9,618,360
|
631,695
|
For
|
Withheld
Authority
to Vote
|
9,455,358
|
794,697
|
For
|
Withheld
Authority
to Vote
|
1,772
|
0
|
For
|
Withheld
Authority
to Vote
|
1,772
|
0
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Funds
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s)
|
Year of
Term
Expiration
|
J. Christopher Donahue*+
Birth Date: April 11, 1949
PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEE
Began serving: December 2002
|
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.
|
2026
|
John B. Fisher*
Birth Date: May 16, 1956
TRUSTEE
Began serving: May 2016
|
Principal Occupations: Principal Executive Officer and President of certain of the Funds in the Federated
Hermes Fund Family; Director or Trustee of certain of the Funds in the Federated Hermes
Fund Family;
Director and Vice President, Federated Hermes, Inc.; President, Director/Trustee and
CEO, Federated
Advisory Services Company, Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania, Federated
Global
Investment Management Corp., Federated Investment Counseling, Federated Investment
Management
Company and Federated MDTA LLC; Director, Federated Investors Trust Company.
Previous Positions: President and Director of the Institutional Sales Division of Federated Securities
Corp.;
President and CEO of Passport Research, Ltd.; Director and President, Technology,
Federated
Services Company.
|
2027
|
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Funds
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Year of
Term
Expiration
|
John G. Carson++**
Birth Date: May 15, 1965
TRUSTEE
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.
|
2025
|
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Funds
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Year of
Term
Expiration
|
G. Thomas Hough+ ++
Birth Date: February 28, 1955
TRUSTEE
Began serving: January 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.
|
2027
|
Karen L. Larrimer++
Birth Date: December 10, 1962
TRUSTEE
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 Emeriti 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).
|
2025
|
Max F. Miller++
Birth Date: December 6, 1968
TRUSTEE
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.
|
2025
|
Frank J. Nasta++
Birth Date: October 11, 1964
TRUSTEE
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.
|
2026
|
Name
Birth Date
Address
Positions Held with Funds
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications
|
Year of
Term
Expiration
|
Thomas M. O’Neill++**
Birth Date: June 14, 1951
TRUSTEE
Began serving: August 2006
|
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.
|
2025
|
Madelyn Reilly++**+
Birth Date: February 2, 1956
TRUSTEE
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.
|
2026
|
John S. Walsh+**++
Birth Date: November 28, 1957
TRUSTEE
Began serving: December 2002
|
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).
|
2025
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Funds
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.
|
Name
Birth Date
Positions Held with Funds
Date Service Began
|
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years
and Previous Position(s)
|
Peter J. Germain
Birth Date:
September 3, 1959
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER,
SECRETARY and EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT
Officer since: January 2005
|
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: July 2015
|
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.
|
Robert J. Ostrowski
Birth Date: April 26, 1963
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Officer since: February 2010
|
Principal Occupations: Robert J. Ostrowski joined Federated Hermes, Inc. in 1987 as an Investment Analyst
and became a
Portfolio Manager in 1990. He was named Chief Investment Officer of Federated Hermes,
Inc. taxable fixed-income products
in 2004 and also serves as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Ostrowski became an Executive Vice President of the Fund’s
Adviser in 2009 and served as a Senior Vice President of the Fund’s Adviser from 1997 to 2009. Mr. Ostrowski has received
the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He received his M.S. in Industrial Administration
from Carnegie
Mellon University.
|


Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
or call 1-800-341-7400.
CUSIP 31423P504
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: 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 2024 – $46,076
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $44,304
(b) Audit-Related Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $1,683 and $0 respectively. Fiscal year ended 2024- Travel expenses for attendance at Board meeting.
(c) Tax Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $0 and $0 respectively.
(d) All Other Fees billed to the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended 2024 - $0
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $0
Amount requiring approval of the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, $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. Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent auditor has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval 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 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 decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee will designate another member with such pre-approval 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 certain tax services; with limited exception, all tax services involving large and complex transactions must be specifically pre-approved 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 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 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 by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by the Fund’s Principal Accounting Officer and/or the Chief Audit Executive of Federated Hermes, Inc., only after those individuals have determined that the request or application is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.
(e)(2) Percentage of services identified in items 4(b) through 4(d) that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X:
4(b)
Fiscal year ended 2024 – 0%
Fiscal year ended 2023 - 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant’s Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
4(c)
Fiscal year ended 2024 – 0%
Fiscal year ended 2023 – 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant’s Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
4(d)
Fiscal year ended 2024– 0%
Fiscal year ended 2023 – 0%
Percentage of services provided to the registrant’s Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, 0% and 0% respectively.
(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 2024 - $211,866
Fiscal year ended 2023 - $210,943
(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. 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; Fund had no divestments during the reporting period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.
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. |
A statement regarding the bases for approval of the Fund’s investment advisory contract is included as part of the Report to Stockholders 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) had 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 where this is market practice; (3) has become over-boarded (more than five boards for retired executives and more than two 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 chairman 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 chairman 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.
Generally, the Adviser will vote every shareholder proposal of an environmental or social nature on a case-by-case basis. The quality of these shareholder proposals varies widely across markets. Similarly, company disclosures of their business practices related to environmental and social risks are not always adequate for investors to make risk assessments. Thus, the Adviser places great importance on company-specific analyses to determine how to vote. Above all, the Adviser will vote in a manner that would enhance the long-term value of the investment within the framework of the client’s investment objectives.
Shareholder Proposals on Environmental and Social Issues
The Adviser’s general approach to analyzing these proposals calls for considering the language of the written proposal, the financial materiality of the proposal’s objective, and the practices followed by industry peers. This analysis utilizes research reports from the Adviser’s proxy advisors, company filings, as well as reports published by the company and other outside organizations.
With respect to specific categories of proposals:
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, we 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 frameworks such as the SASB materiality standards or the TCFD recommendations.
· 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 better risk assessments of the company’s social issues, such as their humane capital management practices. We 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. We will oppose proposals prohibiting the company’s participation in any part of the political process, such as making political contributions and joing trade associations.
Capital Structure
On matters of capital structure, generally, the Adviser will vote proxies for U.S. issuers 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%, against proposals to create multiple-class voting structures where one class has superior voting rights to the other classes, in favor of proposals to authorize reverse stock splits unless the amount of authorized shares is not also reduced proportionately. Generally, the Adviser will vote proxies for non-U.S. issuers in favor of proposals to authorize issuance of shares with and without pre-emptive rights unless the size of the authorities would threaten to unreasonably dilute existing shareholders.
Executive Compensation
Votes on executive compensation come in many forms, including 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 aligned with the client’s long-term investment objectives.
With respect to specific categories of proposals:
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 compensation 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;
· 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 have proposals asking 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 the level of disclosure is not sufficient to permit an evaluation of the company’s pay practices in the period covered by the report. A vote against the remuneration policy, which in most markets is not an annual voting item, would not necessarily result in votes against the remuneration report at subsequent shareholder meetings.
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 shareholders meeting is contested - that is, shareholders are presented with a set of director candidates nominated by company management and a set of director candidates nominated by a dissident shareholder - the Adviser will study the proposed business strategies of both groups and vote in a way that maximizes expected total return for the registrant.
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 raises 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. However, there can be no assurance that the Adviser will have sufficient notice of such matters to be able to terminate the loan in time to vote thereon.
Issuer Feedback
The Adviser will consider feedback from issuers on the voting recommendations of the Adviser’s proxy advisory firm if the feedback is provided at least five days before the voting cut-off date. In certain circumstances, primarily those where the Adviser’s voting policy is absolute and without exception, issuer feedback will not be part of the voting decision. For example, it is the Adviser’s policy to always support a shareholder proposal to separate the roles of chairman of the board and CEO. Thus, any comments from the issuer opposing this proposal would not be considered.
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 advisory firm 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 Operations Team (PVOT) and overseen by the PVMG. Besides voting the proxies, this work includes engaging with investee companies on corporate governance matters, managing the proxy advisory firm, soliciting voting recommendations from the Adviser's investment professionals, bringing voting recommendations to the Proxy Committee for approval, filing with regulatory agencies any required proxy voting reports, 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 issues related to corporate governance, and proxy voting.
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 sometimes call for an investment professional to review the ballot question and provide a voting recommendation to the Proxy Committee (a “case-by-case vote”). The foregoing notwithstanding, the Proxy Committee always has the authority to determine a final voting decision.
The Adviser has hired a proxy advisory firm to perform various proxy voting related administrative services such as ballot reconciliation, vote processing, and recordkeeping functions. The Proxy Committee has supplied the proxy advisory firm 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. The proxy advisory firm may vote any proxy as directed in the Standard Voting Instructions without further direction from the Proxy Committee. However, if the Standard Voting Instructions require case-by-case handling for a proposal, the PVOT will work with the investment professionals and the proxy advisory firm to develop a voting recommendation for the Proxy Committee and to communicate the Proxy Committee's final voting decision to the proxy advisory firm. Further, if the Standard Voting Instructions require the PVOT to analyze a ballot question and make the final voting decision, the PVOT will report such votes to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis for review.
Conflicts of Interest
The Adviser has adopted procedures to address situations where a matter on which a proxy is sought may present a potential conflict between the interests of the registrant (and its shareholders) and those of the Adviser or the 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, 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 Advisers' 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 with voting recommendations. In another example, a proxy advisory firm consulting client may be a public company for which the proxy advisory firm will write a research report. These and similar situations give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
To avoid 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.
On an annual basis the Director of Proxy Voting will examine a sample of proxy advisory firm’s research reports for that firm’s institutional consulting clients and determine if evidence of bias in recommendations exists. If such evidence is found, the results of the examination will be presented to the Proxy 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 PVOT will take the following steps: (a) the PVOT will obtain a copy of the research report published by a proxy advisory firm for that issuer; (b) the Director of Proxy Voting, or their designee, will review proxy advisory firm reports and determine what vote will be cast. The PVOT will report all proxies voted in this manner to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the PVOT may seek direction from the Committee on how the proposal shall be voted.
Proxy Voting Report
A report on “Form N-PX” of how the 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. |
R.J. Gallo
R.J. Gallo, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the registrant’s portfolio manager since its inception in December of 2002.
Mr. Gallo is Head of the Municipal Bonds Group and Head of the Duration 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 2000; has worked in investment management since 1996; has managed investment portfolios since 2002. Education: B.A., University of Michigan; M.P.A., Princeton University.
Portfolio Manager Information
The following information about the registrant’s portfolio manager is provided as of the end of the registrant's most recently completed fiscal year.
Other Accounts Managed by Richard J. Gallo | Total Number of Other Accounts Managed / Total Assets* |
Registered Investment Companies | 7/$17.9 billion |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 1/$403.2 million |
Other Accounts | 4/$95.4 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.
Richard J. Gallo 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 benchmark (i.e. S&P Municipal Bond Index reweighted 40% AAA&AA-rated, 27.5% A-rated, 17.5% BBB-rated, 15% High Yield, 3 years and longer maturity) and versus the Fund’s designated peer group of comparable accounts. 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. Gallo 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. Gallo is responsible when his compensation is calculated may be equal or can vary.
In addition, Mr. Gallo 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, volatility 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 five 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 greater 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).
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 Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts can include, for example, conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements (including, for example, the allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts or activities for which the portfolio manager is responsible in calculating the portfolio manager’s compensation), and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute Fund portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from Fund portfolio trades (for example, research, or “soft dollars”). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers’ compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Fund from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
Lee R. Cunningham II
Lee R. Cunningham II, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the registrant’s portfolio manager since its inception in December of 2002.
Mr. Cunningham 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 1995; has worked in investment management since 1995; has managed investment portfolios since 1998. Education: B.S., University of Pennsylvania; M.B.A., University of Pittsburgh.
Portfolio Manager Information
The following information about the registrant’s portfolio manager is provided as of the end of the registrant's most recently completed fiscal year.
Other Accounts Managed by Lee Cunningham | Total Number of Additional Accounts Managed / Total Assets* |
Registered Investment Companies | 3/$833.8 million |
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.
Lee Cunningham 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 benchmark (i.e. S&P Municipal Bond Index reweighted 40% AAA&AA-rated, 27.5% A-rated, 17.5% BBB-rated, 15% High Yield, 3 years and longer maturity) and versus the designated peer group of comparable accounts. 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. Cunningham 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. Cunningham 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 four 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 the weighting assigned to certain other accounts used to determine IPP, and is lesser than the weighting assigned to certain 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).
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 products managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment of the Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts can include, for example, conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements (including, for example, the allocation or weighting given to the performance of the Fund or other accounts or activities for which the portfolio manager is responsible in calculating the portfolio manager’s compensation), and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute Fund portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from Fund portfolio trades (for example, research, or “soft dollars”). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers’ compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Fund from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
Item 14. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
Period |
(a) Total number of common shares (or units) purchased |
(b) Average price paid per common share (or unit) |
(c) Total number of common shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs |
(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of common shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs |
January 1, 2024 –January 31, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
February 1, 2024 –February 29, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
March 1, 2024 –March 31, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
April 1, 2024 –April 30, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
May 1, 2024 –May 31, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
June 1, 2024 –June 30, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
July 1, 2024 –July 31, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
August 1, 2024 –August 31, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
September 1, 2024 –September 30, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
October 1, 2024 –October 31, 2024 | 3,679,390 | $12.67 | NA | NA |
November 1, 2024 –November 30, 2024 | -0- | NA | NA | NA |
TOTAL | 3,679,390 | $12.67 | NA | NA |
NOTE:
On September 13, 2024, the Fund commenced a cash tender offer for up to 32% of its outstanding common shares at a price per share equal to 99% of its NAV per share as determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on October 11, 2024, the expiration date of the offer. As the tender offer was oversubscribed, the Fund purchased the maximum number of shares offered in the tender offer (based on shares outstanding as of October 11, 2024, or 3,679,390 shares).
Item 15. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
No changes to report.
Item 16. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) The registrant’s President and Treasurer 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 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) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
(a)(4) Not Applicable
(a)(5) Not Applicable
(b) Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
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 Premier Municipal Income Fund
By: /s/ Jeremy D. Boughton
Jeremy D. Boughton, Principal Financial Officer
Date: January 22, 2025
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: January 22, 2025
By: /s/ Jeremy D. Boughton
Jeremy D. Boughton, Principal Financial Officer
Date: January 22, 2025