Exhibit 9(ii) under Form N-1A
Exhibit 10 under Item 601/Reg. S-K
AGREEMENT
for
FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICES,
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
and
CUSTODY SERVICES PROCUREMENT
AGREEMENT made as of March 1, 1996, by and between those investment
companies listed on Exhibit 1 as may be amended from time to time, having their
principal office and place of business at Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh,
PA 15222-3779 (the "Investment Company"), on behalf of the portfolios
(individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and collectively as "Funds") of the
Investment Company, and FEDERATED SERVICES COMPANY, a Pennsylvania corporation,
having its principal office and place of business at Federated Investors Tower,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779 on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries
(the "Company").
WHEREAS, the Investment Company is registered as an open-end management
investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), with authorized and issued shares of capital stock or beneficial
interest ("Shares");
WHEREAS, the Investment Company may desire to retain the Company as fund
accountant to provide fund accounting services (as herein defined) including
certain pricing, accounting and recordkeeping services for each of the Funds,
including any classes of shares issued by any Fund ("Classes") if so indicated
on Exhibit 1, and the Company desires to accept such appointment;
WHEREAS, the Investment Company may desire to appoint the Company as its
administrator to provide it with administrative services (as herein defined), if
so indicated on Exhibit, and the Company desires to accept such appointment;
WHEREAS, the Investment Company may desire to appoint the Company as its
transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent to provide it with transfer agency
services (as herein defined) if so indicated on Exhibit 1, and agent in
connection with certain other activities, and the Company desires to accept such
appointment; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Company may desire to appoint the Company as its
agent to select, negotiate and subcontract for custodian services from an
approved list of qualified banks if so indicated on Exhibit 1, and the Company
desires to accept such appointment; and
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein
contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
SECTION ONE: Fund Accounting.
Article 1. Appointment.
The Investment Company hereby appoints the Company to provide certain
pricing and accounting services to the Funds, and/or the Classes, for the period
and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Company accepts such
appointment and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth in return for
the compensation as provided in Article 3 of this Section.
Article 2. The Company's Duties.
Subject to the supervision and control of the Investment Company's Board of
Trustees or Directors ("Board"), the Company will assist the Investment Company
with regard to fund accounting for the Investment Company, and/or the Funds,
and/or the Classes, and in connection therewith undertakes to perform the
following specific services;
A. Value the assets of the Funds using: primarily, market quotations,
including the use of matrix pricing, supplied by the independent pricing
services selected by the Company in consultation with the adviser, or
sources selected by the adviser, and reviewed by the board; secondarily, if
a designated pricing service does not provide a price for a security which
the Company believes should be available by market quotation, the Company
may obtain a price by calling brokers designated by the investment adviser
of the fund holding the security, or if the adviser does not supply the
names of such brokers, the Company will attempt on its own to find brokers
to price those securities; thirdly, for securities for which no market
price is available, the Pricing Committee of the Board will determine a
fair value in good faith. Consistent with Rule 2a-4 of the 40 Act,
estimates may be used where necessary or appropriate. The Company's
obligations with regard to the prices received from outside pricing
services and designated brokers or other outside sources, is to exercise
reasonable care in the supervision of the pricing agent. The Company is not
the guarantor of the securities prices received from such agents and the
Company is not liable to the Fund for potential errors in valuing a Fund's
assets or calculating the net asset value per share of such Fund or Class
when the calculations are based upon such prices. All of the above sources
of prices used as described are deemed by the Company to be authorized
sources of security prices. The Company provides daily to the adviser the
securities prices used in calculating the net asset value of the fund, for
its use in preparing exception reports for those prices on which the
adviser has comment. Further, upon receipt of the exception reports
generated by the adviser, the Company diligently pursues communication
regarding exception reports with the designated pricing agents;
B. Determine the net asset value per share of each Fund and/or Class, at the
time and in the manner from time to time determined by the Board and as set
forth in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information
("Prospectus") of each Fund;
C. Calculate the net income of each of the Funds, if any;
D. Calculate realized capital gains or losses of each of the Funds
resulting from sale or disposition of assets, if any;
E. Maintain the general ledger and other accounts, books and financial records
of the Investment Company, including for each Fund, and/or Class, as
required under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder in
connection with the services provided by the Company;
F. Preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act
the records to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act in
connection with the services provided by the Company. The Company
further agrees that all such records it maintains for the Investment
Company are the property of the Investment Company and further agrees
to surrender promptly to the Investment Company such records upon the
Investment Company's request;
G. At the request of the Investment Company, prepare various reports or other
financial documents in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles as required by federal, state and other applicable laws and
regulations; and
H. Such other similar services as may be reasonably requested by the
Investment Company.
The foregoing, along with any additional services that the Company shall
agree in writing to perform for the Investment Company under this Section One,
shall hereafter be referred to as "Fund Accounting Services."
Article 3. Compensation and Allocation of Expenses.
A. The Funds will compensate the Company for Fund Accounting Services in
accordance with the fees agreed upon from time to time between the
parties hereto. Such fees do not include out-of-pocket disbursements
of the Company for which the Funds shall reimburse the Company.
Out-of-pocket disbursements shall include, but shall not be limited
to, the items agreed upon between the parties from time to time.
B. The Fund and/or the Class, and not the Company, shall bear the cost
of: custodial expenses; membership dues in the Investment Company
Institute or any similar organization; transfer agency expenses;
investment advisory expenses; costs of printing and mailing stock
certificates, Prospectuses, reports and notices; administrative
expenses; interest on borrowed money; brokerage commissions; taxes
and fees payable to federal, state and other governmental agencies;
fees of Trustees or Directors of the Investment Company; independent
auditors expenses; legal and audit department expenses billed to the
Company for work performed related to the Investment Company, the
Funds, or the Classes; law firm expenses; organizational expenses; or
other expenses not specified in this Article 3 which may be properly
payable by the Funds and/or Classes.
C. The compensation and out-of-pocket expenses attributable to the Fund
shall be accrued by the Fund and shall be paid to the Company no less
frequently than monthly, and shall be paid daily upon request of the
Company. The Company will maintain detailed information about the
compensation and out-of-pocket expenses by Fund and Class.
D. Any schedule of compensation agreed to hereunder, as may be adjusted
from time to time, shall be dated and signed by a duly authorized
officer of the Investment Company and/or the Funds and a duly
authorized officer of the Company.
E. The fee for the period from the effective date of this Agreement with
respect to a Fund or a Class to the end of the initial month shall be
prorated according to the proportion that such period bears to the
full month period. Upon any termination of this Agreement before the
end of any month, the fee for such period shall be prorated according
to the proportion which such period bears to the full month period.
For purposes of determining fees payable to the Company, the value of
the Fund's net assets shall be computed at the time and in the manner
specified in the Fund's Prospectus.
F. The Company, in its sole discretion, may from time to time
subcontract to, employ or associate with itself such person or
persons as the Company may believe to be particularly suited to
assist it in performing Fund Accounting Services. Such person or
persons may be affiliates of the Company, third-party service
providers, or they may be officers and employees who are employed by
both the Company and the Investment Company; provided, however, that
the Company shall be as fully responsible to each Fund for the acts
and omissions of any such subcontractor as it is for its own acts and
omissions. The compensation of such person or persons shall be paid
by the Company and no obligation shall be incurred on behalf of the
Investment Company, the Funds, or the Classes in such respect.
SECTION TWO: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.
Article 4. Appointment.
The Investment Company hereby appoints the Company as Administrator for the
period on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Company
hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the services set forth in
Article 5 of this Agreement in return for the compensation set forth in Article
9 of this Agreement.
Article 5. The Company's Duties.
As Administrator, and subject to the supervision and control of the Board
and in accordance with Proper Instructions (as defined hereafter) from the
Investment Company, the Company will provide facilities, equipment, and
personnel to carry out the following administrative services for operation of
the business and affairs of the Investment Company and each of its portfolios:
A. prepare, file, and maintain the Investment Company's governing
documents and any amendments thereto, including the Charter (which has
already been prepared and filed), the By-laws and minutes of meetings
of the Board and Shareholders;
B. prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
appropriate state securities authorities the registration statements
for the Investment Company and the Investment Company's shares and
all amendments thereto, reports to regulatory authorities and
shareholders, prospectuses, proxy statements, and such other
documents all as may be necessary to enable the Investment Company to
make a continuous offering of its shares;
C. prepare, negotiate, and administer contracts (if any) on behalf of
the Investment Company with, among others, the Investment Company's
investment advisers and distributors, subject to any applicable
restrictions of the Board or the 1940 Act;
D. calculate performance data of the Investment Company for dissemination
to information services covering the investment company industry;
E. prepare and file the Investment Company's tax returns;
F. coordinate the layout and printing of publicly disseminated
prospectuses and reports;
G. perform internal audit examinations in accordance with a charter to be
adopted by the Company and the Investment Company;
H. assist with the design, development, and operation of the Investment
Company and the Funds;
I. provide individuals reasonably acceptable to the Board for
nomination, appointment, or election as officers of the Investment
Company, who will be responsible for the management of certain of the
Investment Company's affairs as determined by the Investment
Company's Board; and
J. consult with the Investment Company and its Board on matters
concerning the Investment Company and its affairs.
The foregoing, along with any additional services that the Company shall
agree in writing to perform for the Investment Company under this Section Two,
shall hereafter be referred to as "Administrative Services."
Article 6. Records.
The Company shall create and maintain all necessary books and records in
accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not
limited to records required by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company act of
1940 and the rules thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time,
pertaining to the Administrative Services performed by it and not otherwise
created and maintained by another party pursuant to contract with the Investment
Company. Where applicable, such records shall be maintained by the Company for
the periods and in the places required by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. The
books and records pertaining to the Investment Company which are in the
possession of the Company shall be the property of the Investment Company. The
Investment Company, or the Investment Company's authorized representatives,
shall have access to such books and records at all times during the Company's
normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Investment Company,
copies of any such books and records shall be provided promptly by the Company
to the Investment Company or the Investment Company's authorized
representatives.
Article 7. Duties of the Fund.
The Fund assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents and
distribution of its own offering document and for complying with all applicable
requirements the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and any other laws, rules
and regulations of government authorities having jurisdiction.
Article 8. Expenses.
The Company shall be responsible for expenses incurred in providing office
space, equipment, and personnel as may be necessary or convenient to provide the
Administrative Services to the Investment Company, including the compensation of
the Company employees who serve as trustees or directors or officers of the
Investment Company. The Investment Company shall be responsible for all other
expenses incurred by the Company on behalf of the Investment Company, including
without limitation postage and courier expenses, printing expenses, travel
expenses, registration fees, filing fees, fees of outside counsel and
independent auditors, or other professional services, organizational expenses,
insurance premiums, fees payable to persons who are not the Company's employees,
trade association dues, and other expenses properly payable by the Funds and/or
the Classes.
Article 9. Compensation.
For the Administrative Services provided, the Investment Company hereby
agrees to pay and the Company hereby agrees to accept as full compensation for
its services rendered hereunder an administrative fee at an annual rate per
Fund, as specified below.
The compensation and out of pocket expenses attributable to the Fund shall
be accrued by the Fund and paid to the Company no less frequently than monthly,
and shall be paid daily upon request of the Company. The Company will maintain
detailed information about the compensation and out of pocket expenses by the
Fund.
Max. Admin. Average Daily Net Assets
Fee of the Funds
.150% on the first $250 million
.125% on the next $250 million
.100% on the next $250 million
.075% on assets in excess of $750 million
(Average Daily Net Asset break-points are on a complex-wide basis)
However, in no event shall the administrative fee received during any year
of the Agreement be less than, or be paid at a rate less than would aggregate
$125,000 per Fund and $30,000 per Class. The minimum fee set forth above in this
Article 9 may increase annually upon each March 1 anniversary of this Agreement
over the minimum fee during the prior 12 months, as calculated under this
agreement, in an amount equal to the increase in Pennsylvania Consumer Price
Index (not to exceed 6% annually) as last reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics for the twelve months immediately preceding such anniversary.
Article 10. Responsibility of Administrator.
A. The Company shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law or for any loss suffered by the Investment Company in
connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a
loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from
reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement. The Company shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Investment Company) on
all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably
taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. Any person, even though
also an officer, director, trustee, partner, employee or agent of the
Company, who may be or become an officer, director, trustee, partner,
employee or agent of the Investment Company, shall be deemed, when
rendering services to the Investment Company or acting on any
business of the Investment Company (other than services or business
in connection with the duties of the Company hereunder) to be
rendering such services to or acting solely for the Investment
Company and not as an officer, director, trustee, partner, employee
or agent or one under the control or direction of the Company even
though paid by the Company.
B. The Company shall be kept indemnified by the Investment Company and be
without liability for any action taken or thing done by it in
performing the Administrative Services in accordance with the above
standards. In order that the indemnification provisions contained in
this Article 10 shall apply, however, it is understood that if in any
case the Investment Company may be asked to indemnify or hold the
Company harmless, the Investment Company shall be fully and promptly
advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question,
and it is further understood that the Company will use all reasonable
care to identify and notify the Investment Company promptly concerning
any situation which presents or appears likely to present the
probability of such a claim for indemnification against the Investment
Company. The Investment Company shall have the option to defend the
Company against any claim which may be the subject of this
indemnification. In the event that the Investment Company so elects,
it will so notify the Company and thereupon the Investment Company
shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the Company shall
in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for
which it shall seek indemnification under this Article. The Company
shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case
in which the Investment Company will be asked to indemnify the Company
except with the Investment Company's written consent.
SECTION THREE: Transfer Agency Services.
Article 11. Terms of Appointment.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the
Investment Company hereby appoints the Company to act as, and the Company agrees
to act as, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for each Fund's Shares,
and agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar plans
provided to the shareholders of any Fund ("Shareholder(s)"), including without
limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.
Article 12. Duties of the Company.
The Company shall perform the following services in accordance with Proper
Instructions as may be provided from time to time by the Investment Company as
to any Fund:
A. Purchases
(1) The Company shall receive orders and payment for the
purchase of shares and promptly deliver payment and
appropriate documentation therefore to the custodian of the
relevant Fund, (the "Custodian"). The Company shall notify
the Fund and the Custodian on a daily basis of the total
amount of orders and payments so delivered.
(2) Pursuant to purchase orders and in accordance with the Fund's
current Prospectus, the Company shall compute and issue the
appropriate number of Shares of each Fund and/or Class and hold
such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder accounts.
(3) For certificated Funds and/or Classes, if a Shareholder or
its agent requests a certificate, the Company, as Transfer
Agent, shall countersign and mail by first class mail, a
certificate to the Shareholder at its address as set forth
on the transfer books of the Funds, and/or Classes, subject
to any Proper Instructions regarding the delivery of
certificates.
(4) In the event that any check or other order for the purchase
of Shares of the Fund and/or Class is returned unpaid for
any reason, the Company shall debit the Share account of the
Shareholder by the number of Shares that had been credited
to its account upon receipt of the check or other order,
promptly mail a debit advice to the Shareholder, and notify
the Fund and/or Class of its action. In the event that the
amount paid for such Shares exceeds proceeds of the
redemption of such Shares plus the amount of any dividends
paid with respect to such Shares, the Fund and/the Class or
its distributor will reimburse the Company on the amount of
such excess.
B. Distribution
(1) Upon notification by the Funds of the declaration of any
distribution to Shareholders, the Company shall act as
Dividend Disbursing Agent for the Funds in accordance with
the provisions of its governing document and the
then-current Prospectus of the Fund. The Company shall
prepare and mail or credit income, capital gain, or any
other payments to Shareholders. As the Dividend Disbursing
Agent, the Company shall, on or before the payment date of
any such distribution, notify the Custodian of the estimated
amount required to pay any portion of said distribution
which is payable in cash and request the Custodian to make
available sufficient funds for the cash amount to be paid
out. The Company shall reconcile the amounts so requested
and the amounts actually received with the Custodian on a
daily basis. If a Shareholder is entitled to receive
additional Shares by virtue of any such distribution or
dividend, appropriate credits shall be made to the
Shareholder's account, for certificated Funds and/or
Classes, delivered where requested; and
(2) The Company shall maintain records of account for each Fund
and Class and advise the Investment Company, each Fund and
Class and its Shareholders as to the foregoing.
C. Redemptions and Transfers
(1) The Company shall receive redemption requests and redemption
directions and, if such redemption requests comply with the
procedures as may be described in the Fund Prospectus or set
forth in Proper Instructions, deliver the appropriate
instructions therefor to the Custodian. The Company shall
notify the Funds on a daily basis of the total amount of
redemption requests processed and monies paid to the Company
by the Custodian for redemptions.
(2) At the appropriate time upon receiving redemption proceeds
from the Custodian with respect to any redemption, the
Company shall pay or cause to be paid the redemption
proceeds in the manner instructed by the redeeming
Shareholders, pursuant to procedures described in the
then-current Prospectus of the Fund.
(3) If any certificate returned for redemption or other request
for redemption does not comply with the procedures for
redemption approved by the Fund, the Company shall promptly
notify the Shareholder of such fact, together with the
reason therefor, and shall effect such redemption at the
price applicable to the date and time of receipt of
documents complying with said procedures.
(4) The Company shall effect transfers of Shares by the registered
owners thereof.
(5) The Company shall identify and process abandoned accounts
and uncashed checks for state escheat requirements on an
annual basis and report such actions to the Fund.
D. Recordkeeping
(1) The Company shall record the issuance of Shares of each
Fund, and/or Class, and maintain pursuant to applicable
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a
record of the total number of Shares of the Fund and/or
Class which are authorized, based upon data provided to it
by the Fund, and issued and outstanding. The Company shall
also provide the Fund on a regular basis or upon reasonable
request with the total number of Shares which are authorized
and issued and outstanding, but shall have no obligation
when recording the issuance of Shares, except as otherwise
set forth herein, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or
to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale
of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole
responsibility of the Funds.
(2) The Company shall establish and maintain records pursuant to
applicable rules of the SEC relating to the services to be
performed hereunder in the form and manner as agreed to by
the Investment Company or the Fund to include a record for
each Shareholder's account of the following:
(a) Name, address and tax identification number (and
whether such number has been certified);
(b) Number of Shares held;
(c) Historical information regarding the account, including
dividends paid and date and price for all transactions;
(d) Any stop or restraining order placed against the
account;
(e) Information with respect to withholding in the case of
a foreign account or an account for which withholding
is required by the Internal Revenue Code;
(f) Any dividend reinvestment order, plan application,
dividend address and correspondence relating to the current maintenance of the
account;
(g) Certificate numbers and denominations for any
Shareholder holding certificates;
(h) Any information required in order for the Company to
perform the calculations contemplated or required by this Agreement.
(3) The Company shall preserve any such records required to be
maintained pursuant to the rules of the SEC for the periods
prescribed in said rules as specifically noted below. Such
record retention shall be at the expense of the Company, and
such records may be inspected by the Fund at reasonable
times. The Company may, at its option at any time, and shall
forthwith upon the Fund's demand, turn over to the Fund and
cease to retain in the Company's files, records and
documents created and maintained by the Company pursuant to
this Agreement, which are no longer needed by the Company in
performance of its services or for its protection. If not so
turned over to the Fund, such records and documents will be
retained by the Company for six years from the year of
creation, during the first two of which such documents will
be in readily accessible form. At the end of the six year
period, such records and documents will either be turned
over to the Fund or destroyed in accordance with Proper
Instructions.
E. Confirmations/Reports
(1) The Company shall furnish to the Fund periodically the following
information:
(a) A copy of the transaction register;
(b) Dividend and reinvestment blotters;
(c) The total number of Shares issued and outstanding in each
state for "blue sky" purposes as determined according to
Proper Instructions delivered from time to time by the Fund
to the Company;
(d) Shareholder lists and statistical information;
(e) Payments to third parties relating to distribution
agreements, allocations of sales loads, redemption fees, or other transaction-
or sales-related payments;
(f) Such other information as may be agreed upon from time
to time.
(2) The Company shall prepare in the appropriate form, file with
the Internal Revenue Service and appropriate state agencies,
and, if required, mail to Shareholders, such notices for
reporting dividends and distributions paid as are required
to be so filed and mailed and shall withhold such sums as
are required to be withheld under applicable federal and
state income tax laws, rules and regulations.
(3) In addition to and not in lieu of the services set forth above, the
Company shall:
(a) Perform all of the customary services of a transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant,
agent in connection with accumulation, open-account
or similar plans (including without limitation any
periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal
program), including but not limited to: maintaining
all Shareholder accounts, mailing Shareholder
reports and Prospectuses to current Shareholders,
withholding taxes on accounts subject to back-up or
other withholding (including non-resident alien
accounts), preparing and filing reports on U.S.
Treasury Department Form 1099 and other appropriate
forms required with respect to dividends and
distributions by federal authorities for all
Shareholders, preparing and mailing confirmation
forms and statements of account to Shareholders for
all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other
conformable transactions in Shareholder accounts,
preparing and mailing activity statements for
Shareholders, and providing Shareholder account
information; and
(b) provide a system which will enable the Fund to
monitor the total number of Shares of each Fund
(and/or Class) sold in each state ("blue sky
reporting"). The Fund shall by Proper Instructions
(i) identify to the Company those transactions and
assets to be treated as exempt from the blue sky
reporting for each state and (ii) verify the
classification of transactions for each state on
the system prior to activation and thereafter
monitor the daily activity for each state. The
responsibility of the Company for each Fund's
(and/or Class's) state blue sky registration status
is limited solely to the recording of the initial
classification of transactions or accounts with
regard to blue sky compliance and the reporting of
such transactions and accounts to the Fund as
provided above.
F. Other Duties
(1) The Company shall answer correspondence from
Shareholders relating to their Share accounts and such
other correspondence as may from time to time be
addressed to the Company;
(2) The Company shall prepare Shareholder meeting lists,
mail proxy cards and other material supplied to it by
the Fund in connection with Shareholder meetings of
each Fund; receive, examine and tabulate returned
proxies, and certify the vote of the Shareholders;
(3) The Company shall establish and maintain facilities and
procedures for safekeeping of stock certificates, check
forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if
any; and for the preparation or use, and for keeping
account of, such certificates, forms and devices.
The foregoing, along with any additional services that the Company shall
agree in writing to perform for the Investment Company under this Section Three,
shall hereafter be referred to as "Transfer Agency Services."
Article 13. Duties of the Investment Company.
A. Compliance
The Investment Company or Fund assume full responsibility for the
preparation, contents and distribution of their own and/or their
classes' Prospectus and for complying with all applicable
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"), the 1940 Act and any laws, rules and regulations of government
authorities having jurisdiction.
B. Share Certificates
The Investment Company shall supply the Company with a sufficient
supply of blank Share certificates and from time to time shall renew
such supply upon request of the Company. Such blank Share
certificates shall be properly signed, manually or by facsimile, if
authorized by the Investment Company and shall bear the seal of the
Investment Company or facsimile thereof; and notwithstanding the
death, resignation or removal of any officer of the Investment
Company authorized to sign certificates, the Company may continue to
countersign certificates which bear the manual or facsimile signature
of such officer until otherwise directed by the Investment Company.
C. Distributions
The Fund shall promptly inform the Company of the declaration of any
dividend or distribution on account of any Fund's shares.
Article 14. Compensation and Expenses.
A. Annual Fee
For performance by the Company pursuant to Section Three of this
Agreement, the Investment Company and/or the Fund agree to pay the
Company an annual maintenance fee for each Shareholder account as
agreed upon between the parties and as may be added to or amended
from time to time. Such fees may be changed from time to time subject
to written agreement between the Investment Company and the Company.
Pursuant to information in the Fund Prospectus or other information
or instructions from the Fund, the Company may sub-divide any Fund
into Classes or other sub-components for recordkeeping purposes. The
Company will charge the Fund the same fees for each such Class or
sub-component the same as if each were a Fund.
B. Reimbursements
In addition to the fee paid under Article 7A above, the Investment
Company and/or Fund agree to reimburse the Company for out-of-pocket
expenses or advances incurred by the Company for the items agreed
upon between the parties, as may be added to or amended from time to
time. In addition, any other expenses incurred by the Company at the
request or with the consent of the Investment Company and/or the
Fund, will be reimbursed by the appropriate Fund.
C. Payment
The compensation and out-of-pocket expenses shall be accrued by the
Fund and shall be paid to the Company no less frequently than
monthly, and shall be paid daily upon request of the Company. The
Company will maintain detailed information about the compensation and
out-of-pocket expenses by Fund and Class.
D. Any schedule of compensation agreed to hereunder, as may be adjusted
from time to time, shall be dated and signed by a duly authorized
officer of the Investment Company and/or the Funds and a duly
authorized officer of the Company.
SECTION FOUR: Custody Services Procurement.
Article 15. Appointment.
The Investment Company hereby appoints Company as its agent to evaluate and
obtain custody services from a financial institution that (i) meets the criteria
established in Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and (ii) has been approved by the
Board as eligible for selection by the Company as a custodian (the "Eligible
Custodian"). The Company accepts such appointment.
Article 16. The Company and Its Duties.
Subject to the review, supervision and control of the Board, the Company
shall:
A. evaluate and obtain custody services from a financial institution that
meets the criteria established in Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and has
been approved by the Board as being eligible for selection by the Company
as an Eligible Custodian;
B. negotiate and enter into agreements with Eligible Custodians for the
benefit of the Investment Company, with the Investment Company as a
party to each such agreement. The Company may, as paying agent, be a
party to any agreement with any such Eligible Custodian;
C. establish procedures to monitor the nature and the quality of the
services provided by Eligible Custodians;
D. monitor and evaluate the nature and the quality of services provided
by Eligible Custodians;
E. periodically provide to the Investment Company (i) written reports on
the activities and services of Eligible Custodians; (ii) the nature
and amount of disbursements made on account of the each Fund with
respect to each custodial agreement; and (iii) such other information
as the Board shall reasonably request to enable it to fulfill its
duties and obligations under Sections 17(f) and 36(b) of the 1940 Act
and other duties and obligations thereof;
F. periodically provide recommendations to the Board to enhance Eligible
Custodian's customer services capabilities and improve upon fees being
charged to the Fund by Eligible Custodian; and
The foregoing, along with any additional services that Company shall agree
in writing to perform for the Fund under this Section Four, shall hereafter be
referred to as "Custody Services Procurement."
Article 17. Fees and Expenses.
A. Annual Fee
For the performance of Custody Services Procurement by the Company
pursuant to Section Four of this Agreement, the Investment Company
and/or the Fund agree to compensate the Company in accordance with
the fees agreed upon from time to time.
B. Reimbursements
In addition to the fee paid under Section 11A above, the Investment
Company and/or Fund agree to reimburse the Company for out-of-pocket
expenses or advances incurred by the Company for the items agreed
upon between the parties, as may be added to or amended from time to
time. In addition, any other expenses incurred by the Company at the
request or with the consent of the Investment Company and/or the
Fund, will be reimbursed by the appropriate Fund.
C. Payment
The compensation and out-of-pocket expenses shall be accrued by the
Fund and shall be paid to the Company no less frequently than
monthly, and shall be paid daily upon request of the Company. The
Company will maintain detailed information about the compensation and
out-of-pocket expenses by Fund.
D. Any schedule of compensation agreed to hereunder, as may be adjusted
from time to time, shall be dated and signed by a duly authorized
officer of the Investment Company and/or the Funds and a duly
authorized officer of the Company.
Article 18. Representations.
The Company represents and warrants that it has obtained all required
approvals from all government or regulatory authorities necessary to enter into
this arrangement and to provide the services contemplated in Section Four of
this Agreement.
SECTION FIVE: General Provisions.
Article 19. Proper Instructions.
As used throughout this Agreement, a "Proper Instruction" means a writing
signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board shall have
from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the specific
transaction or type of transaction involved. Oral instructions will be deemed to
be Proper Instructions if (a) the Company reasonably believes them to have been
given by a person previously authorized in Proper Instructions to give such
instructions with respect to the transaction involved, and (b) the Investment
Company, or the Fund, and the Company promptly cause such oral instructions to
be confirmed in writing. Proper Instructions may include communications effected
directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the
Investment Company, or the Fund, and the Company are satisfied that such
procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Fund's assets. Proper Instructions
may only be amended in writing.
Article 20. Assignment.
Except as provided below, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or
obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the
written consent of the other party.
A. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
B. With regard to Transfer Agency Services, the Company may without
further consent on the part of the Investment Company subcontract for
the performance of Transfer Agency Services with
(1) its subsidiary, Federated Shareholder Service Company, a Delaware
business trust, which is duly registered as a transfer agent pursuant
to Section 17A(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or any succeeding statute ("Section 17A(c)(1)"); or
(2) such other provider of services duly registered as a transfer agent
under Section 17A(c)(1) as Company shall select.
The Company shall be as fully responsible to the Investment Company
for the acts and omissions of any subcontractor as it is for its own acts and
omissions.
C. With regard to Fund Accounting Services, Administrative Services and
Custody Procurement Services, the Company may without further consent
on the part of the Investment Company subcontract for the performance
of such services with Federated Administrative Services, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
D. The Company shall upon instruction from the Investment Company
subcontract for the performance of services under this Agreement with
an Agent selected by the Investment Company, other than as described
in B. and C. above; provided, however, that the Company shall in no
way be responsible to the Investment Company for the acts and
omissions of the Agent.
Article 21. Documents.
A. In connection with the appointment of the Company under this Agreement,
the Investment Company shall file with the Company the following documents:
(1) A copy of the Charter and By-Laws of the Investment Company and all
amendments thereto;
(2) A copy of the resolution of the Board of the Investment Company
authorizing this Agreement;
(3) Specimens of all forms of outstanding Share certificates of the
Investment Company or the Funds in the forms approved by the Board of
the Investment Company with a certificate of the Secretary of the
Investment Company as to such approval;
(4) All account application forms and other documents relating to
Shareholders accounts; and
(5) A copy of the current Prospectus for each Fund.
B. The Fund will also furnish from time to time the following documents:
(1) Each resolution of the Board of the Investment Company
authorizing the original issuance of each Fund's, and/or Class's
Shares;
(2) Each Registration Statement filed with the SEC and amendments
thereof and orders relating thereto in effect with respect to the
sale of Shares of any Fund, and/or Class;
(3) A certified copy of each amendment to the governing document and
the By-Laws of the Investment Company;
(4) Certified copies of each vote of the Board authorizing officers
to give Proper Instructions to the Custodian and agents for fund
accountant, custody services procurement, and shareholder
recordkeeping or transfer agency services;
(5) Specimens of all new Share certificates representing Shares of
any Fund, accompanied by Board resolutions approving such forms;
(6) Such other certificates, documents or opinions which the Company
may, in its discretion, deem necessary or appropriate in the
proper performance of its duties; and
(7) Revisions to the Prospectus of each Fund.
Article 22. Representations and Warranties.
A. Representations and Warranties of the Company
The Company represents and warrants to the Fund that:
(1) it is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
(2) It is duly qualified to carry on its business in each
jurisdiction where the nature of its business requires such
qualification, and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
(3) it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws to enter into and perform this
Agreement;
(4) all requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
it to enter into and perform its obligations under this
Agreement;
(5) it has and will continue to have access to the necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and
obligations under this Agreement;
(6) it is in compliance with federal securities law requirements and
in good standing as an administrator and fund accountant; and
B. Representations and Warranties of the Investment Company
The Investment Company represents and warrants to the Company that:
(1) It is an investment company duly organized and existing and in
good standing under the laws of its state of organization;
(2) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Charter and
By-Laws to enter into and perform its obligations under this
Agreement;
(3) All corporate proceedings required by said Charter and By-Laws
have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Agreement;
(4) The Investment Company is an open-end investment company
registered under the 1940 Act; and
(5) A registration statement under the 1933 Act will be effective,
and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and
will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of each Fund
being offered for sale.
Article 23. Standard of Care and Indemnification.
A. Standard of Care
With regard to Sections One, Three and Four, the Company shall be
held to a standard of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions
of this Contract. The Company shall be entitled to rely on and may
act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Investment
Company) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any
action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice, provided
that such action is not in violation of applicable federal or state
laws or regulations, and is in good faith and without negligence.
B. Indemnification by Investment Company
The Company shall not be responsible for and the Investment Company
or Fund shall indemnify and hold the Company, including its officers,
directors, shareholders and their agents, employees and affiliates,
harmless against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel
fees, payments, expenses and liabilities arising out of or
attributable to:
(1) The acts or omissions of any Custodian, Adviser, Sub-adviser or
other party contracted by or approved by the Investment Company
or Fund,
(2) The reliance on or use by the Company or its agents or
subcontractors of information, records and documents in proper
form which
(a) are received by the Company or its agents or
subcontractors and furnished to it by or on behalf
of the Fund, its Shareholders or investors
regarding the purchase, redemption or transfer of
Shares and Shareholder account information;
(b) are received by the Company from independent pricing
services or sources for use in valuing the assets of the Funds; or
(c) are received by the Company or its agents or subcontractors from
Advisers, Sub-advisers or other third parties contracted by or
approved by the Investment Company of Fund for use in the
performance of services under this Agreement;
(d) have been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund or its
affiliates or any other person or firm on behalf of the Investment Company.
(3) The reliance on, or the carrying out by the Company or its
agents or subcontractors of Proper Instructions of the
Investment Company or the Fund.
(4) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement
under the federal securities laws or regulations or the
securities laws or regulations of any state that such Shares
be registered in such state or in violation of any stop
order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency
or any state with respect to the offer or sale of such
Shares in such state.
Provided, however, that the Company shall not be protected
by this Article 23.B. from liability for any act or omission
resulting from the Company's willful misfeasance, bad faith,
negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or failure to
meet the standard of care set forth in 23.A. above.
C. Reliance
At any time the Company may apply to any officer of the Investment
Company or Fund for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel
with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to
be performed by the Company under this Agreement, and the Company and
its agents or subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be
indemnified by the Investment Company or the appropriate Fund for any
action reasonably taken or omitted by it in reliance upon such
instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel provided such action
is not in violation of applicable federal or state laws or
regulations. The Company, its agents and subcontractors shall be
protected and indemnified in recognizing stock certificates which are
reasonably believed to bear the proper manual or facsimile signatures
of the officers of the Investment Company or the Fund, and the proper
countersignature of any former transfer agent or registrar, or of a
co-transfer agent or co-registrar.
D. Notification
In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this
Article 23 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which
either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party
seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such
assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all
developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to
indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking
indemnification in the defense of such claim. The party seeking
indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any
compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to
indemnify it except with the other party's prior written consent.
Article 24. Term and Termination of Agreement.
This Agreement shall be effective from March 1, 1996 and shall continue
until February 28, 2003 (`Term"). Thereafter, the Agreement will continue for 18
month terms. The Agreement can be terminated by either party upon 18 months
notice to be effective as of the end of such 18 month period. In the event,
however, of willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of
its duties by the Company, the Investment Company has the right to terminate the
Agreement upon 60 days written notice, if Company has not cured such willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties within 60
days. The termination date for all original or after-added Investment companies
which are, or become, a party to this Agreement. shall be coterminous.
Investment Companies that merge or dissolve during the Term, shall cease to be a
party on the effective date of such merger or dissolution.
Should the Investment Company exercise its rights to terminate, all
out-of-pocket expenses associated with the movement of records and materials
will be borne by the Investment Company or the appropriate Fund. Additionally,
the Company reserves the right to charge for any other reasonable expenses
associated with such termination. The provisions of Articles 10 and 23 shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.
Article 25. Amendment.
This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written agreement executed
by both parties.
Article 26. Interpretive and Additional Provisions.
In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Company and the
Investment Company may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive
of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint
opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such
interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both
parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or
additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or state
regulations or any provision of the Charter. No interpretive or additional
provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an
amendment of this Agreement.
Article 27. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Article 28. Notices.
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Notices and other
writings delivered or mailed postage prepaid to the Investment Company at
Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-3779, or to the
Company at Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-3779, or
to such other address as the Investment Company or the Company may hereafter
specify, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given hereunder to
the respective address.
Article 29. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. Article 30.
Limitations of Liability of Trustees and Shareholders of the Company.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the
Trustees of the Company and signed by an authorized officer of the Company,
acting as such, and neither such authorization by such Trustees nor such
execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any
of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, and
the obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees or
Shareholders of the Company, but bind only the appropriate property of the Fund,
or Class, as provided in the Declaration of Trust.
Article 31. Merger of Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto
and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject hereof whether
oral or written.
Article 32. Successor Agent.
If a successor agent for the Investment Company shall be appointed by the
Investment Company, the Company shall upon termination of this Agreement deliver
to such successor agent at the office of the Company all properties of the
Investment Company held by it hereunder. If no such successor agent shall be
appointed, the Company shall at its office upon receipt of Proper Instructions
deliver such properties in accordance with such instructions.
In the event that no written order designating a successor agent or Proper
Instructions shall have been delivered to the Company on or before the date when
such termination shall become effective, then the Company shall have the right
to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the 1940
Act, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided
profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than $2,000,000, all
properties held by the Company under this Agreement. Thereafter, such bank or
trust company shall be the successor of the Company under this Agreement.
Article 33. Force Majeure.
The Company shall have no liability for cessation of services hereunder or
any damages resulting therefrom to the Fund as a result of work stoppage, power
or other mechanical failure, natural disaster, governmental action,
communication disruption or other impossibility of performance.
Article 34. Assignment; Successors.
This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party without the prior
written consent of the other party, except that either party may assign all of
or a substantial portion of its business to a successor, or to a party
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such party. Nothing in
this Article 34 shall prevent the Company from delegating its responsibilities
to another entity to the extent provided herein.
Article 35. Severability.
In the event any provision of this Agreement is held illegal, void or
unenforceable, the balance shall remain in effect.
Article 36. Limitations of Liability of Trustees and Shareholders of the
Investment Company.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the
Trustees of the Investment Company and signed by an authorized officer of the
Investment Company, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such
Trustees nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have
been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them
personally, and the obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any of
the Trustees or Shareholders of the Investment Company, but bind only the
property of the Fund, or Class, as provided in the Declaration of Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf under their seals by and through
their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
INVESTMENT
COMPANIES (listed
on Exhibit 1)
By: /s/ S. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
S. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Assistant Secretary
FEDERATED SERVICES COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
Secretary
EXHIBIT 1
CONTRACT
DATE INVESTMENT COMPANY
Portfolios
Classes
March 1, 1997 Federated Equity Funds
Federated Growth Strategies Fund
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Federated Small Cap Strategies Fund
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Federated Capital Appreciation Fund
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Federated Aggressive Growth Fund
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
FEDERATED SERVICES COMPANY provides the following services:
Fund Accounting
Administrative Services
Transfer Agency Services
Custody Services Procurement
